Hair Extensions
June 5, 2009
Hair Extensions enhances the natural hair, by adding additional hair. The idea is to cleverly join hair extensions with the natural hair, in a manner that it blends with the original. Hair extensions have 2 main purposes, firstly to fuse with existing hair to cover bald areas; and secondly to make a persons’ normal hair longer.
It is better to consult a beautician/hair stylist before getting hair extensions added, as not all hair extension methods can work on everybody. What works for one person, may not work for another person. There are several types of hair extensions available in the market, but the two main types of application methods are Individual Strands and Wefts.
Individual Strand Extensions
The Individual Strand Extensions method takes small amounts of extension hair (20-50 strands) that can be natural/synthetic. These are applied in small sections to the hair by weaving/gluing/clamping/heat fusing or waxing. In all the methods except for clamping, a coat is applied on the hair.
However, these hair extensions’ last only a few months, before they are taken out and need to be redone. The problem is to carefully remove hair extensions without damaging the hair.
Wefts
A weft is a small hair curtain attached at the top and bottom of the hair together to give a free flowing look. Wefts are generally machine made, but an ideal weft should be handmade. The personal beautician/hair stylist is the best person to make wefts. The handmade wefts are ideal as they not only match an individuals’ hair color, the color can also be blended in the making process. The customized hand made wefts suit everybody. Also handmade wefts last longer and are thicker compared to machine made wefts.
The disadvantage of machine made wefts is that they are made first and later cut to size. Machine-made wefts are made of low quality hair, and buying machine-made wefts with virgin hair is impossible.
Caring for hair extensions is essentially similar to how one takes cares of their own natural hair. Brush hair using a soft brush, from the bottom and gently move up. Don’t forget to tie the hair up gently while sleeping and never color the hair extensions at home.
To prevent the hair extensions from tangling, run the fingers through the extensions. Spraying hair extensions with conditioners/silicone based products should be avoided as it makes the braids slip.
Types of Hair Extensions
Weaving for Hair Extension
This is the most popular of hair extension methods, as it creates a new hairstyle.
Braiding for Hair Extension
In this method, a variety of braids such as tree/weave/individual/cornrow and even French braids are created.
Ring for Hair Extension
In this method, a metal ring is attached with the hair, and is a very easy process to apply.
Tube for Hair Extension
In this relatively new and easy hair extension method, a plastic tube is attached to the hair.
I-Tip for Hair Extension
In this method, an I-shaped glue is used for hair extensions alongside a metal ring.



























