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A Beginner’s Guide To Hair Extensions For Thin Hair

It may seem like most hair extensions or hair products on the market are targeted for those with thick, voluminous hair.

But what about hair extensions for those with fine, thin hair? With shampoo commercials constantly flaunting long, thick locks, it seems like thin hair doesn’t exist.

Indeed, it can be overwhelming and even scary to shell out for a product you’re unsure of. But fret not–we’ve compiled a few things that we think will help you navigate the world of hair extensions if you’ve got thin hair!

zala hair extensions thin hair
ZALA Hair Extensions For Thin Hair

Hair extension choices for thin hair

Before we tell you the perfect type of hair extensions to use for your thin hair, it’s important that we tell you some of the different types that exist on the market first.

Knowing the difference between these types will make your choice of hair extension easier. It’s up to you to choose which one you’ll pick but we’ll make sure to note the pros and cons of each type.

1. Clip-in hair extensions

Clip-in extensions are the most common type of hair extensions out there, as well as some of the most affordable. They’re very easy to wear and style, as you just have to clip them on. They are highly customizable, too, and a quick trip to your stylist can instantly change them to your liking.

We recommend our 5-piece set for thin and fine hair types for everyday length and thickness. Try not to use heavier sets, as it can cause negative effects on your hair. Since they’re clipped onto your natural hair, this means that they can tug on the strands and even cause hair loss. Although cheap and accessible, we can’t recommend them for people with extremely thin hair as they will only damage your hair if used constantly.

2. Weave-in hair extensions

Unlike the clip-in extensions that need to be removed after a few hours, this type of extension can last for months and is a semi-permanent solution.

That said, unlike clip-in extensions, weave-ins, also known as weft bundles, typically need to be applied by a professional hairstylist, and thus require more money and effort. It’s also not highly recommended for thin hair since, if you don’t have enough hair on your scalp, it might be hard to sew or weave them in. Thin strands may also get damaged by the pulling action caused by the weaves.

3. Tape-in hair extensions

Tape-in hair extensions are perfect for thin hair.

Unlike traditional clip-in hair extensions that usually have a semi-thick band at the root of each weft, tape-in hair extensions just have a sticky tape. This means that they are much more lightweight and thus, less damaging to thin strands than other types of hair extensions.

The only downside is that they don’t last very long. Depending on how you take care of your extensions, they might only last for around 6-8 weeks. As you can imagine, it could get pretty pricey in the long run.

What are the best hair extensions for thin hair?

Out of all the hair extensions out there today, we highly suggest that you go with the tape-in hair extensions for a semi-permanent solution or 5-piece clip ins for a shorter term solution for your thin hair.

Not only does this type look more natural on your strands, but it also won’t damage your hair as much as the other types of hair extensions. Thin hair is already prone to breakage and we don’t want to worsen it by telling you to put on hair extensions that may pull at your strands while you’re wearing them.

However, with tape-ins we do understand that not everyone has the financial capacity to afford monthly or bimonthly replacements.

With that consideration in mind, here are several tips if you do decide to go with the more affordable and more accessible clip-in hair extensions.

Make sure to create a good base

Aside from the struggle of frequent breakage, people with thin hair may often find their hair products slipping away due to the lack of hair.

When putting on your clip-in extensions, it’s a great idea to create a solid base at the back of your head which will be later used to clip on the extensions. You can create the base by spraying a dash of hairspray to the root or using Zala’s Mad Matter Hair Extension Volumizing Powder and then tease your hair for extra volume. This is to avoid the possibility of your extensions sliding away from your head.

Always remember the safe zone

When applying hair extensions, it’s easy to get carried away by the thrill of adding more and more locks.

However, as someone with thin hair, you have to remember that the top of your head will have less hair and volume than your extensions. If you put the extensions up too high, your natural hair won’t be able to conceal them properly.

To fix this, always put your extensions below the eyebrow line, a.k.a. the safe zone. This will ensure that your natural hair will be enough to cover the roots of your clip-ins.

You don’t have to use the full set

Hair extensions usually come in sets of several wefts that may vary in width.

