Archive for the ‘Hair Extensions’ category

Human Hair Extensions

October 28th, 2009

Human hair extensions are also known as Integration. Integrations or hair extensions are done by superimposing or adding commercial hair to natural hair. These methods are ideal for camouflaging and concealing areas of hair loss and hair thinning.

Hair extensions are produced from a variety of synthetic and human fibers. Kanekalon and Toyokalon are two synthetic fibers which are popularly used for human hair extensions. However these too vary with different brands. Human hair costs more than synthetic fibers.

Synthetic hair is also available in a wider variety in terms of colour and texture, ranging from the natural to extraordinary.

Human hair is generally available in different grades and is marketed according to their ethnic source. China, India and some Asian countries are the best suppliers of unprocessed or “virgin” hair. “Remy” hair is mainly sourced from East European countries.

Hair extensions have evolved into a novel method which eliminates gluing and braiding for attaching artificial hair to natural hair. The attachment is so fine that it is almost invisible to the naked eye. It takes about 90 minutes of labour to attach hair with this method and about 5 minutes to remove them.

Artificial hair manufacturers make use of a standard scale to distinguish the hair by its colour. A lower number on the packaged product mostly implies a darker colour; 0 being the darkest black available. However the colours vary widely from manufacturer to manufacturer. Some hair extension suppliers have also created their own signature brands and colours.

Hair extensions are available in different textures ranging from the pin-straight type to the extremely kinky or curly. Different names are given to these by brand houses. The scope of curly hair patterns done with the help of synthetic hair is immense. However some examples of common packaged hair extensions are Yaki, Wet and wavy, Deep wave, Jheri curl and Loose deep wave also called Romance wave.

As mentioned earlier, the quality of the hair extension is specified by the terms ‘Virgin’ and ‘Remy’. Virgin hair means that the hair is free from any attempt at processing and colouring. ‘Virgin hair’ is available in its natural form. It is collected typing-off of the hair. This is mainly done to maintain the direction of the cuticle before cutting. The hair is then sold in bulk form, converted into wigs, pre-bonded or sewn on a weft.

The hair extension is called ‘Remy’ when only human hair is used and the strands are close together, like in one weft and are so organized that the roots point towards one direction and the tips face the opposite direction. Remy hair is considered better in quality, because they last longer than their non Remy counterparts. They also remain smooth, tangle free and shiny. This happens because (biologically speaking) each hair is keratinized skin cells placed in layers which overlap each other.

Hair Extensions Salon

October 27th, 2009

Hair extension is the ideal way of gaining longer and fuller hair. Hair extensions are very popular beauty products in contemporary beauty industry. Their desirability is evident in beauty shows all over the world.

New salons offering hair extension facilities are being inaugurated constantly where new techniques of hair extensions are being explored regularly. In the last few years many new hair extension techniques were launched in the industry. It is highly confusing for a person to choose the best method for herself or himself when deciding to get a hair extension.

Till a few years back ‘great lengths’ was the market leader in hair extensions , but now the same market is being shared with names like Donna Bella Milan, Flhair,Socap,Balmain, Microchet Vision and many many more. Celebrities all over the world, especially from the film industry and modeling world are actively engaged in wearing and advertising their own hair extension products.

You can get a complete list of hair extension salons and hair extension guides on the internet. There are hair extension directories which are being constantly updated for your convenience. These dictionaries are growing every day. There are numerous styles and endless information about hair extensions on the worldwide web. You can look at pictorial representations of different hair extension methods and styles in a virtual salon trip and decide what is the best suited product and design for you.

Most of the leading salons in the leading cities of India (i.e. Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Calcutta etc) offer hair extensions in different colours and designs by trained professionals. Diva divine, a famous international brand in virgin hair extensions and wigs has its branch in Mumbai and Delhi. Other leading international beauty houses like Loreal and Balmain have many outlets in all big cities of India. They offer hair extensions in different methods, styles and designs to suit Indian looks and needs.

