Good Hair Extensions, Bad Hair Extensions - What's The Difference?
Hair comes in many qualities and apart from the method of application, the quality of your hair extension hair will determine whether or not they will look real, and how long they will last.
Please Note: The following comments on hair quality are meant as a guide only and are relevant to matching the hair strands of Caucasian people. The Asian and African hair strand is different in texture and structure and these comments may not apply. A trusted Hair Extensions artist with experience dealing with the African hair strand will be able to give you the best advice in matching your hair with the extensions.
Bad Hair Extensions- Anything Synthetic
Unless you want to look like you've got a shredded plastic bag stuck to your head avoid it at all times. Synthetic Hair is basically plastic and will NEVER look like you grew it (unless you are 12 inches tall and your name is Barbie). Synthetic hair is however, great for dreadlocks - but that's another story.
Not Great Hair Extensions - Asian Hair Extensions (unless you are Asian)
This hair is a course hair strand and grows naturally very dark (black) and very very straight. Use it if you are Asian and you do not colour your hair and you want the sleek, dark look. Only buy Asian hair that has been coloured/permed if you don't expect to wear the extensions for a long time and you can't afford anything else.
O. K. Hair Extensions - European Quality Hair
This is basically NOT European Hair but is the best of the Asian, Pakistani, Indian hair. Same as the above. Don't expect it to last.
Good Hair Extensions - European Hair Extensions
This hair mostly comes from southern Italy and Spain and usually is grown very dark. Some of it is naturally straight, some naturally wavy. European Hair is what most people use for Extensions. It is durable and looks good and it will last up to a year if cared for properly.
All of the Human Hair above starts off very dark then has it's colour stripped back to nothing and then it is re-tinted (usually using fabric dyes not hair colour) to all the shades available. This means that if you want platinum blonde hair it has gone through a massive chemical process to get to that colour. One of the main disadvantages of all these types of hair is the inability to change your colour. Because of the chemical processes the hair has already gone through before you even see it, putting hair colour on top of it will cause the hair to break down and fall apart. So, if you use any of these qualities of hair make sure you are certain you have chosen the right colour or colour blend.
If you have highlighted (streaked)hair make sure you have your weft maker recreate your highlights(using different colours) in the wefts so that they match your own hair.
The Best Hair Extensions- Raw/Virgin Hair Extensions
This hair is like gold (and sometimes more expensive).It is grown in places near the Arctic Circle such as Russia and Poland. Genetic factors ensure that this hair is of the utmost quality. It has been grown for generations by the same families specifically to be cut and sold. It has never been chemically treated in any way (blonde hair is grown on a blonde head) and as such is much better suited to colouring and perming if necessary.
It is at it's best when left in the virgin state (i.e. choose colours and blend them to match your colour exactly) but can last very well if coloured correctly and gently too.
This hair can last many years (one of our clients had 22" Russian hair for 4 1/2 years and it was still 22" long when she changed it). Most extensions artist don't use (or even know about) raw/virgin hair because it is very rare and very expensive. But if you can get it, and you can afford it - buy it!
How Do I Look After Hair Extensions?
You look after Hair Extensions the same as you would do long hair that you grew yourself. If you have never been able to grow your hair long before it is probably because you are killing it just as quickly as it grows. Here's a few tips:
1. Wash, condition and MOISTURIZE (very important) your hair every 2 - 3 days. The hair extensions do not receive your natural scalp oils and so need to have moisture added every wash. If you don't moisturize your hair extensions they will become brittle and break easily leading to split and ratty ends. We recommend a good moisturizer for Hair Extensions. (Paul Mitchell the instant moisture range.)
2. Treat them with respect. They will not grow back if you yank at them with a brush, burn them with the blow dryer, kill them with chemicals. Be nice to them - they cost a lot of money so make sure you get your money's worth.
3. Always brush out all knots before you wash your hair, swim, or sleep. Start at the bottom and work your way up slowly using a paddle brush.
4. Make sure you wash in between the hair extensions to keep your scalp clean and free of bacteria.
Hair Extensions F.A.Q's
How long can my hair extensions be?
You can have any length you want up to about 14 "- 25". Any natural hair over this length is about 8 - 10 years old at the ends (i.e. it took the person that long to grow it for you) and as such loses quality. Also, anything longer than this puts extra weight on your scalp which may lead to uneven pressure and damage to your own hair. The best looking hair extensions for average height women are usually around 22" or less. Our most popular length is 18" which is to your bra line.
How much are hair extensions?
Work out what kind of hair you need. Look at your budget. Remember - there is upkeep costs involved and these may vary. Don't pay thousands of dollars for cheap hair. Don't expect good hair for peanuts. Make sure you see the exact hair to be used first. You will pay more for better quality hair (European or Virgin). I believe it is best to get the best possible product and for that you will pay a premium price. But your hair will look great, it will last and you will feel terrific!
Can I wear my hair extensions up?
Sure the hair extensions are place an inch away from your hair line so, you can wear your hair up in pigtails, ponytails, French twists, French braids etc.
How do I know my Hair Extensions Artist is a professional?
Ask to see photos (before/after). Most hair extensions clients like to remain anonymous but there is always at least one who would love to let the world know what a great job they had done on their hair. Ask how often the average client needs to replace the hair (6 months - 9 months). Ask about their previous experience, how long have they been in the field.
Does Hair extensions hurt? Will it pull my hair out?
No, no NO!!! If it hurts get out of there! The Hair Extensions will be placed 2 cm's roughly from the scalp so the Hair Extensions sit flat and comfortably. The Hair Extensions will take anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks to get used to, after that you won't even feel that they are there.
What about my re-growth. I'm a natural brunette but want blonde hair extensions.
Easy. The colourist just has to work around the extensions. This makes your colour cheaper because effectively you only colour the crown and hairline. It also means that the hair in the hair extensions remains virgin and when you eventually have the hair extensions off your own hair is in brilliant condition. |
