The Best Type of Hair Extensions: A Simple Guide to Safer, Longer-Lasting Hair

If you want fuller, longer hair that lasts for months—not just a night out—you’re probably searching for the
best type of hair extensions. The challenge is that many popular methods look great at first, but can cause
long-term damage, discomfort, or cost a small fortune over time.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the most common semi-permanent hair extension methods, explain the pros and cons of
each, and show you which option stands out as the safest, most comfortable choice.

Semi-permanent hair extensions are ideal for women who want a more long-lasting solution to short or thinning hair.
With proper application and maintenance, these methods can last up to four months before needing adjustment.

How to Choose the Best Type of Hair Extensions

Before we compare methods, here are the main factors to keep in mind when deciding on the best type of hair extensions for you:

• Damage: Does the method pull on your natural hair or use harsh heat/chemicals?
• Comfort: Will you experience headaches, tightness, or itchiness?
• Longevity: How long will the extensions last before needing maintenance?
• Time in the chair: How long will the application appointment take?
• Cost: Is the method reasonably priced for the results?
• Appearance: Do the extensions look natural and blend with your own hair?

With those factors in mind, let’s look at the most common semi-permanent methods—and where they fall short.

Method 1: Fusion & Pre-Bonded Hair Extensions

Fusion (also called keratin fusion or pre-bonded extensions) is a strand-by-strand method offered in many salons.
Small bundles of extension hair are attached to your natural hair using keratin or glue and heat.

Fusion Hair Extensions added to a woman’s hair

Pros of Fusion / Pre-Bonded Extensions

• Widely available at many salons.
• You can wash and style the extensions like your natural hair.
• Can last up to four months before needing removal or reapplication.

Cons of Fusion / Pre-Bonded Extensions

• Heat and glue are used to bond the extensions, which can stress and damage your natural hair.
• The removal process often involves chemicals and can be even more damaging than the installation.
• The weight of individual bonds pulls directly on your scalp and natural hair, which can lead to breakage or bald spots.
• Application is time-consuming (often up to 4 hours).
• Because the process is so labor-intensive, it is very expensive—often over $2,000 for a full transformation.

Is Fusion the Best Type of Hair Extensions?

From a professional standpoint, no. Despite the popularity, the combination of heat, glue, removal chemicals, and daily tension on
your natural hair makes this a risky option. For most women, the long-term damage outweighs the short-term benefit.

Method 2: Micro-Link (Micro-Bead) Hair Extensions

Micro-link (or micro-bead) extensions also use a strand-by-strand method. Instead of glue, tiny metal beads are used to clamp
individual extension strands to your natural hair.

The bead is tightened with a special tool (and often heat), holding the extension hair in place.

Pros of Micro-Link Extensions

• Available at many salons with stylists familiar with the method.
• You can wash and style your hair relatively normally.
• Can last up to four months with proper care.

Cons of Micro-Link Extensions

• All the weight of the extensions pulls directly on your natural hair and scalp, creating stress and potential damage.
• Heat used to set or secure the beads can further weaken the hair at the attachment point.
• Application typically takes 3–4 hours.
• Like fusion, micro-link extensions can be very expensive—often around $2,000 for a full look with added length and volume.

Is Micro-Link the Best Type of Hair Extensions?

If you’re concerned about the health of your hair and scalp, this isn’t the best option. The constant tension, combined with
heat and metal beads, makes micro-link extensions more damaging than they are worth for most clients.

Method 3: Sew-In (Braid & Weave) Hair Extensions

Sew-in extensions (weaves) use tight braids of your own hair to create cornrows across the scalp. Wefts of extension hair are then
sewn onto these braids with thread.

Pros of Sew-In Weaves

• Have been used for many years and are widely available.
• Can create a very full, dramatic look.

Cons of Sew-In Weaves

• Require very thick natural hair to properly cover the cornrows; otherwise the braids and tracks can show.
• The tight braiding and weight of the wefts put significant stress on your scalp and hair, especially over several months.
• The process can be very time-consuming—braiding alone takes hours, followed by sewing in the wefts.

Is a Sew-In Weave the Best Type of Hair Extensions?

While sew-ins can work for some hair types, they are not the best choice if your top priority is maintaining the health of your
natural hair. The tight braids and constant weight can cause breakage, tension, and discomfort over time.

Method 4: Glamour Locks Hair Extension System

Now let’s look at a method specifically designed to solve the problems of damage, tension, and discomfort that are so common with
other semi-permanent extensions.

How the Glamour Locks System Works

The Glamour Locks Hair Extension System was developed by Paula Rodriguez, a hair industry expert with over
27 years of experience. After seeing the damage caused by other methods, she created a new, patented system focused on
being non-damaging, comfortable, and long-lasting.

Instead of attaching extensions directly to individual strands of your hair, Glamour Locks uses a specialized tool called a
Tension Strap. This strap creates a row across the back of your scalp and holds the weight of the extension hair,
rather than your natural hair doing all the work.

Pros of the Glamour Locks Hair Extension System

• Truly non-damaging: The Tension Strap creates a barrier between your natural hair and the extension hair, preventing pulling and stress.
• Comfortable to wear: Because your scalp and roots are not carrying the weight, there’s less tension—meaning no constant headaches or soreness.
• Natural-looking and discreet: The system is designed to be undetectable when properly installed.
• Patented and regulated method: Only certified Glamour Locks technicians, trained in this exact system, can perform the service.

Real Client Results:

Watch this video of a Glamour Locks client of two years with zero visible damage on her scalp:

Cons of the Glamour Locks System

• Like all semi-permanent extensions, some maintenance and at-home care are required.
• If you have never worn extensions before, they may feel a bit “foreign” for the first few days—but most clients adjust quickly.

For more details on at-home care, you can read their maintenance guide here:
Taking Care of Your Glamour Locks Hair Extensions.

So, What Is the Best Type of Hair Extensions?

After comparing the main semi-permanent methods—Fusion, Micro-Link, Sew-In Weaves, and the Glamour Locks System—one pattern is clear:

• Methods that attach directly to your natural hair (strand-by-strand or braids) often cause tension, damage, and discomfort.
• Most of these methods are time-consuming and expensive, especially when factoring in maintenance and potential damage.
• The only method designed to keep weight off your natural hair is the Glamour Locks Hair Extension System.

If you’re looking for the best type of hair extensions—one that looks beautiful, feels comfortable, and protects
your natural hair in the long run—the Glamour Locks Hair Extension System is the standout choice.

To learn more or see if you’re a candidate, you can request a free consultation here:
https://glamourlocks.com/pages/consultations