If you are considering putting in a new set of hair extensions, you’re probably wondering exactly how long this will take you!
Temporary hair extensions such as clip-ins take around 10 to 20 minutes to put in for a whole head, while on the other hand, more permanent hair extensions such as fusion hair extensions could take 3 to 4 hours to put in.
The table below shows more types of hair extensions and exactly how long it takes to put them in.
| Type of Extension: | Time to apply for full head: | How long they last: |
| Clip-in | 10-20 minutes | 1 year |
| Tape-in | 30-60 minutes | 6-8 weeks |
| Sew-in | 1-2 hours | 2-6 weeks |
| Fusion | 3-4 hours | 3 months or more, depending on how you care for them |
| Hair Piece | 5 minutes | N/A |
Keep reading to learn more about the different types of extensions and the process of installation!
Clip-in Extensions
Clip-in hair extensions are usually the most popular method, because of their quick application and the fact that you can achieve those dream locks in the comfort of your own home. It is also said to be the safest and least damaging to your own hair.
Clip-in extensions are very easy and quick to put in, with a bit of practice it can take you less than 10 minutes. The first few times will take a bit longer up to 20 mins, but once you get the hang of it, it will be a breeze. The strips of hair come with the clips already attached to them when you buy them.
This means you can simply take the strips of hair and clip them in by yourself!
If you want that long, full look without needing to make a trip to the salon, clip-in extensions are an excellent choice!
If you’re not too sure how to apply them, check out this video for some extra tips:
Tape-in Extensions
Depending on how many extension pieces you want, tape-in extensions take on average between 30-60 minutes to apply. Tape-ins have to be done by a professional for the best results, but once they are in you don’t have to sit in the salon for hours after that to look good.
It needs to be applied by a professional, because it needs to be aligned with the roots and are applied with a heated tool, usually a straightener, that heats up the glue and seals the bond. Tape-in extensions allow your hairdresser to customize the amount of hair used to accommodate clients of all ages and hair types.
Another amazing benefit of tape-ins, you can insert extensions only on the sides or places where you feel it is needed if you aren’t interested in a full head of extensions.
Sometimes you have long hair but you once had a fringe or a layer that you are trying to grow out and you don’t want your hair to look stringy, then you can just put in one or two strips to close that gap.
The great thing about tape-ins is that you only have to apply it every 6-8 weeks and you will be in and out of the salon in no time leaving you happy and hassle-free for a good amount of time.
Tape-in extensions allow for easy removal, the ability to reuse the hair and more placement options giving you that natural blended look you’re chasing.
When tape-in extensions get removed, glue removing products are used that are hair friendly and once your hair is washed and new glue strips are applied, the extension can be reinstalled. Tape-in extensions are exactly just that, extensions that are glued/taped together on pieces of your own hair as close to the roots as possible.
If you’re not sure how to apply your tape-ins, you can watch this clip for some guidance:
Sew-in Extensions/Weaves
Sew-in extensions can take between 1-2 hours to install. Sew-in extensions come in bundles and when putting in sew-ins, braiding the hair down takes most of your time. Braiding alone can take up 45 minutes to an hour.
When the hair is braided in cornrow braids, it should be braided down flat and secure on your head with leave-outs (pieces of your own hair), so that your weave hair looks perfectly blended, and doesn’t stand up and have that helmet look that you want to avoid.
A curved needle and weaving thread is then used to attach the wefts to the braids. To finish off, you can straighten or curl your leave-outs to match the texture of your weave hair and blend nicely.
Something you need to know before sitting through sew-in extensions, it takes a lot of time and care to maintain it and keep it looking good. The longer the weave hair is in, the more difficult it becomes to get your leave-out to match the extensions.
Fusion/Pre-bonded hair extensions
Fushion/Pre-bonded is also known as strand by strand extensions. Fusion hair extensions are individual strands of hair that basically gets glued to pieces of your own hair. Fusion extensions take 3-4 hours to apply and are also required to be applied by a hairdresser.
The application of fusion hair extensions involves a machine gun, that almost looks like a hot glue gun, which essentially glues the hair to individual strands of the natural hair. Another type of application for pre-bonded hair extensions uses a heat clamp to melt the glue to the natural hair.
Fusion extensions do take longer to apply than most other extensions, but they also last longer than most methods. Fusion extensions can last up to 4 months, but it can vary based on your hair type and growth.
The way you handle your extensions will also contribute to the length of time you can keep them in. If you tug on them, work with them very aggressively or use the wrong hair products that affect the glue bond it can cause them to fall out long before their time.
Fusion extensions are one of the most damaging methods for your natural hair, and for that reason, it is not recommended often and some hairdressers and experts will simply advise against it if you have previously damaged hair or really thin natural hair.
Hair Pieces
Hairpieces are probably the quickest methods to get the hair you desire. They are ready hairpieces that you just put on your head before you leave the house. Hairpieces take about 5 minutes to put on due to the ease and convenience.
Hairpieces come in different shapes and sizes in the shape of a bun or a hair tie, that makes it super easy to just place it on top of your own hair. They can be used to create different hairstyles, like super long ponytails with just one piece. Hairpieces can also be used on specific places on your head where you might be experiencing hair loss or your own hair is thinning.
Hairpieces are usually attached to plastic or netting and you will have to modify the way you wash and treat the hairpiece. Because hairpieces aren’t permanently attached to your head, they need to be washed separately from your hair.
Hairpieces that consist of real hair is usually extremely expensive and because of that, the majority of the hairpieces that are affordable to the average person will be synthetic. Synthetic hairpieces don’t last long and most of the time can’t take the heat so styling is very difficult.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, hairpieces are a quick fix for one or two occasions, but if you are chasing a full, long hair look that you can style differently, you would be better off choosing something a little more permanent.