Hair Extensions

Synthetic Extensions

Synthetic extensions do not look like real hair. While they may be cheaper than human hair extensions, if you want real looking extensions do not get synthetic hair. There is one good thing about synthetic extensions though: if you want to try dreadlocks or another wacky style without spending as much money, this is a great way to get them.

Human Hair Extensions

Getting hair extensions in a salon.

For the most realistic extensions, you should get human hair. When human hair is made for extensions its color is stripped and then re-colored to various shades so you can choose the shade you want. The disadvantage to this is that you can’t change the color of your hair extensions - they will fall apart due to the all of the processing that’s already been done.

Individual Strand Extensions

The individual method takes small amounts of hair and sticks it to your real hair. The methods for adding the extension to your real hair include weaving, heat fusing, gluing, clamping or using waxes or polymers. This method only lasts for a few months and then it has to be redone.

Wefts or Weaves

A weft or weave is a little clump of hair attached at the top and free flowing at the bottom. The weft is attached to your head by sewing them into a tiny braid, track, or cornrow of your own hair. Wefts last longer and look thicker than individual strand extensions. However, they can put uneven weight on hair, resulting in breakage.

Are Extensions Safe for Your Real Hair?

It depends on how you do them. If you do an individual strand extension, some experts say this method puts a lot of wear on your real hair since it has to be redone every couple of months. However, other experts say that removing the hair extensions and redoing them does not cause any damage to the real hair.

Caring for Hair Extensions

It’s important to care well for your extensions so they last for as long as possible and continue to look good.

• When you brush you hair, use a soft tipped brush.
• Start at the bottom of your hair and work your way up when brushing.
• Any coloring, curling or straightening should be done at the hair salon.
• Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner that’s good quality and only wash your hair every other day.
• When you wash your hair, never tangle it or rub it to dry.
• Do not use conditioner on attachment points.
• Tie back your hair in windy conditions and braid it at night to avoid tangles.
• You can dry your hair as you normally would, though an ionic hair dryer is best.
• Talk to your hair stylist, they will have recommendations depending on what kind of extensions you have.
• Avoid getting chlorine or salt water in your extensions. After swimming, wash your hair as soon as possible to remove any chemicals.