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The runways have decreed it: Super long hair is having a second. For these of us who chopped our hair into bobs, lobs or went for the full shave, that’s a little bit of an issue. If we wish to take part within the lengthy hair development now — and never in a number of years when our short haircuts have grown out — extensions are an possibility.
Hair extensions was the stuff of celebrities however Instagram’s obsession with ever-changing hair has helped make extensions extra identified to us non-famous people. While most of us know that extensions are a technique to get lengthy hair with out popping hair vitamins and ready for our strands to develop, the extension attachment course of, in addition to the maintenance, aren’t as generally identified.
Extensions may be as excessive upkeep as pure strands, if no more so. Not to say that these lengthy, flowing locks can include a hefty price ticket. To spare you discovering out the complete particulars after the actual fact, we requested the specialists to offer us the complete particulars. Before reserving that salon appointment discover out all there may be to find out about getting hair extensions.
The Basics
Sorry, however anybody with a buzz minimize goes to have to attend till their hair grows out a bit earlier than getting extensions. Chelsea Malmquist, extensions professional and senior stylist at SEVEN salon, explains that hair should be a minimal of 4 inches earlier than getting extensions. Taliah Waajid provides that hair should be lengthy sufficient to braid or make a cornrow base for extensions to be utilized.
Waajid additionally considers the well being of hair to be one of the crucial essential elements. If hair isn’t wholesome, it should be handled earlier than any extensions are utilized to it. For these craving longer lengths, she suggests carrying a wig within the meantime whereas hair is getting handled for extensions.
As with most issues, understanding the method and selecting a good extensions professional are important. Malmquist explains, “Stylists aren’t just born knowing how to work with extensions. Experience is key.” Have an everyday hairstylist you will have an important relationship with? If they don’t do extensions, ask for a advice.
Getting a session may help you finalize your choice and clear up any additional questions. Malmquist warns that hair extensions aren’t low cost and as soon as utilizing them, it may be onerous to return to natural hair.
The Cost
The costs of hair extensions can range tremendously. Malmquist says that it is dependent upon the standard of hair, the tactic extensions are utilized and the expertise stage of the stylist. She says hair extensions begin at a number of hundred and price as a lot as a number of thousand. Waajid seconds this, including that they’re between $75 and $300 on common and may go as excessive as $2,000. Just a bit greater than a haircut, eh?
Types of Hair Extensions
There are pure and artificial hair extensions and it’s essential to think about the variations between them. Waajid states that pure hair extensions are often created from human hair. Most pure extensions are processed to completely take the form of the specified hair texture, e.g., straight, wavy, curly, kinky, and so on. Of course, the dearer the extensions, the higher they’ve been processed. She warns that some inexpensive hair extensions may be combined with artificial fibers and even animal hair.
In distinction, artificial hair is created from plastic fibers. It’s additionally processed for the specified texture. Waajid explains it’s largely utilized in pre-prepped kinds like crochet, fake loc hair and pre-curled kinds. Malmquist provides that it has an unnatural really feel and you may differentiate human and artificial hair primarily based on worth, upkeep, texture and longevity.
One massive challenge is that artificial hair will soften when warmth styled (e.g., flatironed). Waajid says that Kanekalon is a high-end artificial fiber that she has discovered to be the most effective fiber for braiding hair, particularly for these eager to warmth model. Kanekalon extensions will straighten and take the form of rollers with out melting.
Hair Extension Applications
There aren’t simply totally different hair extensions, there are additionally variations in how they’re utilized. Common hair extension purposes embrace micro-link hair extensions, weave hair extensions, tape hair extensions and pre-bonded/fusion extensions.
Micro-link hair extensions: These are also called micro-bead or loop hair extensions. Malmquist says they’re utilized by looping (get it?) the extensions by way of pure hair and clamping it down with a pair of pliers and a metallic bead.
Weave hair extensions: “Weave” is a typical time period used to imply hair extensions, however there are particular weave extensions. They are utilized by braiding the pure hair right into a cornrow and utilizing a needle and cotton thread to connect the additional lengths.
