Hair Extensions For Thin Hair - Your Destined Product Is Here
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Picking the right hair extensions for thin hair can be a real head-scratcher. Don't you worry though, we've got a detailed guide to choose, apply, and even some secret product recommendations to help you slay!
Introduction
For any hair salon, providing the right solution for hair extensions in clients with thin hair will stabilise your revenue in the years to come. After all, you're in a market valued at USD 4.44 billion and constantly growing! Here, we'll walk you through the knowledge you gotta grab to be a sound hairdresser. Reach the very last word to snag our recommended product and secret tips too.
Hair Extensions For Thin Hair
How To Know If Hair Is Thin Or Not?
Firstly, you must have all the indicators of thin hair to conclude. Here are the methods:
Check The Scalp
Use your hands and gently part your client's hair and take a look at their scalp. If you can easily see large patches of scalp through the hair, that's a sign of thin hair.
Another way is to make a ponytail. Start to gather your client's hair in a ponytail and observe. If the ponytail feels very limp and thin, or you can easily see the scalp underneath, and the circumference is less than 2 inches (5 cm), that suggests thin hair.
Check The Hair Strand Thickness
The next tip is to use the touch test. Take a single strand of hair between your thumb and forefinger. If you can barely feel it and it seems very fine, that's indicative of thin hair. Another tip is to hold a strand of your client's hair next to the sewing thread. Fine hair strands are usually less than 70 microns in diameter. If the hair is thinner than the thread, it's likely on the finer side. Remember, what we are talking about is normal household thread, standard all-purpose sewing thread.
Counting Hair Follicles
In a 1 cm² area, healthy hair density is usually between 80 to 120 hair follicles. A density significantly lower than this range indicates thinning hair. However, you cannot count it with the naked eye; a densitometer or a trichoscope is the tool for it.
How To Choose Hair Extensions for Thin Hair
Avoid Stressing Natural Hair
When selecting hair extensions for thin hair, lightweight options are strictly recommended to avoid placing undue stress on the natural hair. Extensions like tape-ins or halo extensions are ideal because they distribute weight evenly and minimise tension on the hair follicles.
Go With Hair Extensions That Provide A Natural Look
Thin hair makes it easier to see whatever your clients wear on their heads, so it's crucial to choose hair extensions that blend seamlessly with the client’s existing hair.
The right hair extensions for thin hair are virtually undetectable and enhance the overall appearance without looking artificial. Real human hair extensions give you an edge when aiming for a natural look compared to synthetic hair extensions. Therefore, consider investing in high-quality human hair extensions.
Right Length And Volume
The key here is the "right" amount. To achieve the desired look without overwhelming the natural hair, hairdressers must aim to enhance the hair’s natural beauty, not overshadow it. How do you know what is right for hair extensions for thin hair?
For a natural look, select extensions that are no more than twice the length of the client’s natural hair. For instance, if the client’s hair is shoulder-length, extensions should not extend beyond the mid-back.
Regarding volume, consider a ratio of 1:1 to 1:1.5. For every section of natural hair, add a section of extensions equal to or 1.5 times the volume of the natural hair. Applying this ratio helps achieve a natural enhancement without looking too bulky. Additionally, use thinner wefts or fewer wefts. For instance, if a typical full-head application uses 8-10 wefts, consider using 5-7 wefts for clients with thin hair to reduce the weight and strain on the natural hair.
Best Types of Hair Extensions For Thin Hair
Clip-In Extensions
Thin hair is typically fragile. That is why hairdressers should choose hair extensions that minimise stress and damage. For temporary cases, such as clients attending events or photoshoots, clip-in extensions are the best fit of hair extensions for thin hair. These extensions are easy to apply and remove, adding volume and length temporarily without the commitment of a permanent solution. You should choose lighter wefts to avoid adding too much weight.
Besides, consider applying this placement technique: place the clips closer to the roots and ensure even distribution to create a fuller look without noticeable gaps. Then, follow this strategy, start with the largest wefts at the back of the head and use smaller wefts on the sides to blend seamlessly with the natural hair.
For clients with thin hair aiming for a noticeable volume boost, typically 100-150 grams of hair extensions are sufficient. Our experience suggests around 5-7 wefts, but this depends on the weft size. Larger wefts will naturally hold more hair strands compared to smaller wefts, meaning you'll need fewer large wefts (maybe 5) to reach the desired 100-150 grams of hair for volume compared to smaller wefts (maybe 7) which would have less hair per weft. If your client desires both length and volume, you may need around 150-200 grams of hair extensions, which equates to about 7-10 wefts.
