Hair Extensions: Types and Application Methods
INTRODUCTION
There are different types of hair extensions and they have various uses: longer hairs, fuller hairs, and even thicker hairs. Not only are the uses of extension limited to the ones listed above they can also be used to achieve a variety of hair looks. Hair extensions differ, and so does their way of application.
TYPES OF HAIR EXTENSION
HUMAN HAIR
The two main hair extensions are synthetic hairs and human hair. The human hair can withstand different hot hair tools and unlike the synthetic hair be treated with chemicals and dyed. At most times, hairs used for this type of extension has never undergone any kind of treatment using chemicals and this has made it possible for the extension to be treated with chemicals as well as colored whenever you want.
SYNTHETIC
Unlike human hairs, it is inadvisable and impossible to style with the use of hot tools. The hairs are usually fake, so any application of heat will melt the hair. Right from the place of manufacture, the synthetic hairs are already styled so you don’t have to worry about styling them.
ASIAN HAIR
These hairs are placed in this category based on their area of origin. Amongst others in these categories are Asian, African-American and the European. The Asian hairs are usually dark, more coarse and then thicker than the European hair. Most of them with their origin from China.
AFRICAN-AMERICAN
The African-American hairs come in three types: the wavy, the curvy, and then the kinky. Just like the Asian hairs, they are usually dark and coarse but thicker and more coarse than the Asian hair.
EUROPEAN HAIR
Amongst the different types of hair, the European hair is the lightest and the thinnest of them all. They are either straight or wavy.
When picking a hair extension, it is usually advisable not to go for the looks, but for the type that is more matching to your hair type.
APPLICATION METHODS
Weaving – this method involves bounding tracks of the hair extensions and sewing. At most times, it is impossible to do this yourself, as it requires the help of a professional hairstylist to help braid your hair into several rows. If it’s going to be sewn, then a C or J-style needle will be used to sew the tracks to the braids. It is usually advisable to use this type of needle so as to avoid pricking of the scalp that is common with using the I-style. This method takes a lot of time unlike the bounding method that takes lesser time because all the stylist needs to do is to apply bonding glue to the tracks and then attach the extension.
FUSION
This method issued to apply for the keratin hair extensions. Before the hair extension can be applied using this method, your hair has to be sectioned, then a heating tool will be used on the keratin glue to bond the tracks to your hair.
CLIP-IN
The most time saving and easiest way to apply hair extension is by clipping them in. not only is this method easy to apply, but it is also easy to remove. You can either get hair extensions without clips and attach the clips yourself or buy the ones with clips already.
CONCLUSION
When picking a hair extension and application method, it is usually advisable not to go for the looks, but for the type that is more matching to your hair type.
