10 Truths About Human Hair Extensions
Extensions for your hair are becoming increasingly common. Many people choose to use them to add volume, length, or color to their own hair. However, there is a lot of misinformation about human hair extensions out there. In this article, we will explore some of the pros and cons of human hair extensions, as well as how to choose the right ones.
Types of Human Hair Extensions
There are two main types of human hair extensions:
1. Remy Hair Extensions
Remy hair extensions are made from hair that has been collected from a single donor. This means that the hair cuticles are all aligned in the same direction, which helps to prevent tangling and matting. Remy hair extensions are more expensive than non-remy hair extensions, but they are also more durable and look more natural.
2. Non-Remy Hair Extensions
Non-remy hair extensions are made from hair that has been collected from multiple donors. This means that the hair cuticles are not all aligned in the same direction, which can lead to tangling and matting. Non-remy hair extensions are less expensive than remy hair extensions, but they are also less durable and look less natural.
Pros of Human Hair Extensions
- Natural-looking: Human hair extensions can be styled and colored to match your own hair, so they will blend seamlessly with your natural locks.
- Versatile: Human hair extensions can be used to add volume, length, or color to your hair. They can also be used to create different hairstyles, such as ponytails, braids, and buns.
- Durable: Human hair extensions can last for up to a year with proper care.
- Comfortable: Human hair extensions are lightweight and comfortable to wear.
Cons of Human Hair Extensions
- Expensive: Human hair extensions can be more expensive than other types of hair extensions.
- Require maintenance: Human hair extensions require regular washing, conditioning, and styling.
- Can damage your hair: If human hair extensions are not applied or removed properly, they can damage your natural hair.
- Not suitable for all hair types: Human hair extensions are not suitable for all hair types. If you have fine or thin hair, human hair extensions may be too heavy and cause your hair to break.
How to Choose the Right Human Hair Extensions
When choosing human hair extensions, it is important to consider the following factors:
- Your hair type: The type of human hair extensions you choose should be compatible with your own hair type. If you have fine or thin hair, you will need to choose lightweight extensions that will not weigh your hair down.
- The length you want: Human hair extensions come in a variety of lengths, so you can choose the length that best suits your needs.
- The color you want: Human hair extensions can be colored to match your own hair color, so you can choose the color that best complements your look.
- The style you want: Human hair extensions can be used to create a variety of hairstyles, so you can choose the style that best suits your taste.
- Your budget: Human hair extensions can be expensive, so it is important to set a budget before you start shopping.
How to Apply Human Hair Extensions
Once you have chosen the right human hair extensions, you will need to apply them to your hair. There are a few different methods for applying human hair extensions, so it is important to choose the method that is best suited for your hair type and the style you want to achieve.
The most common methods for applying human hair extensions are:
- Clip-in extensions: Clip-in extensions are the easiest type of extensions to apply. They simply clip into your hair and can be removed just as easily. Clip-in extensions are a good option for people who want to add temporary length or volume to their hair.
- Tape-in extensions: Tape-in extensions are applied using a thin strip of tape that is attached to the weft of the extension. Tape-in extensions are more permanent than clip-in extensions, but they can also be removed more easily than other types of extensions. Tape-in extensions are a good option for people who want to add length or volume to their hair for a longer period of time.
- Fusion extensions: Fusion extensions are applied using a heated tool that melts the keratin bond on the weft of the extension. Fusion extensions are the most permanent type of extensions, but they can also be the most damaging. Fusion extensions are a good option for people who want to add length or volume to their hair for a very long period of time.
How to Remove Human Hair Extensions
When you are ready to remove your human hair extensions, it is important to do so carefully to avoid damaging your own hair. The method you use to remove your extensions will depend on the type of extensions you have.
To remove clip-in extensions, simply unclip them from your hair.
To remove tape-in extensions, use a tape remover to dissolve the tape that is holding the extensions in place.
To remove fusion extensions, use a heated tool to melt the keratin bond that is holding the extensions in place.
Care and Maintenance for Human Hair Extensions
To keep your human hair extensions looking their best, it is important to care for them properly. Here are some tips for caring for human hair extensions:
- Wash your extensions regularly. Wash your extensions every 2-3 weeks with a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.
- Condition your extensions regularly. Condition your extensions after every wash with a leave-in conditioner.
- Brush your extensions daily. Brush your extensions daily with a soft-bristled brush to remove tangles.
- Avoid heat styling. Heat styling can damage human hair extensions, so it is best to avoid using heat styling tools on your extensions.
- Protect your extensions from the sun. The sun can damage human hair extensions, so it is important to protect them from the sun when you are outdoors.
Creative Applications of Human Hair Extensions
Human hair extensions can be used to create a variety of hairstyles, from simple ponytails to elaborate updos. Here are some creative ways to use human hair extensions:
- Add volume to a ponytail. Add volume to a ponytail by wrapping a few wefts of human hair extensions around the base of the ponytail.
- Create a braid with extensions. Create a braid with extensions by incorporating a few wefts of human hair extensions into the braid.
- Add length to a bob. Add length to a bob by adding a few wefts of human hair extensions to the back of the bob.
- Create a faux hawk. Create a faux hawk by adding a few wefts of human hair extensions to the top of the head and styling the rest of the hair into a Mohawk.
Conclusion
Human hair extensions can be a great way to add length, volume, or color to your hair. However, it is important to choose the right extensions for your hair type and the style you want to achieve. It is also important to care for your extensions properly to keep them looking their best.