If you find yourself confused on where to put the remaining wefts, it is a sign that you don’t need to use all of the wefts included in the set. If your hair is looking good already even with just three wefts, then that’s all you need.

We understand the struggle of not having what is deemed as regular. But we hope that you will be able to fulfill your shampoo commercial dreams with our suggestions. Have fun with those locks!

For more hair tips and tricks, don’t forget to check out our Zala blog!

PUBLISHED 15TH SEPTEMBER 2020

The Lowdown: Seamless Hair Extensions Blending

Short hair isn’t necessarily less glamorous than long hair. But sometimes they can cramp your style because there are fewer hairdos you can do with short hair in comparison to long hair.

seamless hair extension blending
Seamless Hair Blending

If your hair length or hair volume has left some more to be desired, and especially if you want an affordable, quick, and treatment-less update to your hairstyle, hair extensions are the ideal solution to your hair transformation dilemma. And among the various types of hair extensions currently available on the market, one of the most attractive temporary options are seamless hair extensions.

In today’s article, we’re giving you the lowdown on seamless hair extensions blending!

Why Use Seamless Hair Extensions

Seamless hair extensions are a popular option for those looking for a more discreet and natural look. They are extra easy to apply, lightweight and extra thick. 

In addition to this, seamless hair extensions are actually a great alternative for people who want a lighter and thinner extension method. Unlike standard clip-ins, the clips on seamless hair extensions are hand-sewn to a silicone backing at the top of the piece instead of to wefts sewn to a piece of fabric.

Guide To Seamless Hair Extensions Blending

The easiest way to blend your extensions to your natural hair is through styling.

1. Style them together

Curling or flattening your natural and extension hairs together is the best way to keep them in place, hide the barely noticeable bump from clipping the extensions to your hair, and to merge the tips of your own shorter hair seamlessly with the topmost extension pieces.

2. Hide shorter hairs or baby hair

These can be rather disobedient when you’re trying to style your hair, extensions included. Not only do they get in the way, but they can also be a dead giveaway that you are using hair extensions.

You can twist them and pin them using a bobby pin at the nape of your neck. If they’re long enough that they form a big bump if you just twist them in a small bun, you can french braid them horizontally and use bobby pins to fasten them down at the nape of your neck.

3. Use angles

Another trick to blending seamless hair extensions is to part your hair and apply the side pieces on an angle to create layers around your face. This creates a softer and more natural look. You also get to achieve layers without having to cut your extensions to blend.

(c) Unsplash

4. Make sure the colors match

If you have finer hair or if you have a light hair color and your roots are coming through, you may opt to use a Zala’s Balayage extensions. These extensions will create a beautiful balayage or ombre effect, making them disguise much easier at the roots.

5. Trim your hair extensions

You can also trim your extensions into half pieces to blend them easier. With these smaller extensions, you can add them more accurately around your face and in the area near your ears which are usually problem areas when attaching your extensions.

If you aren’t confident with styling or trimming them on your own, you can take them to your hairstylist and ask them to blend your extensions to your natural hair, trim them and add layers to make them look even more natural. Better yet, you can simply ask your hairstylist for advice on how to shape your extensions to match your natural hair best.

Here’s a quick video on how to easily apply your ZALA Seamless 9 piece set!

Taking Care Of Seamless Hair Extensions

Like other clip-in extensions, seamless hair extensions are washable with water. Just be careful not to leave them submerged in water for longer than 20 minutes or else the water may seep into the silicone cavity and not dry as well as the fabric ones. 

Washing seamless hair extensions

Since your extensions aren’t subjected to the natural oils your scalp produces, there is no need to wash them often. You may just end up damaging them if you do. Washing them after you’ve worn them for 30 times, or once a month if you wear them a lot and for longer periods of time, would suffice. Not being able to easily style them would also be a sign that they need to be washed since this is most probably because there is already a product build-up on your hair.

Also, to ensure that the hair doesn’t dry out, it is recommended to use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner when you wash them.

seamless hair extensions blending
(c) Unsplash

Coloring seamless hair extensions

If your seamless hair extensions are made from 100% Human Remy Hair, like the ones we have here at ZALA, then they are also dyeable. Just make sure not to put any dye product on or near where silicone backing is to avoid damaging the extensions.

