Heyyyyyyy! Okay I know that I should’ve posted this sometime back but I got busy with an exam and the whole stress that it brings with it. Speaking of which please remember me in your prayers for the dreaded result. So anyway let’s talk about hair extensions.

Hair extensions have been around for quiet sometime but they have become a huge thing over the last few years. This post is going to be all about hair extensions, I will try to give you all the info you need if you are considering getting them or maybe help you understand the extensions a bit better if you are against them (so maybe you will understand why your certain friend is using them and judge her a little less :P)

We see hair extensions all over Hollywood red carpets. They are a fabulous way to add length and volume. First things first, let’s first decide what you really want and if you are ready to carry them with confidence or not. If you want a drastic change and would go for much longer and heavier extensions then make sure that you are completely ready to rock them. If you are looking to just add a bit of volume without playing with the existing length of your hair then you must learn the correct way of putting them up in your hair to make it look very natural. If you are someone who uses extensions only on big occasions like weddings etc then you have nothing to worry about.

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Let’s first see what kind of extensions are available in the market. Now these are some of the top methods known to us

Clip on extensions

Clip On extensions are the easiest to use and probably the cheapest option when you want to give your hair that extra boost of volume. They can be applied without the help of a specialist and they last for about a day or two, just enough so that you can look fabulous for whatever important event you have planned. They are usually attached with a bobby pin, a clip or a comb which usually has to be concealed with your natural hair; and when it comes to matching them with your hair colour, there are many options out there for natural coloured hair. The advantage of wearing clip on hair extensions is the fact that you can easily take them off and just wear them without any prior preparation; however, they generally have to be removed before going to bed.

Bonding

Bonding is a method that implies weaving but is not as durable as classic weaving methods. The method involves applying glue to an extension and adding it to a person’s hair. This doesn’t cause as much damage to the hair as other application techniques as long as it is removed by a professional. The Tape In method is similar to bonding but the extensions come with an already applied tape that will stick to the hair. There are two types of bonding: soft bond which is a little more delicate on your hair and a hard bond that is usually done when the soft bond doesn’t hold the hair properly. These are semi-permanent bonds and they usually last about 4-6 weeks.

Lace front

Lace Fronts is one of the newest methods when it comes to weave in extensions. They are made with a nylon mesh material that has been formed into a cap; onto the cap the stylist knots single strands of hair, a method that allows for a more natural look than other extension application techniques. These can be either woven in or attached with special adhesives.

Fusion

Fusion is like bonding but it’s much more time consuming and expensive; however, the effects are long lasting and the overall look and feel is more natural. To apply hair extensions with a fusion method the specialist uses an appliance similar to a glue gun that allows them to literally glue strands of hair on a person’s natural hair. This allows for a natural look and the person opting for this can easily wash their hair every week and use various styling products. There are also cold fusion techniques that don’t require any heating treatment on the glue, but they are even more expensive than the hot technique. This is a great way to achieve amazing volume but there are some disadvantages when using this method: you need a specialist to apply the extensions, the procedure takes between 5 to 8 hours, and it is very expensive. People should never try to apply these on their own because they can easily damage their skin and hair.

Tracking
Tracking is a method that allows the braids to be sewn together while adding the extensions to the braids; this method is long lasting and will require a lot of hours because the hair will be braided in concentric circles and usually eight to fifteen tracks are needed to achieve a great amount of volume. The advantages to this style is that it is long lasting and you can care for it like you would with normal hair. The “track and sew” method is one of the most popular methods people choose when they opt for hair extensions because they are low maintenance and come for a decent price. If you are just starting with hair extensions and want something more permanent than clip-ons, this method is one of the best choices.

Ponytail or Bun extensions

Very similar to the clip-ons and quite inexpensive, these extensions are great for a quick fix and can be even found in supermarkets. They are applied over your hair and will add colour or a new texture; they are temporary and you can only apply them when you go out for a nice twist to your hairstyle. Before trying the more permanent methods, you can experiment with various clip-ons and see how they feel.

Finding the right extension method will depend on budget, preference, and hair type. While fusion and tape-in extensions can be used on just about any hair texture, weaves are best suited for curly hair.

Human Versus Synthetic Hair

When it comes to purchasing hair, you get what you pay for. Price will vary greatly based on quality of the hair, as well as the desired quantity (for thickness) and length.  The human hair cuticle is preserved, instead of stripped, and all the hairs run in the same direction, maintaining that natural soft, silky texture.  Synthetic hair is much cheaper but won’t blend or style the way human hair does. It can’t always withstand heat styling and tangles easily. It can be a great way to try out extra length or bangs without a big commitment, though.

What to Look For

“It’s important to match the color and texture of the hair extensions with that of your natural hair. Take my advice and touch the hair first. If it feels dry, it’s going to tangle more easily. And avoid hair with excessive shine: Shiny hair is coated with silicone, which will wear off quickly and lead to tangles and dulling. As for your stylist, experience is a must. Improper application or removal is when damage can occur.

Important

The weight of extensions can put additional stress on the roots, so it’s important to match hair density to avoid unnecessary tension on natural hair. In other words, if you have fine hair, your extensions should be a lighter density; those who have thicker, more coarse strands should look for hair with medium density. Avoid areas along the hairline or the back of the neck, where hair is the most fragile. If you’re starting to experience hair loss, address it right away. This will eventually damage the hair follicle and the hair loss will be permanent.

Everything has its pros and cons and so do the hair extensions.

Pros first 
* You can change the appearance of your hair resulting in an obvious change in your overall appearance

* Really simple to create a dramatic change

*Its cheap and quick compared to extensive methods of gaining volume like transplants

*You can create a different look everyday

Cons

*The best can be quiet expensive

*Improper application can result in hair damage

*you might get used to the extensions and start ignoring the natural care your hair deserves

Hope you find something in here that can be useful for you
Much Love xx