Opting for Hair Extensions!

Opting for Hair Extensions? You may go bald! Who doesn’t want to have glossy, long, straight hair? And now, if you don’t have your own, just get a hair extension.

They’re the hottest fashion accessories. Celebrities like Jessica Simpson and Paris Hilton flaunt their extensions. Meanwhile, pop star Jamelia stirred a debate when she asked, ‘Whose Hair Is It Anyway?’ Temples in South India are having hair auctions.

Women in villages are willingly sacrificing their long hair, which are then exported overseas at a huge price. Says Kamya, a housemaid in Delhi, “It has now become a common practice in our village for women to get their hair shaved off. We are either forced or blackmailed to sacrifice our hair. We don’t know what these people do to our hair. I have heard that they sell them off and make huge money out of it.”

In fact, The Guardian reports, “Today, Indian hair extensions can be seen on everyone from the England footballer’s wives parading their way around Germany to the actress Samantha Morton who wore 'temple hair' extensions from Tirupati in the film Enduring Love”.

Exporter Ajendra Pratap Singh of Mahendra Exports agrees, “Temples of South India are the major sources for human hair in India, but even villages of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab have become good suppliers of ‘human hair’. In the last couple of years demand for human hair has increased manifold.”

Though China is a market leader in terms of hair business, Indian hair fetches high revenues and is highly sought after because of its resilience and strength. The prices are such that the business seems to be lucrative. Longer hair is much sought after and sells for nothing less than Rs 15,000 per kilogram.

Exporter Dhamendra Kumar of Virgin Hair Extensions says, “Though China is the major exporter of human hair, but they collect the raw material from India. Temples in down South are the major supplier for ‘human hair’, and so are the states of Rajasthan, UP and Punjab. The demand is expected to raise more.”

While cosmetic surgeon Dr Tejinder Bhatti says, “Hair business has become a million dollar business in India, as well as abroad. Surgical Hair Transplant is the best way to cover the bald patches. It’s no more a taboo, as people now don’t hesitate to get their hair transplant done. And hair extensions are really in vogue.

Hair extensions, which are attached to real tresses with glue, can make women go bald, skin experts have warned.

According to researchers from American and Italian universities, the hairpieces, favored by celebrities such as Paris Hilton, can lead to thinning hair and even permanent bald patches.

Dermatologists say the extensions put too much tension on hair roots. Experts say the extensions put such tension on follicles in the scalp that they can become inflamed causing hair to fall out - a condition known as traction alopecia, reports the Daily Star.

The study has been published in the British Journal of Dermatology. Fears over the growing use of extensions first hit the headlines two years ago, when Victoria Beckham was photographed with a sizeable bald patch after years of sporting false hair.

Kate Winslate, Christina Aguilera, Heidi Klum and Britney Spears have also all been spotted with thinning hair after using extensions. Now experts are calling for a ban on the extensions. Hair specialist Barry Stevens from the Trichological Society said: “This is a very real problem. Hair Extensions should be banned.

“I’ve had people in tears at my clinic over this. The extensions can destroy the follicles so that hair cannot grow back.”

Fusion Hair Extensions

Fusion Hair Extensions

Hair extensions can be attached to your head in many different ways, including gluing, tubing, sewing, and clipping on. Different methods have different advantages. The method you choose will depend on many factors: your hair, your lifestyle, your budget, and your needs, for starters. If you are looking for a long-lasting, natural-looking hair extension, though, consider one of the fusion methods.

Fusion is generally the preferred method as fused hair extensions can last up to three to six months with skilled application and proper care. With fusion hair extensions, the extensions should be indistinguishable from your natural hair. If properly applied, the attachment site should be virtually invisible.

Fusion hair extensions can be applied in different ways: hot or cold fusion. Hot fusion or bonding uses hot glue to attach extensions to your hair. This is the more traditional method. While it does have many happy followers, others say that the glue causes the extensions to feel stiff and unnatural. These extensions can last up to 4 months.

Cold fusion is a new method, and is meant to be gentle for the hair. This method uses a keratin-based polymer to attach extensions to the root. As this method uses no heat, it is good for fine or thin hair. The polymer offers more flexibility than hot-glue, and results in more natural-feeling hair. For cold fusion hair extensions, many hairdressers use SoCap extensions and a clear bond. These extensions can last up to six months.

Fusion hair extensions are more expensive than other methods. If you want long-lasting, natural-looking luscious hair, they just might be the extensions for you.

