Hair Extension Methods Every Stylist Should Know

Hair extensions are the instant beauty transformation that has been taking the world by storm! What once was thought of as a super high-end service reserved solely for celebs on the red carpet is now more accessible than ever. 

In fact, according to GlobeNewswire, the market is projected to reach a value of $5 Billion by 2032. Incredible, right? So, if you haven’t already included hair extension services in your menu, this is your billion-dollar sign to get a move on.

Stylists, beware: all hair extensions are not created equal. 

Keep reading to figure out the best type of hair extensions for your discerning clients and the appropriate methods to apply them.

1. Nano Beads

One of the most recently launched hair extension methods at Philocaly that’s been making waves worldwide. The excitement surrounding this innovation is due to the size and installation technique. These make use of rings that are 90% smaller than most methods in the market – even tinier than micro rings and fusion bonds. Not only is this one of the smallest, but they’re also a brilliant way to add length and volume without using heat, glue, or braids. 

Want to learn more about Nano Beads? Check out our blog on Nano Bead Hair Extensions.

Perfect for:

Although suitable for both thin and thick hair, Nano Beads is a wonderful option for your clients with extremely fine and sparse strands. 

2. Genius Weft

Another superstar in the beauty industry is the Genius Weft. Also recently launched at Philocaly, this weft  is designed to provide supreme styling versatility.he Genius Weft is super discreet; measuring at 0.78mm thick at the top of the weft, which makes them almost as thin as the traditional hand-tied weft. No heat or fusion glue is needed; the best installation types for this weft  are the OG Beaded Row or Flip-up method. . 

Want to learn more about Genius Wefts? Check out our blog on Genius Weft Hair Extensions.

Perfect for:

Best for clients who want to focus on thickness and length. Also great for those with scalps prone to irritation; sincethe genius weft features no return hair – meaning, more comfort for your client and limiting the chances of matting near the root.

3. Flat Wefts

Flat Wefts are a hybrid weft that combines the thin quality of a hand-tied weft, while still being customizable and cut like a traditional machine weft. They have gained the

reputation to be the most practical type of hair extension since they are more affordable compared to other weft types. The best installation technique for Flat Wefts is the natural Beaded Row Method, where wefts are sewn onto beaded rows to create a comfortable, natural, and beautiful result without damaging natural hair.

Want to learn more about Flat Wefts? Check out our blog on Flat Weft Hair Extensions.

Perfect for:

Ideal for medium to thick locks. Flat Wefts have no return hair, so just like the Genius Weft, these are a great option for clients with sensitive scalps.

4. Hand-Tied Wefts

High-quality Hand-tied Wefts like the one from Philocaly are reusable extensions made from 100% double-drawn Remy human hair. These have been pre-cut and hand sewn to create the smallest weft size possible. Since they are lighter than Flat Wefts, Hand-tied Wefts are easier to apply, less damaging to your client's natural locks, and are guaranteed to blend seamlessly with existing hair strands. When installing Hand-tied Wefts, we recommend using the natural Beaded Row or Flip-Up method. 

Perfect for: 

This weft can create gorgeous mermaid length and volume for the most fine-haired clients while resulting in zero damage. However, because hand-tied extensions can’t be constructed without return hair, this can be a deal-breaker for your clients with sensitive scalps.

5. Keratin Tips

Keratin tips, or K-tip extensions, are individual extensions applied to the natural hair using a hot fusion technique. The heating element safely melts the Keratin tips onto natural hair, coating each strand with a silicone additive for protection. This is one of the oldest, most trusted and most beloved extension methods in the market for both stylists and clients because the results are natural and long-lasting.

Perfect for:

This method is fantastic for full applications or as a hybrid method with wefts to fill in smaller sections, such as the front hairline and nape.

6. Tape-ins

Tape-ins are reusable hair extensions that are pre-taped with glue on the weft. These can be applied directly onto the hair in sections by sandwiching extensions throughout your clients' hair, with their natural hair in between two pre-taped wefts.

Perfect for:

The client on the go! Have clients who want a great transformation in the shortest time possible? Tape-in extensions offer one of the fastest types of installation, with the entire process taking between 1-2 hours from start to finish. These work best for clients with straight or fine hair.

Ready to create gorgeous transformations that will have clients leaving your chair with hair-flipping confidence every single time? 

The smorgasbord of extensions and techniques popping up can make any hair stylist’s head spin! But as much as staying up to date on the latest trends is important, the first step to slaying in the salon biz is finding the right supplier to partner with (ahem, ahem that’s us! *wink*). At Philocaly, you’ll feel secure that your business is in the hands of an ethical brand that is trustworthy and reliable. 

Visit our website to check out Philocaly’s wide range of colours and methods to get started. Register on our website for access to educational courses, deals, discounts, and so much more!