Spring is in the air, and special events are coming up. You want your hair to look amazing. Red Carpet awards showcase celebrities with breathtaking, long, flowing hairstyles. You have mid-length hair, so there is no chance of it growing in time, or your hair is too fine or thin to pull it off. You've heard about hair extensions and are curious. Here are a few pros and cons as well as the different types of attachments and hair pieces.
Types of attachments
Following are the three most common types of extension attachment methods, including the pros and cons of each.
Clip in extensions
Pros:
Easy to apply and style at home
Adds fullness and some length
Good for special occasions or a night out
No commitment. Can be put in and taken out daily
Fairly inexpensive ($100-200 for real human hair)
Cons:
Must be taken out and brushed after wearing
Cannot be left in overnight
May be too heavy for very fine hair
Longer extensions may not blend with shorter hairstyles
Tape in extensions
Pros:
Quick in-salon application (1 to 2 hours)
May be worn for up to 2 months
Great for adding fullness and some length
May be reused up to 2 times
Less expensive than bonded extensions ($250-400)
Cons:
Certain upstyles may be more difficult to accomplish
Only add 2-3 inches of length
May be more noticeable when grown out
Bonded extensions
Pros:
Add extra fullness and length
Can be applied (and blended) to shorter hair
Customization of bond sizes (for thinner hair)
Smaller pieces mean more versatility with mixing and blending colors
Bonds are small and move with your hair
With regular "fills", extensions can be kept in indefinitely
Cons:
If not properly maintained, matting can occur
Long application process (3 to 5 hours)
Expensive upfront cost ($500 -1000)
Types of hair available for extension pieces
Synthetic hair
Synthetic hair is an excellent choice if you haven't previously worn extensions because of the low cost. However, it can be tricky to work with and is only suitable for temporary extensions. Watch out for silicon coating, which adds shine. It wears off quickly, and the hair will tangle easily and lose luster.
Human hair
Human hair comes in two classifications, natural and Remy. Natural hair is natural human hair that may have been dyed or processed. Remy is the best quality hair because it's unprocessed, and the cuticle is intact, but the price can be prohibitive.
Other considerations with human hair extensions
Single-Drawn: This means there can be a difference in the length of the strands but not more than 2 inches.
Double-Drawn: is of higher quality than single-drawn. These strands should be uniform throughout so there is little to no thinning at the bottom.
How to best care for hair extensions
Here are some tips for keeping your hair extensions looking their best and last as long as possible.
Be very gentle with them. Don't over-brush, and use a soft bristle hair brush. Sleep on a satin pillowcase for extensions that you leave in to avoid friction and pulling. Never go to sleep with wet hair when you have extensions. That's extremely important because that's the fastest way to get the extensions matted. For best results, braid your hair before going to bed. This will also help prevent matting.
Avoid using too much heat. Using a dryer/flat iron or other styling tool is okay, but keep your devices on a low to medium heat setting because the heat can loosen the bonds/adhesive.
Avoid harsh chemicals. Don't over-bleach or color your extensions.
Don't over-wash your extensions. You don't want to over-wash your natural hair; this is even more important for extensions because they don't have access to the native oil from your scalp to moisturize them.
Extensions can be a fun and dramatic way to change the look of your hair. With research, time, and care, you can find the best extensions for you, your lifestyle, and your budget. Call today for advice from the experts at Hairspray Salon! 508.366.1621
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