Remember when you first got your new pixie cut, and you felt like this?
Ok cute. In fact, really cute. Then remember how one month later, you felt like this?
Right….and so it’s been awhile and you’re working it’s your stylist to grow out that short cut, and that includes all the awful in between phases of layers and weird bobs…and you FINALLY can just barely, if it’s really tight and with a ton of bobby pins, pull your hair into a ponytail?
Many woman have gone through to torture of growing out a short cut, regretting and wishing they had never done it. While architectural styles are sleek and chic, not everyone feels comfortable showing that much, err, scalp? Welcome to the wonderful world of hair extensions.
Extensions have come a long way, and women are no longer required to glue or sew in mismatched hair wefts and restrict their neck movements throughout the day, as to not dislodge any additional hair. The extensions of today are 100% human remy hair, meaning the hair is all facing the same direction and bonded together.
The two main methods of application are hot fusion, and cold fusion. Hot fusion extensions are bonded with a heat sensitive keratin, allowing the extension to firmly adhere to your natural hair. These tiny, “rice” bonds are layered around your head, adding length and thickness. Cold fusion uses small metal rings which are then clamped around your hair and secured in place. Other than the actual bonding method, they are applied the same way as the hot fusions; very small sections of your own hair are added to the extension and clamped together to give length. Both methods provide you with the ability to care and style for your hair as usual- washing, drying, products, brushing, etc. If cared for properly, mainly brushing daily, these extensions last 3-5 months, and are virtually undetectable.
The most important factor with fusion hair extensions, besides and experienced stylist, is choosing the correct hair. Your stylist can best recommend the color and textures that match your hair, as well as high quality extension lines. Buying hair from discounted websites may result in matting and shedding, and who wants to throw money away? Make sure in your consultation you ask about hair quality, as this can make or break your new look, regardless of how well the hair is applied.
The application process is tedious, so bring a book or choose a chatty stylist who can make the time pass quickly, usually 3-5 hours for a full head. Once in, your stylist will most likely cut and blend the extensions with your hair to reveal your new look!
Lastly, don’t get creative at home, or think you can save a buck by removing your extensions yourself-you can’t! Always let a trained professional complete the removal process to avoid breakage and damage to your natural hair. However, beware! Extensions are highly addicting and may require lifelong commitments!(or at least until your own hair grows to those lovely rapunzel locks!)
By Anya Bado