Hair Extension

Hair extensions are more popular today than ever.  Once upon a time it was not only expensive but also exclusive, along with contact lenses, implants and plastic surgery, these accessories were limited to celebrities and Hollywood stars.  Now it is no different to clothes, shoes and jewelry.  All are designed to make us feel better about ourselves.

Reasons why people have extensions

To my knowledge there are so many factors which contribute to having hair extensions.

During my numerous consultations with clients from all walks of life, my first question is why do you want to put in extensions? The answer I get varies from client to client and from race to race.  Some common answers are: - 

·         Length

·         Thinness

·         Fullness

·         Wedding or special occasion

·         Tired of same old style and want something different

·         New boyfriend

·         New job

·         Mum would love to see my long hair again

·         My hair was cut short

·         Hormones

·         Alpaca or balding

·         Acting part in the movies

·         Easier to pull up to go exercising

·         Pulls up well into pony tails

·         Creates a better you/ enhances your looks and personality.

With all these explanations, the hair needs to be examined to see the best way to go.

Do not be fooled by price which is most peoples problem, if you cannot afford the best, do not make it worse.  Be careful of creating extra damage by breakage and thinning.

Thinning is alarming to anyone from children to male and female adults.

It is often difficult to advice clients to stay away from excessive chemicals and things that will create damage to themselves.

Once upon a time, the only way to deal with certain hair loss was to put on hair wigs, but with so much advancement there are so many better ways to deal with oneself.

Equally there are even more ways to create harm, for example home applications, which has created enormous amounts of permanent damage.

Hair extensions in my knowledge work better on Caucasian hair and a few African American hair types. I have seen better growth from weaving on both Caucasians and African American hair than extensions.  Reasons being, clients tend to concentrate on the new hair to get better coverage and sometimes because of chemical services in the hair and constant brushing the hair tends to become weak and star gradually breaking off.

Hair extensions can be gorgeous if done properly. 

Get advice from the expert regarding the best shampoo and conditioner to use.  There are special ways to shampoo extension hair.  Also it is preferable to use a lower pH shampoo and conditioner.  The more acidic the product, the better it is to strengthen the hair to have a smoothing effect on the cuticle and make the hair shinier, less porous and easy to comb.

Having extensions or weaving helps the hair to rest and grow, it is therefore advisable to use the right product to treat both types of hair.  The advantage is clear when it comes to the use of curling irons or color treatments, as it is not your natural hair, damage is limited.

If you decide to do hair color touch ups, be advised to send a clear message to your colorist, so she/he knows what to do before shampooing.  Do no forget your colorist is thinking of how good the color will look.  Ensure neither soap suds or color residue is left in between the extensions.

Further warning in the wearing of extensions; try to protect your hair from chlorinated pool water.  If you do go swimming ensure the hair is well brushed and wear a bathing cap.