*CONSUMER WARNING*

BBC News reports that hair extensions can be harmful to your hair. Read this article before going to a salon. Below is the link.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/10056867

Extensions!

This is a topic I LOVE but before you pay anything make sure you know what you are getting into!!!! So here is a break down of the different types of extensions and my recommendations for getting longer tresses!

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There are a couple different ways to get extensions. Sewn in, glued, or on combs. I have tried them all, here is what I have found out.

Sewn in– These are attached to small cornrow braids in the hair. The weft of hair (the long individual layer of hair) is sewn to the small braids to give a more natural look. This is also know as a weave.

CONS-These are popular with Hollywood but the small tight braids can be harsh on the scalp and it can break off the hair strands. Showering can also be hard because you can not get shampoo down to your scalp and this can cause itching.This goes for all permanent applications.

PROS- If the hair is a higher quality, ie more expensive, then they can look really nice but make sure they stay nice with leave in conditioner.

Glued in– There are two ways to glue in a weft of hair.

One- You divide the hair into horizontal lengths around the head and you glue a weft to the roots. This can be a messy process so you have to make sure you have a professional do it. Once the weft is in place you use a hair dryer to set the glue, first use cool for a couple seconds, then once the glue is tacky you use heat to set it. The glue can also break down through showering and the wefts can fall out.

Two- Get individual strand clusters and glue them to corresponding clusters of your real hair. Also glued to the roots. For this way you need a hot tool to cure the glue. BE CAREFUL!

CONS- Both deal with hot glue and can become tacky and messy in the hair if not kept up by a professional.

PROS- The first is usually cheaper and quicker and give you a fuller look. The second looks more natural and usually last longer.

Combed in- Two different ways as well but one is more permanent but the other is the best way to put in extensions.

First are tiny crimping beads. These have a similar process to gluing individual strands but you are not using heat at all. You need crimping beads and you loop them around the top of the hair strand then you loop your own hair in between the center of the bead and crush the bead flat.  To release you crimp the bead the other way.

Second are to use reusable combs. These are the easiest on the hair and you can also take them in and out for normal hair maintenance. First you sew combs onto individual wefts then to apply you divide you hair into horizontal sections and clip the combs onto the roots.

CONS- The crimping beads can pull out hair if the extensions are tangles. Second non permanent combs are just that not totally permanent.

PROS- Crimping beads have similar pros to the glued pros above but these are less harsh on the hair follicle. Non permanent combs are easiest on the hair and it is handy to be able to clip them in and out so you can take care of you hair normally and if you get sick of them you can take them out but them put them back in whenever in the future when the others are usually scrapped.

Combed weft extensions are my favorite because they are the best and easiest to use. You can do these yourself!!

But before you delve into anything make sure you do the research on the method, terms, hair and salon but this should give you a good start!

Here is a good basic resource for beginners! http://www.sallybeauty.com/beauty-hints/BEAUTYSOLUTIONS_SALONSERVICES_HAIREXTENSIONS101_TERMS,default,pg.html

Happy Tresses!

Sass and Style

-J.

Credits-

BBC News (article)

Sally Beauty Supply (article)