1.
Frequently Asked Questions
2. Hair Extension Methods
3. Hair Extension Care Instructions
Frequently
Asked Questions About Hair Extensions
Brought to you by The Hair Extension
Salon Locator
So what are extensions anyway? Hair Extensions
are strands of human or synthetic hair placed
onto a person’s hair in order to elongate
or thicken existing hair. As opposed to wigs or
clip-on hair, hair extensions are a semi-permanent
attachment solution that involves the integration
of additional hair to a client’s own hair
through the use of an adhesive, or attachment
device/method. The goal in extending a person’s
hair is attain the most undetectable look with
the closest color match using premium hair, whether
human or synthetic while preserving the health
of the client’s hair, and having the extensions
stay in as long as possible.
Will people be able to tell that I'm
wearing extensions?
A -The majority of clients want the most subtle,
invisible look possible, -if you go from very
short hair (5 inches or less) than obviously those
close to you will know something is up-however,
anyone who has never met you should not be able
to that the extensions aren't your very own hair.
Can I wear my hair up?
Yes!
When extensions are applied properly,
you should be able to wear it any way
you like without anything showing. |
My hair has highlights in-Can you match
them? Can I continue to get my highlights done?
A -This one is easy-extensionists tend to use
color blends with hair, especially with light
browns and blondes-the very top of your hair will
not have extensions on, so we generally match
the color you have at the nape of your neck, and
we can match the streaks if you like. Your colorist
simply works around the extensions to re-color.
We can also use extensions to give you highlights
WITHOUT compromising your hair....
Will extensions ruin my hair?
A -This is the biggest concern from clients-In
your consultation, have your stylist go through
the pros and cons of the methods they do.. Most
damage happens when clients attempt to take off
their own extensions, or an inexperienced Stylist
doesn't take care in the removal process.
How do I know my Extensionist
is a Good One?
This can
be difficult. Ask to see photos
(before/after). Ask if you can contact
one of his/her long term clients. Most
hair extensions clients like to remain
anonymous but there is usually one or
two who like to talk about their extensions.
If possible seek consultations with at
least 2 stylists that way you will get
a way of comparison. You could also email
several extensionists. Go with who makes
you feel most comfortable. |
What kind of extensions work
for African American Women?
Most hair
extension techniques that work for Caucasian
women will also work for African
American women. Black women
typically use weaves that are sewn onto
tiny braids. These can be great but they
can also be very bulky. The strand-by-strand
method that is most popular with Caucasian
women works extremely well for African
American hair. You will find that the
hair will flow freely, and look as though
it’s growing out of your own head.
You can actually run your fingers
through it. There are Great Lengths, Hairlocs
and Cinderella hair to name a few. As
to when to relax we suggest relaxing hair 5
days before the application of the extensions
and in most cases future relaxings will
have to be done when the extensions are
out. But you can talk to your stylist
about this. |
How much should I tip my hair
extensionist?
A. I suggest
about a 5%- 10% tip on the extensions
total cost including the hair. If your
extensions cost between $1000 and $2000
most stylists would be very happy with
a $100 tip you could give more if you
wish but I don't believe it is necessary.
If the extensions are below $100 I would
try to stay close to 10% if you can. |
Can extensions be used if my
hair is thinning on top?
A. For people
who have thinning hair on top, “integration”
(which involves using a hairpiece with
your natural hair woven into it) provides
a basis for the extensions and the necessary
top layer to hide the bonds. Ask your
stylist for details. Some insurers will
help pay for this process |
Hair
Extension Methods
Brought to you by The Hair Extension Salon Locator
While there are many companies in the
hair extension market, there are 3 different basic
hair extension categories: strand-by-strand,
weft extensions and clip in extensions.
Strand by strand:
A strand by strand method is actually a method
where groups of 1-30 strands of extension hair
is grouped and then either bonded, braided, locked,
sewn or somehow attached to a similar number of
your hairs at the root. Depending upon the application
and the amount of the clients’ hair, the
number of ‘strands’ can wind up being
anywhere from 150-350
Weft Extensions
Weft AKA ‘track’ extensions, are
performed using hair that has been sewn together
on a long flat seam using a special sewing machine.
