| Hair Extensions: Sizzling Hot! |
| Carrie Thayer |
| Revised Date: 09/5/07 |
Introduction
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|
Brigid K. O'Connor
Front View
Before Individual Strand
Heat Fusion Hair Extensions
09-13-07 |
|
HairBoutique.com
All Rights Reserved. |
Hair Extensions are sizzling hot. The interest in all types
of add-on hair has really exploded since the introduction of the Jessica Simpson
HairDo line of
clip-in hair extensions
one year ago.
Hair consumers who never experienced the fabulous fun of
instantly transforming their hair in a matter of minutes have become
addicted to how easy clip-in hair extensions are to apply and wear.
Some hair consumers are leaving their beloved clip-in extension
"training wheels" behind and are transitioning into the world of
semi-permanent extensions.
While clip-in extensions offer so many great advantages, they do
need to be removed every night and re-applied every day.
Some hair consumers want a quicker fix and are turning to hair
extensions that they can wear for weeks, if not months, at a time
without removing them every night.
Why are clip-in and more permanent hair extensions so hot right
now? The reason is that we are living in a time when we all
want instant gratification and immediate results. Time is
increasingly precious due to a variety of reasons ranging from job
or school pressures to family demands.
Clip-in and semi-permanent extensions have come a long way since
the beginning of their existence when only Celebrity Hairdressers
used them on their famous name celebrities. Over the past five
years hair extensions have advanced to the point that many
hairdressers have taken the time to learn the many extension options
available today.
Hair Extension Application Methods
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Brigid K. O'Connor
Back View
After Individual Strand
Heat Fusion Hair Extensions
09-13-07 |
|
HairBoutique.com
All Rights Reserved. |
Semi-permanent hair extensions can be applied through a variety
of different methods that include, but are not limited to, some of
the following more popular methods of hair installation:
1. Hot or cold fusion. Fusions extensions usually are
applied with a form of keratin bond or glue and the strands are
applied individually. Other fusion materials may be used
instead of keratin such as various types of waxes.
2. Weaves. The natural hair is braided first and then
wefts, or sections of hair are sewn into the braids.
3. Tape Installs. Sections of hair are taped to the
hair utilizing toupee tape that may or may not be enhanced with
extra glue for firm installs.
4. Installs utilizing a variety of attachment pieces made
out of tiny beads, rings, tubes or similar. Individual strands
are attached to the natural hair through the various pieces.
5. Hand Sewn/Tied. Some extensions are applied
directly to the natural strands by means of special thread or hand
tied.
6. Combination of Install Methods. Depending on the
requirements of the extension client, more than one method may be
utilized at the same time. A tape install might be done first
and some individual highlight strands added around the sides or
front with fusions or various attachment pieces.
Professional Versus Do-It-Yourself
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|
Brigid K. O'Connor
Front View
After Individual Strand
Heat Fusion Hair Extensions
09-13-07 |
|
HairBoutique.com
All Rights Reserved. |
If you're a hair consumer that loves the fabulous options and
instant change that clip-in extensions offer, you may be able to buy
easy-to-apply and wear clip-in systems from the Jessica Simpson
HairDo line of
clip-in hair extensions.
These clip-in cap style extensions were specifically designed for
consumers to apply in the comfort of their own home.
If you prefer the more semi-permanent extensions, your options
are to work with a professional hairdresser or to do your own
research and try your own hand at applying extensions yourself
(DIY). Of course you can always enlist the help of family or
friends with your hair installation projects.
This is where complications may occur. The advantages to
visiting a professional is that they have taken the classes and they
handle all the details, including purchasing the synthetic or human
hair. They also will have all the required tools and supplies
needed to apply the extensions.
Buying hair and install tools can become complicated if you are a
novice to the field. However, if you are interested in
eventually applying your own semi-perm hair extensions, and are
willing to spend the time to investigate, there are many options
available.
Note: To talk more about Do-It-Yourself Hair Extensions or other hair
extension information be sure to visit the HairBoutique.com
HairTalk forum dedicated to
hair
extensions.
Disadvantages To Non Clip-in Hair Extensions
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|
Brigid K. O'Connor
Back View
After Individual Strand
Heat Fusion Hair Extensions
09-13-07 |
|
HairBoutique.com
All Rights Reserved. |
Although hair extension application methods have
improved dramatically over the past few years, there are
still some challenges which include cost factors,
potential hair damage from the installs and long term
wearing of add-on hair. You must also consider
maintenance issues.
Many hair consumers become addicted to the advantages of long
term hair extension applications and wear them for many months and
years. Others prefer to have them applied for special events
such as weddings, Proms or similar occasions.
Of course potential hair damage should be addressed. If the
proper method is used by an expert hair extension professional,
damage to your natural hair will most likely be extremely minimal.
If your hair is thinning, you may wish to explore the best
installation methods for your type of hair to prevent long term
damage or acceleration of your existing thinning.
Contrary to misinformation about hair extensions, people with
thinning or extremely fine hair do have options that will not damage
their current hair conditions.
If you are committed to long term hair extension wear, you will
need to evaluate maintenance programs for your extension hair to be
tightened as your natural hair grows and the bonds loosen.
With a good plan, you can minimize maintenance expenses and even
reuse your extension hair for an extended period of time.
Hair Extensions - Hot Or Not For The Future?
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|
Brigid K. O'Connor
Front View
After Individual Strand
Heat Fusion Hair Extensions
09-13-07 |
|
HairBoutique.com
All Rights Reserved. |
Hair extensions are only going to get hotter.
Manufacturers of the various hair extension systems
understand that hair consumers want and enjoy hair
extensions.
As a result, they continue to work hard to improve the quality of
the hair that is offered and the types of application systems to
minimize damage and discomfort.
Are Hair Extensions Right For You?
If you are tempted to jump into the hair extension
world, be sure to do some homework. It is always a
great idea to start with a great clip-in system that you
can try and experiment with at home. If you love
the freedom and wonderful options of "instant hair" you
may be a great candidate for transitioning to more
permanent bonds.
Summary
Hair extensions are the "in" hair and fashion
accessory of the decade. They are only going to
get hotter.
As their popularity continues to increase, expect lots of new
options and features. Also expect the level of hair extension
expertise of hairdressers around the world to continue to increase
and expand. When it comes to add-on hair, you really only have
to do one thing and that's enjoy your instant new transformation.
Note: All of the products listed in this article are available at
HairBoutique.com in the
Marketplace.
To talk more about Do-It-Yourself Hair Extensions or other hair
extension information be sure to visit the HairBoutique.com
HairTalk forum dedicated to
hair
extensions.
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