What is a hair extension?
Artificial hair integration, more commonly known as hair extension, is the process of adding length or fullness to human hair. It is clipped, glued, or sewn on natural hair by incorporating an additional human or synthetic hair look to them. The main reason for hair extension is to increase hair length or it can also cover a bad haircut.
Ways of hair extensions in modern style:
Hair extensions are ideal for switching up your hairstyle in a few minutes. Wearing an extension is a great option when you are struggling with hair growth or thinning hair, dealing with a bad haircut, or interested in exploring other hairstyles without cutting or bleaching the natural locks or upgrading your hair look for a special event. They are considered an investment since they can cost you your hard-earned money. If you want to change your look without having to commit to a haircut and colour hair extensions are your best option. They come in different colours, lengths, and types, allowing you to find the perfect time that fits your style and personality. There are many natural hair extensions in the market available. Different ways of hair extension are pointed out below:
Keratin hair extension:
Keratin hair extensions are also known as k-types or fusion extensions. It is done by heating tools that safely melt keratin silicon resin. It adds a protective coating around your hair shafts. They have a risk of serious breaking and can damage the hair too.
Weaving /Stitching hair extensions:
This technique takes a small section of the client’s hair and uses it as an anchor braid across their scalp. Then the section of extensions is stitched or sewn into the anchor braid using a needle or a cotton thread. This makes it secure and long-lasting hair extensions. But it can keep the hair scalp sore and make their weave extensions feel heavy and uncomfortable.
Micro Bonds
They use different types of loops and beads to fix hair extensions in with the natural layers. This hair extension Is also known as a micro link or micro loop extension, A small loop is used to pull hair through natural hair, and then a metal bead is used to form the extensions on the client’s hair. This method can create a professional blended look for the hair extension but can create a slight imbalance over a period. This process requires heat which can damage hair at the bonding site.
U-tip extensions:
These are u-shaped hair strands that stylists fix with your real hair using heat. It might sound scary to use glue and heat on your hair, but the fusion method is awesome and there will be no damage to your hair. The glue is keratin glue which does not damage the strands. It can match the colour of the extensions to the natural shade of hair but can also create nice pop of colour using different shades. These tips are versatile in nature.
Clip-in hair extensions
If you are new to hair extensions, clip-in alternatives are your best option. They are the easiest extensions to use, minimally damaging, and the least permanent type of hair extension. Their strands come with clips attached to their base for hassle-free installation of natural roots. Clip-in hair extensions are also infamous and suitable for just getting started on wearing hair extensions. The extensions comprise a weft that is connected to a clip.
Wigs and hairpieces
Wigs are made to cover the entire head and can act as a replacement for the hair. This is mostly used for those experiencing immense hair loss, split ends or if you want to change up the look completely. On the other hand, hairpieces can come in ponytails or hair clutches so you can place them easily on the top of the hair. Synthetic wigs have the shortest lifespan of all. Human hair wigs last longer but depend on the overall quality. Maintenance also has a very big role, that is why we cannot stress enough how crucial it is to do everything you can do to protect the wig.
Hair extension as per your natural hair length
It is the best practice not to wear hair extensions significantly longer than your natural hair length. It is recommended that a maximum of 3” to 4” is more than the natural hair length, but it also depends on personal preferences. The optimal length of hair extensions, in this case, should be 1.5 inches longer than the natural hair. This way, they would not put too much weight on the original styling. The extension length should not be over two times the length of the natural hair for better-blending results and less weight pressure for the natural hair. When choosing hair extensions to increase the length of hair, always stay within inches of the natural hair length for the most realistic blend.
How long do the hair extensions last
It depends on the material used to make the hair extension; this only has the most powerful impact on how long they will last. Synthetic hair versus human hair extensions is the first choice you will have to make with synthetic extensions as they are less expensive but have a short span than most human hair extensions. Human hair extensions last about three times longer than synthetic so in calculation wise human hair extensions are a much better value.
Our fusion extensions use an innovative keratin bonding method and last up to four months. Flat tip extensions will also last for three to four months. Tape-in-hair, one of the most famous extensions, has a life span of up to eight weeks. It also depends on the care you provide to the hair extensions that you have taken. Choosing extension-safe shampoo, brushing them regularly and taking extra care when styling is the most important thing. The best thing is to use a home care kit with every extension installation. So, knowledge about caring for extensions is a must.
Permanent hair extension side effects
In some cases, getting hair extensions may cause hair fall or split ends if the natural hair is not healthy enough. They may also cause damage to the natural hair if the material used is of poor quality. Continuously outing and removing the temporary hair extension can also damage the hair. If used occasionally will not cause damage. If you opt for permanent hair extensions, ensure that the products used are of good quality and that proper methods are used. The proper post-care will make the extensions last forever, and hair damage may also be saved.
Hair extensions with clips
Clip-in-hair extensions are very simple to apply, but some tips will help you ensure they look their best. First, brush your hair to ensure a smooth base for the clip-ins, then do a partition of hair. For a full set of clip-ins, you will work from the bottom of the head to the top, so section out the back of the hair and place the rest in a ponytail or loose bun.
Clip-in hairpiece, starting with the middle clip, then stretch the band gently towards the hairline before clipping the sides to ensure no bumps and a smooth line. Work up the hair from the bottom and the back of the head towards the top. Clip the hair to the roots as close as possible to ensure good blending with the hair, and finish it up by brushing through once again and checking that no base strips are visible
To take care of the clips ins between, wash them carefully with lukewarm water with your shampoo and conditioner and use a good quality brush and hang them up to dry completely.
Side effects of hair extensions
In some cases, hair extension is prohibited:
- If the natural hair is weak and thin or there are some signs of baldness
- When you are taking antibodies
- When you are taking any medications comprising hormones
There is one more side effect of hair extensions artificial strands increase the weight of the natural hair and it creates additional stress for it. Sometimes there are tangles at the bonding points. Extra weight back of nutrients and chemicals may cause natural hair damage, causing split ends, breakage, and hair loss. Many women do not feel comfortable with hair extensions as they can cause discomfort at bonding points between natural hair and artificial strands. Hair extensions require extra care.
In the end, it can be said that if you struggle to grow natural hair, hair extensions not only add length to the hair but give it extra volume. Different hairstyles can be tried without getting fixed by anyone. In case, you get bored with long hair, remove extensions, and very quickly can get a new look. Hair extensions are the best solutions to deal with a bad haircut or baldness. You can also put on the different beads and create a new style of your own. Just the thing which is required is extra care and keeping in routine the care of your hair extensions as guided by the hair experts.
