How to Apply Hair Extensions

Are you bored of your same old look and want to try a new different look? Are you considering coloring your hair but are not very keen on subjecting your hair to the harsh chemicals? Then hair extensions are the ideal hair accessories that you are looking for. They have emerged as a dream come true, for those who always wanted long locks falling over their shoulders but were unable to achieve this through their natural hair. There are different types of colors, lengths and techniques available depending upon the length of your hair and the type of extensions that you want to apply.

Hair used for hair extensions, are mainly of two types - natural or human hair and artificial or synthetic hair. Natural hair is the same that you find in wigs and are priced higher than artificial hair, but they give a more natural and healthier look. Natural hair has a variety of choices that you can choose from - Russian hair, European hair, Asian hair, Brazilian hair, etc. They need to be cared for just as you care for your own natural hair and are very durable and reusable. Synthetic extensions are less expensive and most suitable if you want to add strands of color to your natural hair. They need to be maintained well but may not suit all natural hair.

Types of Hair Extensions
These include clip - in hair extensions, bonding and sealing hair extensions, single hair extensions, wefts and weaves. These are available in various lengths, the maximum suitable length being 30 inches and also in different styles like curls and waves.

How to Apply
Application of hair extensions is quite easy, if you first understand the hair extension basics. Choose an hair extension of the length, style and color that you want and depending on that, you can choose the hair extension technique. Make sure you equip yourself well with all the necessary hair extension supplies, before you begin applying. Mentioned below are the different hair extension techniques that will serve as your hair extension guide.

Weaving
This hair extension technique can be used if you are opting for wefts and weaves. In this technique, you need to braid your natural hair into tracks, along your scalp and then sew the wefts into the braids using a needle and thread that suits your hair color. This technique works best with thick hair and needs to be maintained well, so that you can reuse the wefts and weaves.

Fusion - Thermal and Cold Fusion
This technique can be used when you are opting for single hair extensions. Cold fusion uses an ultrasonic wave for softening the bond, before attaching the extensions to the root of your natural hair. Thermal fusion is similar, the only difference being, the use of heat to soften the bond. This technique is ideal for those with thin hair.

Clip - Ins
This is the easiest hair extension technique, as you need to simply clip in the extensions to your hair, whenever you want to. It is reusable and easy to apply and remove.

Hot Glue Gun Method
In this technique, melted acrylic adhesive is used, along with a glue gun to fix the extensions to natural hair. Application of hair extensions using this method is not durable and long-lasting.

Micro Cylinder and Micro Ring
In these techniques, the hair extension is applied to your hair by inserting the extension into a cylinder (tube) or a ring. The cylinder or ring is then placed on the root of your hair and crimped shut.

Bonding
This technique uses a bonding glue that is applied to your natural hair, as well as the hair extension and then applied to your hair. This method enables easy application, as well as easy removal, but the hair extension may not be reusable.

You can achieve your desired look, using any of these methods but be sure to provide adequate hair care to your hair extensions. Avoid the overuse of chemical hair care products, blow dryers and irons on the extensions. This will also maintain the health of your natural hair and least damage will be caused to your hair.