How Long Do Hair Extensions Last

11/17/2022by Mila Mykh

When you want to invest in hair extensions, there are many factors to consider, from color to length, texture and volume. Another important factor to consider is the durability of hair extensions— how long do hair extensions last? After spending your hard-earned money on your extension, you wouldn’t be asking for too much if you want it to serve you a while longer. We at  Beauty Locks Hair Salon believe that your investment in natural hair extension should last long if properly cared for and maintained. Here are the facts about how long tape, micro-link and keratin extensions last.

1. Tape-in Hair Extensions

The great thing is that tape extensions look natural and undetectable because the tapes are invisible and durable. Tape extensions that come with medical-grade adhesive are attached together on both side of your natural hair. Tape-in extensions are quite popular because installing your tape-in extension requires no heat application, chemicals, or messy bonding and it allows your natural hair to grow out unhindered.

If you invest in cheap Chinese tape-in hair extensions, they can last you until you go for your second wash. Most Chinese hair is sourced from fallen hair in hair salons and is chemically treated to remove cuticles. That makes extensions shine and look like good quality product. However, chemically treated hair will quickly fade and become brittle. You will be lucky to go through one re-tape with half as much hair left.

More expensive European natural human hair tape-in extensions can last you anywhere between 2-3 months. The great part about investing in better quality tape-in extensions is that you can reuse them up to 2-3 times depending on how well you care for them. So, overall one set of better quality extensions will last you up to 6-9 months.

However, as recommended by your professional stylist, you will need to make a salon appointment every time your hair growth for 6-8 weeks. Also, proper maintenance is essential for your extensions to last. Make sure they are dried thoroughly and use a special brush made for hair extensions. This will help them last longer and look more natural.

Tape-in Hair Extensions
Tape-in Hair Extensions

2. Microlink Hair Extensions

Micro-links extensions are known as and microbead extensions. Like tape-ins, they require no heat during application and are glue-less hairstyle. If you handle them with care, a set of micro links extensions will last 2-3 months. Also, as your hair grows, you will need to reposition the beads every 2-3 months because your new growth will push the microbeads away from your scalp. Also its essential to wash out hair product build-up every 2-3 weeks with sulfate-free shampoo and moisturizing conditioner to retain its lushness. So, you can expect your new set of quality Micro links hair extensions to last for 4 to 8 months.

Microlink Hair Extensions
Microlink Hair Extensions

3. Keratin Hair Extensions

Keratin or fusion hair extensions hair extensions come pre-bonded with a keratin glue. During installation, this keratin-based adhesive is melted using low heat with a strand of your hair until it attached to your natural hair. When done right, it will blend seamlessly with your natural hair and won’t be recognized even with high ponytails. Keratin will last around 3-4 months and can be reused once at most. As always, the better you care for them, the longer they’d last for you. Always ask your stylist for tips for better keratin extensions care.

Keratin Hair Extensions
Keratin Hair Extensions

Wrap up

There you have it! New set of tape extensions will last the longest followed by microbeads and then keratin extensions. That is one of the reasons tape extensions are the most popular way to get long beautiful hair. Whatever hair extensions you decide to go for, let the professionals at Beauty Locks Salon do the magic for you. You, too, can get those show-stopping hairstyles, which might last longer than you thought. It all starts with a free consultation to get you on the right path.

Mila Mykh

by Mila Mykh

Hairstylist & Art director