Hair Extensions - How to Use

Hair extensions are an artificial way of incorporating commercial or artificial hair with your natural hair. This becomes necessary, specially for ladies, who are losing hair at an abnormal rate or have prominently visible bald patches. They are made primarily from synthetic hair or sometimes from natural hair. They are processed before coming into the market and hence, are available in varied textures and colors.

Synthetic hair is made up of synthetic fibers such as toyokalon, kanekalon, monofilament, polyester, silk and silicone. Synthetic hair are less expensive than natural hair and hence, preferable if you want to use it sometimes. They get frizzy and entangled very easily. Synthetic hair gets damaged easily and you cannot use hair products like heating irons else, they may burn or melt. They have to be washed and maintained however, doing so often will only minimize their utility period.

As opposed, human hair as the name suggests, comes from humans. The hair extension markets are flourishing due to sources of human hair from Asia, east European countries and India. Many men and women shave or cut their hair for a meager amount which is collected, processed and sold in the market by the dealers.

Applying Extensions in Your Hair

There are many types of hair extensions that can be integrated with the natural hair in different ways. Basically, depending on your preference, you can get short duration or long duration hair extensions.

Clip-In Hair Extensions
With a rat tail comb part the hair at the back from one ear to the other and clip up the top portion of parted hair so that they do not interfere in the process. Now, simply take the hair extensions and clip them in place, where ever needed. The clips of the hair extensions may seem difficult to manage (so that the clips do not slip and the extension should not fall out.) so, use both hands or ask someone to help.

Weaving Hair Extensions
To apply this, you can use hair weaving techniques. Part the hair at the back of the head with a rat tail comb and clip up the top section. Now, make small parallel sections (also known as cornrows) from left to right or in whichever area required. Using a thread and needle, sew each hair extension with each one of the cornrowed hair section. Seal them well by winding the thread around several times and tying a knot.

Glue-In Hair Extensions
For this method, part the hair in the same way as described for the above two methods. Now, measure the weft length a little short than your ear-to-ear distance. Apply glue on the weft and leave it till it becomes tacky. Once this happens, take the extension and paste it on your natural hair at a single go. Take care that the weft does not stick to the scalp skin. Blow dry a little till the glue dries off properly.

Heat Fusion Hair Extensions
Part the hair into sections as mentioned in the above methods. Take a thin strand of hair and hold the hair extension on the natural hair strand and clutch the heating tool at that junction. Be careful not to take the heating tool too close to the scalp. This method will need you to use many hair extensions as every extension is attached to a very thin strand of natural hair.

Of all the above methods for hair extension, fusion hair extension methods is the most sought-after as they last longer, varying from a minimum of three months to a maximum of six months depending on the amount of hair care taken. Hair extensions have proved to be a boon for people suffering from hair loss. Many people, specially women, have claimed to feel more confident after applying them. So, go get the hair extension that suits you the best as soon as possible.