Glue-in Hair Extensions

Hair extensions are creating a new wave of interest now, and with the most popular Hollywood stars sporting them, they just can't go unnoticed. Hair extensions serve the purpose of giving you long hair instantly, and give you the luxury of having back your short hair the next day. They further serve to make thin hair appear voluminous. Among the various hair extension techniques, gluing in hair extensions is one of them. Though it is a slightly time-consuming procedure, when done right, it is one of the most reliable procedures of securing hair extensions. Here we explain how to glue in hair extensions for short hair as well as medium length hair, and the pros and cons of this procedure.

Procedure

Before learning about how to glue hair extensions, you must be warned that attempting this process on your own may not always produce the best results. It may result in uneven hair length, or you may just not be able to follow the procedure in the right manner. It is ideal to get this process done by a professional. However, if you still think you can do it, here are the instructions on applying hair extensions with glue.

1. Follow your usual shampoo and conditioning routine. Ensure you wash your hair thoroughly to remove all traces of shampoo and conditioner.
2. Use a hair dryer and blow dry your hair. After it has dried completely, straighten your hair with a flat iron.
3. At the back of your head, part a section that is about two inches thick. Tie up the rest of the hair.
4. Take the hair track that you have, and measure the amount you require for your hair. Cut out the necessary portion.
5. The hair track has an edge, on to which the bond glue is to be applied. Apply a limited amount, just enough required for your purpose, and not too much, else the entire process will become very messy.
6. Using your thumb and index finger, pick up the hair track, with the glued portion facing the other direction.
7. Take the hair track to the parted area, and slowly start applying the extensions to your hair. Keep pressing the track along as you apply the extensions. Ensure that the track is placed on your scalp and not your hair. You will be able to feel the cool glue on your scalp as you apply it.
8. Hold the track in place, and press it down for about thirty seconds. This is so that the glue sets in and holds the extension.
9. Use your hair dryer to dry the glue, for about thirty seconds. Follow it up with the use of the hair straightener, to straighten the hair extensions you have just added.
10. Continue this process by parting other sections of your hair, and following the same procedure till you have achieved your desired look.
11. Once you have finished, comb through your hair with a wide-toothed comb, so that your hair looks natural.

Hair extensions, when applied in the right manner, may last for up to four months. After that the glue will begin to loosen, causing the extensions to fall off. Remember to use a bond glue remover at the time of hair extension removal. Don't pull out the hair extensions as it will also rip a chunk of your hair, not to mention all the pain it will cause.

Pros and Cons

As beautiful and gorgeous they may make you look, when you glue in hair extensions, you are also prone to several disadvantages. Here we analyze whether it is worth going through the entire time-consuming procedure, or simply about the pros and cons of hair extensions.

1. Hair extensions instantly gratify your desire for a complete makeover. They give you that 'new look' you have always been wanting.
2. Since it is a temporary look, you can keep switching to a new look every time you feel like.
3. You can style the extensions and enhance them with beads and braids, without having to damage your natural hair.
4. When you glue in hair extensions, you are also able to decide whether the long tresses suit you or not.

On the downside, there are several things to consider with glue-in hair extensions.

1. The glue that is used to apply the hair extensions are definitely going to damage your natural hair, by causing breakage and split ends. It is likely that you will require a trim after you remove the hair extensions.
2. If you wear very long hair extensions, it adds weight to your scalp, and may result in the thinning of your natural hair. This pressure may also cause pain and headaches.
3. If you wish to have long hair, the damage caused when you glue in hair extensions may not allow your desire to materialize.

While this procedure may increase the beauty of your hair, and your overall appearance. But do remember that you are also putting your hair at risk of further damage. A movie star may be able to take care of it with all the hair care resources and experts he or she has access to, which you may not. Weigh all the pros and cons, speak to an expert, and then decide whether or not this process of applying hair extensions is suited for you.