Reporter Park’s Hair Trivia 101

Learn and Pass It On

One of the biggest concerns for beauty supply store owners is information about the hair products they carry. When you are on top of the product information, you can confidently recommend products to your customers and make sales, but no matter how much you look at it, it is hard to fully learn about what it is and how to use it. To help overcome this frustration, we’ve created a new section called Hair Trivia 101. In this issue, we’ve broken down the different types of hair extensions into major categories and terminologies that are often used in the shops.

Hair Extensions by Attachment Method

Hair extensions can be mainly divided into Sew-ins, Clip-ins, Box Braids, Twists, and Crochet Braids based on their attachment method. It may sound complicated, but it’s quite simple after you learn about it. Sew-ins are those that you attach to your hair with a needle and thread, clip-ins are those that you secure with a clip, box braids are those that you braid into three strands, and twists are those that you twist into two strands. The crochet technique is to attach hair to the head using a crochet needle. An alternative to sew-ins is to use glue to attach them. Let’s look at each method in more detail.

1. Sew-Ins with Thread and Needles

As the name suggests, the sew-in method involves attaching extensions made of synthetic fibers (synthetics) or human hair to small, tightly braided cornrows with a needle and thread. Since the cornrows are tightly braided onto the scalp and the hair is held in place in the extensions, you take advantage of the gaps and carefully weave in the hair using the threaded needle. You can use a C-shaped needle or a straight needle, depending on your preference. It will hold more securely than using glue. While many Black women choose to avoid this method to protect their scalp, it has the advantage of lasting longer and looking more natural than other types of extensions. If the extensions are made of human hair, it’s reusable, but it can grow bacteria if left on the scalp for extended time, so it’s important to keep it clean.

2. Clip in and clip out quick and easy

Clip-in extensions are an economical and inexpensive way to style your hair because you can apply them quickly and easily on your own, without having to go to a salon. It’s also the quickest way to add fullness or length to your hair, and it further secures your cornrows. It’s easy to put on in the morning and take off at night, doesn’t damage your hair and scalp, and doesn’t require heat or tools to attach. The downside is that the clip part may attach unevenly to the surface.

3. Box Braids and Twists: Braiding and Twisting Your Hair

Box braids get their name from the fact that when you box-braid your hair, the braids divide into a square box shape on your scalp. A twist is literally a way to take two strands and twist them together. It goes by different names depending on how you braid it, including micro braids, which are braided with a very small amount of hair at a time. Usually using synthetic hair, they offer endless styling options and typically last for 6-8 weeks once attached. Compared to other types of extensions, they allow better access to the scalp, which helps you keep the scalp clean, and if you sleep with a satin bonnet, they will be preserved and not tangled in the morning. On the downside, if the hair is too tight, it can irritate the scalp and cause hair loss, and if you’re allergic to synthetic hair, it can even cause inflammation. While you pay less for the hair extensions, they have a major drawback: they are expensive to install.

4. Crochet Braiding with Crochet Needles

Crochet braiding literally means hair extensions that are crocheted onto your cornrows using a crochet needle. They are relatively inexpensive and easier to attach than braiding or twists. With so many different products on the market, you can choose different curls and textures to suit your personality. These days, some come pre-braided or pre-twisted, while others are pre-looped to make it easier to thread a crochet needle through, making installation even easier.

*** Bonus tips!

Sew-in/Glue followed by Closure for a Clean Finish

Once you’ve done a sew-in or glue installation of hair extensions on your cornrow up to the crown, how do you finish it off? You can leave some of your own hair to blend in with the extensions, but it’s not easy to match the color and texture. This is where closures come in. A hairpiece closure made of a lace or silk fabric with hair embedded in it is the cleanest way to finish off at the crown of your head. It can be sewn into the cornrows with a needle or glued flat to create a natural hairline. Depending on the product, some may allow you to part freely, while others may be fixed and not allow you to style as freely, so choose the product wisely. For a more natural look, you can apply foundation or concealer to make the part area of the closure appear as close to your scalp color as possible, and you can pluck the hairs on the closure to create a natural hairline that doesn’t look artificial.