For example, for a client with thin hair who wants a moderate volume boost:
Base Requirement: 100 grams of hair extensions.
Weft Distribution:
1 large weft for the back (20 grams)
2 medium wefts for the middle section (30 grams each)
2 small wefts for the sides (10 grams each)
Step-by-Step Calculation:
Large Weft (1 x 20 grams): 20 grams
Medium Wefts (2 x 30 grams): 60 grams
Small Wefts (2 x 10 grams): 20 grams
Total: 20 + 60 + 20 = 100 grams
Each client has a different hair situation, so you can develop your own formula based on the real situation. However, the rule remains the same: don't put too much weight on thin hair. To achieve significant volume for a client with hair that lacks overall density, we can strategically leverage their thicker areas.
Also, quality hair extensions are crucial. Buy from trusted brands to ensure you get guaranteed quality products. High-quality hair extensions are not only healthy for you and your clients, but they also adhere to consistent weight standards for each weft size. This ensures you can accurately determine the amount of hair being added and avoid overloading your client's natural hair.
Tape-In Extensions
Tape-in extensions are another excellent choice for hair extensions for thin hair. The thin adhesive strips lie flat against the scalp, making them virtually undetectable and comfortable for clients with fine hair. These extensions are semi-permanent, lasting several weeks, and are perfect for clients who prefer not to fuss with daily application and want to boost their confidence every day.
Our recommended formula for thin hair is around 40-60 tape-in pieces, sufficient for 100-150 grams of hair, which is common for clients with thin to medium hair seeking a noticeable volume boost. Most tape-in extensions weigh around 2.5 grams per piece. Based on the desired volume and length, calculate the total weight of hair required.
Total Weight Needed: Assume 120 grams for moderate volume.
Number of Pieces = Total Weight Needed / Weight of Each Tape-In Piece
Number of Pieces = 120 grams / 2.5 grams per piece = 48 pieces
You might ask, 'How can I know if a client's hair can handle the weight of extensions?' The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all answer because everyone's hair is different. To determine if a client’s real hair can bear these extensions, start with the lightest option and ask clients for feedback to see if they experience any discomfort or signs of extensions being unsuitable, such as hair loss. This trial and feedback process will help you find the best solution for each client.
Halo Extensions
Without any adhesive or clips and without any stress on their natural hair follicles, halo extensions are an ideal solution for hair extensions for thin hair. These extensions use an invisible wire that sits on the crown of the head like a headband, with the hair weft blending with the client’s natural hair.
The tip here for thin hair is to aim for the lower end of the spectrum, around 60-120 grams, depending on the desired volume and length. We highly recommend using a 100-gram Halo extension with a length of 14-16 inches. It's our best seller and fits almost any case. As always, invest in a good quality halo extension made from real human hair or high-quality synthetic fibres. This will ensure a more natural look and longer lifespan.
Micro-Link Extensions
Micro-link extensions might not be suitable for extremely fine hair as they might not hold the beads well, causing them to slip out. However, for clients with medium fine hair who prefer a more permanent solution without using heat or glue, micro-link extensions are an ideal option for hair extensions for thin hair. It can last up to 3-4 months.
These extensions use small silicone-lined beads to attach the extension strands to natural hair, making them adjustable and comfortable. They are less likely to cause damage because they do not use harsh chemicals or heat. For thin hair, use smaller beads and fewer extensions to avoid overloading the natural hair. Regular maintenance is necessary to move the beads up as the hair grows, so you may need to schedule more frequent appointments with clients.
Conclusion
For men, it's 80%. For women, it's 50%. These are the percentages of people who experience thin hair during their lifetime, and the number increases after the age of 30. We hope this information encourages you to invest in quality hair extensions for thin hair to better serve the growing market demand. The more your clients understand and have a better experience with your hair extensions service, the more you can increase your loyal customer base. And it all starts with quality hair extensions and the right type of extensions.
So, where can you get that quality? Nowhere but LBLS. We are proud to supply the hair extensions market with premium quality and the most diverse types available. Inbox us if you have any questions. We're here for your queries.