Tape-in hair extensions: These are categorized as semi-permanent extensions. They’re pre-taped and sandwiched on both aspect of pure hair.
Pre-bonded extensions: These are additionally known as fusion hair extensions. They are connected to pure hair utilizing totally different adhesives, reminiscent of keratin and glue.
Clip-in extensions: Waajid reveals that these may be the least damaging to hair if utilized appropriately as a result of they don’t seem to be connected to a braid. They are clipped to hair and fast to put in.
Net weaving extensions: Net weaving is one other weaving approach the place a internet is sewn on the bottom of the cornrows, then the weave weft extensions are sewn to the web. This prevents further stress on the hair.
Crochet extensions: Crochet extensions are finished utilizing the identical approach used to use weft weaving, however the extensions are usually not sewn on to the braids. They are utilized utilizing a latch hook needle.
In phrases of the most effective methodology for attaching hair extensions, Malmquist says, “There is not one type of bond that is better than the other. The type of hair and method is going to determine what would [be] best for each client.” She provides that tremendous hair usually does greatest with tape-in extensions, whereas the opposite choices are higher for coarse locks.
How to Prevent Damage
According to Malmquist, “Hair extensions, or any foreign object attached to hair, can cause a certain degree of damage, however, the damage can be minimized with proper maintenance.” Having a educated stylist who’s accustomed to the various kinds of extensions and what’s greatest for various hair sorts is essential. Once the extensions are in, be careful for hair loss, crimson and/or irritated scalp, bald patches or matted extensions. Also, take note of complications. Extensions which can be connected too tightly or are too heavy may cause head ache.
In phrases of styling, Waajid cautions in opposition to getting a method that will likely be too heavy for the world the place the extensions are being added. This is very essential for finer hair. She states that interlocking, crochet kinds work greatest for skinny hair as a result of they keep fairly near the scalp and are “kind of one unit.”
And be light. Avoid tugging or aggressively brushing hair.
Maintaining Hair Extensions
Like unicorn dye jobs, hair extensions require some TLC to maintain them and pure hair trying their greatest. It will rely on the model and form of hair used for extensions, however Waajid stipulates that everybody ought to have a hair care routine for the pure hair and scalp below the extensions.
Typically, Malmquist advises ready 48 hours after hair extensions have been put in earlier than washing. After that, upkeep is so as. The scalp can simply be forgotten about however it’s key to take care of it as dust and perspiration construct up, which may make extensions tangle. Malmquist reveals that after the hair tangles, it’s seemingly that the extensions will fall out.
To forestall that from taking place, use high quality shampoo and conditioner particularly formulated to be used on pure and artificial hair. The hairstylist ought to provide product options. Malmquist’s present favourite is the SEVEN Haircare KENTE BOND System ($88).
Before washing, hair needs to be detangled with a detangling brush, ranging from the ends and dealing as much as the roots. Strands ought to then be washed in a downward movement from the roots to the ends. Malmquist warns, “It’s important to remember that rubbing can cause the hair to tangle, [which can lead to extensions slipping out] so make sure to rinse hair thoroughly.”
Conditioning can also be crucial as a result of hair extensions don’t obtain the pure oils from the scalp. Just be very cautious as a result of conditioner ought to by no means be utilized close to the foundation space and the attachments. This will trigger the attachments to slide and the extensions to fall out.
Hair must also be gently dried and detangled. No matter how tempting, keep away from going to mattress with moist hair. Malmquist suggests placing hair into pigtails or a braid in a single day.
Hairstylists must also instruct purchasers when to return for changes. Malmquist reveals that follow-up appointments usually occur each 3 to 6 weeks.
How to Remove Hair Extensions
There could come a time whenever you develop uninterested in your shiny extensions. In that case, it’s essential to take away them correctly. Malmquist cautions in opposition to making an attempt to take away them at house. “The hair extension removal process is not recommended to be performed by the client — you could end up doing way more harm than good!” she says. Go to your stylist to get them eliminated correctly to save lots of hair from further injury.
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