What are hair extensions?
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A. Hair extensions are a means to augment your own hair. With hair extensions you can do any of the following :
▪ Extend your length.
▪ Shorten your length.
▪ Add body and fullness.
▪ Reduce body and fullness.
▪ Add color, including highlights and lowlights.
▪ Change your hair pattern (e.g. from straight hair to curly hair).
▪ Create a temporary style for a special event.
▪ Protect your own hair.
B. Hair extensions can last for 1 day or up to 3 months. The length of time an install (an install is the attachment of the hair extension to your own hair) lasts is dependent upon several factors.
▪ The type of extension you choose.
▪ The quality of the installation.
▪ The rate of your hair growth.
▪ The manageability of your hair.
▪ The care given to your own hair as well as the extensions.
▪ Your comfort level.
C. All extensions consist of two components :
▪ Hair; and
▪ Attachment.
Hair can be either (1) synthetic or (2) human. Synthetic hair is hair made of synthetic fibers. The two primary synthetic fibers used in hair extensions are Kanekalon and Toyokalon. Human hair is hair derived from humans.
Attachments are the means that allow you to add the synthetic or human hair to your own hair. The attachment can be appended to your own hair using :
▪ Weaving techniques
▪ Adhesives
▪ Clamps
___ ___ ___
A. Hair extensions are a means to augment your own hair. With hair extensions you can do any of the following :
▪ Extend your length.
▪ Shorten your length.
▪ Add body and fullness.
▪ Reduce body and fullness.
▪ Add color, including highlights and lowlights.
▪ Change your hair pattern (e.g. from straight hair to curly hair).
▪ Create a temporary style for a special event.
▪ Protect your own hair.
B. Hair extensions can last for 1 day or up to 3 months. The length of time an install (an install is the attachment of the hair extension to your own hair) lasts is dependent upon several factors.
▪ The type of extension you choose.
▪ The quality of the installation.
▪ The rate of your hair growth.
▪ The manageability of your hair.
▪ The care given to your own hair as well as the extensions.
▪ Your comfort level.
C. All extensions consist of two components :
▪ Hair; and
▪ Attachment.
Hair can be either (1) synthetic or (2) human. Synthetic hair is hair made of synthetic fibers. The two primary synthetic fibers used in hair extensions are Kanekalon and Toyokalon. Human hair is hair derived from humans.
Attachments are the means that allow you to add the synthetic or human hair to your own hair. The attachment can be appended to your own hair using :
▪ Weaving techniques
▪ Adhesives
▪ Clamps
Each attachment has its pros and cons. And those pros and cons may change depending upon your hair augmentation goals. More than one category can be included in one install.
The chart below is not meant to be an exhaustive list, but a brief summary of general opinions. The risk of damage for all categories of attachments can be significantly reduced by a professional and adept stylist.
The chart below is not meant to be an exhaustive list, but a brief summary of general opinions. The risk of damage for all categories of attachments can be significantly reduced by a professional and adept stylist.
CATEGORIES |
PERIOD |
EXAMPLES |
ADVANTAGES |
DISADVANTAGES |
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Weaving Techniques
|
1 week to 4 months
|
Sew In, Braiding, Tree Braiding
|
Undetectable, Versatile, Long Lasting, Protective
|
Damage to own hair can be caused by the excessive tension of the braids. Process to install can be tedious (depending upon braiding technique).
|
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Adhesives
|
1 day to 3 months
|
Fusion, Keratin Tips, Bonding, Skin Wefts
|
Undetectable, Flexible, Versatile, Temporary or Long Lasting, Quick Installation (depending upon adhesive method)
|
Damage to own hair can be caused by the adhesive. Own hair is exposed and thus not protected. Process to install can be tedious (depending upon adhesive method).
|
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Clamps
|
1 day to 3 months
|
Clips, Rubber Bands, Clamps Clasps
|
Flexible, Versatile, Temporary, Quick Installation
|
Damage to own hair can be caused by excessive tension (specific to rubber bands and clamps). Own hair is exposed and thus not protected.
|
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