Things to Know Before Getting Hair Extensions
Hair extensions are a great option for those who want to have the long hair now (for one evening maybe), and not wait years when their short haircuts will grow out.
Hair extensions used to be the thing only celebrities had, but Instagram’s trends with ever-changing hair have promoted extensions among millions of people. It sounds great – get long hair without popping hair vitamins and waiting for our strands to grow. But only after you have bought the extension you discover other aspects like not so easy the attachment process and upkeep.
Extensions require high maintenance similar to natural strands, even more careful. Additionally, quality extensions come with a quite high price tag. Find out all there is to know about getting hair extensions, before considering buying one for yourself.
The Basics
Usually, hair must be at last 4 inches – long enough to braid or make a cornrow base for extensions to be applied.
The health of hair is also one of the most important factors. If the hair isn’t healthy, it must be treated before any extensions are applied to it.
There are natural and synthetic hair extensions and it’s important to consider the differences between them. Natural hair extensions are usually made from human hair. Some less expensive hair extensions can be mixed with synthetic fibers or even animal hair. Fully synthetic hair is made from plastic fibers. It also could be processed for the desired texture. Such extensions have an unnatural feel and you can differ human and synthetic hair based on maintenance, texture, and price.
Hair Extension Applications
There are differences in how hair extensions are applied.
Weave hair extensions – there are specific weave extensions. To apply them, you need to braid the natural hair into a cornrow and use a needle and cotton thread to attach the extra lengths.
Micro-link hair extensions (that are also known as micro-bead extensions) are applied by looping the extensions through natural hair and clamping it down with a pair of pliers and a metal bead.
Tape-in hair extensions are classified as semi-permanent extensions. They’re pre-taped on either side of a person’s own hair.
The pre-bonded extension is also known as fusion hair extension. They are attached to the natural hair using keratin or glue.
Clip in hair extension is considered as one of the least damaging to hair and very quick to apply because they are not attached to a braid.
Net weaving extensions – another weaving technique that prevents additional stress on the hair. The net is sewn on the base of the cornrows, and the weave weft extensions are sewn to the net.
Crochet extension is done using the same technique used to apply weft weaving, but the extensions are not sewn onto the braids, they are applied using a latch hook needle.
There is no one type of bond that is better than the other. The type of hair and method is going to determine by each person. For thin hair tape-in extensions are generally best when for coarse locks any other option would work.
Maintaining Hair Extensions
Typically it’s recommended to wait 2 days after hair extensions have been put in before washing. Before washing, detangled hair with a brush, from the ends to the roots. Regular shampoo won’t be a good choice, in this case, better to use a good quality shampoo and conditioner that was specifically created for use on natural and synthetic hair. Hair should also be gently dried and detangled. Avoid going to bed with wet hair.
