Natural Beaded Rows vs. Halo Hair Extensions – Which is Better?

Get The Hair You Desire

When it comes to attaining long and flowing fullness with your hairstyle, not everyone can grow thick and gorgeous hair all on their own. That’s where the beauty of hair extensions comes into play. Instead of taking extensive hair supplements and waiting for years for new growth, hair extensions can give you the look you’ve always dreamed of in a matter of hours or even minutes.

Lucky for everyone out there, the choices for extensions are extensive but for every person searching for length or volume, you should always weigh their options carefully before committing. With all the numerous decisions to be made on what type to go with, today we take a look at two of the most popular types of hair extensions on the market: natural beaded rows and halos.

To help you on your hair extension journey, we will go over:

• The purpose of extensions
• Types of extensions
• Hair extension methods
• The value of each service
• Pros and cons
• How to choose the right preference for suitable for the hair you want

Understanding Hair Extensions

What Are Hair Extensions?

Hair extensions are wefts of hair that can be synthetic or real, designed to be blended into a customer’s very own hair or style to create a seamless look of fullness or length. The goal is to get the natural look you desire and to match your hair without anyone noticing anything other than how amazing you look.  With extensions rising in recent popularity, it’s no wonder why so many are rushing to their salon to look their best.

Why People Choose Hair Extensions

Although hair extensions can be suitable for every hair type, there are many reasons why customers are booking their extension appointments months in advance to get natural-looking tresses as soon as they can. One of the most common concerns is fine hair or hair that is thinning. This can be due to aging, medication, post-covid hair issues, hormonal issues, and even damage due to excessive or improper management.

For others, it can be the impatience of growing hair back after cutting it in a shorter style for summer but desiring longer locks for the fall. For some, it could simply wanting to look incredible for an upcoming event such as a prom, wedding, party, or gala. For some customers, the best time for extensions is after a breakup to rebuild that incredible confidence you had once again.

Key Considerations When Choosing Hair Extensions

Who can get extensions? Practically anyone can, but extensions can indeed be better suited for some versus others. If your hairstyle is pixie length short for example, it might be best to wait until it grows a bit more to shoulder-length hair to get a natural look. Depending on how well your hair care routine is, extensions may be the hairstyle you need without any extra fuss. Your hair type also plays a pivotal role in the decision-making. Some extensions are better than others for thinning or damaged hair as well. These are all things to be considered before booking your first hair salon consultation.

Natural Beaded Rows (NBR) Hair Extensions

What Are NBR Hair Extensions?

Natural beaded rows™ hair extensions, also known as NBRs, are a creative hair extension method that focuses on sewn-in wefts of human hair attached to colorful bead that matches your hair color and a string versus the traditional individual strand method. This method was carefully designed and created with the idea of less damage being done to the customer’s hair, and a more blended & natural appearance for a flawless look.

How NBR Extensions Are Installed

Hand-tied extensions are yet another term used for natural beaded row hair extensions. The term hand-tied hair extensions comes from each weft of hair that is done carefully by hand, tied, and attached to aluminum beads. This method takes small sections of hair that are thinner at the top portion closest to the bead and string to achieve more fullness at the bottom of each hand-crafted piece.

Each piece is carefully matched to the client’s own hair color or hair color of their choice to give a blended appearance. This is done before the application and installation of each section. This enables the highly skilled hair stylist to be able to lay each piece close enough to the scalp to avoid detection yet layer it in carefully placed rows. As extensions are placed with one row, most clients opt for two rows or more once they see and feel how undetectable they truly are. The precision of the hand tied method is critical when it comes to achieving a flawless look to achieve the desired look and feel for each client.

Lear more about NBR vs. Tape-In Extensions

Advantages of NBR Hair Extensions

Everyone wants hair that looks and feels completely natural. With NBR hair extensions, you can achieve just that with only your stylist knowing your secret. Hair extensions are an exclusive service offered by only the best salons with trained hair stylists to deliver the best look you can imagine. Here are some of the incredible benefits that NBR extensions can provide for you:

• Long Lasting Results – Results that can last for 6 – 8 weeks
• Discreet and Never Bulky
• Free of Damage
• Lightweight
• Custom Color Matching for Seamless Blending
• Resilient for an Active Lifestyle
• Supports New Hair Growth
• Style Versatility
  • Can be worn up, in a ponytail, braid, curl, straight, wavy
• Can Be Cared For Easily With Your Natural Hair

The advantages are almost endless and the hair extensions reviews speak for themselves with countless customers who feel like a whole new person with their results.

“I had Natural Beaded Rows Extensions done by Carlos and they are amazing. I’ve never felt so confident and beautiful!” -Kristen W.

