The Different Methods Of Applying Hair Extensions

If you have made the decision to invest in hair extensions, it can be hard to know which method of application is best for you and your hair type. Perhaps you have experimented with clip-in hair extensions and liked the effect, but are looking for something more permanent. It can be a big and not to mention a costly step to have professional hair extensions applied, therefore it is important to know as much about the different sorts of application processes as possible in order to make an informed decision.

 Once you have decided on the type of hair that you want to use, (my advice is to always go for the highest quality hair that you can afford as it will look more natural and last longer and always stay away from synthetic hair), then you must decide on how you would like the hair extensions to be applied. There are two main categories of application that go on to form other sub-categories according to the adhesive method used. You can either have individual strand hair extensions which are pretty self-explanatory, or the weft technique. A weft is like a little curtain of hair that is attached together at the top and is free-flowing at the bottom.

Wefts can be made by machine, but the best wefts are handmade. A weft is different to the individual strand technique as the hair is applied in blocks of hair. To apply a weft, small sections of your own hair are braided close to the scalp in rows and these braids form a point to which a curtain of false hair is sewn. It is thought that this form of hair extension can sometimes give a less natural look than some of the others as the hair tends to hang in blocks instead of individual pieces as natural hair does. It is also best for this process to be used only if you have medium to thick hair, because the braid can remove some of your natural hairs thickness meaning that the attachment of the extensions can be visible is your hair is naturally fine.

The advantage of this type of hair extension is that no chemicals are used to attach the fake hair to your own hair; therefore no chemicals are needed to remove them either. Also, the false weaves of hair can be removed relatively easily, the braids can be tightened or redone if need be and the weaves can be sewn back onto the hair and reused again. This means that maintenance costs are kept to a minimum.

The main disadvantage of having a weft fitted is that they can be uncomfortable to wear as they can be heavy and put a certain amount of tension on the scalp. This can lead to hair loss and even bald patches. Wefts are only really suitable for thicker hair types as they can create a bulge where attached to the scalp which can be noticeable to others. Therefore, it is always advisable to have a consultation with a trained stylist before going ahead with any extensions to ensure that you are getting the right type of extensions for your hair type and needs. 

Nowadays, there are many different ways of applying individual strand extensions. The individual method involves taking small amounts of extension hair and applying to small sections of your own hair either by weaving in, heat fusing, gluing or clamping with metal rods or using waxes or polymers. These types of extensions look more natural than wefts because they swing and move in small sections that imitate the way your natural hair behaves. These extensions have to be removed professionally and it depends on the type of hair you have chosen whether it can be reused again or not. This method of application is the most durable and natural looking and if you chose one of the more innovative methods of bonding then there is less of a chance of any damage to your natural hair.

All the methods of attaching the false hair to your own involve coating your hair with a chemical or a foreign substance. However, some are safer and less damaging to your hair than others. It is important to make sure that you ask your stylist whether your natural hair is strong enough to hold the bonds once they are put in place as they can put some pressure on the existing hair. As this method is the most natural looking and durable method of extension application it can get very expensive. There are also the maintenance bills to consider. You will need to visit the salon quite regularly to maintain your style.

Deciding to have a head of hair extensions professionally fitted is a big step and can be quite costly; therefore it is advisable to do your research before you go ahead. Hair extensions can change your look and are ideal for people who crave long luscious locks.

For more information contact Inanch today.