Hair extension salons should double up as advising bodies and information manuals for people who approach them for this service. Their professionals should be able to guide you to choose the most suitable hair extension to suit your needs and resources. This is usually done after studying the face structure, hair type, social needs, cultural environment and resources of the individual.

Hair Extensions Cost

October 24th, 2009

How much does it cost to extend your hair in terms of length, body or volume?

An often repeated question by those who want to dive in the vast market of hair extensions. The answer is that the cost or price can vary widely depending on the type of hair you choose and the method applied.

Natural hair is obviously more expensive than synthetic hair. Virgin or raw hair also cast more than treated human hair. Let us begin by concentrating on hair extension prices for different hair extension methods.

Weave : This is a popular hair extension method in which the extensions are braided on the client’s actual hair. These costs anywhere between $1,500 to 43,500. Clip Ons: Clip ons are done for a short period. This temporary hair extension solution. They cost less for this reason.

Hair replacement centers offer clip on services for anything ranging from $19.50 to $269 for a single kit. Cold fusion: This traditional technique of hair extension was developed for gentle handling of the hair, and costs vary between $1500, to $3,500.

Hot fusion bonding : Hair extensions are hot glued to the client’s original hair through this method. This is also a traditional method and costs around $300.

Hair extensions normally cost between $150 to $300 for a partial head extension. The cost of hair is added to this and the final cost ranges from $400 to $800.

For full hair extensions which focus on fullness the cost hovers between $300 and $600, plus the price of hair. The total cost comes within the range of $1,300 and $1,600. If the client desires hair extensions for fullness and length addition the costs are typically between $600 to $1500 and above.

After adding the cost of hair the total ranges from $1,600 to$4,000.However high quality human hair that is cut and not brushed is typically priced between $250 to $500 for a partial head job and $1, 00 to $2,500 for a full head job.

The final cost depends on the desired length and origin of hair. Synthetic and low quality hair obviously cost much less.

However there are many salons offering extensions at much lesser prices than the standard listed above. It is imperative that you find out whether the hairdresser is qualified and competent enough to service you hair before buying discounted extensions. Also make sure about the quality of the product. To sum up the price of hair extensions can vary on the basis of the type and length of hair extension you choose, the length and density of your natural hair and the method you choose to apply.
It is advised that shopping for hair extensions be done with great care and in accordance with ones genuine needs and resources from a certified practitioner, after consulting a competent professional.

Hair Extension Methods

October 22nd, 2009

It is important to know that there are several methods of hair extension. In other words the fact that your natural hair can be extended through attachments in several ways gives you a cosmetic choice. Each method of hair extension is particularly designed to suit specific hair types and circumstances.

Hair extensions are gaining in popularity every day. People who are leading high visibility life like models, films actors, film actresses and other public figures get them done for different roles, cosmetic and grooming reasons.

There are many different methods of hair integration to fit your needs. The most common long lasting method of hair extension is called ‘track and sew’ because it involves integrating wefts. The ‘Tracks’ translates into cornrows, that is done by active braiding in the direction of the hair fall. In fact the method determines how the hair falls; towards the face or away from the face, with a parting or without it. In other word ‘Tracks’ lays the foundation for the final look.

A custom made blunt needle is used to sew wefts on the braids. The needles can be either straight or curved. You can choose from a wide palate of specially made colored threads. This depends on the hair that is being used for the extension.

Another popular method of hair extension is the invisible weave. This method is abiding since a long time for attaching artificial hair popularly called commercial hair. It takes about an hour and should be done by a trained professional only. Invisible hair weaving is the best way of attaching hair for a long period. It lasts for about 2 months.

Special bonding glues are sometimes directly used on the customer’s hair. However a patch test is desirable as per the manufacturer’s directions before indulging in this method. Wefts should never be bonded directly to the scalp.

Wefts can also be clipped in special clips. These are sewn to the wefts directly. This method is more for temporary functionality and the weft can be easily removed. Clipped wefts can change and add colour, give length and volume to hair for a particular event like a wedding or a party. Adhesives and clips are normally used to hold huge bulks of hair. However this can be done in several ways to create different styles. You should consider your resources, needs and hair situation before choosing a method of hair extension for yourself.