Lightening or bleaching, though, is not recommended. Hair extensions most probably already went through a long dying process, and doing so may cause damage. For best results, you may test your product on a single piece first. See if it gives you your desired output before toning or dying your entire set.

Styling seamless hair extensions

Lastly, while seamless hair extensions can be styled, do be careful when using heat to style them. The recommended heat setting for styling your hair is anything less than 130°C (266°F). It’s also best to use a ceramic heating tool and spray on a quality heat protecting spray before styling.

This is because, over time, excessive heat and high temperature may cause wear and tear to your set. Remember, unlike your real hair, hair extensions don’t naturally become revitalized. You have to take extra care of them if you want to make sure that they last a long time.

Seamlessly Blending Seamless Hair Extensions

Since seamless hair extensions are, by design, thinner, they are mostly undetectable when you put them on, even when you wear multiple layers of them spread evenly across your scalp. 

Most of the time, just plainly clipping them in with your natural hair is enough for a seamless blend, especially if the upper part of the set you are going to wear is no more than a shade darker or lighter than your hair. You don’t have to worry about clip-in bumps or color mismatches.

Did you like this article? Feel free to share with us your thoughts in the comments below! And of course, for more hair extension guides, don’t forget to check out the ZALA blog!

PUBLISHED 11TH SEPTEMBER 2020

Why Are There So Many Different Types Of Hair Extensions?

Choosing the right hair extensions for you can be quite difficult, especially if you consider how many different types of hair extensions are out on the market today.

In this article, we’ll tell you why there are so many different types of hair extensions and what these types are.

zala why different types of hair extensions
Why Are There So Many Different Types Of Hair Extensions?

Why Are There So Many Hair Extension Types?

Actually, the answer as to why there are many hair extension types is fairly simple.

Some people want extensions that will last in their hair for a longer time. Others want extensions that they can install and remove any time they want. Some prioritize the cost of the extensions over everything else. Others don’t care how much they’re paying as long as they get the highest quality products. Some only want extensions that aren’t hard to maintain. Others are more open to high-maintenance options.

In other words, different people have different needs and preferences. And when you’re looking for the right type of hair extensions for you, it’s your personal preferences that you need to assess first.

This article will tell you all about hair extension types. These are typically categorized into three categories: 

  1. based on usage; 
  2. based on the method of application;
  3. and based on material.

Types Of Hair Extensions Based On Usage

1. Temporary Hair Extensions

Temporary hair extensions are called such because they have to be removed before you go to bed every night.

Over the years, they have become a very popular type of hair extension, mainly due to the fact that they’re so easy to attach and remove. Since temporary hair extensions require no skill to install, they’re also perfect for people on a budget who may not be ready to pay for the service at a salon.

However, one downside of temporary hair extensions is that the frequent act of removing and reapplying can cause breakages, especially if you use low-quality extensions.

The most common subtypes of temporary hair extensions include clip-ins, halos, and ponytail hair extensions.

2. Semi-Permanent Hair Extensions

Semi-permanent hair extensions are ones that are meant to stay in your hair for a longer period of time. For people who are always busy, this type of extension is preferable because they don’t have to set aside a portion of their day to apply the extensions to their hair.

These extensions are not technically permanent, but they do last for a while, hence why they’re called semi-permanent. For most people, they should stay for at least four to eight weeks, though the exact duration still depends on the individual person, the type of hair extensions, the way they’re cared and looked after, as well as the quality of the extensions.

Typically, semi-permanent hair extensions are attached by professionals in salons, although some people also opt to do it themselves. Some examples of permanent hair extensions include tape-ins, fusions, wefts, microlinks and weave-ins.

Types Of Hair Extensions Based On Method Of Application

1. Clip-In Hair Extensions

Clip-in hair extensions are arguably the most popular type of temporary hair extensions in the world.