If clipping on swatches of readymade hair makes you uneasy, if you are always hassled by the gripping fear that one fine day, chunks of hair extensions will detach themselves and fall off your head while the crowd stares dumbfounded, and if you are looking for a solution which is relatively more permanent and looks natural at the same time, then here’s just the thing for you. Fusion hair extensions, as the name suggests are attached to ones hair by a process called ‘fusion bonding’

The basic concept behind fusion bonding is to fuse the extension with the keratin protein of the natural hair, strand by strand. In this process the weft is attached to the hair root using bonding glue with the help of heated adhesive sticks which are create specially for this purpose.

Such hair extensions are of different types such as hot and cold fusion according to slight detours from the elementary procedure outlined above. Wefts or single strands can be used for hair extension purposes.

Putting the processes aside, there are also different types of hair that can be used in hair extensions. Synthetic, Chinese, African, European, and Asian are some of the hair one is bound to come across while exploring.

In fact, Indian hair is widely used and is considered of fine quality for hair extensions. Some people even grow their hair solely for the purpose of making a quick buck by selling them for extensions!

In a nutshell, although fusion hair extensions maybe more expensive than other options, they are definitely worth their while if you can find yourself a good extensionist. A good extensionist could definitely use his or her experience to provide you with a cascade of lovely tresses for a price !

Videos for How to Apply Extensions

Videos for How to Apply Extensions

Raquel Welch clip in hair extensions:

The Raquel Welch clip in hair extensions are made from the finest quality, protein rich 100% human hair. Available in nine colors levels in 14" and 18" lengths. Raquel Welch clip on hair extensions have been specially processed so that they can be professionally colored or permed. Do you wish your thin and fine hair was thicker and fuller? Your short hair was longer and more luxurious? Wish no more with Raquel Welch clip on extensions you can have it all!



Easi-lites clip in hair extensions:

Easilites are produced with protein rich 100% human hair and are available in 11 colors. Rock star blue, rich red, luscious lavender & pink are complimented with natural hues of blondes & browns. These pieces may be professionally colored and/or highlighted as well as curled, permed or flat-ironed. Your new look is at your fingertips...



EasiXtend - Clip in Hair Extensions:

Produced with protein rich 100% human hair, these 16" clip on hair extensions are designed to naturally blend with your own hair.
· Can be flat ironed or curled.
· Affordable, lightweight and easy to attach without causing damage to your own hair.
· Unlike permanent extensions, easXtend can be removed & stored in minutes
· Use easiXtend to add volume, length and/or highlights
· With easiXtend 's exclusive color blends there's a color to match virtually every woman.



Pop Hair Extensions:

The Pop Hair Extensions are made from the finest quality, protein rich 100% human hair. Available in nine colors levels in 14" and 18" lengths. Pop clip on hair extensions have been specially processed so that they can be professionally colored or permed.

Clips in Hair Extensions

Clips in Hair Extensions:

The most easiest and effective way to create a whole new look for you is to have a new hair style. If you want a fresh and good looks, try to have clip on hair extensions. They are perfect for those who have a short hair style and want to have long and luxurious style temporarily. If you have super fine or limp hair, then simply add some pieces of pre styled hair extensions, like a hair bun or our braided styles, so it’s only clip and go. Clip on Extensions are also a great way for some temporary modern looks before you for a permanent saloon in the salon. You can change your look every day, or simply for an elegant evening, create stylish up dos, swinging ponytails and create great hairstyles for prom from the help of clip in hair extensions.

Care of Clips in Hair Extensions:

After spending the time and money for searching the perfect hair extension for yourself, I am sure you must want to take good care of it, so it can last longer and you can use it over again and again. So, here are some tips on how to extend the life of your favorite clip in hair extensions:

Always store in a cool dry place and keep away from extreme heat.

Try not to flatten pre-styled pieces.

If piece gets pressed, try fluffing with fingers.

Always brush them lightly and carefully so they are not pulled out of place.

You must buy a hair care kit that helps you keep your pieces in pristine condition. Each kit comes with shampoo, conditioner and a brush made especially for synthetic hair. If it gets dirty, wash by hand in lukewarm water with a gentle shampoo.

Different Types of Clips in Hair Extensions:

Seamless
Raquel Welch Clip On Extensions
Instant Hair Clip on extensions
Easilites Clip in Highlights
Easixtends Clip on Extensions
Pop by Hair U Wear Clip On Extensions
Revolution
Circular Hair Extension
Pretipped / U Tip Hair
Fusion / Strand by Strand
Mini Links / I Tip

Some more Tips on Clips in Hair Extensions:

Color to choose:

While choosing a color, choose a shade which matches your own hair.

