They say hair extensions are the most affordable facelifts as the fuller hair you get from a hair extensions salon will make you 5 years younger. If you are new with hair extensions, you should know that there are plenty of hair extension methods you can go with. Here are 4 of the most popular methods:
Strand by strand
The strand by strand method uses 20-40 hair strands, attached at one end using keratin or polyurethane. The hairstylist attaches the strand extensions to small sections of your hair using warm or cold fusion.
The stylist places your hair between the U-tip and seals it with a hot extension tool that melts the keratin glue rolled into the hair. The best bonds are those attached close to the root allowing just a little space for movement.
The cool thing with this method is you can apply it even if you have coarse, thick hair. When correctly done and you take good care of your hair, the strand by strand extensions can last between 16-20 weeks.
While this method is durable and ideal for those with coarse, thick hair, it’s expensive. The method also has a lengthy application and removal time. To prevent the extensions from looking like spaghetti, you need to brush your hair frequently.
Tape-in extensions
Tape-in extensions are the newest entrants in the hair extensions market. They feature polyurethane-coated wefts with double-sided tape that you attach to either side of your hair. By doing it, you practically sandwich your hair between the two hair panels.
Stylists refer to this method as the safest as the weight of the panels is spread over a large area reducing the chances of damaging your hair. Since no heat or tools are required in the process, this method is the most natural-looking hair extensions method in the market.
Upon applying the extensions, you shouldn’t wash your hair for 24-48 hours as the bonds need time to cure and adhere properly to your hair. Although, you don’t use heating tools, the use of silicone-based products directly on the adhesive increases the chances of the panels slipping, which can be embarrassing when in a meeting.
If you don’t have the budget for high-end extensions, you have to settle for cheap extensions that are often tacky and messy to apply.
Glue-in extensions
They are short term hair extensions, and you apply them to the base of the weft and attach them to the hair. You leave the weft in the hair for a few days then remove them with an oil-based solvent.
These extensions are excellent when you are interested in wearing extensions for a short time without removing the extensions before bedtime. Since you wear them for just a short time, they are affordable.
While the extensions have their perks, they have their flaws. One of the drawbacks is the glue you use to attach the wefts to your hair can sometimes damage the hair if you apply or remove the hair incorrectly. In the event, you have your extensions done by an inexperienced professional, and they apply glue to your scalp during application, the hair follicles will clog up, leading to bacterial scalp infections.
Clip-in
This is another temporary hair extension method. Here you apply the hair wefts using slight pressure sensitive clips, which makes the extensions an excellent option for those not committed to wearing the extensions daily. Since you aren’t committed to a specific extension, you can change your hair color or style as you want. You can also apply and remove your hair as you wish.
To get the most from the extensions, have your hair done in expert salons that do hair extensions. Avoid applying the clips in the same place repeatedly as you risk hair loss. Hypno
