Hair Extensions Part 1
Brought to you by our friends at VirtualHairCare.com
There are lots of ways of artificially lengthening and thickening your hair and if you're looking for a more permanent alternative to the conventional wig, then hair extensions might be the answer!
The market is full of different systems or types of hair extensions and your stylist will tell you that the system he or she uses is the best. Yet each use a different type of extension system so how do we know which one is best and why?
The reality is that they are all good when used on the right hair type to achieve a certain result. But, if you decide on the wrong type of hair or use an unsuitable method of attaching that extension then not only will you not achieve the look you were after but you could also end up serious damage to your hair. So, before going any further, the first decision to be made is to select the right type of hair to make and extension that will suit your hair type and there are two:
Natural or Real Hair:
This is real, as in human hair, and has been sold for the purpose of making wigs or extensions. As you can imagine, it's more expensive than man-made hair but comes in many varieties, some of which can be cheaper than others. Asian hair is the least expensive but due to its coarseness may not be the best match with your own. European hair is the most expensive on the market. The major advantage of natural hair is that it can be treated and maintained pretty much as you would your own hair. But it does have a tendency to form into 'dreadlocks' so you will have to spend a little extra time separating the strands. You also need to use top quality shampoos conditioners and treatments, as it doesn't retain its health for long if not looked after well. When blowdrying, always use a product that contains a thermal protector. This will help prevent damage.
Tip: Natural hair is the best if you are after a full head of extensions because you can treat it like your own hair.
Fibres or Synthetic Hair:
This man-made hair is much cheaper as there is no limit to the supply. It does have other drawbacks though; the most obvious being that it will never be a perfect match for your own hair if that is your first concern. However, it is a great choice for someone wanting to change their look from time to time without getting into major expense.
On the maintenance side, synthetic hair does have a tendency to matt, especially if you shampoo it. Therefore it's only really suitable for adding strands to the rest of your hair so that these pieces can be pushed out of the way when shampooing. You will also need to take great care when blowdrying as you can easily singe or fry this type of hair, causing it to frizz. Again, the cure is to push it out of the way when blowdrying. Extra products needed are simply a shine type spray to help you get your brush through the hair to prevent matting.
Tip: This type of hair is not recommended for full head extensions but great for fun pieces and adding colour.
VirtualHairCare.com is the only place to find out everything you would ever need to know about your hair. From the latest looks and styles and how to maintain them, through to practical stuff like how to get the best out of your next salon visit, what products are best for you and medical conditions of the hair and scalp. For all the latest about hair, check out Virtual HairCare
There are lots of ways of artificially lengthening and thickening your hair and if you're looking for a more permanent alternative to the conventional wig, then hair extensions might be the answer!
The market is full of different systems or types of hair extensions and your stylist will tell you that the system he or she uses is the best. Yet each use a different type of extension system so how do we know which one is best and why?
The reality is that they are all good when used on the right hair type to achieve a certain result. But, if you decide on the wrong type of hair or use an unsuitable method of attaching that extension then not only will you not achieve the look you were after but you could also end up serious damage to your hair. So, before going any further, the first decision to be made is to select the right type of hair to make and extension that will suit your hair type and there are two:
Natural or Real Hair:
This is real, as in human hair, and has been sold for the purpose of making wigs or extensions. As you can imagine, it's more expensive than man-made hair but comes in many varieties, some of which can be cheaper than others. Asian hair is the least expensive but due to its coarseness may not be the best match with your own. European hair is the most expensive on the market. The major advantage of natural hair is that it can be treated and maintained pretty much as you would your own hair. But it does have a tendency to form into 'dreadlocks' so you will have to spend a little extra time separating the strands. You also need to use top quality shampoos conditioners and treatments, as it doesn't retain its health for long if not looked after well. When blowdrying, always use a product that contains a thermal protector. This will help prevent damage.
Tip: Natural hair is the best if you are after a full head of extensions because you can treat it like your own hair.
Fibres or Synthetic Hair:
This man-made hair is much cheaper as there is no limit to the supply. It does have other drawbacks though; the most obvious being that it will never be a perfect match for your own hair if that is your first concern. However, it is a great choice for someone wanting to change their look from time to time without getting into major expense.
On the maintenance side, synthetic hair does have a tendency to matt, especially if you shampoo it. Therefore it's only really suitable for adding strands to the rest of your hair so that these pieces can be pushed out of the way when shampooing. You will also need to take great care when blowdrying as you can easily singe or fry this type of hair, causing it to frizz. Again, the cure is to push it out of the way when blowdrying. Extra products needed are simply a shine type spray to help you get your brush through the hair to prevent matting.
Tip: This type of hair is not recommended for full head extensions but great for fun pieces and adding colour.
VirtualHairCare.com is the only place to find out everything you would ever need to know about your hair. From the latest looks and styles and how to maintain them, through to practical stuff like how to get the best out of your next salon visit, what products are best for you and medical conditions of the hair and scalp. For all the latest about hair, check out Virtual HairCare
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