great for many women because they make it easy to change your

hairstyle on a whim. Hair extensions are a safe, natural way to

enhance your inner beauty, are easy to care for and usually are

not affected by your normal hair care routine or quality

shampoos. However, hair extensions are not a “one size fits all”

and some methods may not be suitable for certain hair textures

and conditions.

WHAT IS AVAILABLE:

Hair extensions are normally available in three standard sizes –

standard, fine and extra fine. The extensions are made from a

range of human and synthetic fibers. Synthetic fibers include

Kanekalon and Toyokalon and can differ from brand to brand.

Both synthetic and human hair come in the form of a weave (also

known as a weft) as well as single strands. These can be used

for braids. However, synthetic hair is usually not recommended

for weaving, though it is suitable for dreadlocks. For those

wanting dreads, synthetic dreads can be installed and removed

easily and cause no damage or change to your natural hair. This

is a great way to grow your hair out or start permanent dreads.

However, synthetic hair is not suitable for more free-flowing

styles because it does not provide the desired natural look and

will be easily detected as fake.

Synthetic hair is also used to add the current high fashion

colors, such as pinks and blues. Generally speaking, if you are

going for the natural “it grew out of my head” look, you should

go with human hair.

HOW APPLIED:

It is best to entrust hair extension work to specialists as the

skill and experience required are very different from that

available in most hairdressing salons.

Human hair extensions are usually supplied as wefts (also known

as “tracks”) which are batches of hair attached at the top. These

extensions are attached to your head by sewing them into a tiny

braid made out of your own hair. The effect looks natural and the

extensions appear seamless. The wefts can be made by machine but

the best wefts are handmade.

Human hair is very heavy and adding extra weight to already

damaged hair can cause the natural hair to fall out – even

causing permanent hair loss! There are various methods suitable

for damaged hair but it’s wise to get a second opinion if your

hair is in bad shape. To suit your needs, human hair can be sewn

a little thicker or thinner on the weft.

Hair extensions can be applied with glue, bonds, or sewn in. For

instance, one system pre-bonds hair using a protein polymer. If

you want to add length or volume, perhaps highlight some areas,

then extensions are ideal as they can be applied in less time

than it would normally take you to get a trim!

Clip ins were the extension trade secret of the stylists that

worked at photo shoots and catwalks. However, clip-in hair

extensions are for temporary use and should be removed daily and

not left in your hair when sleeping.

SOURCE:

The most popular suppliers for various grades of unprocessed

human hair are Asian countries such as China and India.

COST:

Pricing is based on factors such as the quality of the salon,

quality of their products, the geographic location, and the

length of the hair. Synthetic hair extensions may cost you less

than $100. For the equivalent in real human hair you might pay

from $200 to $400. Final cost depends on how many bundles of

extensions you have put in. Each bundle has 25 pieces. The costs

for hair extensions will also vary according to the thickness and

length of the finished look. Typically, for thickening, cost can

be anywhere from $300 – $900. For length, prices can start at

$1200. This is gradually becoming more affordable.

Hair extensions are popular among women as they impart a

completely new and different look. Sometimes you just want to

have longer hair. Hollywood stars often use hair extensions for