Hair Extensions Part 2
Following on from Part 1 of our Hair Extensions series...
Brought to you by our friends at VirtualHairCare.com
Now that you have got a fair idea of the hair types available, you need to consider the best options for attaching the false hair to your own and the different methods used. Getting this right is essential to the final look and durability:
There are basically three options: Weaves or 'wefts', human single hair pieces and Synthetic Single hair pieces:
Weaves or Wefts
Advantages:
· No chemicals are used to place or remove the extensions.
· The false weaves of hair can be removed, the braids tightened or redone and the weaves sewn back onto the hair and reused again.
Disadvantages:
· Can be uncomfortable to wear as they can be heavy and put a certain amount of tension on the scalp.
· Only really suitable for thicker hair types as they create a bit of a bulge where attached.
· There are lots of poor quality weaves on the market and you need to check out what you are buying. Visit a few wig shops and hair extension specialists before making any choices as it is easy to spot the good from the bad after you have seen a few.
Durability:
· Your weave should last about 3 to 4 months, then it needs replacing.
Cost:
· $AU500 to $AU1200 depending on quality or type of false hair used.
These curtains or 'wefts' of hair can also be attached using:
· Clips: which are of course temporary but have the advantage of you being able to take the extensions in and out as and when you want them. Great for fun looks.
· Staples: these are an option but not very natural looking or comfortable.
After wefts or weaves, all of the pieces that can be attached, whether real human hair or fibre/synthetic hair, come in 'single pieces' or a few strands of hair.
· Human hair is 'bonded' or 'glued' to your own hair.
· Synthetic hair is 'sealed' to your hair. This means that the synthetic fibres are basically melted to fuse with your own hair.
Human Single Hair Pieces
Advantages:
· Looks natural and they won't fall out easily.
· Can style and treat as if it's your own hair.
· You can have as many or as few as you like.
Disadvantages:
· If chemical bonds are used to attach the extensions, they can weaken your hair, so ask your stylist if your hair is strong enough for this type of extension system.
· The wax 'bonds' can be melted if you are using a flat iron or tongs to style your hair afterwards.
· You will pay by the strand, so if you have a lot of hair and you want to have long extensions, it can get expensive.
· Can feel heavy and pull on your own hair and scalp.
Cost:
· From as little as $AU200 for volumising to $AU1,200 for that extra long look.
Durability & Care:
· Remove after 3 months or your stylist will struggle to get them out without damaging your own hair.
· You will need to separate the strands regularly to prevent them from forming into dreads.
· Because extensions don't get any natural nourishment, you will need to invest in top quality shampoos and conditioners and do regular treatments.
· Detangling sprays and thermo protectors are also a must to keep the hair looking good.
Synthetic Single Hair Pieces
Advantages:
· Synthetic hair is half the weight of human hair, so puts little or no strain on your hair and scalp.
· No chemicals are used for application or removal, so reducing the chances of damaging your own hair if fine or colour treated.
· If you are after a wild and crazy look, you can achieve it with this type of extension.
Disadvantages:
· Full heads of synthetic extensions are not recommended by all extension specialists as they can be hard to style and care for. You would need to follow your stylists advice carefully and use the recommended product.
· Can be prone to matting especially when shampooing if specialist products are not used. Best to clip extensions out of the way and shampoo the scalp only.
· Not suitable for frequent intense heat with a blow dryer as you can easily singe synthetic hair, resulting in a frizz. Best to dry naturally then smooth off with a blow dryer on low heat or push the pieces out of the way when blowdrying.
· You will need to use special care products for synthetic hair rather than just your normal shampoo and conditioner, therefore the cost of these should be added to the final bill.
Cost:
· For achieving volume or creating a highlighted effect, as little as $AU150. For a full head of lengthening extensions count on around $AU750.
Durability & Care:
· Remove after 3 months.
· Shampoo and blow-dry with extensions clipped out of the way.
· Will need a shine spray to help detangle.
Tips:
· Only extend your hair to a maximum limit of double the original length. This ensures blend and natural looking extensions.
· Try a head of volume adding extensions to thicken up your style to see if you feel comfortable wearing them, and then have a full head.
· Go to a stylist who knows what they are talking about, preferably an extension specialist who works with the different systems available.
· Ask for a pre appointment (consultation) to discuss your desired look.
· If you have fine hair and want blonde highlights but don't want to put harsh chemicals onto your hair; thicken up the hair and add colour with single extensions, then change your colour the week after with no damage whatsoever to the natural hair!
At the end of the day, its like anything else. Find out everything there is to know, and shop around for the best deal!