Hair Extension Care

October 21st, 2009

The nuances of hair extension care are similar to normal hair care. In fact hair extensions are treated and washed in the same way as your original hair and are naturally subject to the same wear and tear.

Extensions are known for wearing out with wear and wash. The growth of you natural hair also affects the hair extension. It is desirable to use good quality and gentle hair caring products to preserve the life of hair extensions for this reason.

Integrations or hair extensions can be shampooed just like natural hair. However some added care has to be bestowed on hair extensions like the use of milder shampoos. Some manufacturers even recommend wig shampoos for integrations.

The hair extension manufacturer’s kits normally contain literature giving instructions on the method of brushing, combing and drying of hair extensions. They even specify the temperature or heat setting to be used while drying. It is advisable to follow these guidelines to ensure longer and healthy life for your hair extension.

Human hair extensions can be treated just like natural hair with a little added gentle care, since they undergo heavy processing to achieve the desired colour and texture.

For example only cold water rinses with a mild shampoo and a gentle conditioner is more in order for hair integrations. The use of cold water minimizes incidences of tangling and matting. Having to remove these loosens the base of extensions and damages the hair.

The styling of artificial hair should be undertaken with the same extra care to preserve quality and ensure long life. It is highly recommended that the texture of the hair purchased should suit the styles in which it is going to be worn. The use of heat to straighten curly hair and curl straight hair causes damage to it, reducing the life span of your integration.

Synthetic hair and its blend should be handled with tender loving care when it comes to the application of heat for a similar reason. In fact, it is advisable to eliminate the use of heat completely in some cases, as synthetic strands tend to melt, burn or wear with the application of heat.

Blow dryers, flat irons and curling irons become an absolute no but for those integrations which are specially made to resist heat.

Hair Extensions

October 5th, 2009

It may come as a shock to many people, but many celebrities do not have their real hair on. It’s true. Many celebrities today employ the use of hair extensions, which offer a simple and natural-looking bounce and vitality to their own hair. These extensions can be used on long, medium-length or even short hair and the best part is that hair extensions costs vary over a wide range depending on the color, quality and style of the hair and hence such extensions can be available to anyone.

The most expensive in the range usually include real hair extensions. However more economical options have meant that hair extensions are not the exclusive domain of the affluent. Today one can even get hair extensions wholesale India. Individuals can even long hair extensions to create the illusion of hair-length. In that sense they can be used to perform the function of wigs.

Human hair extensions are also a great way to temporarily experiment with different lengths of hair and different hair styles without radically changing your look for a long time. There is no limit to the kinds and styles of looks that you can experiment with using air extensions which are sometimes also known as plugs or switches. You can use extensions to create long, layered tresses or medium-length hairstyles, wavy hairstyles or poker straight hair styles or for that matter any kind of hair style you want. Aside from altering hair styles or hair lengths, hair extensions are mainly used to make one’s natural hair look thicker. Many people use hair extensions on a day-to-day basis because the techniques to use some of these are very easy.

For instance one can use clip in hair extensions which are as easy to use as hair clips. You just lift a bunch of your hair and clip the hair extension on. Usually people who wear hair extensions regularly prefer this type of hair extensions as the alternatives can prove to be damaging to their natural hair with extended usage over the course of time. There are also braided hair extensions but these demand the use of a second person to put them on.

In this case, the wefts of hair or the extensions are braided on to one’s own natural hair starting at the roots. The braiding must begin very close to the scalp and needs to be extremely tight to keep the extension from slipping off. There are also hair extensions which must be fused onto the scalp but these are not only very painful to attach, but they also require the use of strong chemicals. This last method of using hair extensions can be very damaging to the individual’s natural hair and may even lead to hair loss.

However in order to achieve great lengths hair extensions are often the only option as many people cannot grow their hair very long no matter what they try. Besides the hair starts to look very thin once it grows very long and no matter what your hair quality, you would see a big difference before and after hair extensions.