Extensions and Protective Styles Glossary

Strips of hair attached in rows close to the scalp, by sewing, beading or both. Read our Weft Hair Extensions guide.

Hand tied wefts have very fine, flexible tracks that lie flat. Machine wefts are made by machine, are a little thicker and can be cut to size.

Thin panels of hair with a medical grade adhesive tape, sandwiched either side of a small section of your hair.

Small strands of hair attached with tiny rings or beads that are closed around a section of your hair, with no glue or heat. You may also hear them called micro links or I tips.

A smaller version of micro rings, using very tiny rings for a more discreet result on fine hair.

Individual strands with a keratin tip that is melted with heat to bond to small sections of your hair. You may hear them called fusion or K tips.

Wefts with small clips that you put in and take out yourself, ideal for special occasions.

A halo sits on a fine, invisible wire around your head, while a ponytail extension wraps around your own ponytail. Both are temporary and removable.

A maintenance appointment where extensions are removed and refitted closer to the scalp as your hair grows, usually every six to eight weeks.

Fine, sparkling strands tied or beaded into your hair for shine. Read our Hair Tinsel guide.

Real hair that can be washed, coloured and heat styled much like your own, and usually lasts longest with care.

Human hair collected so the cuticles all run in the same direction, which helps it stay smooth and tangle less.

Human hair that has never been coloured or chemically processed.

Hair made from fibres such as acrylic or polyester. It is affordable and holds its style, but most types cannot take high heat.

Lengths of wefted hair sold together, often used for sew ins and wigs.

A style that tucks away the ends of your hair and reduces daily handling, giving your own hair a rest when worn with light tension.

Individual braids that start with a small knot of extension hair at the root. Read our Box Braids guide.

Braids that start with your own hair, with extension hair fed in gradually for less tension at the root. Read our Knotless Braids guide.

Braids worked flat along the scalp in lines or patterns. Read our Cornrows guide.

Pre made braids, twists or curls looped into a cornrow base with a crochet hook.

Wefts stitched onto a cornrow base. Read our Sew In Weave guide.

Some of your own hair left out of a sew in or wig to blend over the tracks.

A small hairpiece placed at the parting to finish a sew in or wig, so no leave out is needed.

A larger hairpiece that covers the hairline from ear to ear for a natural looking front.

The fine mesh base on many closures, frontals and wigs, which creates a natural looking hairline.

A professional service to choose, fit, cut and style a wig. Read our Wig Fitting and Styling guide.

The pull an extension or style places on your hair at the root. A little snugness for a day or two is normal, but pain is a sign it is too tight.

Hair loss caused by repeated pulling on the hair, often starting at the hairline and temples. Caught early, it can recover once the pulling stops, but long term strain can make it permanent.

Time with your own hair loose or in a gentle style between extension sets or protective styles, so your scalp and follicles can rest.

Taking extensions or styles out gently and professionally, so your own hair is not pulled or cut.