Real Hair Extension Techniques
For some people, the term hair extensions is synonymous with fake or cheap looking hair and damage. However, this negative image of hair extensions has been overtaken by the positive results that are being produced with innovative new technological improvements. In the past, some people have experienced problems with tangled and matted hair and messy glues, but this is largely due to the application process used in the early days of hair extension application. This technique commonly involved braiding or ‘tracking’ lengths of hair into the natural hair or the use of damaging glues to secure the hair. The process of braiding can be a very painful process that puts excess pressure on the scalp that can cause bald patches. Using glue to secure the false hair to the natural hair often leaves the natural hair weak and brittle and it can also be very difficult to remove all the glue from the hair.
Nowadays, there is a wealth of different techniques that claim not to damage the natural hair at all and have completely changed the look and feel of hair extensions. New technology means that hair extensions can not only lengthen hair but also add new textures, create fullness and volume and offer a wide range of hair colour options. If you do decide that professional fitted hair extensions are for you, whatever you needs or requirements, it is important to do some research in to the different sorts of techniques used in order to get the best result for you and your hair.
A lot of salons favour adhesive-based fusion as a method of attaching the extensions to your real hair. This method is arguable the best, although the type of adhesive used is very important. Wax-based adhesives have a low melting point, therefore cannot withstand and heat styling. A professional grade adhesive is a must in order for your extensions to fit in with your lifestyle. These types of adhesives can withstand both heat and chemical treatments. Also the removal of this sort of adhesive it relatively simple as the adhesive remover used dries the bonding agent to a powdery substance. Other methods use oil and heat to dissolve the adhesive which can become messy and can cause damage.
The cold fusion procedure is a new technology that uses ultrasound waves rather than heat to bond each extension to the natural hair. Because the procedure does not utilise heat, this means that the bond can be fitted closer to the scalp without any need to worry about damaging the scalp. This creates a more invisible bond, leaving you with perfectly naturally looking hair extensions. Cold fusion is the preferred technique when fitting hair extensions to weaker hair that has been coloured or chemically treated as it is less harsh than other methods.
Some people favour weaves or braids as a method of attaching hair extensions. This method involves creating tiny braids (that are done in such a way so that they are hidden) out of the existing hair as a way of holding the hair extensions against the scalp. The general concern with this method as it applies tension and weight to the natural hair which can cause hair loss and even baldness.
Some more recent methods use bonds to attach the hair extensions to the natural hair. The extensions used for this method have a latex plug attached to them which is glued to your own hair for short term use only. The advantages with this procedure are that it is quick and relatively inexpensive. However, the removal process is not so simple. The extensions are removed by using oil and heat to dissolve the bonding agent; this is very messy and can be time-consuming. The latex bond can also pull your own hair out if it is not removed properly.
Another form of bonding is to use metal tubing which is clamped over the real hair to attach the extension hair. However, in some cases it can break off the real hair and can be difficult to pry open later when it comes to removing the extensions. It is not recommended to use this method if you have fine or weak hair.
Finally, there is a method called heat-shrink tubing. This method will not harm the natural hair but it doesn’t have the holding power needed for long-term wear. After a few washes the tubes can loosen and the extension hair can then fall out.
As you can see there is a wide range of options that you can use to create your ideal look. If you find yourself lusting after long luscious locks but in reality your hair stays put at a boring mid-length style, then hair extensions could be for you. Just be sure to do your research beforehand to get the best possible results.
For a full list of hair extension services on offer at Inanch London click here.
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Tags: application process, bald patches, extension application, false hair, glue, glues, hair colour, hair extension, hair extensions, natural hair, new technology, textures
