Revista Caoba - The real scoop on Hair Extensions

The real scoop on Hair Extensions

Many of us have dreamed to have long and beautiful hair, but growning afro hair long takes time and patience. This process requires constant care, but mainly to find the right products according to your hair type, that will keep it healthy and strong. Of course, you can also skip all that and take the easy way out: hair extensions.

Hair extensions have become popular in the last few years. It is an excellent way to wear long tresses without the wait.

Extensions, what are they?
The extensions are strands of real or synthetic hair that can be attached close to the hair scalp using several methods. When they are properly chosen according to the texture and color of your hair, and have been applied by a professional, the extensions are bond to your hair to give you a more natural look.

One of the advantages of hair extensions is that you are able to curl them or add color without damaging your own hair. Some extensions can be used continuously during 3 months before being removed.

Extensions come in different colors, textures, styles and lengths to adapt to your hair type. Human hair extensions are the most expensive because of their quality and natural look, as well as the possiblitiy to dye them or curl them as you please. The synthetic ones usually melt when exposed to high temperatures. You can find synthetic extensions in practically any shop, but the human hair ones usually are sold at beauty parlors that also offer the service extension bonding.

Methods of extension bonding
While the market offers many different types of extensions, we can also choose from a variety of methods to bond them. Here are the most common:

Braids. This method integrates the natural hair with the extensions on a more visible way. The extensions are braided with your natural hair and you can style it as you wish. This method is really convenient for those who decide to go natural and use the braid extensions to keep a hair style while the new hair is growing.
Cornrows. The natural hair is braided in tiny cornrows and the extensions are sewn over to hide them. The extensions are sewn on the cornrows in many layers depending on the length and the volume of hair that you want to wear. The disadvantage of this method is that it brings a lot of tension and weight to the natural hair that lies beneath, specially when shampooing or when it gets wet in general. This not only contributes to loosen the braids, but it also constantly pulls your natural hair increasing breakage and making it weak. In addition, drying your hair becomes a nightmare, mainly the hair underneath the extensions. Therefore, many people tend to wash their hair less frequently.
Glued extensions. The extensions used for this method have a special latex edge to easily attach it to your own hair. It's better to choose this method when you want to wear a style for a short period of time. Since it's a fast method it's cheaper than the others. However, when it's time to remove the extensions it is important to use oil and heat to dilute the glue, a somewhat uncomfortable process that takes time. If it's not removed with care, the process can damage your own hair.

Use and care
The majority of the extensions that are properly bonded can last up to four months. After this period the braids are quite loose, and your own hair needs a rest from the weight and tension, as well as a deep treatment to nourish it.

As for the care, you should wash and condition it just as you do with your own hair. Invest in good products or go to a beauty salon to take the best care of your own hair and the extensions. Otherwise, the extensions tend to deteriorate with the washing and the normal hairdo. As your hair starts to grow, it will affect the appearance of the extensions. The use of high quality products is recommended to make sure your extensions last longer.

Help from professionals
Hair extensions must be placed by a professional stylist or an extensions expert. It is very difficult and risky to try to bond them yourself, since the adhesives (and the extension) are difficult to handle. Also, you will mistreat your hair unnecessarily.

The stylist you choose must be licensed. Since there are different methods of bonding and many types of extensions, it's worth to search for a stylist that has experience with several methods, so he/she will be able to help you choosing the best for you.

An unexperienced stylist can make poor selections and if you choose the wrong extensions or methods you risk to damage your hair.

Hair extensions give you the chance to fashion long and beautiful tresses, but at the same time they can be expensive and can take a great deal of your time in maintenance. There are goods and bads on wearing them so make sure you do some research before deciding.