Hair Extensions 101 The Beginner’s Guide to Types, Methods & Care

Yes. Curly hair can wear I-Tip extensions when the texture, density, and installation plan are chosen carefully. The goal is to blend your natural curl pattern with the extension texture. For help, use our expert texture matching concierge or view a 3A curly microlink transformation.

The amount of hair depends on your method, length, density, head size, and desired fullness. I-Tips, wefts, K-Tips, and wigs are planned differently, so it is best to use a method-based guide instead of guessing. See our hair quantity guide.

I-Tips and microlinks are often chosen for a very natural look because they move strand by strand and allow access to the scalp. K-Tips can also create a discreet finish, while wigs and wefts are better for fuller transformations. Use our compare methods guide to decide.

Many raw human hair extensions can be professionally colored, but color services should be done carefully to protect the hair. If you need help choosing a shade before ordering, use our personalized hair color matching concierge. For texture and color together, visit our texture and color matching help page.

Yes, but your care routine matters. Sweat, chlorine, saltwater, and heavy product buildup can affect the hair and your scalp. Keep the hair cleansed, moisturized, detangled, and fully dried after washing or swimming. Semi-permanent installs should be maintained by a stylist.

Raw human hair is hair that has not been chemically altered to create its texture or color. It is chosen for natural movement, realistic texture, and long-term wear. To understand texture differences, read our guide on raw wavy hair versus raw loose curly hair.

Extensions can blend with short hair when the length, placement, density, and texture are planned correctly by a professional. For some short cuts, wigs or wefts may create a fuller transformation, while I-Tips may work when there is enough natural hair to cover the attachment points.

Start by matching the texture closest to your natural hair before focusing on color. SL Raw Virgin Hair focuses on core texture families such as straight, wavy, curly, and kinky curly. If you are between textures, visit our texture and color matching help page or submit photos through our texture matching concierge.

Your natural hair needs enough length to cover and blend with the attachment area. For many strand-by-strand installs, a few inches of natural hair are needed, but your stylist should confirm what is realistic based on your density, haircut, and desired style.

I-Tips are commonly installed with microbeads and do not require heat for a microlink install. K-Tips use a keratin bond and require professional hot fusion application. If you are considering keratin bonds, view our Organic Keratin Bond Tips and compare the method first on our extension method guide.

Yes. Human hair extensions can usually be curled, straightened, and blow-dried with care. Use heat protectant and avoid excessive heat. For K-Tips, avoid placing direct heat on the bond area. Always follow the care guidance for your specific method and texture.

Cleanse gently, focus on the scalp when wearing a semi-permanent install, condition the hair, detangle carefully, and dry thoroughly. Avoid sleeping on wet extensions. Curly textures should be detangled with care and hydrated regularly to help preserve the curl pattern.

Fine or thin hair needs a careful method choice because too much weight or tension can cause stress. I-Tips, microlinks, wigs, or lighter-density options may be considered depending on your hair condition. Learn more from our guide on I-Tip extensions for fine hair.

Start by choosing your goal: length, fullness, scalp access, protective styling, or a full transformation. Then compare the methods, choose your texture, and estimate the amount of hair needed. Begin with our Start Your Hair Journey page.