The hair is cut and measured to the clients head
and applied in layers using bonding, braiding,
locking, sewing or other methods similar to strand
by strand. This method is often less expensive
than a strand by strand method, but a lot less
versatile in styling, and not suitable for many
with thin hair. It’s also very limited when
it comes to intricate color blending. Wefts are
used in braiding and weaving techniques, as well
as
Clip-in Extensions
Clip-in extensions are a great alternative if
you want to have longer-thicker hair only some
of the time or if you are concerned about the
cost of regular hair extensions. They can be difficult
to put in every day and may on occasion slip.
They can also cause some hair loss at the clasp
points. If your hair is very fine and thin the
clips may cause hair loss. They are best if used
only occasionally
Hair
Extension Care Instructions
First of all follow the instructions
given to you by your stylist.
The first 4 instructions are for all hair extensions.
1. Keep the hair clean. You
can wash your hair every day. If not you should
wash it at least once or twice a week with warm
water. Wash your hair immediately after swimming,
spa, exercise, and etc. When dirt and sweat accumulate,
hair tangles. Too much leave-in conditioners and
other hair care products will create a build up
on the hair and will cause it to tangle faster.
If the hair feels dry or heavy with build up,
wash it with good, salon quality, shampoo &
conditioner.
2. When swimming, always wear
a cap or keep your hair out of the water to prevent
prolong exposure to chlorine or salt water which
causes the hair to tangle. I recommend pre-wetting
your hair with water then applying some conditioner
before swimming. This will keep it from
absorbing too much chlorine or salt water. Always
wash the hair right away with shampoo and conditioner
after swimming in both types of water. When going
to the spa, the hair should be brushed out completely
and should be wrapped in a cold wet towel. All
but the best extension hair (Great Lengths for
example) can completely mat up the instant it
hits salt water. It can also happen with sweat.
so be careful.
3.Make couple of big braids or pony tails
when going to sleep, swim, or exercise (please
untangle the hair before making the braids). NEVER
SLEEP ON WET HAIR it can mat up! Make
sure the hair is completely dry before going to
bed.
4. Make sure you brush the 2-3
times hair daily and apply some leave-in conditioners
so that the hair is soft manageable. Try not to
put conditioner on the bonds if you are using
any strand-by-strand extensions. With any strand-by-strand
extensions it is very important to keep the bonds
tangle free and separated. run your fingers between
them once or twice a day and brush your roots
2-3 times daily with a natural bristle brush,
for very fine hair, or a loop brush, for thicker
hair. A good leave-in hair treatment can keep
the hair from drying. But remember not to put
too much otherwise there will be a build up and
make the hair feel too heavy. If the hair feels
too dry or heavy with too much hair care products,
you should wash the hair.
These following instruction are for the
less expensive extension hair.
5. Before washing the hair, spray mixture
of conditioner and water and brush the hair from
bottom up. You must gradually wet the
hair down and brush it gently before you completely
wash the hair. If the hair is very dry
and a lot of water is added at once, hair will
swell up like sponge and tangle! Therefore, it
is important to gradually wet the hair and brush
it.
6. After wetting the hair, add
shampoo and conditioner and brush thoroughly.
Be sure to wash and brush the hair in one direction.
Rinse the hair completely with water and towel
dry. It is best to air dry the hair but you can
also blow-dry with low to medium heat.
7. You can also make a leave-in
conditioner at home by diluting conditioner (10%)
with water (90%). Put in a spray bottle and apply
the mixture lightly onto your hair and brush the
hair from the end to the top near the scalp.
8. It would be advisable NOT
TO TINT, COLOR, PERM OR DO ANY EXTRA CHEMICAL
PROCESSES because it has already been treated.
Please be extra careful with blonde and other
light colored hair. They are more chemically processed
than the dark hair.
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