As a hairstylist the following scenario happens often: A client walks in for her appointment, sits down in your chair and pulls out a Victoria’s Secret catalog pointing at a models hair, which is blowing in the wind, in a studio with lights and the best Photoshop. Of course, the client says “I want my hair to look like this.” As much as we wish we had the power to create a haircut that always looks like it’s blowing in the wind, color that looks perfect in any lighting, and a Photoshop-ing fairy that edits all your pictures before they’re put up on Facebook — we can’t. However, I’m here to give you the next best option for getting that full, long luxurious hair we all want! Believe it or not, some of those models are using the same trick: hair extensions.
There are many different types of hair extensions; here are the most popular types and techniques used.
Clip-In
I love the clip in extension, especially because you can put them in yourself at home! They come in wefts pictured above. They are placed underneath a few layers of your natural hair (where the clip won’t be seen). The wider wefts are clipped in the back of the head, and the shorter ones are clipped on the sides of the head. The reason I love these so much is because you can take them out at night and sleep comfortably. These extensions last as long as they look healthy (they will naturally break and thin over time). The extensions featured above are the HAIRDO extensions by Jessica Simpson. They can be found at Ulta, and come in real human hair or synthetic. Tip: always get real human hair. Most synthetic hair cannot be styled with hot tools (aka it will MELT!). Sally’s Beauty Supply also has their own line of clip in real European Hair extensions in many colors. You won’t be able to get a perfect match to your hair unless you go to a salon and have them professionally colored. Carenza salon in Brookfield offers the clip-in extension and they will color them to match flawlessly (ask for Stephanie!).
Bonded Weft
This is a process done by a salon professional where small wefts of hair are bonded to your natural hair by a small metal crimp, hair bonding glue or tube. This is permanent until they are taken out by a professional. The wefts are placed underneath a few layers of your hair, and then cut to blend together with your haircut. This type of extension does need to be cared for, as your hair grows out the extension will lay lower on the hair strand resulting in a tangled mess. These extensions last a few weeks to a couple months depending on the technique and product used. Victoria’s Hair Works on Forest Home in Milwaukee is a great salon that offers the bonded extensions. (Ask for Rafael!)
Weave
Like the clip-in extension, the weaved extensions come in a long weft of hair and are actually sewn on to your natural hair. BEWARE: some people find this technique very uncomfortable. This extension process has been used the longest and is cost effective. Like the bonded extensions, the weave will grow out with your hair and will have to be tightened back up at the root after about 4-6 weeks. Generally this will last about 3 months before you need to go through the process again (results vary). Beauty salon in Milwaukee offers the weaved extension (ask for LeChe’!!)
Hair extensions don’t just have to be used to add length, but can also be used to add thickness to someone with fine hair. Not sure which one is right for you? The Pfister’s Janice Salon offers a sit down consultation, where you discuss your needs and they will help determine which type of extension and technique is right for you and best yet, they offer them all.
Have you ever had hair extensions? What was your experience? Share in the comments.
