- Clip-in weaves are made from human or synthetic hair. They range from 1- to 5-inch-wide wefts of hair attached to clips. Smaller 1-inch pieces accentuate a short style by adding a veil of color or creating focal points. Clip-in extensions add volume at the crown and disguise thinning areas. Synthetic clip-ins have varying wave patterns, ranging from straight to curly to wavy. Adding a clip-in ponytail creates an elegant style for special occasions. Longer pieces can be swept up and pinned onto the head with bobby pins for a faux up-do. Synthetic weaves are inexpensive and available at beauty supply stores.
- Sewn-in hair extensions dramatically change your hairstyle. Similar to clip-ins, they vary in width, color and texture. Sew-ins are wefts of hair that are hand-sewn with a curved needle and thread into scalp braids, or cornrows. Sewn-in weaves can change hair color and style without the use of dye. These weaves can be used for short and spiky styles, bobs, voluminous waves and tight curls. A professional must attach them, making the price higher than clip-ins.
- Bonded weaves are long-lasting and can complement any short style. They are small strips of hair with keratin beads of glue attached to them. Also known as fusion extensions, these are glued to individual strands of hair. The cost can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. Bonded weaves look more natural and can remain in the hair for up to six weeks. They can add framing around the face, create layers and add highlights.
- Cap weaves are wefts of hair that have been glued to a shower cap. Also referred to as quick weaves, they are commonly used as wigs. The hair pieces are often wavy and can be glued upside down to to flip out for a spiky effect. Cap weaves are available in kits that range from 18 to 27 pieces. They are inexpensive and available at wig stores.
- Human hair weaves are long-lasting and can be washed, styled, cut and colored. Human hair is the most expensive type of weave, and it is available for clip-in, sewn-in and bonded extensions. Human hair weaves can create layers or disguise a bad haircut or thinning.