Straight or Wavy Hair:

Straight extensions are good for straight styles and Wave extensions are versatile because they can be worn straight or curled. They are much fuller due to the wave.

Are extensions easy to put in yourself?

Yes, it’s easy to apply extensions yourself. It’s not a Rocket Science at all. All you need is a little help but in no time you will be putting your hair in and out in minutes.

Extensions damage the hair?

No, they will not damage your hair at all. Clip in extensions are a great alternative to weaving, braiding and adhesive hair extensions.

Coloring my extensions:

Yes, but clip in extensions are already been color processed so if you decide to color the extensions use semi permanent colors or color conditioners and shampoos. Before coloring the entire set use the tester pieces that are included with your new hair.

Highlights and Lowlights with clip on extensions:

Yes, this is also a great way to save your hair from the damage coloring can do. Choose 1 set of clips to match your base color and choose 1 set in a shade lighter for highlights or darker for low lights. Clip them in alternating the colors.

What are Hair Extensions?

What are Hair Extensions?

Hair extensions are a creation of several innovative techniques that may be used separately or in combination with each other to add length and fullness to your existing hair. I use methods that insure no or minimal damage to the client’s own hair. Quality and care of the hair extension and the client’s hair is a number one priority.

Quality of Hair

Quality of hair is an extremely important factor as to how “real” your hair extension will look. While many places claim to use only “100% human hair”, they fail to realize or tell you that 90% of the human hair available is from China or Korea which is very poor quality because of the processing methods. During processing the hair is heavily stripped and the cuticle layer is inverted which damages the hairs' natural protective coating. It is further processed to imitate the colors, curl, and texture of Caucasian hair since a lot of people don't have straight, black, course hair. This damages the hair so much that by the time you wear it, the hair is dull, lifeless, and will not last a long time. This hair also has a tendency to tangle and matte extensively.

The latest trend in the type of hair being used for extensions is Indian Remy hair. Remy hair is used for most bonding and interlock systems today. While this type of hair is better than the typical manufactured human hair, it still goes through an extensive process and does not meet my top quality standards.

I use only 100% European, Italian and/or Russian blended hair. This premium quality hair can be custom-blended to match texture, color, and wave pattern desired. It is virgin, healthy hair that will remain glossy and full of life for an average of 6-14 months with proper maintenance. As all hair tends to dry out, it is an absolute must that the Maintenance Care Instructions be followed, which include using the proper products and tools.

Methods of Attachment

Hair weaving is a traditional method of attaching hair extensions. I prefer to use my own version of this method because there is virtually no damage to the client’s own hair when done properly. The hair comes in a “weft” form and can be made into as many pieces as necessary. Each piece is blended as thick or thin as needed to match the client’s existing hair. A “track” is formed by weaving a bond of small sections of your natural hair inter-twining with numerical combinations of thread to form a locked base system at the roots of your hair. The hair wefts are attached to the track. My technique is flat, not bulky, and not easily detectable like traditional weaves. It also has enough support so your own hair is not weakened. Most clients require only 1 or 2 tracks to achieve their desired result. The weaving process is usually completed in 2-4 hours depending on the amount of hair attached. Hair weaving generally lasts 4-8 weeks before a retightening is needed.

For clients who prefer not to have wefted hair, I use a pre-bonded protein-keratin bonding system. With this system, small pieces of hair are individually bonded onto the client’s own hair at the root. The bonding system lasts up to 3 months. This system is great for adding streaks, funky colors, or color blocks or in "certain" situations. Generally, I dissuade clients from using this to add volume and length or grow their own hair out. In my 17+ years of experience with hair extensions, I have seen too many clients come from other places with substantial breakage and damage from this method. I have thoroughly researched 99% of the systems out there and find the quality of hair is just not up to the standard I demand. Along with the high incidence of damage to the clients' own hair, I feel that this is not the answer in most cases.

I also make removable hair extensions using wefted hair with clips or an invisible wire. This is also visually undetectable and is great for client’s who travel extensively, live out-of-town, or just don’t want to be bothered with maintenance. Wefted hair extensions can be alternated between weaving and a removable system at any time.

Pricing

Pricing depends on what I need to do, how much hair is needed, method of attachment, etc. Every hair extension is custom designed and blended for your specific situation. It's very difficult to determine price when I haven't seen you and your hair. This is why I offer free consultations with no obligation.

