About Hair Extensions

Hair extensions are an age-old way of creating new hairstyles without physically growing or having a certain type of hair. Hair extensions allow a person to create a look for a temporary period. People of all backgrounds can use hair extensions and they come in a wide variety of textures, colors, quality and lengths.

Hair extensions are the art of adding commercial hair to one's naturally grown hair in order to achieve a particular look. Commercial hair can be anything from fibers created to look like human hair, to actual human-grown hair. Hair extensions can come in many lengths, textures, colors and sizes and are worn by people of all walks of life. They vary by price, and can be found as high as $10,000 for actual virgin human hair or $1 per bundle of synthetic or "Remy" hair. Typically, hair extensions are used to create a specific look for a temporary period, for example an elegant party or outing.

Textures vary, as they can be silky and smooth or tight and curly. There are terms for the different type of hair extensions. For example, Yaki is a general type of synthetic hair extension used for braiding with afro-type hair. It is known for its thickness and basic color spectrum, typically found in urban beauty stores. Another texture of hair extensions used is called Silky Straight, which is typically very dark, shiny and straight, similar to Asian/East Indian hair. Lengths of extensions vary from 9 inches to over 30 inches.

There are multiple methods to securing hair extensions to a person’s existing hair. One way of attaching extensions is to use clip in hair extensions. This is usually to add volume and length to certain sections of the hair. The clip-in hair extensions are commonly a specific length and are either straight or curly. They can also help create layers. You can purchase clip-in ponytails, which are easy to apply and remove.

There are hair extensions called wefts, which is a row of hair bound together with thread, straight across in a row. A stylist starts out with cornrows, braiding the natural hair around the head, then sewing wefts along each row, allowing the hair extensions to fall like natural hair. Wefts are usually sewn onto cornrows, usually with special weaving needle. Another technique some use is gluing, as some glue hair along the braid using special glue. This technique can damage hair during the removal process and can cause allergic reactions.

Bulk hair is a very popular type of hair extension. This is usually a large loc of hair bound together around the same length. Some purchase two to four bounds of hair, depending on the fullness needed. Bulk hair can also be braided, starting by braiding hair into tiny individual braids, then allowing it flow with the rest of the hair. This allows for a more natural look.

Quality hair extensions can be easily manipulated, cut, curled, dyed, and or reshaped into the style desired. In many instances, the more money put into hair extensions, the more the hair can usually withstand the elements of heat, chemicals, and water. This includes washing, curling and drying. It is important to know how to treat the type of hair extensions once purchased.

Hair extensions are a great asset to achieve many of the latest hairstyles. If you have shorter hair, or just want to try a new look, don't be afraid to try out a new hairdo with some hair extensions.