They’re the easiest type of hair extensions to apply to one’s hair, even if you’re a complete beginner. They are extremely versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. If you don’t think you’ll be using hair extensions every day, clip-ins are a great choice. They don’t typically cost as much as other types of extensions which makes them perfect for those on a budget.

That said, clip-ins aren’t recommended for thin-haired people, because thin hair may not be enough to be able to hide them from plain view.

2. Halo Hair Extensions

Halo hair extensions are a great choice for those who are in a hurry. If you’re usually running late for work, then replacing multi-piece hair extension sets with the one-piece halo hair extension may reduce the time it takes you to get ready every morning.

In addition to this, halos are the least damaging of all hair extension types. That’s because halos aren’t really attached to your actual hair, so there’s no chance of them accidentally pulling or tugging on your strands.

3. Ponytail Hair Extensions

Do you like putting your hair in a ponytail? If so, you should try out ponytail hair extensions. These extensions were made to wrap or clip around your actual ponytail, in order to give your crowning glory more length and volume.

Like the halos, there’s also no danger of your hair getting damaged by ponytail extensions, as these don’t attach to the actual strands. Compared to clip-ins, they don’t take very long to apply, although halos are still a quicker option.

4. Tape-In Hair Extensions

If you have fine or thin hair, you’d definitely love tape-in hair extensions. The tapes are small in size which makes them quite unnoticeable. This means you don’t need to have thick hair in order to hide them from sight.

For the best results, we suggest that you go to your favorite salon in order to have your tape-ins installed. They normally have to be moved up every 6-8 weeks, depending on the quality of the extensions and how fast your hair is growing.

Tape-ins tend to have more downsides than other kinds of hair extensions. First of all, they are sometimes harder to deal with when you’re aiming for a specific hairstyle. For instance, having tape-in hair extensions can make it more difficult for someone to wear a high ponytail since the tape-ins can get in the way.

Secondly, tape-ins are harder to hide once your hair starts growing. After all, as your hair grows, the tape will start moving down your strands too. When this happens, you need to get it removed and reapplied, which can be damaging to your hair.

Third, maintenance can be pretty difficult. Since tape-ins are applied with an adhesive, your hairstylist will probably tell you to avoid using certain conditioners or oils. This is because of specific ingredients that may dissolve the glue used to tape the extensions to your hair.

5. Fusion Hair Extensions

Also known as pre-bonded hair, fusion hair extensions are a type of semi-permanent hair extension that is applied to your strands using heat and keratin glue. The process can take up to 5 hours in total since the adhesive has to be thoroughly dried first.

Keep in mind that once you get these extensions uninstalled from your hair, they can’t be reused anymore. So you’d have to buy new extensions every time you want them “reapplied”. Depending on how quickly your hair grows or how worn out your extensions are, this cycle can get really vicious, really quickly.

But if you love hair extensions, getting fusion hair extensions installed to your hair is something that you simply should do. Luckily, these babies can last up to 6 months if taken care of properly.

6. Weft Hair Extensions

Weft hair extensions, also called beaded weft extensions, are a semi-permanent type of hair extensions that are bonded to your hair using small beads with inner linings made of silicone. They last for about a month and are usually installed by professional hairstylists.

Thick-haired ladies will certainly appreciate these hair extensions. They’re much gentler on your strands as well, since there’s no adhesive used to attach them to the hair itself.

The only downside is that since they only last for 3-5 weeks, so salon visits will be more frequent if you choose this type of extension.

7. Weave Hair Extensions

Also known as sew-in hair extensions, weave hair extensions are sewn into your natural hair. They’re popular for two reasons:

  1. they’re affordable and;
  2. when done right, they’re practically seamless.

That said, if you think your hair is too weak or fragile, don’t go for weave hair extensions. These can be quite heavy on your hair, so weaker strands will be more prone to getting damaged. They’re best fitted for those with thick strands who can withstand some amount of pulling.

Also, it’s best to have a professional hairstylist do this to your hair, as improper weaving can cause your roots to get pulled, therefore damaging your strands.

8. Microlink Hair Extensions

Microlink hair extensions, also known as micro loop or micro bead, are a type of hair extension that makes use of silicone-lined beads to insert wefts of hair extensions to your natural hair. The bead is then secured and tightened to prevent it, and the weft of hair it holds, from falling out.