Disadvantages of NBR Hair Extensions

With all of the incredible advantages of the fantastic NBR hair extensions, it’s hard to imagine any disadvantages to this amazing service. Although NBR hair extensions look far better than other types of extensions out there, Natural Beaded Rows might not be suitable for everyone. For example, if the hair is cut too short, NBRs might not be able to blend in as flawless as someone with a longer-length hairstyle.  Here are some of the possible disadvantages of Natural Beaded Rows Hair Extensions:

• Potential for hair damage
  • If the hair has extreme damage, the beaded rows might not be suitable to hold in place until the hair is further grown out or repaired
• Time and Maintenance Requirements.
  • Appointments require extensive time, especially for the initial placement
  • Every 6-8 weeks the beads need to be moved up by a professional with a scheduled appointment
• Higher Cost
  • This exclusive service is very time-consuming and requires a higher fee due to the time and skill level of the trained stylist
  • NBRs are real hair and are of high quality which also means a higher cost

Halo Hair Extensions

What Are Halo Hair Extensions?

Halo hair extensions are one solid section or row of hair woven into one piece that can generally be attached by clip, wire, or string. This is generally worn around the crown of the head to seamlessly blend into a person’s natural hair. A quality halo extension is made from human hair and can be worn daily as desired and removed daily as well.

How Halo Extensions Are Installed

Unlike Natural Beaded Rows Extensions, Halo extensions do not require a professional to put them in place or apply them. However, it is highly recommended to consult your stylist when purchasing them on what is the best method that works for you. If you don’t have time to consult a stylist, you can still apply your halo with great ease.

Anyone at home can simply make the adjustments themselves by following these simple steps.

For Clip In Halo Extensions:

1. Brush the hair thoroughly to avoid any tangles
2. Part the hair from the front section of the scalp starting at the top of the ears.
3. Form a part from one side and around to the next. You can use a comb or sectioning brush.
4. Clip the top section of the natural hair up, leaving the bottom half down.
5. Then clip the base of the hair root on the bottom section of the hair to hold the halo firmly in place.

For a Wire Halo Extension:

Advantages of Halo Hair Extensions

Halo extensions have become a popular option for customers looking for fuller hair without having to make an extended or long term commitment. Tape-in wefts or sew-in wefts require an appointment with a professional and hours to sit in the chair for installation. For those who like to look great without the wait, halo extensions are the go to extension style of choice.

Along with minimal to no downtime, halo extensions have many other numerous advantages:

• Affordable & Cost Effective
  • one time cost
  • less expensive than NBR extensions
• No Appointment Required
• Easy to Put On & Take Off
• No damage to the hair
• Can be applied at home
• No long term commitment

Disadvantages of Halo Hair Extensions

Although there are quite a few who choose to go with the halo extensions as their stylistic choice, there are a few drawbacks that customers need to consider before counting out the incredible NBR Extension service as a fantastic alternative.

Some of the disadvantages found from halo extensions are:

• Limited styling options
  • Not available for an updo, braids or ponytail without extensive hair pulling or noticing the clip/wire
• Not always an option for shorter hair styles
  • Blending becomes more of a challenge with noticeable length differences
• Daily application and removal versus every 6-8 weeks
  • May not be ideal for on the go lifestyles
  • Cannot be worn to bed
• May be visible without professional installation and care
• Wash and care takes extra time
• Cannot be worn swimming or during intense sport activities

Making the Right Choice: Natural Beaded Row Hair Extensions or Halo Hair Extensions

Now that you know the pros and cons of natural beaded row hair extensions and halo hair extensions, it’s time to find a method that works for you. This all begins by looking at each extension option and assessing your hair style desires. The way your hair looks at the starting point without extensions can help you decide the amount of hair you would need to achieve your goal.

Hair Type is Important

If you have thin hair and need extensive rows to achieve fullness, then natural beaded rows are probably the best choice for you. This allows you to add bountiful layers of tresses seamlessly without weighing down your scalp or being noticed by others. If you simple desire just a little extra oomph or only need one layer to achieve fullness, then halo hair extensions can be a great choice as well.

For oiler hair types, getting nbr extensions may present a challenge. This can lead to slippage if not properly cared for or washed more frequently to prevent build-up in between appointments. It might make more sense to use a clip-in halo extension to hold the hair weft in place. Even if you have an oiler hair type, don’t count out NBR extensions just yet. With dry shampoo or other hair products and proper care, the aluminum beads are certainly known for their staying power to prevent this issue.

Considering Clip-In Extensions? Read our article on Natural Beaded Rows vs. Clip-In Extensions.