Shopping for extensions by price alone can end up causing a lot of frustration and disappointment. It may end up costing more money in the long run too. You should also consider quality of the hair, the person's experience, and several other factors which are listed in my article posted under the Articles button on my website. Cheapest is not the best and usually gives an unrealistic look and feel - and at worst, damages your hair. I'm not saying the most expensive hair extensions are the best. There are also people who charge a lot of money that don't deliver high quality. My point is, if you're going to shop around, it is in your best interest to see for yourself what is being offered and to consider and compare all the factors along with the price.

Hair Weaving
Technorati Profile

Steps for Braiding Hair

Steps for Braiding Someone Else's Hair or the Front Section of Your Own Hair

Step 1:

Begin by applying a styling gel, mousse or pomade to clean, damp hair and blow drying it as smooth as possible. Braiding hair that hasn’t been washed that day and already has hair products in it also works well.

Step 2:

Divide tangle-free hair into three even sections. Place the left section between your left index finger and thumb, let the middle section hang free and place the right section between your right index finger and thumb. This will begin to create the hair braids.

Step 3:

Grab the middle section with your right middle finger and pull it so it passes behind the right section. Extend your right thumb and index finger so the portion of hair therein becomes the middle section.

Step 4:

Use the left middle finger to pull the middle section behind the left section. Extend or straighten the left index finger and thumb to make the left section become the middle section. Pay careful attention to the smoothness and tension of your hair braid sections.

Step 5:

Shift the portion of hair hooked in the right middle finger so it sits between the right index finger and thumb. Repeat the process, then shift the portion of the hair hooked in the left middle finger so it sits between the left index finger and thumb.

Step 6:

Continue until you achieve the desired length of the hair braid. Make a tighter, more compact braid by pulling the middle section into a horizontal line as you pull it to the right or left. For a loose, elongated braid, simply shift the middle section to the right or left, letting it remain in a vertical line.

Step 7:

Tie off the ends of the hair braid with a covered rubber band. Add a bow or barrette when appropriate.

Hair Weaving

NON Glue/Bond Hair Extensions

NON Glue/Bond Hair Extensions

Donna Bella hair extensions: The I-Link system is applied using micro links. Donna Bella has two types of links that come in different sizes. Their most popular is the "non-slip" link that is threaded on the inside which secures the extension without damaging the client's hair.

Micro-cylinder hair extensions: This gentle attachment method does not involve glues, heat, or chemicals. Tiny tubes (micro-cylinders) are used to attach the strands with a special technique to your own hair. It’s easy to install and easy to remove by an expert. Applied in the correct way this is a strong and safe method that will not damage your own hair. This method can also be used for weft extensions. The cylinders come in different sizes and colors but also in different qualities. This method can be used with the highest hair quality and with hair of a lesser quality, it depends on the salon.

Microchet hair extensions: One of the latest inventions in the field of hair extensions is a very gentle thread technique that is virtually undetectable. The process is quick and easy with no pulling or stress and no damage to your own hair. It is very comfortable and light, you can hardly feel it yourself. The attachment is so small that it can be applied on very thin hair and on areas of the head (temples, mid scalp, fore head) where most other systems can not. High quality human hair is used.

Invisible Strands: The extension hair is applied to a strand of your own hair using dental floss; the floss is then removed leaving an invisible strand. A sealant is applied to each extension to ensure that it lasts the duration of the process. The technician said that this method lasts from 8 months to a year. It could take 3 to 8 days to complete with 2 specialists working on your hair. The process does not cause damage to your hair. You care for your hair like normal.

ProHair Extensions: A gentle method of attaching synthetic hair extensions without the use glues or chemicals. The ProHair is braided into the hair using a 3 stem braid close to the root area; some of the extension fiber is wrapped around the braid and then heated with the ProStyles Heat Clamp. The ProHair shrinks around the braid locking it in place and preventing it from unravelling. Removal is easy as well, simply twist the heat seal until it fractures then the extension slides out without any damage to the client’s hair. Gentle because it does not rely on tension or chemicals for application or removal. It is also suitable for all hair types European, Asian or Afro. ProStyles are the inventers of this method.