Although microlinks aren’t attached to your natural hair with adhesives, they can also be quite damaging if applied improperly. For example, if the bead is too tight, it could pull on the roots and cause damage to your strands.

When done right, they can last up to four months in your hair, although they may have to be repositioned every other month. Those with thin hair should avoid them as the beads may be visible without thicker hair to cover them.

Types Of Hair Extensions Based On Material

1. Synthetic Hair

Synthetic hair extensions are made from fibers that were manufactured to resemble real human hair.

In terms of quality, synthetic hair extensions are not comparable to real human hair extensions. They used to be the default choice for people who wanted to stick to a budget.

2. Natural Hair

True to its name, natural hair extensions are made from real human hair. If you want hair extensions that look and feel exactly like your own hair. These types of hair extensions can be safely dyed, toned, and styled just like your own hair too.

Take note that while extensions made out of real human hair are of higher quality than synthetic hair, the degree of quality still varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.

The highest quality of human hair that you can find on the market right now is Remy hair, the same type of hair that our hair extensions at ZALA are made of. So if you’re looking for high-quality hair extensions, look no further than our own hair extensions here at ZALA.

As you can see, there are many different types of hair extensions to fit different types of people. What about you, which one is your favorite type of hair extensions? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

you, which one is your favorite type of hair extensions? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

And as always, for more hair tips and tricks, don’t forget to check out our ZALA blog!

PUBLISHED 9TH SEPTEMBER 2020

The Best Hair Extensions For Short Hair

While we do believe that every hair type is beautiful in its own unique way, we have to admit that there’s something about long locks that make them so attractive.

Interested in adding some length to your crowning glory? In today’s article, we’ll tell you all about the best hair extensions for short hair!

zala best hair extensions short hair

Choosing the right hair extensions

Before you begin, there are several factors that you have to take into consideration first when choosing the right extensions for you.

Quality

Some hair extensions are simply less durable than others. For instance, natural human hair is known to last longer than synthetic hair, so if you want your extensions to last you a long time, you should pick a brand that uses human hair.

That’s why our extensions here at ZALA are made out of human Remy hair, which means you can be sure that they’re of the highest quality.

Type

That’s right – there’s more than one kind of hair extensions. In fact, here at ZALA, we offer various types of extensions such as tape-ins, clip-ins, and even halos.

All of these can help make your short hair look even more amazing, so it all boils down to preference. Some people prefer halos, some prefer tape-ins, while others prefer clip-ins. It really depends.

Length

How long do you want your hair to be? Do you want it to reach just past your shoulders or do you want waist-length hair?

Here at ZALA, we’ve got hair extensions that are as short as 12 inches and as long as 30 inches. That way, you can have your hair length exactly the way you want it.

Thickness

You can always go as thick or as thin as you want, but it would look best if your extensions are as thick as your natural hair.

Remember, too thin would make it look like you’ve got damaged hair, too thick would make it look obvious. For best results, you should get wefts that are just the right thickness for your hair.

Color

This is usually low on the list of considerations, especially if you like to dye your hair anyway.

However, if you have short hair, this is actually quite important. That’s because you’d want a color that will match your natural shade, as it will help make your blend look more seamless. If you choose a color that’s too different from your own, it might give away the fact that you’re wearing hair extensions.

Blending hair extensions with short hair

hair extensions for short hair

It’s not as easy to blend hair extensions with short hair as it is with long hair, but it’s still perfectly possible.

Step 1 – Pick your hair extensions

The first and most important step to blending hair extensions with short hair is to pick the right extensions. Make sure that you consider all the factors listed above when you’re still at the picking stage. You should never settle for something that seems just ‘okay’. Don’t stop looking until you find something that will make you feel truly excited to wear it.

To make it look more natural, you might even want to try adding layers to your wefts before attaching them to your natural hair. Sure, it might feel like a waste, but believe us when we say that the results will be so remarkable, you won’t even regret it.