VirtualHairCare.com is the only place to find out everything you would ever need to know about your hair. From the latest looks and styles and how to maintain them, through to practical stuff like how to get the best out of your next salon visit, what products are best for you and medical conditions of the hair and scalp. For all the latest about hair, check out Virtual Haircare
Brought to you by our friends at VirtualHairCare.com
Now that you have got a fair idea of the hair types available, you need to consider the best options for attaching the false hair to your own and the different methods used. Getting this right is essential to the final look and durability:
There are basically three options: Weaves or 'wefts', human single hair pieces and Synthetic Single hair pieces:
Weaves or Wefts
Advantages:
· No chemicals are used to place or remove the extensions.
· The false weaves of hair can be removed, the braids tightened or redone and the weaves sewn back onto the hair and reused again.
Disadvantages:
· Can be uncomfortable to wear as they can be heavy and put a certain amount of tension on the scalp.
· Only really suitable for thicker hair types as they create a bit of a bulge where attached.
· There are lots of poor quality weaves on the market and you need to check out what you are buying. Visit a few wig shops and hair extension specialists before making any choices as it is easy to spot the good from the bad after you have seen a few.
Durability:
· Your weave should last about 3 to 4 months, then it needs replacing.
Cost:
· $AU500 to $AU1200 depending on quality or type of false hair used.
These curtains or 'wefts' of hair can also be attached using:
· Clips: which are of course temporary but have the advantage of you being able to take the extensions in and out as and when you want them. Great for fun looks.
· Staples: these are an option but not very natural looking or comfortable.
After wefts or weaves, all of the pieces that can be attached, whether real human hair or fibre/synthetic hair, come in 'single pieces' or a few strands of hair.
· Human hair is 'bonded' or 'glued' to your own hair.
· Synthetic hair is 'sealed' to your hair. This means that the synthetic fibres are basically melted to fuse with your own hair.
Human Single Hair Pieces
Advantages:
· Looks natural and they won't fall out easily.
· Can style and treat as if it's your own hair.
· You can have as many or as few as you like.
Disadvantages:
· If chemical bonds are used to attach the extensions, they can weaken your hair, so ask your stylist if your hair is strong enough for this type of extension system.
· The wax 'bonds' can be melted if you are using a flat iron or tongs to style your hair afterwards.
· You will pay by the strand, so if you have a lot of hair and you want to have long extensions, it can get expensive.
· Can feel heavy and pull on your own hair and scalp.
Cost:
· From as little as $AU200 for volumising to $AU1,200 for that extra long look.
Durability & Care:
· Remove after 3 months or your stylist will struggle to get them out without damaging your own hair.
· You will need to separate the strands regularly to prevent them from forming into dreads.
· Because extensions don't get any natural nourishment, you will need to invest in top quality shampoos and conditioners and do regular treatments.
· Detangling sprays and thermo protectors are also a must to keep the hair looking good.
Synthetic Single Hair Pieces
Advantages:
· Synthetic hair is half the weight of human hair, so puts little or no strain on your hair and scalp.
· No chemicals are used for application or removal, so reducing the chances of damaging your own hair if fine or colour treated.
· If you are after a wild and crazy look, you can achieve it with this type of extension.
Disadvantages:
· Full heads of synthetic extensions are not recommended by all extension specialists as they can be hard to style and care for. You would need to follow your stylists advice carefully and use the recommended product.
· Can be prone to matting especially when shampooing if specialist products are not used. Best to clip extensions out of the way and shampoo the scalp only.
· Not suitable for frequent intense heat with a blow dryer as you can easily singe synthetic hair, resulting in a frizz. Best to dry naturally then smooth off with a blow dryer on low heat or push the pieces out of the way when blowdrying.
· You will need to use special care products for synthetic hair rather than just your normal shampoo and conditioner, therefore the cost of these should be added to the final bill.
Cost:
· For achieving volume or creating a highlighted effect, as little as $AU150. For a full head of lengthening extensions count on around $AU750.
Durability & Care:
· Remove after 3 months.
· Shampoo and blow-dry with extensions clipped out of the way.
· Will need a shine spray to help detangle.
Tips:
· Only extend your hair to a maximum limit of double the original length. This ensures blend and natural looking extensions.
· Try a head of volume adding extensions to thicken up your style to see if you feel comfortable wearing them, and then have a full head.
· Go to a stylist who knows what they are talking about, preferably an extension specialist who works with the different systems available.
· Ask for a pre appointment (consultation) to discuss your desired look.
· If you have fine hair and want blonde highlights but don't want to put harsh chemicals onto your hair; thicken up the hair and add colour with single extensions, then change your colour the week after with no damage whatsoever to the natural hair!
At the end of the day, its like anything else. Find out everything there is to know, and shop around for the best deal!
VirtualHairCare.com is the only place to find out everything you would ever need to know about your hair. From the latest looks and styles and how to maintain them, through to practical stuff like how to get the best out of your next salon visit, what products are best for you and medical conditions of the hair and scalp. For all the latest about hair, check out Virtual Haircare
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