Hair extensions are the latest trend in gaining long, thick locks of hair. Celebrities such as Fergie, Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, and Paris Hilton have all sported extensions. Even Jessica Simpson has dabbled in clip in bangs. And although they look lovely, are extensions for you? Here are a few things that you need to know before you invest in extensions.
Hair extensions come in different types. The least invasive type of hair extension is the clip-in. You can purchase ready made clip in extensions or you can even make your own. The extension hair is attached to a comb-like clip that you slide into your hair at the scalp and lock in place, like a barrette. They come in a large variety of colors and lengths. They can be made of real human hair, yak hair, and synthetic hair. They come in bangs, pieces, or large sections. These are no-commitment hair extensions as you can take them out at any time.
There are permanent types of hair extensions. The first is bonded or fusion hair extensions. Small sections of extension hair is fused or glued to sections of real hair. These extensions are applied by a professional and look great. However, if the extensions needs to be removed, a special adhesive remover is acquired. Residue may be left in the hair and hair may be damaged as a result.
Some extensions are applied to braids. The natural hair is braided into small, tight cornrows. Wefts (or sections) of extensions hair are sewed right onto the cornrows. This is a time consuming method of application, but the extensions stay tight and are less likely to fall out. Eventually, the hair will need to be rebraided and the wefts reapplied as the hair grows and the braid moves away from the scalp.
My favorite type of hair extensions are applied with a small bead. Small sections of natural hair and the extension hair are threaded through a bead and slid up the hair shaft towards the scalp. The bead is closed with a special tool to hold the hair firmly. These extensions are the least damaging to the hair and the easiest to maintain, but fall out more easily. The extensions can be removed by having the bead re-opened by the stylist.
Hair extensions, aside from clip ins, should be made with real hair. Synthetic extensions cannot stand up to the day to day wear, nor can they be heat styled as they will melt. Human hair extensions can be heat styled, color treated (although bleaching is not recommended), and washed.
Hair extensions are expensive. Human hair is costly. Since human hair only grows about half an inch a month, it takes several years to grow enough hair to be made into extensions. Often times, hair is imported from India where women donate it to their temples to raise money. It is sanitized and treated. A full head of hair extensions could cost several hundred dollars or more. Also, hair extensions require regular adjustments, with the cost varying from salon to salon.
Hair extensions are high maintenance. Hair extensions require regular trips to the salon – approximately once a month, depending on how fast your hair grows. This is to move the extension closer to the scalp. Extensions also require maintenance at home. They must be shampooed and conditioned carefully. Hair extensions can be combed, brushed, flat ironed, and blow dried, but you must be extremely careful not to catch the beads, braids, or fusions and pull out your extensions. They also get tangled very easily, so you need to put them in a loose braid for sleeping, working out, or playing hard.
Hair extensions can be painful . Although extensions look beautiful, they don’t always feel good. It can be uncomfortable sitting for the length of time it takes to get the extensions applied or maintained. Some folks will get headaches from the extra weight of the extensions or the tightness of the braids. Improperly applied extensions can cause painful lacerations or swelling of the scalp. And if for some reason an MRI or CT scan is required for a person with hair extensions, they may all need to be removed quickly, which may result in the head being shaved.
It is important to weight all the facts regarding hair extensions. When done well, hair extensions are beautiful, safe, and worth the investment. If you believe that hair extensions are right for you, do your research to find the best salon and the best stylist to trust with your head of hair.
