Before you commit to having hair extensions, do your research. You are investing good money and it is important to follow these guidelines when choosing the right stylist;
1. Most reputable stylists will offer a free consultation to discuss your suitability for the installation. Use this opportunity to ask any questions or concerns.
2. Ask to see samples and ask where the hair is sourced. There are many different hair types, the most popular being Indian Remy (cuticle correct). Hair that is not cuticle correct will matt and tangle. If the price seems too cheap it usually means the hair is too!
3. Your stylist should provide evidence of their work - beware if they do not have 'before and after pictures'
4. Ensure the stylist is a professionally trained hairdresser - the hair extensions may be perfect, but cut poorly can be disasterous.
5. Your stylist should explain how to maintain your new locks and provide 4-6 weekly maintenance checks.
There are two main types of hair extension application methods - Weft and Strand by Strand Here we explain some of the popular application methods which will help you decide which type is best for you and your lifestyle.
STRAND BY STRAND:
Hot Fusion: Small weight distributed strands of pre-bonded extensions are attached one by one to equal sized sections of your own hair using a polymer, wax or keratin protein and heat. The bonds are melted to your natural hair with a heat connector and rolled whilst still warm to form a small cylinder shape. Bonds are removed using a dissolvent and removal tool. Suitable for most hair types except weak brittle hair. Lasts 3-5 months.
Ultrasonic Cold Fusion (CFT): Small weight distributed strands of pre-bonded extensions are attached one by one to equal sized sections using keratin protein and ultrasound waves instead of heat. The bonds are softened and sealed comfortably flat to your natural hair. Bonds are removed with an oil based dissolvent and removal tool. Suitable for all hair types. Lasts 3-5 months.
Mono Fibre: Mono Fibre Extensions are applied to your natural hair in tiny sections using the C2 technology, which produces gentle controlled heat and makes a tiny invisible seal, holding the extensions in place at the roots. No bonding agents are used and clients can be easily removed safely at home. Suitable for all hair types. Lasts approximately 3 months.
Micro-Ring / Micro Links: Small weight distributed strands of pre-bonded stick-tip hair are attached strand by strand to equal sized sections of your hair - using a latch hook tool your natural hair is pulled through a small metallic ring and pinched flat near the root. Removal is easy using special pliers to release the ring. Suitable for most hair types except brittle or very fine hair. Lasts 3-5 months
Shrink Tubes / Shrinkies: Small weight distributed segments of extension hair are attached one by one to small sections of your own hair using small plastic tubes. Heat is applied to the bonds to shrink them tight to the hair near the root. Shrinkies are removed by reheating the bond and an oil based dissolvent to remove any excess polymer. Suitable for most hair types except brittle or very fine hair. Lasts 3-5 months
Micro Braids: A method of hair extension application very popular in afro hair types. Small segments of loose hair are finely braided into sections of your own hair using a tiny three strand braid. Due to the complexity of this procedure it can take 10 hours to complete. Lasts approximately 3 months.
WEFT HAIR EXTENSIONS:
Sewn in / Weave / Track: With this method, your natural hair is braided into tracks or cornrows - a specially designed needle and a colour matched thread is used to sew the hair extension wefts through the braids. Alternatively, wefts can be bonded to the braids Lasts up to 3 months.
Clip-In Wefts of hair are cut to size and clips are sewn in to the weft for easy attachment to your natural hair. A temporary solution for a special occasion or can be used for added thickness. Clip ins take minutes to attach and removed in an instant. Suitable for all hair types and can be re-usable. Lasts: 1 day-5 days
Micro Weft Wefts are secured to the natural hair in strands with a fusion bonding glue, or for a glue free alternative, attached with micro rings. Can be re-applied. Longevity: 2-4 weeks
Pre tape / Seamless: Natural hair is sandwiched between two seamless 'clear polyurethane skin' taped hair wefts. Gentle heat is applied to seal the weft. Due to the seamless comfortable fit, the pre-taped extensions can be worn higher up the scalp and are virtually invisible. Lasts approximately 1 month depending on quality.
