Are You Searching For Length or Volume in Your Hair Extensions? With many extensions and techniques to choose from, there is sure to be something suitable. Finding out which ones and techniques work for you best will ensure minimal damage while making your transformation as seamless as possible.
Real human hair extensions are among the most sought-after extensions, as it can be styled and colored just like your own locks. According to Moss, real hair feels more natural and blends more seamlessly into existing locks than synthetic options.
Human Hair
Real human hair extensions tend to be more expensive than their synthetic counterparts, yet look and feel more realistic. One advantage of real extensions is that you can style and color them to match your own natural shade so they blend more naturally into the environment.
They feature a secure hold that makes wearing them effortless; washable, and can even be reused if cared for correctly. However, prolonged usage may lead to tension on certain parts of your head where extensions are attached – therefore taking breaks every 12 hours is highly recommended if wearing high ponytails or buns with extensions attached is worn.
Synthetic Hair
Although synthetic hair extensions have improved considerably over the years, some can still appear unrealistic due to rigid or unnaturally moving strands, unnatural shine or irregular movement of strands.
Synthetic fibers are composed of acrylic, polyester and nylon materials which can be heated and formed to resemble natural hair strands. With proper care they typically cost significantly less than human hair and last up to 12 months before needing replacement.
Kanekalon synthetic fiber hair closely resembles human hair in appearance and feel, holding curls more securely than other synthetics while remaining non-tangle-prone. Unfortunately, however, you cannot recolor Kanekalon or any other types of synthetic hair once dyed – so they are best used when you want a splash of color without making a commitment.
Wefts
Wefts offer an ideal way for those wanting to experiment with their hairstyle without making permanent changes. You can have them removed at your salon without damaging your natural locks if taken care of properly.
At its core, a weft is simply a bundle of hair strands attached to a thin fabric strip for your stylist to insert into your locks. However, its exact composition varies; some wefts may be hand-tied while others may be machine-sewn.
One important point about wefts is that they contain a section of “return” hair that could irritate sensitive scalps and skin conditions. When choosing a weft method for those with finer locks, this should be taken into account, especially as return hair could pull on thinner strands and end up visible.
Tape-Ins
Although tape-in extensions can cause damage to natural locks, most horror stories you hear about have more to do with how well their stylist installed them or whether or not you followed their care instructions than anything else. When installing them incorrectly or failing to adhere to them in-home care instructions properly is when things can go awry.
Tap-in extensions may be difficult to take off, but this shouldn’t be a major obstacle if done properly. Use an alcohol-based bond remover or slippery oil such as ProSlide in order to slide them off without harming any of your own strands and roots. Furthermore, try and minimize washing around roots or bonds as that could interfere with adhesive bonds that hold everything together.
Fusion
Fusion hair extensions (commonly referred to as glue-ins) use keratin bonds which are heated and formed around individual strands of natural hair for an invisible blend with your natural locks, giving them a natural appearance. You can even color or dye them according to your desired look!
However, this method requires advanced skills and expertise and should only be performed by an experienced hairstylist. Fusion extensions application typically takes 6 hours in the salon and the heat required can potentially damage natural hair if handled improperly.
Due to their nature, fusion extensions require regular upkeep and visits to your hairdresser for touch-ups. Furthermore, you should avoid excessive heat sources like blow dryers and hot irons which could weaken or even cause the keratin bond to weaken and eventually fall off the strands of hair.https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ez3dqneSQDo