Types of Hair Extensions Part 1
Today we will talk about Types of Hair Extensions. Long hair is no longer only a dream. This is a goal that can be achieved at home or by choosing a hair extension at the hairdresser’s. There are several methods of hair thickening. Find out which one would be right for you. Hair extension and thickening is a non-invasive and painless procedure, which involves attaching artificial hair to natural hair: individually or with strands. The goal is to extend and thicken in such a way that the attached hair cannot be distinguished.
How is the hair extended?
It depends on how you choose your hair extension. Individual steps of the treatment may be different, although the effect is always the same – full of volume and a magnificent hairstyle.
Which method should you choose?
One thing is to make it non-invasive hair extensions. Others decide only on methods that ensure hair extension without damage. There is no single best method for hair extension and thickening, because each person expects different effects of the treatment. If you do not know which method to choose, let’s consult a hairdresser – the advice of a professional will definitely help you decide. Fun fact: your hair can be up to 60 cm long. Proponents of natural methods, however, urge you to reach for alternatives that do not require the use of artificial hair. There are various ways to grow your hair so that you can have thick and long hair without visiting a hairdresser.
METHODS OF HAIR EXTENSIONS
Several hairdressing methods can be distinguished in the offer of hair salons. Some are very similar, so for simplicity, we discussed a dozen or so most popular ones.
1. Hair extension with the keratin method
One of the most popular methods is extension with keratin welds. Also called hot hair extensions. In this case, artificial hair is attached with keratin, which seems to be a very good solution, because it is the natural building block of our hair.
Keratin hair extension can be done in two ways:
-using a special welding machine and using a temperature of about 170 ° C,
-using a keratin cartridge gun at a temperature no higher than 70 ° C.
How long do the effects of keratin hair last? The advantage of this solution is durability: 3-4 months on average. The disadvantage is, unfortunately, the need to repeat the procedure, because the welds decrease as the hair grows.
2. Hair extension using the sandwich method
Hairtalk (sandwich) hair thickening is fast because silicone bands are very easy to put on. The treatment consists in even gluing artificial hair on thin strips to separate sections of our hair. The joints are close to the skin, are imperceptible and almost invisible. Extensions in this way are recommended for thin hair, which we want to thicken expressively – silicone bands are less loaded than attaching to a single hair. Although they are glued from the top and bottom of each hair section, the durability in this case is from 3 to 6 weeks. Unfortunately, hair extended using the sandwich method is not comfortable if we like to wear hair tied.
3. Hair extension using the tape method
There is a variation on the subject of hair extensions using the sandwich method. Instead of sticking hair tapes, we can sew them on. At the root of the hair, from previously separated strands, the so-called braid waterfall (braid with loose hair). Then tapes are sewn to each of the braids hidden under the hair. No welding or glue. The disadvantage of this solution is average durability. Hair is also harder to wash, because rinsing dirt and cosmetics residue from between the braids is not easy.
4. Hair extension using the Japanese / braid method
The braid is also used in the Japanese method. Hair is thickened in this case, weaving strands into natural strands with a short braid. A centimeter from the skin is woven into synthetic hair, closing the braid with an elastic, very thin and invisible elastic band. Unfortunately, when weaving the hair you have to squeeze the braids very firmly, so it is not recommended to wear this extension for more than 2 months, so as not to weaken the bulbs.
5. Hair extension using the ultrasonic method
Thickening hair for ultrasound is recommended for those clients who do not want to damage their hair. Joining is done here cold. A device generating appropriate waves and interlocking artificial and natural hair with the help of tiny joints is used. The effects of hair extensions with ultrasound last up to six months! Although the joining places are practically invisible, they are also very durable. On the one hand, this is an advantage, but also a disadvantage: such extended hair is difficult to remove and you can damage the hair.
6. Hair extension using the laser method
Laser hair extensions (also hairdreams or infralight hair extensions) are also one of the more durable but also more expensive methods. Recommended for thin hair, because combining artificial and natural hair with a laser is virtually invisible, light, imperceptible and flexible. The shelf life is from 4 to 6 months. The biggest advantage: the strands behave when combing, washing or styling like natural hair, so they are difficult to distinguish. Unfortunately, the price of hair extensions using this method is very high.
7. Hair extension using the sleeve method
Here we also distinguish two variations:
hair attached to shrink sleeves (durability around 1.5 months),
extension with light copper sleeves with crimped hair (durability: 3 months).
8. Hair extensions for microrings
Fixing artificial hair with microrings does not require the use of heat, so it does not harm the hair. They may or may not be silicone – silicone micro rings are slightly larger, but they stick better to the hair and are safer. Unfortunately, not many salons have this treatment on offer, because it requires high efficiency from the hairdresser. The period of wearing the hair with this method is 3-4 months. Initially, the microrings can be felt and cause slight discomfort.
9. Hair extension using the loop method
This procedure is often called the easy loop extension. It is performed in the same way as with microrings, but looping is hypoallergenic and simpler. The shelf life is also 3-4 months. The advantage is that the loop hair extension is easy and quick.
10. Hair extension using the injection method
An innovative method recommended especially for balding people or those who have thinning hair. Thickening of the hair by the injection method involves non-invasive and non-surgical implantation of the hair into a skin-imitating base that is glued with a special scalp preparation. The advantage of this method of hair extension is above all naturalness – the hair used for hair replacement is usually of natural origin, and thanks to such fixing they are arranged as natural and do not cause trouble in styling. Unfortunately, the price of hair extensions injection is high and the treatment cannot be carried out for psoriasis, seborrheic inflammation, dandruff, etc.
11. Hair extension using the mesh method
Slightly cheaper – although the price of hair extensions is also high in this case – is the thickening of the hair using the mesh method. Here, too, natural hair is used that is individually matched to the individual’s color, structure and length. Hair is attached to the mesh; this one is attached to natural strands with special clips. The effect is natural and invisible, and this type of extension: comfortable. It is important that you need a minimum of your own hair to have something to attach the net to.
12. Clip-on / off hair extensions
Finally, the most popular way of thickening hair, chosen for special occasions – clip on / off hair extensions. This is the cheapest procedure, but also the least comfortable. You can do it yourself without any problems, and such bands are reusable. Unfortunately, this is not a permanent method, and the effects are far from natural. This is a one-day solution.
Check out also Domestic Hair Extensions article.