HAIR EXTENSIONS
Growing hair is a slow and tedious process. Since hair grows on average 1/4" to 1/2" a month (and for many it's a slower rate) it can take years to have a head of Long and Luxurious Hair. Even if we achieve the desired length, many come short of having the fullness and body desired. Hair extensions can add VOLUME and STRENGTH as well as protection for fine weak and/or damaged hair. Many fine weak and/or allergic clients prefer to add HIGHLIGHTS and COLOR to their look through the use of Hair Extension rather then further compromise the health of the hair by chemical coloring. Done properly HUMAN HAIR EXTENSION can greatly add to the quality and health of your hair and self esteem. Done with the proper technique for your hair type HUMAN HAIR EXTENSIONS can last 3 to 6 months. The above photo shows one of our clients that for many reasons could never grow her hair past shoulder length. In less then 3 hours we achieved this look with 100% Human Hair Extensions. Please feel free to phone for a no charge consultation on your particular needs and if Hair Extensions and which method would be for you. 415-377-9226There are as many ways and types of doing Hair Extensions as there are differences in people and personalities. There are differences in the preparation of the extension hair as well as the types of technique needed for your desired end result, hair texture and type. There are many different types of hair that can be used and the different ways in which extension hair is processed can greatly add or diminish your personal experience and wear of extensions. This is why a private personal consultation is so very important. With many methods some kind of GLUE or BONDING POLYMER is used, not always but in some situations these can be harmful to your hair and skin if not properly done and/or allergic reaction can occur. Hair Extension DONE PROPERLY and WITH CARE can give the wearer months of happy and healthy wear, fulfilling the dreams of a thicker and/or longer luxurious head of hair.
The average time length a client can wear a set of Hair Extensions is as varied as clients themselves. Most clients wear a set of extensions between 2 to 6 months depending on how fast their hair grows, how well they follow simple grooming instructions and the type and method used. Hair grows an average of 1/4" to 1/2" per month. In some instances it is possible to reuse the Extension Hair but beware these are sometimes the more harsh GLUES and BONDING agents that allow this. Pre -Bonded or Keratin tipped in my opinion will not hold as well the second time around and in the long run can be more costly (haste make waste).
THE FOUR MOST COMMON METHODS OF HAIR EXTENSIONS ARE:
STRAND BY STRAND HAIR EXTESIONS:
This is a method in which small groupings of strands of hair extensions re attached to the base of your hair using one of the following attachments.
Glue
Metal Clamping
Clipping on
Heat Fusion
Plastic shrinking Tubes
Keratin Protein Tips
Waxes
Polymers
WEFT EXTENSION
A weft is when a band at the top has attached hair across and the free flowing at the bottom. This method is usually attached to the base of your hair at the scalp in strips with Glue or Polymers. This method is usually short wear time but can be used in areas of the head where other methods could not be used.
WEAVE
This method is done by having your hair braided into tracks and then sewing to those braids a weft or strip of hair.
CLIP IN HAIR EXTENSIONS
This method allows the wearer to add and remove the extensions on a daily basis. This is a method recommended for someone who has plenty of grooming time in the mornings or who just wants a now and then change to their look. This method can be harsh on the hair and gives whats known as signature wear and tear with prolonged use.
PROPER CARE OF HUMAN HAIR EXTENSIONS
People who have grown their hair long or who have thick hair naturally know how to "live" with their hair. It has become a part of them over the months and years. For you this may be a completely new experience. You may not be used to long or thick hair, so the one basic rule to keep in mind and follow is to "USE COMMON SENSE" when caring for you extensions. Don't aggressively pull on them or let the wind or water tangle or mat them. Don't wait to long between visits to your extension stylist for a check up. Follow some simple rules and using common sense your hair extensions will be what they are meant to be, "an extension of yourself". Remember not everyone can wear Hair Extensions, you need to dedicate time and money for their proper care. But, if you are willing to make this commitment you will have months of enjoying your new look.
Problems are rare so call your extension stylist immediately if you notice anything questionable. Use only products recommended by your Extension Stylist, not all Hair care products are suitable for hair extensions.
NEVER GO TO BED WITH WET HAIR!!!!!!!!!!!! For long hair it is advisable to braid the hair before sleeping. This keeps the hair from tangling. Also, sleeping on a satin pillow case will keep the hair from getting "roughed-up" by the friction caused by weaved fabrics. Combing and brushing is done by starting at the ends of the hair and slowly working your way to the scalp. Do not force the comb or brush through the hair, but feel free to brush as often as desired and all the way through to the scalp.
Shampoo the hair by starting with a spray of leave-in-conditioner and a wide tooth comb to remove any tangles. Wet hair but do not rub, make sure to cleanse your scalp thoroughly, using recommended products. If you hair length is more then 16" braid your hair into one large loose braid before shampooing, this will avoid tangles and allow through and proper cleaning.
