The Wonders Of Hair Extensions

Hair Extensions have widely grown in popularity in the past years and they are now used by many people across the world as a way of adding length, fullness, texture and colour to natural hair. The reasons for the use of hair extensions can vary from being hair loss through medical treatment or just purely for cosmetic reasons. Whatever your reason here’s a little bit of information to help you with your hair extension decisions.

The use of versatility of hair extensions has been recognised among many different ethic and social groups. They are made from a range of human hair and synthetic fibres but how do you no which is right for you?

Realistically either human or synthetic or perfectly fine to be used for hair extensions even though human hair is always often preferred due to the fact it blends in which your natural hair more as it is the same texture and more likely to be a more natural colour. Human hair is available in different grades with the main suppliers of it is India, China and Eastern European countries.

Synthetic hair however does have its advantages. You can get synthetic hair in any colour that you could possibly imagine and it is generally less expensive than human hair. You can also purchase synthetic hair in a range of different styles such as:

• Yaki – pure straight, usually mimicking the straightness of Asian hair.
• European – this is more natural-looking straight hair that may have a slight wave to it
• Deep Wave – while generally not a true ‘wave’, it can be made to look like spiral curls.
• Loose Deep Wave or Romance Wave – looser version of the deep wave, softer curls.
• Jheri Curl – usually sold in very short lengths, it is often used to recreate the full ‘afro’ look.
• Wet and Wavy (Spanish Wave or Indian Wave) – usually human hair is used, and is either naturally curly or permanently waved to appear so.

Read on...

History of Hair Extensions

As far back as Egyptian times both women and men have worn wigs or hair pieces according to the diktats of fashion. Wigs, hair switches or hair pieces have come in and out of fashion in just about every century. In Georgian times high false wigs were a norm and men also wore bag wigs.

Fake hair for women became frowned upon after 1800 and women wore hair more naturally. The addition of false hair returned again with the elaborate Apollo knots of the Romantic era. Later human hair additions were used so extensively in the mid Victorian era of elaborate hairstyling that 51,816kgs of (false) human hair were sold in France in 1871 and 102,900kgs in 1873.

In the early C20th Edwardian women wore false hair additions to create the Pompadour hairstyle that looked like a woman was wearing a teapot on her head. By the 1920s less hair, rather than more was the vogue. In the 1940s long natural hair in the mode of Veronica Lake or Lauren Bacall was one of the few remaining non rationed luxuries a woman could indulge in

By the 1950s women enjoyed short, but then very sharp bubble cut perms or new youthful ponytails. The latter graduated into topknot buns and sleek French pleat twists by the turn of the decade. As the 1960s wore on, extravagant human hair pieces allowed wearers to have their hair dressed in coils, or as we think of such styles today, dressed as an updo. Wigs both blatantly fake and real were commonly worn in the 60s and early 70s. By the 1980s hairpieces and wigs were more or less abandoned by the majority, but used extensively by famous singers like Tina Turner, Diana Ross and other celebrities.

credit: Fashion - Era

Applying Hair Extensions – Is This Something You Can Do Yourself?

Hair extensions have been enabling people everywhere to create hairstyles that wouldn’t be possible with their natural hair since 1979, when Bo Derek made them fashionable in the movie “10.” Whether you want temporary clip-ins or semi-permanent additions, the right choice can completely transform your look into something extraordinary.

Extra fullness, extra length, and subtle highlighting are all attainable using the new materials and techniques that are available today. Of course, the old saying, “You get what you pay for,” is true here as well. The best hair extensions are created from real human “remy” hair, and look far more natural than any synthetic products. They can blend in seamlessly with your own hair to create a natural and attractive, long-wearing style.

While it is possible to learn to apply and to care for your own hair extensions at home, there are several factors to consider. Initially a salon visit will help you decide on the exact color, texture, and length that you will want. Your own hair usually needs to be at least 2 – 3 inches long to use the additions properly. The technique that you choose to have your extensions attached will also determine whether the procedure can be done at home or should be handled by a professionally trained stylist with experience in these techniques.

Submit A Weight Tip
Applying Hair Extensions – Is This Something You Can Do Yourself?

Hair extensions have been enabling people everywhere to create hairstyles that wouldn’t be possible with their natural hair since 1979, when Bo Derek made them fashionable in the movie “10.” Whether you want temporary clip-ins or semi-permanent additions, the right choice can completely transform your look into something extraordinary.

Extra fullness, extra length, and subtle highlighting are all attainable using the new materials and techniques that are available today. Of course, the old saying, “You get what you pay for,” is true here as well. The best hair extensions are created from real human “remy” hair, and look far more natural than any synthetic products. They can blend in seamlessly with your own hair to create a natural and attractive, long-wearing style.

While it is possible to learn to apply and to care for your own hair extensions at home, there are several factors to consider. Initially a salon visit will help you decide on the exact color, texture, and length that you will want. Your own hair usually needs to be at least 2 – 3 inches long to use the additions properly. The technique that you choose to have your extensions attached will also determine whether the procedure can be done at home or should be handled by a professionally trained stylist with experience in these techniques.

Of course, your first concern should be preventing damage to your natural hair strands. A professional can help you decide between various techniques, including advanced weaving or pinch braid, fusion or bonding, or more temporary treatments involving clip-ins, shrinkies, and mini links. Advanced weaving involves creating a corn row or underhand braid that will lie flat against the scalp. Extensions are sewn into the tracks and then your natural hair will cover the evidence. With 6 week tightening done at home or in the salon, this style can last for months.

Bonding involves using a glue product to attach 20 – 50 strands at a time to your high quality hair extensions. It is a rather long and tedious process, and must be done carefully to avoid damage. It is a bit more temporary because of the eventual break down of the glue bond, especially with frequent shampooing and conditioning.

While sometimes more expensive, advanced salons that specialize in hair extensions may employ newer, damage free techniques. These don’t require the use of glue, metal, wax or many other products that can damage your hair. Furthermore, many of these newer techniques can last up to six months and allow for reuse of the hair for up to a year with proper care. If you learn how to take good care of your own hair and your extensions, you will be able to keep your new look for as long as you like. Utilizing the services of a highly experienced stylist will ensure that you get the result you wanted — the gorgeous new hairstyle of your dreams.

Source: My Weight Tips