Human hair extensions are lengths of hair applied to natural hair by a variety of methods to achieve volume and length. Occasionally extensions are also added to create the shading of highlights or lowlights. These additions to natural hair are constructed of synthetic materials or real human hair and are applied by a variety of methods from glue bonding to fusion. Hair extensions that are of good quality and have been applied by a licensed cosmetologist trained in a variety of application methods will often last three months or more.
On a day-to-day basis, extensions that are made of human hair can be treated just as regular hair would be handled. They can be brushed, shampooed, conditioned, and moisturized. With quality professional application, extensions present no special problems whatsoever and many people report that they forget they are even wearing them.
What Types of Extensions are Available?
Just as with toupees or hairpieces, the materials used in hair extensions come in both synthetic and human hair varieties. While less expensive, synthetic materials cannot duplicate the realistic feel and appearance of human hair and so are not used in professional quality hair extensions.
Synthetic
Synthetic hair extensions are made of nylon, polyester, or modacrylic. Because these materials can melt when then come into contact with a curling iron or a blow dryer, they are used primarily in hair extensions that add trendy colors like lipstick reds, orchid purples, and iridescent blues to the hair. Young people often put on this kind of hair appliance before a night out dancing or clubbing. Generally department stores carry synthetic hair extensions. Wholesale beauty supply outlets carry them as well. They are intended for temporary use and are worn exactly as they appear in the package.
Human Hair
Extensions applied in a salon by a professional extensionist are made of human hair which can be curled, treated, colored, and set just like natural hair. Like toupees, they are often made of Asian hair stripped of the cuticle to limit tangling. With the cuticle removed Asian hair most closely resembles the texture of European hair. (Other ethnic groups can also receive hair extensions and should make sure their extensionist is familiar with the characteristics of their hair type.)
Not surprisingly, human hair extensions are more expensive. Depending on the number of extensions used and the method by which they are attached, expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $2,000. Set aside six to eight hours for the application process.
How are Extensions Attached?
Methods for attaching extensions range from the artistic strand-by-strand method which takes hours to complete, to weaving, bonding, and finally non-glue methods. Not surprisingly, the durability and quality of the resulting cosmetic effect decreases with the corresponding decrease in the difficulty of the application procedure.
Fusion /
The strand-by-strand approach is the most meticulous form of hair extension application and by most standards is the best. Small sections of hair are applied strand by strand to the natural hair about a quarter of an inch from the scalp. With the use of a professional adhesive, strand-by-strand or fusion extensions can withstand heat and chemical treatments.
During routine maintenance, when the natural hair has grown to the point that the extensions need to be re-positioned or removed, an application is used to reduce the adhesive to powder so that no residue is left on the natural hair. Consequently, damage is held to an absolute minimum even though the extensions are applied directly to the natural hair.