Hair Extensions 101: Which Type Is Best in LA?

Not all hair extensions are made the same way, and picking the wrong type for your hair, lifestyle, or maintenance budget is a mistake that is tough to reverse. Every method adds length or volume in its own way, calls for different upkeep, and suits some hair types better than others. As hair and beauty salon experts, we put together this guide to walk you through the four extension types available at Logunova Beauty Salon, with straightforward details on what each one involves, so you can decide before you walk through our doors. 

Why the Type of Extension Matters

Hair extensions are not a one-size-fits-all service. The method you choose affects how long the result lasts, how much maintenance is involved, how much natural hair is exposed to stress, and what the overall look will achieve. A tape-in and a sew-in produce different results for different reasons, and neither is categorically better than the other. The right choice depends on your hair texture, your daily routine, how often you plan to come in for maintenance, and what outcome you are trying to achieve. Getting this decision right before your appointment, rather than after, saves you time and money. A full consultation is part of how we approach every extension appointment at our hair services desk.

iTip Hair Extensions

iTip extensions use small, pre-tipped strands that are attached to your natural hair using a micro-ring or bead, without heat or glue. Each strand is placed individually. Because there is no adhesive in the method, iTip extensions are among the lower-commitment options in terms of chemical exposure. They can be reused after removal if maintained correctly.

At Logunova Beauty Salon, iTip extensions are priced from $2.50 per strand, with removal from $0.50 per strand. The total cost depends on how many strands are placed, which varies based on the volume and length you want to achieve.

iTip extensions work well for clients with fine to medium hair who want added length and volume without a full commitment to glued or sewn-in strands. They also suit clients who prefer a removable option they can adjust as their hair grows or their style changes.

Keratin Bonded Extensions

Keratin bonded extensions use a keratin adhesive to attach small wefts or strands to sections of your natural hair. The bond is applied with heat, fusing the extension strand close to the root. Done correctly by a trained stylist, keratin bonds sit flat against the scalp, are not visible, and hold securely through washing and styling.

At our salon, keratin extensions are priced at $4 per piece. A full head, which typically requires 120 pieces, is available at $500. Removal is priced at $7 per piece.

Keratin bonds require care at home, specifically in how and how often you wash. They are a better fit for clients who are committed to a maintenance routine than for those who want something lower-effort between salon visits.

Tape-In Extensions

Tape-in extensions use pre-taped wefts that are sandwiched around sections of your natural hair. They lie flat and are less visible at the roots than some other methods. Tape-in extensions can be removed and reapplied as your hair grows.

At Logunova Beauty Salon, tape-in extensions are priced at $170 for 10 sandwiches. Removal is from $6 per tape. The final cost depends on how many sandwiches are needed to achieve your desired volume and length.

Tape-ins suit clients who want a faster application than individual strand methods and who prefer a flat, natural-looking result close to the root. They require salon visits for repositioning as the hair grows, so clients should factor that into the total cost and time commitment.

Sew-In Extensions

Sew-in extensions are attached by braiding your natural hair into cornrows and sewing wefts of extension hair directly onto the braids. There is no adhesive or heat involved in the attachment itself. Sew-in extensions add significant volume and length and can last longer between maintenance visits than some other methods.

At our salon, sew-in extensions are priced from $250 per row, with removal priced at $40 per row. The number of rows needed depends on the area being covered and the result you want to achieve.

Sew-in extensions are typically well-suited to clients with thicker or coarser hair and those who want to wear their extensions for a longer continuous period. The braided foundation is important to get right, which is why the skill of the stylist performing the service matters significantly.

Which Extension Type Is Right for You?

The best extension for you depends on four things: your natural hair type, the result you are trying to achieve, how much maintenance you are willing to do at home, and how frequently you plan to visit the salon for upkeep.

iTip works well for finer hair with lower chemical commitment. Keratin bonded is strong for a flat result that holds through regular styling. Tape-in is fast to apply with manageable upkeep. Sew-in is built for volume, longevity, and thicker hair types.

If you are unsure which method fits your hair, our stylists will assess it in person before recommending anything. No appointment should start with a product choice you have not been walked through.

Hair Extensions at Logunova Beauty Salon in Downtown LA

Our hair extension services are performed by trained stylists led by Polina Logunova, recognized as Ukraine's #1 hairstylist with over 16 years of international experience. Polina personally trains every member of our team to the same standards she holds for her own work. Every extension appointment begins with a consultation on your hair type, lifestyle, and maintenance plan before we recommend a method.

We are open Monday through Sunday, 8am to 7pm, at 607 S Olive Street in the Heron Building, Downtown Los Angeles. Walk-ins are accepted. To book your extension consultation, visit logunova.com or call +1 (213) 338-2332. First-time clients receive 10% off all services.

Between appointments, we also carry our proprietary Logunova Radiant haircare line, which includes formulations suited to maintaining extension-treated hair. The full collection is available at our online store.

Related Topics:

• Do Beauty Salons in LA Offer Eco-Friendly Products?

• Understanding Permanent Makeup Options in LA Salons