Hair extensions may not seem like the kind of product that would necessarily be very big business. However, recent statistics tell a different story.
Indeed, the combined wigs and hair extensions market in the UK is expected to be worth around £550 million to £600 million in 2025, based on current exchange rates and growth predictions.
It helps, of course, that the current UK market for hair extensions offers such a variety of options, from temporary clip-ins to more permanent salon solutions.
This guide will take a closer look at the various hair extension types available in the UK right now. Hopefully, you will be left feeling better-informed, and more confident to invest in the hair extension type that best suits your lifestyle.
Clip-In Extensions
Of all types of hair extensions in the UK, clip-ins are the most user-friendly, and the least permanent. This makes them best suited to occasional use, or for people who are new to extensions.
These extensions come in wefts of various widths, with small clips attached, which you can easily section into your natural hair at home.
These extensions’ reputation as a relatively non-committal, budget-friendly option is reflected in their typical price range of around £60 to £200.
Another big “pro” of clip-on extensions is their quick and easy application; it only takes about five to 10 minutes to apply or remove them yourself. Zero damage is caused to the hair during application, and there is no need for heat, glue, or chemicals to be used.
But on the “con” side, clip-in extensions are definitely limited to temporary use; you will need to remove them each day before you sleep.
Tape-In Extensions
Tape-in extensions use thin, lightweight wefts with a medical-grade adhesive tab that is “sandwiched” between small sections of the wearer’s natural hair.
This is definitely among the hair extension types that are best applied professionally, to ensure a secure, natural-looking, and damage-free result. This semi-permanent solution requires a typical investment of approximately £200 to £500.
Tape-in extensions are suitable for most hair types. However, they are particularly ideal for people with fine or thin hair, due to their lightweight and flat design.
They aren’t so well-suited to naturally oily hair, given that oils can cause the tapes to slip. The need to prevent slippage is also why the use of oil-based products near the roots must be avoided.
It is a relatively quick process to apply tape-in extensions; a full head application usually takes less than two hours. However, if you do go with this type of extensions, you will need to arrange for a professional to reposition them every six to eight weeks as your hair grows.
Micro Ring/Bonds
If you would appreciate hair extensions that are versatile enough to allow for a full range of hairstyles, and that can last for several months with proper care, you may have good reason to consider micro ring or micro bond extensions.
The application process for these types of hair extensions involves the natural hair first being sectioned. Extension strands are then attached, either with a small, clamped silicone-lined ring (micro ring) or with a heat-fused keratin bond (micro bond).
Both methods can create a secure, subtle, and natural-looking finish by attaching individual or wefted strands to sections of your own hair close to the scalp.
Do bear in mind, though, that of the many different types of hair extensions in the UK, micro ring and micro bond extensions are especially time-consuming. It normally takes about two to three hours to apply and remove them. The removal process requires specialised pliers to carefully unclamp the rings or crush the bonds, before the extensions are gently taken out.
As you might expect, such sophisticated extensions aren’t cheap, either; a £300 to £800 price range is typical.
Weave/Sew-In
This traditional method entails the natural hair being braided into cornrows. This is followed by the sewing of the hair wefts onto the braids using a needle and thread.
Is security a particularly high priority for you when reading a hair extensions guide like this one? If so, you will be pleased to know that when you choose the weave method, your extensions will be highly unlikely to ever fall out.
This type of extension is a good match to textured hair, given the strong base this will provide for the braids. You probably shouldn’t choose traditional weave/sew-in extensions if you have fine hair, given the excessive tension this process could put on your natural hair.
You should note, too, that this type of hair extension requires regular salon visits – every six to eight weeks – to adjust the braids.
Still, with these hair extensions normally costing around £150 to £400, they could make a lot of sense for people with thick or coarse hair.
Making Your Decision
Careful consideration of your lifestyle, routine, and hair type will enable you to make a confident choice from the many types of hair extensions out there:
| Factor | Clip-In | Tape-In | Micro Ring | Weave |
| Damage Risk | None | Low | Very low | Low (if installed loosely) |
| Daily Styling Time | 5 minutes | 15 minutes | 20 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Cost Per Year (avg) | £120 | £800 | £900 | £600 |
| Heat Styling Freedom | Full | Full | Full | Limited near tracks |
| Swim-Proof | Remove first | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Ultimately, the best way to make a decision is to consult with a professional stylist. They can assess your hair’s needs and recommend the most suitable application method for a natural-looking and safe result.
Would you like to know more about the various types of hair extensions that exist? For an in-depth buying guide with terminology explained and detailed comparisons, this comprehensive hair extension guide and glossary covers everything UK buyers need to know.
Conclusion
To reaffirm what we stated earlier: if you are a complete beginner, look to clip-in extensions. But as this guide has also set out, there is huge variety and sophistication across the hair extension types now available in the UK market.
Book a consultation with a salon professional at a time that suits you, and they will be able to help you decide on the right hair extension type in which to invest.
