HAIR EXTENSIONS

Almost everyone will agree that having long hair is a lot of time and effort. Sometimes it seems like the time and effort involved is too much. The instant way to long hair is long haired wigs, long hair pieces or hair extensions.

Hair extensions have been popular off and on for several years. Many movie stars ranging from Madonna and Demi Moore to Cameron Diaz have used hair extensions for movie roles. It is a great way to create an instant long haired look.

With the recent introduction of clip-in extensions more women, celebrities and non-celebs alike, are wearing add-on tresses.

What Are Hair Extensions?

Many people are curious about what materials are used to create various hair extensions. This is not an easy answer since hair extensions can be created from 100% real human hair, 100% synthetic hair or a mixture of human, synthetic and animal hair.

Hair extensions are available in just about any color, texture or length. Popular TV star Brandi often wears extensions as well.

How are hair extensions applied?

Fusion, Strand by Strand, or Pre-Tipped Hair - This is a process done strand by strand in small sections. Using heated adhesive sticks and glue gun made for hair extensions, extension hair is added directly to your own hair. Hair can be bought already cut, weft removed and pre tipped with adhesive, a purging tool is used to warm the adhesive and apply it to your hair. Your hair lies over the top for a natural look. We sell a starter kit with glue gun video and all items you need to use a gun and adhesive sticks method and we sell pre tipped hair with the tool.

Weaving - This is a process which you create a corn row or track around the head and close to the scalp Extension hair is sewn on the tracks. Your own hair lays over the tracks for a natural look.

Bonding - This is the easiest method. A bonding glue is applied onto the weft of the extension hair and then applied at the root of your hair. This is a temporary method. We sell bonding glue and remover.

Mini-Links - This method uses no glue, no heat, no remover and also no damage to the hair. Small circular links are used. Your own hair is pulled through in small pieces with a tool that looks like a crochet hook then the pre tipped hair is put inside the link and it is squeezed tight. To remove use pinchers to open the link. Hair can be reused. Weaves can be done with links. Make a row of links and sew extensions hair to the links. You can also use a link in certain spots that may be lifting to hold it down or make it to your next appointment. Links are also used to make a circle and sew down a hairpiece or to hold down wigs. The plus is no glue and no heat and they are very small so they lay really flat and are hard to see.
Tape on and seamless - This is a hot new product. The wefted part of the hair is made from a polyurethane really thin flat strip that is already pre taped with a stick double sided tape. You just pull the backing off and apply the hair. Easy to do yourself. It lasts 1-5 days or you can add the adhesive we sell and it lasts several months. This is the new wave of the movie stars as the hair lies flat to the head no one knows you are wearing them if they touch your head. They are very comfortable to wear and easy to apply.

Care Of Your Hair Extensions

The hair extension is placed on the parting of a small section of hair and the hair criss-crossed over the extension. The real hair and the hair extension are then tightly plaited or braided together and painted with a bonding solutions. A heated clamp melts the solution sealing the extension around the hair. This is known as "heat sealing".

Hair extensions must be attached by a professional hairdresser or hair expert. It is very difficult and risky to attempt to add hair extensions on your own. Not only will the attachments be hard to handle, you may wind up with an uneven overall length or possibly damage your hair unnecessarily.

Life Expectancy Of The Extension

Most extensions, if applied properly, will last up to four months. After this the special glue-like bond attached to your natural hair will begin to loosen and fall off. Many people will only keep their hair extensions for a short period of time for a special event or occasion. How long extensions are kept is a personal decision.

Hair extensions are washed and treated the same way as you do your natural hair. Hair extensions do tend to wear out with normal wash and wear. As your hair grows, this will tend to affect the extensions. It is recommended that you used high quality gentle hair care products to encourage a long life for your extensions.

Removing The Extension

Removal of hair extensions can be done by the professional that applied them or can be carefully removed at home. You can remove hair extensions by twisting the tiny braided attachments and then gently snapping the seal.