CONDITIONING is extremely important! To maintain the health and luster of your hair and to avoid tangles you will need to condition after each shampooing. Other reason that make conditioning important are:
Loss of moisture do to climate exposure.
Chemical services done to hair.
use of styling products containing waxes and/or alcohol.
Use of blow dryers and/or heating irons.
Long exposure to water.
Exposure to swimming, hot tubs, sauna, or steam rooms.
After exposing your hair to any of the above, immediately your hair should be shampooed and given an intensive conditioning treatment.
REGROWTH, everyone is constantly loosing old hair and growing new. The hair that you would normally loose each day will be captured in the bonding that is the foundation of your extensions. Ordinarily this "old hair" would shed with combing, brushing and shampooing. Don't be alarmed if there is some of your own hair attached to the bonding or if the hair is loose when your extensions are removed. This is natural, however if you feel the amount of loss is abnormal be sure to discuss this with your extension stylist.
SUMMARY OF CARE:
Drying hair on cool or warm setting only.
Avoid extreme heat, dryers and irons can easily reach up to 400 degrees or more.
Was when needed, warm water never hot and condition after ever shampooing.
pretreat hair with a spray leave-in-conditioner before shampooing, rinse thoroughly and use the proper recommended hair care products.
Blot dry, never rub or wrap hair with a towel, never go to bed with damp or wet hair.
Allow yourself the time needed to care for your extensions properly.
Some extension hair loss is normal and to be expected.
Average client hair loss is 50 to 250 hairs a day, so you can expect to see small quantity of naturally released hair trapped in the attachments after some wear time has elapsed. Again this is normal and should not be interpreted as hairs pulled out by extension wear.
TYPES OF HAIR:
Synthetic Hair: is what it says, a man made fiber product that is produced to look like human hair. I personally do not use or care for Synthetic Hair. This is not to say it is without it's merits. Please be sure to obtain all the facts and do your research before committing to this method.
Temple Hair or Indian Temple Hair: is 100% human hair that is mostly collected at Religious Festivals throughout the Middle East and Asian Countries, it is easily processed and versatile. Can be used on many types of Ethnicity's. There are many grades of Indian Hair so please have your stylist be very clear with you on the Grade of hair they will be using. A Thur D Grade, A being the highest and best quality, and so on.
Chinese or Asian Hair: hair that is most readily available, but absolutely not for everyone. On many Caucasian clients this hair can be to straight and heavy, which will not allow a natural blend to the look. Often this hair starts out very dark and then is highly processed for lighter colors and/or permed for wavy or curly looks. With that said it can have a most beautiful effect when it's the right hair for the right client.
Now let \'s talk about EUROPEAN HAIR>>>>>there are some great companies out there that would discourage or lead one to believe there is a shortage or no such thing as European Hair. Look at a map of Europe it's size. I find no shortage in buying this hair a bit more expensive then other types, but I find this hair to give me the best means of matching a texture to most clients.
Processed and Remy Hair: just about all 100% Human Extension Hair is processed in one or more ways, as in cuticle removal, darker or lightened/ colored in some way to obtain a desired shade. Many Grades will be coated with a Silicone to give shine and to aid in detangling, but if the hair starts a a lower grade the silicone will shampoo off quickly leaving a dull and easily matted hair specially when wet.
Remy hair is when the hair strands are all going the same direction, as it does when it grows from the head. This helps reduce tangles and matting although Remy Hair can be treated with silicone sprays as well. This process allows for a wide range of Colors, Textures, and curls to aid in matching a clients needs.
100% VIRGIN HUMAN HAIR: This is the rarest and most expensive type of hair for use in extension work, which allows for the most perfect wear and look of extensions. This hair is collected from a single donor, where all other types of hair come from hundreds of donors and then mixed together. This is why the processing of the hair is so important: it allows uniformity in coloring and texture for the masses 'again which is fine if it meets your needs and budget.
100% VIRGIN HUMAN HAIR is tested to assure they have been no chemical, coloring, and/or any type processing during the growth of the hair before being purchased from a single seller. This does greatly limit the range of color choices and narrows the curl, wave pattern to the hair. But when it's a right match for a client there is nothing that is more natural looking, feeling and wearable to the client. Again there is nothing wrong with driving a Volkswagen or Cadillac but when you can drive Bentley or Rolls Royce, nothing more need be said.
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU AND YOUR HAIR EXTENSION STYLIST TAKE THE TIME TALK ABOUT THE MANY DIRECTIONS YOU CAN TAKE TO ACHIVE A DESIRED LOOK, AS WELL AS THE TIME AND COST TO NEEDE TO ACHIVE THE GOAL OF A MORE BEAUTIFUL HEALTIER HEAD OF HAIR.
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