All you need to know about Hair Extensions
Artificial hair integrations are used to add length to human hair. Hair Extension or Integration is a method of adding commercial hair to natural hair. These methods are used to conceal thinning or hair loss in concentrated areas.
Hair extensions are made from a range of human and synthetic fibers. Synthetic fibers include Kanekalon and Toyokalon, and can differ from brand to brand. Synthetic hair in general is far less expensive than human hair, and is available in a wide array of colors and textures, from natural to extraordinary.
There are many different types of Hair Extensions on the market, but for the sake of simplicity we will focus on two main types of application methods: Individual Strands and Wefts
The Individual method involves taking small amounts (maybe 20-50 strands) of extension hair (natural or synthetic, but we’ll get to that later) and applying to small sections of your own hair by either weaving in, heat fusing, gluing, clamping with metal rods or using waxes and polymers. All of these methods (except for the clamping which is self explanatory) involve coating your own hair with a chemical or foreign substance. These extensions usually only last a few months before they have to be taken out and completely re-done. The main problem with this method is taking the Hair Extensions out without damaging your own hair.
The misnomer of ‘tracks’ comes from the common, long-lasting method of integrating wefts, known as the ‘track and sew’ method. The ‘tracks’ are usually cornrows, braided in the direction of how the hair will fall. Toward the face or away, with or without a part, the tracks build the foundation of how the end result will look. The wefts are then sewn onto the braids, usually with a specially made, blunt-ended needle. The needle can be curved or straight. There are many different colors of specially made thread to choose from, depending on what color of hair you will be integrating. Darker hair lends to darker thread. Wefts can be made by machine, but the best wefts are handmade. A weft looks like a little curtain of hair attached together at the top and free flowing at the bottom.
Wefts may also be bonded directly to the client’s hair using special bonding glue. Care must be taken not to bond the wefts directly to the scalp, as it can cause sensitivities in some clients. A patch test is frequently recommended, as per manufacturer’s directions
Shampooing of artificial hair integrations can be as easy as shampooing real hair, with some considerations. For instance, many manufacturers suggest using a mild shampoo, or even a wig shampoo.
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