Disadvantages Of Hair Extensions

It is a well known fact that hair extensions can do damage to your natural hair. The glue that is attached to your natural hair can burn and split the ends of your hair. This means that you will almost always be required to have the ends of your hair cut after the extensions are removed.

Also, if a lot of long or heavy extensions are added, this applies additional pressure to your scalp. One of the dangers of extra pressure to your scalp can be a thinning of your natural hair. In some cases there have been reports of headaches from the added weight of the hair or allergies to the bonding glue that is used. Everyone is different and will react to hair extensions in a different way. They are not necessarily good or bad. It depends on a number of factors that you have to consider.

If you are trying to grow your hair long, you might want to think seriously of the potential damage the hair extensions could do to your long hair quest. However, if you only would like a new look for a few months and are prepared to lose some inches along with the extensions, they can be a great solution.

The best advice is to find an expert at hair extensions and discuss all the pros and cons of the instant hair look.

Advantages Of Hair Extensions

Hair extensions can be a lot of fun if you are aware of the risks and the procedures. If you get good advice and find a professional who is skilled at extensions here are some of the advantages you can enjoy:

1. You have an instant new look that is fairly easy to care for once it is applied.

2. You can change the look at any time and know that the long hair has a limited life cycle.

3. You can have an intricate patterns of different colors or beads added to the extension without additional damage to your hair.

4. You can try the look and feel of long hair before you decide to invest a lot of time and energy growing your own.

Can I brush, curl blow dry and wash it?

Absolutely! This is your new hair. Curl it and have fun. Though you can wash everyday you will find that your extensions hair will stay clean and curled for days. Wake up too late this morning? No problem. Your hair still looks great! This does not apply to all hair curl patterns. Deep wave and very curly textures you may not want to brush out or it can get frizzy. This hair let air dry, use a wide tooth comb if you choose and scrunch. Please note hair will dry out sooner when using blow dryers and hot implements. Air drying is a great idea.

How do I wash them?

Wash the hair in one direction. From top to bottom. Avoid washing hair upside down in the sink. Use shampoos and conditioners that are for dry hair and add the most moisture. Wash hair right after swimming. When brushing your hair, start from the bottom and work your way up while holding the top part to keep it from shedding or stretching.

Can I color or perm the extension hair?

The great thing about our human hair is it comes with the perm in it and you can choose your color. Because the hair has been processed and sterilized we do not advise doing any more chemical treatments on it as it can easily be ruined or not come out the color you want. If you do decide to it is best to use a semi permanent color or color conditioner and not peroxide.

What about coloring my own hair?

You or your stylist may definetly color your own hair. Just color the area of hair that has been left out of the extensions. Careful not to get color on the extensions hair as it grabs color really fast.

What types of products should I use?

Moisture is the most important thing. Please do not use products for oily hair or strippers that take out chlorine or product build up. These leave the hair dry. Use styling products that are zero or low alcohol. Products for dry hair are the best. Spray in conditioners and glossifiers are wonderful for the ends.

Use products for dry hair. Avoid products for oily or normal hair or clarifiers. Use a mild shampoo, conditioner and leave in detangler.

Can I swim and go in the ocean?

You may go in swimming pools and hot tubs. It is best to wash hair right after swimming. Avoid getting hair in salt water as the salt can take all the moisture out of the hair and it tangle. Never braid your hair and go in salt water. It is best to wear it down. Add a spray in conditioner after swimming.

Will anyone know I am wearing them?

No one should be able to tell. Choosing the right color and curl pattern is important. With the right application you will know they are there but no one else will.

Will hair extensions work with curly hair?

Clip on hair extensions come in straight and a slight wave and do not work with curly hair unless your hair is straightened.

Will hair extensions work with real thin hair?

Yes, depending on the severity of the thinning. You will need enough hair to lie over the top of the weft and clip to cover it. Backcombing the hair above the weft can help hide the weft and clip. Backcombing and hair spraying the hair where you will attach the clip helps make the clip even more secure.