Hair Extension Texture Types: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing the best hair extension texture can be an overwhelming task. From curly, coily, wavy to kinky-curly and kinky straight it is no surprise all of these texture types can become quite confusing. If you want to know how to choose the best hair extension texture for your hair this guide is for you. 

Before we get into the various textures offered for hair extensions, let’s discuss the many different types of hair extensions first. 

Types of Hair Extensions

Clip-Ins

Clip-in extensions are just what they imply: wefts of hair clipped onto your natural hair. Many women like this option because it’s fast and easy, offering lots of options for change. It is also the least commitment. 

Tape-Ins

Tape-in hair extensions are increasing in popularity. They consist of strands of hair on a thin cloth strip, which is adhered to the roots of your hair using heated glue. Learn more about how to take care of clip in hair extensions. 

Wefts (aka Bundles)

Weft hair extensions, also known as bundles, are strands of hair sewn onto a very thin piece of cloth that your stylist can attach to your hairline. They are typically attached using a needle to sew the hair into your natural hair after it has been braided into cornrows. This is the most common hair extension used also known as a “sew-in”. 

Types of Hair Extension Textures

At Sleek by Hailey we pride ourselves in diversifying the hair game, we offer a wide range of hair textures to meet the diversity of our clients. 

Straight 

Straight hair extensions are the most common and used by a wide variety of hair textures and ethnicities. If you are looking for a sleek look to all length and fullness to your hair straight extensions are a great go-to option. Straight hair extensions are also low maintenance and simple to style.

Wavy, Body Wave, Deep Wave

 

Wavy

 

Wavy hair extensions offer a little more volume to straight styles. The body wavy texture gives off a soft beach wave and intensifies from body wave to deep wave. If you are looking for volume that will last a little longer, wavy hair extensions will be your best friend. If you want your hair to look like fresh crimp curls, then a deep wave is a great option. 

Curly, 3A, 3B, 3C, Kinky Curly

Curly hair extensions are most popular among naturally curly hair women, typically categorized in the hair typing chart of 3A, 3B, & 3C.  These curly extensions when matched well, blend perfectly with your natural tresses.  The texture of these extensions mimic an S shape with lots of body and volume.

Coily 4A, 4B, 4C

Coily hair extensions are also popular among naturally curly women, but for those considered to be in the Type 4 hair texture, 4A, 4B, 4C. This texture more so mimics a Z pattern. Contrary to popular belief this texture is very fragile because it is the most tightly curled texture. Proper maintenance and care is of utmost importance to prevent damage and breakage. 

Also read: Best Brushes for Hair Extensions to learn more

Texture Matching 101

Now that you are familiar with the different types of hair extension textures, how can you make sure you choose the best one for your hair? Enter texture matching.

What is texture matching?

Texture matching is just as it sounds. It is the process of determining which texture of hair extensions will match easily and seamlessly with your real hair. In other words, after matching it should be almost impossible to tell where your real hair ends and the extensions begin.

While there might be some trial and error, once you find your perfect match it will make styling a breeze and overall build confidence in wearing hair extensions. 

How to Texture Match Hair Extensions Correctly

1. Determine your natural hair structure

Hair structure refers to the thickness of your hair. The categories are fine, medium and thick. This is vital in order to texture match correctly for a seamless blend.  

According to Nutrofol.com fine hair is the most fragile with just hair layers; cortex and cuticle. This hair structure gets oily quickly and too much product will weigh it down. Medium hair types are the most common among individuals and consist of three layers: cortext, cuticle and medulla. Thick hair has all three layers as well, can hold a style longer and gives the appearance of a fuller head of hair. 

2. Decide how you will style your hair most often

Once you have confirmed your hair texture, the type of hair extension texture will be easier to choose. But first, ask yourself how you most often style your hair. 

If you most often wear your hair naturally curly, then complete a texture match while your hair is wet or after you’ve applied a curling enhancing product and let it dry. This will give you the most realistic blend. Or you will need to know how your natural hair will look once manipulated to mimic the curl pattern of the extension.  

If you often straight style your hair, only texture match after your natural hair is straightened. This will help you determine which straight extensions blend the most seamlessly as well. 

Hair Texture Chart 

Photo Courtesy of Shea Moisture

Best Hair Extensions for Thin Hair 

Women with fine hair may opt for more sleek straight hair extensions or body wave extensions. If choosing more curly hair extension textures, you must be aware of the fullness of your hair in its naturally curly state. 

The type of hair extensions that work well with thin hair are clip-ins and tape-ins. Sew-in options are less recommended and they can weigh the hair down. If your stylist chooses the net installation option and attaches the bundles/wefts to the net vs your natural hair this can be an alternative solution. 

Best Extensions for Thick Hair 

Thicker textures work well with almost all hair extension textures but most will probably lean towards curly to coily hair textures. Thick hair textures lean toward the more coarse side and blend well with the same thick hair extension textures. 

But straight hair extensions work well too! Depending on the thickness of your hair you can opt for a Relaxed Straight or Kinky Straight Texture. For those with relaxed hair, transitioning hair or thick and coarse hair when straightened, our relaxed straight ponytail or relaxed straight clip-ins is a perfect match. If you want a thicker straight look, the Kinky Straight Ponytail will be your go-to hair extension texture. 

Conclusion

Clearly there so many options when it comes to choosing the best hair extension texture. If you still need help, talk to a professional hair stylist with experience in hair extensions. And remember, no matter which hair extension texture you choose, the products you use, the hair tools used to style and overall maintenance will determine how well the hair looks and blends with your natural hair. 

Shop our full collection of hair textures to find your perfect match!