Hair Extensions
Low in quality and high in cost are what hair extensions started out as back in the 1980’s and they were given up on until a few years ago.
Now hair extensions are a favourite amongst celebrities. They are fun, fashionable and practical. They allow you to add length, volume and texture.
Extensions can allow you to have an instant new look; you can change your look at any time and add colour without the need and damage of dying. They enable you to try the look and feel of long hair before you decide to go ahead and grow your natural hair.
There are two types of hair that you can get in hair extensions; synthetic and human hair. Human hair has a more natural look but is more expensive. Synthetic hair should be avoided; it is basically plastic and will never look as though it has been grown. The one good thing however that synthetic hair is good for is dreadlocks.
A good source of human hair comes from European hair. Hair from Italy and Spain comes naturally straight or naturally wavy; it is what most people use for their hair extensions. It’s strong and long lasting, lasts up to a year if treated properly.
Human hair extensions go through a process. They mostly start off dark and have the colour stripped from them. They are then re-tinted, this isn’t however done with hair dye, it is done with fabric dye. This means that when you are choosing your hair extension colour you should make sure you are totally sure and happy with the colour you have picked as you can’t change the colour of them. The chemical process the hair extensions go through means that if you tried to dye them yourself it would cause the hair to break down and fall apart.
There is another type of hair used for hair extensions, which is known as Russian hair, but does it really exist? Sellers of Russian hair claim it is like gold dust, this is because the hair has been grown for generations by the same family, specifically to be cut and sold; it is known as virgin hair as it has never been chemically treated, leaving it in perfect condition. However this is questioned as all the hair that is imported to other countries has to be processed, which means it’s no longer virgin as it has been treated. Russian hair is extremely expensive so beware when buying it as it might not be what it seems.
The hair care of your extensions is a lot like the care for your own natural hair. You should wash and condition your hair extensions every 2 – 3 days; however the most important thing to remember is to moisturise your extensions. They don’t receive your natural scalp oils and so they need added moisture with every wash. Without moisture your extensions will become brittle and break easily, leading to split ends.
Remember your extensions will not grow back, so be careful not to brush them harshly or burn them with a blow dryer or straightening irons. Treat them with respect as they won’t last forever and cost a lot of money.
Helen Cox is the Web Master of Inanch, based in Great Portland Street London, home of all your Hair Extension needs.
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