Take note that we don’t recommend this if you’re not adept at cutting hair. After all, unlike real hair, they won’t grow back should you make mistakes. Taking it to a good hairstylist is not only less risky, but it’s also much better for you and your new extensions.

Step 2 – Make sure the color matches

As mentioned above, color-matching is very important if you want to blend hair extensions with short hair.

You’ve got two options here. You can either dye your locks or you can dye your extensions. Most people would opt for the latter, but do keep in mind that doing so can void your warranty.

If you’re unsure which color to order, you can send a message to [email protected] so that we can help you find the perfect color-match for you.

Step 3 – Style your hair with the extensions on

You can simply comb your newly-lengthened hair and call it a day, but for best results, we recommend that you style your hair first.

Doing so would help the hair extensions blend in and look more natural on your locks. One of our favorite methods for blending hair extensions with short hair is by using the ZALA Cosmo Curling Wand to create soft waves.

Examples of hair extensions for short hair

Want to see some real-life examples? Brace yourself – you’re going to be amazed at the transformations.

Here are some more subtle examples. Can you see where their strands end and where the extensions begin? Maybe. But you have to admit, all of them look absolutely fantastic with longer tresses!

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Where this flower blooms???#zalahairextensions

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Did you like our article? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

If you want to be featured in our future blogs and social media pages, don’t forget to use our Instagram hashtag #ZALAHairExtensions! And as always, for more hair tips and tricks, please feel free to check out our ZALA blog!

PUBLISHED 7TH SEPTEMBER 2020

How To Keep Halo Hair Extensions From Slipping And Other FAQs

Are you always adjusting your halo hair extensions? Some people complain that while they love their new halos, they’re always worried that it’s going to be slipping from their heads.

In today’s article, we’ll tell you how you can keep halo hair extensions from slipping and answer other frequently asked questions regarding halo hair extensions!

zala-halo-hair-extensions-slipping-faqs

What are halo hair extensions made of?

Halo hair extensions are made of the pretty much same things that clip-in hair extensions or tape-in hair extensions are made of.

The only difference is that instead of clips or tape, halo hair extensions have a wire in them that holds the entire extensions together. This wire is made of very strong nylon to make sure that it won’t break easily.

Is the wire visible?

If you put your halo hair extensions on properly, then the wire isn’t supposed to be visible. Plus, since it’s made of clear nylon, it’s supposed to blend into your hair color. This means that it won’t be too visible even if it happens to become exposed.

Will I feel the wire on my head?

No. The wires used in halo hair extensions are very light, so you won’t feel them sitting on your head.

Do halo hair extensions slip easily?

This is one of the biggest misconceptions about halo hair extensions. Since they’re usually marketed as something that just sits on top of your head (which they technically are), many people think that this means they slip off easily.

The thing is, halo hair extensions aren’t exactly just “sitting” on your head. The wire actually wraps itself around the wedged area of your head, near the top of your nape. This area holds the occipital bone, which provides enough wedge for the wire to hold itself in place.

How to keep halo hair extensions from slipping?

As mentioned above, halo hair extensions don’t actually slip off easily. Simply put, if you put your halo hair extensions properly, you won’t ever have to worry about it falling off.

How to put halo hair extensions on properly?

It’s pretty easy.

First, you take the wire band and place it over your head. The top part should be about 1 inch away from your hairline while the bottom part should be at the wedged area a few inches above your nape.

Once you’ve got it in place, simply pull your real strands over the halo hair extensions until cover it completely.

And that’s it, you’re done! It’s basically just an easy, 2-step process.

What hairstyles can I do with halo hair extensions?

You can do any hairstyle you want with halo hair extensions, as long as you follow one condition: no hairdos that require tight, high ponytails.

Obviously, since the bottom part of the wire will be wedged at your occipital bone area, those kinds of hairstyles simply won’t work without a.) exposing the wire b) pulling out the whole hair extensions.

As you can see, using halo hair extensions is extremely easy and effective. You don’t have to worry about them accidentally slipping off your head, as long as you wear them properly!

For more hair-related articles, don’t forget to check out our ZALA blog!

PUBLISHED 16TH MAY 2020
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