The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Hair Extensions for a Miami Lifestyle
- adriana
- Jul 19, 2024
- 6 min read
Whether you’re hitting the downtown scene in Wynwood or sprawling out on the sandy white shores of South Beach, you need a look that slays - you know, to keep up with the theme of fashion and beauty that encompasses the Miami scene.
Image by Volodymyr Shcerbak / Adobestock
And while you may have picked out your collection of Instagram-worthy #vacationoutfits for your upcoming Miami debut, if you’ve chucked your hair to the wayside without a second thought, you’re in for a major disappointment.
Don’t think you need to run off to the salon for an entirely new look though, queen. What is your secret weapon for your upcoming vacay? Hair extensions. Hair extensions will immediately transform your hair from “basic” to “glamazon,” ensuring you can create the ultimate Miami look.
Which extensions are right for your Miami lifestyle, though? This article breaks down everything you need to know about choosing extensions in Miami, Florida - whether you’re staying for the weekend or have made the bustling and beautiful Miami your permanent destination.
Top Four Things to Consider When Choosing Extensions in Miami
There are a few different types of hair extensions that will work well in Miami, Florida. However, to help you make the choice that’s right for you, we’re highlighting the top four things you need to consider before purchasing:
Weather
One of the draws to Miami, Florida, is the sensational weather. But while the humidity and heat may be great for poolside adventures - even in winter - it’s not great for hair. You need to be extra careful when choosing extensions. Some may be more prone to damage and wear from the weather of Miami!
Activities
Plenty of Miami residents and vacationers take to the beaches and pools to escape the heat, which always equates to a good time! Yet, like the weather, salt water and chlorinated water can impact hair.
The same applies to ladies who consider themselves active outside of the water. Sweat can damage specific hair extensions, making them unsuitable for these women.
Hair Type
Another thing you absolutely must consider when choosing hair extensions? Your hair type, of course!
This one’s pretty basic: always purchase extensions that closely match your hair’s natural texture and color.
While you can customize the majority of hair extensions to get your “perfect match,” this can be time-consuming and hassling. Wouldn’t you instead buy hair extensions you can wear from the get-go without any customizing necessary? Let’s save our energy, girls!
Budget
Finally, consider your budget.
Now, I will never tell you to go cheap on hair extensions - especially in Miami. But I completely understand if you need to choose a less expensive option to suit your needs.
My biggest tip? Don’t break the bank! You can find high-quality hair extensions that fit your budget. You just may need to go for a different type or length.
Image by 6okean / Adobestock
Top Four Hair Extension Options for a Miami Lifestyle
Now, with all these things in mind, it’s time to unveil the top extension choices for a Miami lifestyle. Which one will end up in your shopping cart?
1. Tape-in Hair Extensions
You might be surprised to see tape-in hair extensions on this list. After all, one might think tape is still being prepared to handle the humidity, heat, and other factors typical of Miami. But they’re surprisingly durable!
Tape-in hair extensions have the significant perk of being very lightweight, so you won’t feel bogged down or heavy when traipsing under the Miami sun. They’re also safe for other activities, like swimming or sunbathing, and can be pulled back into a ponytail for workout sessions and other strenuous activities. These undetectable hair extensions can be installed at home or by a professional. With proper maintenance, they can easily last up to eight weeks.
2. Sew-in Hair Extensions
Another excellent option for Miami-goers? Sew-in hair extensions! Because these extensions are directly sewn into your hair, they won’t come loose for quite some time - ensuring you can enjoy the Miami scene without worrying about clips, tapes, or other hassles.
The downside to sew-in hair extensions is that they need to be installed by a professional. Improper installation can and will damage your natural tresses, and that’s definitely something you want to avoid!
3. Micro-Link Hair Extensions
Micro-link hair extensions are one of the best options for a Miami lifestyle. They’re applied without tape, glue, or other products that could potentially be impacted by humidity, heat, and other factors.
Micro-links are installed using small beads that attach to your natural tresses, ensuring they are virtually undetectable. You can wear them anywhere - the beach, the pool, the gym, the nightclub - without a second thought.
Like sew-ins, micro-links must also be installed by a professional. They can be pretty expensive, but the good news is that they can be reused several times if properly cared for, cutting down on some of the cost.
4. Clip-in Hair Extensions
Clip-in hair extensions are the least expensive option on this list. That’s because they’re not semi-permanent. They are 100% temporary, meaning they’ll need to be installed and taken out daily. Luckily, they’re not difficult to apply and shouldn’t take you longer than 10 to 20 minutes!
The other drawback to clip-in hair extensions is that they’re unsuitable for swimming, exercise, or other activities. In a nutshell, clip-ins are geared to make you look like a million bucks - and that’s it.
Synthetic VS. Human Hair
At this point, you probably know what type of hair extensions you will buy - tape-in, sew-in, micro-link, or clip-ins. But we need to discuss one very important issue: synthetic vs. human hair.
Now, you might reach for synthetic hair extensions because they’re less expensive. Plus, technology has changed a lot in recent years, and synthetic is lookin’ pretty darn real.
However, synthetic is not going to stand up to the rigors of the Miami, Florida climate. They’ll get frizzy and tangle very quickly, leaving you with sub-par extensions you won’t want to wear in public.
That said, always buy real human hair extensions! They can handle the Miami weather and activities much better, leaving you with flawless tresses from start to end.
Image by Pixel - Shot / Adobestock
Maintenance: Your Key to Unlocking Beautiful Miami Extensions
Regardless of the kind of hair extensions you wear, one thing remains true: proper maintenance is essential to the longevity, well-being, and beauty of your extensions, especially in Miami. Here are a few of my top tips:
Use anti-frizz products: This probably goes without saying, but applying a good anti-frizz product to your extensions (and the rest of your hair) is an excellent way to fend off issues caused by the humidity.
Moisturize regularly: Extensions are prone to drying out, especially in Miami weather. Deep, leave-in conditioners are your extensions best friend forever!
Use heat protectant: You should use this product before using hot tools or spending a day in the Miami sun!
Rinse after swimming: Whether you’re taking a dip in the pool or the ocean, a quick rinse to remove all of the residue is essential when you’re done!
Wash regularly: Washing your extensions at least once or twice a week is good practice. Ensure you’re using an extension-safe shampoo, and don’t forget your conditioner!
Brush daily: Use a wide-tooth comb or an extension brush to remove tangles, knots, and mats. I recommend brushing/combing at least three times a day or whenever your hair needs it.
Protect at night: When you're sleeping, opt for a silk/satin bonnet or pillowcase. Protective styles, like braids, are also ideal for warding off tangles and knots.
Avoid heavy products: Overly heavy products will not only weigh down your extensions and make them appear greasy and gross, but the extra heaviness will be uncomfortable.
What are the best hair extensions for an active lifestyle?
Girls in Miami with a very active lifestyle should choose micro-link hair extensions!
What are the best hair extensions for thin hair?
What are the best hair extensions for thin-haired babes in Miami? Again, it’s micro-link hair extensions to the rescue!
What is the most natural looking hair extension method?
Several hair extension methods offer natural finishes. However, the two that offer the most natural finish are a toss-up between micro-links and tape-ins.
Flawless Hair in Miami Begins with the Right Extensions
To have everyone drooling over your hair in Miami, it all starts with the right hair extensions. Tape-ins, sew-ins, micro-links, and clip-ins are the top four contenders. Just make sure you’re purchasing natural human hair matching your texture and color. Properly maintain your extensions to keep them in tip-top shape, even when faced with the Miami climate!