Hair extensions: all the things you need to know!
A technique loved by celebrities, who can go in a flash from a very short bob to long impeccable hairstyles, the hair extension is a beuaty hair trend that has now also entered the habits of ordinary women. The choice of resorting to hair lengthening may depend on the desire to run for cover due to a wrong short cut, from the simple need to change and see each other different or in conjunction with particular events, such as parties or ceremonies in which you want to show off a long hair or have the opportunity to make crops . In reality, the extension is also useful if you want to thicken your hair.
In order to guarantee an impeccable result and proceed with a correct application, it is however necessary to be informed immediately on some aspects, including the different types available, the timing and the care to be reserved for hair with extensions.
Before revealing all the things you need to know on the subject, we remind you of the tips to take care of your hair properly and always show off perfect hair.
The different types of extensions
First of all, it is good to know that they can be made with real or artificial hair, made using synthetic fibers. Furthermore, the classification, in addition to the type of hair, also takes into consideration the type of hairline.
Keratin extensions
It is a semi-permanent technique (5 months) and involves the attachment of extensions on the basis of natural hair through heated keratin. It is undoubtedly the type that guarantees the best result from an aesthetic point of view, but it may be that too hot fixing adhesives damage the hair or irritate the skin and should therefore be avoided if you have brittle and damaged hair.
Brazilian extension
Also known as weaving, this method consists in tying the extension strands to those of real hair.
Its duration is about three months.
African extension
In this case, parallel braids are created with your hair to which the strands of extension are sewn.
Among the semi-permanent techniques, it is the fastest but the regrowth of natural hair is quite evident.
Now let's move on to the faster and shorter duration techniques.
Micro ring extension
Also called extensions with rings, this method involves applying the locks through small rings.It lasts about a month, because with the natural regrowth of the hair the extensions inevitably fall.
Clip-on extensions
It is the fastest, cheapest and least invasive solution, which also allows DIY.
In this technique, the locks are fixed with clips or even with adhesive tape (adhesive extensions).
They have the advantage of allowing you to remove everything with simple moves and apply it even just for an evening or a special event. Certainly the effect is not flawless, but you can have long hair whenever you want without too much upsetting and hindering.
Hair extensions: natural or artificial?
After having seen the various typologies concerning the hanging techniques, let's now pass to the other classification: the type of extension invoice. These can be real or synthetic: the first, more expensive and of better quality, the second, cheaper and with less durability and flawlessness.
The most suitable natural hair extensions are those of Indian origin, followed by the Chinese. Better to avoid Brazilian extensions and those of dubious origin because they could be treated with silicones and chemicals.
There is another detail to always keep in mind for natural ones: make sure that they are not the result of violence and that they are obtained respecting the production standards of the European Community; you should find on the product packaging the words "ethically correct hair", or, if you go to the hairdresser, make sure that adequate and ethically sustainable products are used.
Another aspect to consider is the difference: Remy hair or non-Remy hair.
- Remy real hair is the best quality - and therefore to be preferred - and consists of tufts of real hair that, inside each strand, follow the natural direction of the hair from root to tip, thus allowing the cuticles to create a layer. protective and maintain volume, body and shine.
- Non-Remy hair is collected from the ground after a cut, and being mixed together, it is not possible to distinguish the direction of the cuticles. For this they are subjected to a treatment - desquamation - to dissolve knots and make real hair extensions more shiny.
How to cure them
If you have extensions, you need to take extra care of your hair. Obviously we are talking in particular of the semi-permanent techniques that can stress the hair a little more.
- Wash your hair at least 3 times a week, avoiding doing it upside down otherwise you will create knots.
- Make a mask at least once a week.
- Brush your hair often, gently and carefully, to avoid the formation of knots
- If you have opted for the keratin technique, go back to your hairdresser at least once a month to remove the hair that has remained stuck in keratin.
The cost
In general, the price of semi-permanent techniques, keratin in the first place, ranges from 300 to 500 euros. It is estimated that an average of 80-100 strands are applied to the hair.
Clip or double-sided tape extensions have a much lower price, which is around 30 euros.
Short hair extensions: yes or no?
But can it be done on short hair or can it only be done starting from medium length? The answer is yes, as long as they are at least 10-15 centimeters long and thick enough to support the weight.
In these cases, you can choose long or medium length extensions, making sure not to overdo it to avoid excessive weight for the root. As the procedure on short hair is more complex, the advice is to rely on expert hairdressers.
Curly hair extensions, do they exist?
Normally we are used to thinking about straight extensions, but there are also curly ones! Curly or wavy-haired women can sleep peacefully.
Often these are straight strands of hair that have been permed, but this is not necessarily a negative aspect, because this beauty treatment allows resistance and prevents them from being damaged. In short, there really is something for everyone!