FLhair™ Xtensions Strand by Sstrand: This method utilizes a custom designed micro-cylinder shell. Small, weightless and strong each shell’s interior is coated with a Silicone compound to protect the hair from any compression stress. The outer shell is colored co-ordinate to match the hair color for truly sightless, gentle dependable connections. The uniqueness of this method is all the Remy Hair Strands come fully prepared with a shell and threader attached. It can be used for length or volume on all hair types, excluding medical hair loss. FLhair™ Xtensions Strand by Strand method makes it affordable and dependable for the stylist and client.

TemBond™ Hair Extension System: This gentle, non-adhesive bonding method is a process in which you dip and attach strands of extension hair to your own. The patent-pending TemBond™ is uniquely designed to create a secure hold for the extension strands without actually binding to the natural hair, giving the wearer a temporary bond that can be worn for months and applied themselves. Working with all hair types, and allowing reuse of the extension hair, the natural and non-toxic TemBond™ can be removed without chemicals or tools.

HairXtend hair extensions: Attachment is done with skilful manual application using a soft silicon pad that does not stress your hair. They supply only 100% cuticle hair.

Hairlocs hair extensions: This method is based on the same principle as micro-cylinder. No heat, no glue or polymer is used. The tubes are larger and have a different shape than the micro-cylinder but both are tightened to create the attachment.

Individual braiding: In this time consuming method extension hair is braided into your own hair.

Hair Extensions: The Hair Extension Guide is the most used hair extension resource on the Internet today. For the largest salon directory and everything you need to know about hair extensions.

Hair Extension Techniques

Hair Extensions Techniques

Hair extensions come in many different types. There are differences in the way hair extensions are prepared, in the technique used to attach it to your own hair, and in what kind of hair is used. Some systems only differ from materials that are used or just from name. With many techniques some kind of glue or bond is used for attachment, these methods involve coating your own hair with a chemical or foreign substance. Some glues can be harmful for your hair or skin, others are safe. Ask your stylist what type of glue will be used. There are many good salons that do not use a name brand extension technique. Hair extensions will not last forever, sometimes because the attachment breaks but mostly because the growth of your own hair. Extensions connected to your hair will get more lose as your hair grows (approximately 0.4" per month). Depending on how fast your hair grows and how well you take care of your extensions they have to be removed or retightened when they get too loose. Some systems last longer then others but in general we can say anywhere between 2 and 6 months. With some hair extensions it is possible to reuse the hair what can save you some money, this also depends on the hair quality and how well you take care of it.

There are three major categories: Clip-on Extensions, Weft Extensions, and Strand by Strand Extensions:

Clip in Hair Extensions

As the name already revealed, you can clip these extensions into your own hair whenever you want it and take it out at night before you go to sleep.

Donna Bella Milan Clip-In hair extensions: Donna Bella Milan is known amongst hair professional's world wide for its certified remy human hair. The clip-in line comes in both natural and fantasy colors. Clip-in hair is thought to be the easiest of all systems to apply and remove. Clips come in all sizes and lengths used for both highlights and full heads.

Hair Extensions : The Hair Extension Guide is the most used hair extension resource on the internet today. For the largest salon directory and everything you need to know about hair extensions.

Hair Weaving

Hair Extensions

Hair extensions comes in many different types. There are differences in the way hair extensions are prepared, in the technique used to attach it to your own hair, and in what kind of hair is used. Some systems only differ from materials that are used or just from name.

With many techniques some kind of glue or bond is used for attachment, these methods involve coating your own hair with a chemical or foreign substance. Some glues can be harmful for your hair or skin, others are safe. Ask your stylist what type of glue will be used. There are many good salons that do not use a name brand extension technique. Hair extensions will not last forever, sometimes because the attachment breaks but mostly because the growth of your own hair. Extensions connected to your hair will get more lose as your hair grows (approximately 0.4" per month). Depending on how fast your hair grows and how well you take care of your extensions they have to be removed or retightened when they get too loose. Some systems last longer then others but in general we can say anywhere between 2 and 6 months. With some hair extensions it is possible to reuse the hair what can save you some money, this also depends on the hair quality and how well you take care of it.

There are three major categories: Strand by strand extensions, weft extensions, and clip-on extensions

With Strand by strand extensions technique small strands of extension hair are attached one by one to small sections of your own hair by either weaving in, gluing, heat fusing, clamping with metal tubes or using waxes and polymers.

A weft extension is a track of several inches long on which the hair is already attached (a curtain of hair attached together at the top and free flowing at the bottom). A weft can be made by a machine or by hand. Handmade wefts are better, they are custom made to suit your head and match your hair. The extensions are then applied by using one row (track) at the time instead of strand by strand.

Hair Weaving