Lifestyle Considerations

Styling our hair has always been a part of our daily routine, whether it’s throwing it together quickly, taking our time putting in rollers for a beautiful set of curls, in a ponytail for a jog or simply running a brush through to get rid of those pesky fly aways. When deciding on which extension method is right for you, it’s always sensical to consider how your lifestyle and daily hair care routine fits for each one.

For example, for many who are quick with their hair care routine or always on the go a ponytail or messy bun just makes sense. That’s where Natural Beaded Row Extensions make perfect sense. Since it blends seamlessly with your own hair and can be worn in virtually any style, NBRs are great for those on the go lifestyle people.

For others who find themselves with little desire to sit in a stylists chair or don’t often make hair care appointments to get their hair done, a halo hair extension might be the right choice for them. This gives them the time and flexibility to apply extensions at their own convenience especially if last minute plans to go out and about come along far too often.

Budget Considerations

Most understand that when considering getting any type of hair extensions, cost is an important factor. That’s why it’s significant to choose to alter your mindset from cost to investment. Hair extensions are an investment in your confidence. Hair extensions are an investment in your lifestyle. If you are looking for cheap alternatives, you may find yourself disappointed with lower quality hair, poor installation techniques, or even worse, hair damage.

Both Halo Hair Extensions and Natural Beaded Row Extensions are amazing investments. However Halo extensions have a less expensive cost on the front end, meaning your cost is simply one time. If you choose to change your hair color, the cost may increase because the halo can also be brought in for a hair color change as well to continue matching your color.

Natural Beaded Rows are significantly more costly because of the time your highly skilled and trained stylist puts in when the har extensions are placed. With appointments required every 6-8 weeks to move the beads up and readjust your rows to continue to blend flawlessly, each appointment comes with a cost as well. The results are incredible and according to reviews, very well worth it!

Summary

Hair extensions have long been the answer to the question of how can I achieve longer and more fuller hair in just one day. With Natural Beaded Row Extensions and Halo Hair Extensions the wait is over. Those who have always desired the hair of their dreams have been checking yes box to achieving their long awaited goal with extensions. Whether it’s clipping in a halo as you walk out the door or sitting down with a highly skilled hair stylist for flawless layers of extension perfection, voluptuous tresses can give you the confidence you’ve always dared to imagine.

After considering your own personal style, weighing the pros and cons of each method the answer should be clear to book your appointment today for your next extension consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q. How Long Do NBR Hair Extensions Last?
  • A. NBR Hair Extensions can last from 6 months to one year depending on your lifestyle, and hair care routine. Salt water, chlorine and poor hair products can affect the lifetime of the extensions.
• Q. Can Halo Hair Extensions Be Worn Every Day?
  • A. Yes, Halo Hair Extensions can be worn daily.
• Q. How Do I Care for My NBR Extensions?
  • A. Washing should be gentle and sulfate-free products are highly recommended. Avoid scrubbing if possible. Microfiber towels are recommended for towel drying. Air drying when possible is also suggested to reduce heat damage or using a lower heat setting. Use gentle brushing for daily care and to avoid matting. For sleeping, braids are also preferred nightly along with a silk pillow case to keep the hair smooth in appearance.
• Q. How do I Care for My Halo Extensions?
  • A. Washing is recommended once a month or every 2-3 months with shampoo and lukewarm water. Be sure to use a sulfate-free product. Brush the extensions with each use gently to avoid matting and tangling. For heated styling, use a low heat setting and a heat protectant spray to prevent extensive damage. Avoid sleeping in extensions and store them in a protected pouch or case. 
• Q. Can I Dye or Style My Extensions?
  • A. Dyeing extensions at home is not recommended. See your stylist if you choose to dye your extensions in order to get the best results.
• Q. What Happens if My Hair Type Changes?
  • A. If your hair type or style changes, see your stylist immediately to see if your extensions can be cut, dyed, or readjusted to suit your new look.
• Q. How Do I Find a Qualified Stylist for NBR Extensions?
  • A. We highly recommend booking with Trademark Salon and Spa for all of your NBR Extensions needs today. Their stylists are highly skilled and trained in the latest NBR techniques and unique Goldwell color matching to transform your look to meet your hairstyling needs.
• Q. Are There Any Risks Associated with These Extensions?
  • A. With any hair style change or method, there are always risks such as breakage, slippage, or weighing the hair down if not properly installed. This is why it is important to book a consultation with a trained professional who can make sure that NBR Extensions or Halo Extensions are right for you.
• Q. How long does it take for NBR extensions to be applied?
  • A. After your initial consultation appointment, depending on how many rows are needed and if other additional hair care services are desired, your first appointment can last from 4 hours or more.