Quick Comparison
| Method | Application time (full head) | Wear time | Re-usable | Heat or glue | Best markets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tape-in | About 1 hour | 6 to 8 weeks per install | Yes, 2 to 3 times | Adhesive tape | Europe, Australia, North America |
| Invisible tape-in | About 1 hour | 6 to 8 weeks | Yes, 2 to 3 times | Adhesive tape | North America, Europe, Australia |
| Genius weft | 1 to 2 hours | 6 to 8 weeks | Yes | None (beads or sewn) | North America |
| Hand-tied weft | 1.5 to 3 hours | 6 to 8 weeks | Yes | None (beads or sewn) | North America, Australia |
| K-tip | 2 to 4 hours | 3 to 4 months | Re-tip only | Heat and keratin | Europe, Australia |
| U-tip | 2 to 4 hours | 3 to 4 months | Re-tip only | Heat and keratin | Europe |
| I-tip | 2 to 3 hours | 6 to 8 weeks | Yes | None (micro rings) | North America, Europe |
| Nano ring | 2 to 3 hours | 2 to 3 months | Yes | None (nano rings) | UK, Europe |
| Clip-in | 5 minutes, at home | Daily wear | Yes | None | Global e-commerce |
Salon Methods
Tape-in
For salons that want a full head in about an hour; it is the easiest professional method to train staff on, and the tapes are moved up every 6 to 8 weeks. Also made as mini tape-ins for fine hair.
Weft (Genius, Hand-Tied, Flat)
For salons with trained weft stylists, mostly in North America: rows of thin wefts beaded or sewn in, worn 6 to 8 weeks between move-ups, with no heat or glue. We also make flat weft and machine weft.
Keratin Tips (K-Tip, U-Tip)
For clients who want the longest time between visits, 3 to 4 months: small keratin bonds fused to the natural hair by a trained stylist, removed and re-tipped rather than re-used. For salons that make their own bonds, we supply bulk hair.
At-Home Methods
Clip-in
For clients who want length for a day without a salon visit: the wearer clips the wefts in and takes them out at night, which is why clip-ins are a core line for online sellers.
Which Method for Which Client?
| Client | Recommended method |
|---|---|
| Fine, thin hair | Nano ring, mini tape-in, hand-tied weft |
| Thick hair, wants volume | Genius weft, K-tip, machine weft |
| Wants low maintenance between visits | K-tip, U-tip |
| Wants no heat or glue | I-tip, nano ring, weft |
| Wants to wear hair up | Invisible tape-in, K-tip, nano ring |
| Wants temporary or occasional wear | Clip-in, halo, ponytail |
| Natural 4A to 4C hair | Kinky tape-in, kinky K-tip, kinky clip-ins |
How Much Hair Each Method Needs
| Method | How it is packed | Full head |
|---|---|---|
| Tape-in | Packs of tape pieces | 40 to 60 pieces (100 g to 150 g) |
| K-tip, I-tip | 0.8 to 1 g per strand, 80 to 100 g per pack | 100 to 200 strands |
| Nano ring | 50 g per pack (1 g x 50 or 0.5 g x 100) | 2 to 3 packs |
| Genius or hand-tied weft | 50 g or 25 g per weft | 2 to 4 wefts of 50 g, or 4 to 8 of 25 g, in 1 to 3 rows |
| Clip-in | One set | 100 g to 220 g per set |
| Halo | One piece | 80 g to 140 g |
For grams by look and length, read How Many Grams of Hair Extensions Do I Need?
Choosing Methods to Stock
- 01For a salon, start with one quick method (tape-in) and one no-heat method (weft or I-tip), then add K-tips if clients ask for longer wear between visits. Stock the tools and supplies for each method you offer.
- 02For an online brand, clip-ins and halos sell without a stylist, so they suit e-commerce. Add tape-ins once you supply salons.
- 03For textured hair clients, offer kinky textures across clip-ins, tape-ins and tips so they blend with 4A to 4C hair.
- 04Match colors across methods All our hair extensions use the same shade range, shown on our color chart, so a salon can mix methods on one client.
Extension orders start at 10 packs, and you can mix lengths within each color.
Hair Extension Methods FAQ
Which method is gentlest on natural hair?
Clip-ins and halos put no long-term stress on the hair. Among salon methods, tape-ins and I-tips with silicone-lined rings are the gentlest.
Which method lasts longest?
Keratin bonds such as K-tips and U-tips last 3 to 4 months between appointments.
Can one client wear two methods?
Yes. Some stylists use tape-ins at the back and I-tips or nano rings around the hairline, or add a clip-in set for special occasions. Because our methods share one color range, the hair blends.
Can I order a sample of each method?
Yes. Our Extensions Kit on the sample orders page lets you compare tape-ins, tips, wefts and clip-ins in your chosen colors.