Hair extension methods: selection and care

Overview of Hair Extension Methods

The choice may seem difficult, as you not only want to achieve a new look but also keep your own hair healthy. A stylist might mention about 8 methods of hair extensions, but they are generally divided into two main types: hot and cold. Each has its variations.

Hot Methods: Capsule and Ultrasonic Extensions

These involve high-temperature effects. During this procedure, resins are used for attaching the extensions. The procedure can be performed using different techniques.

1. The English technique is considered the leader. It involves attaching the extensions to the natural hair using a special gun and melted resin. The effect lasts for 3 months. To maintain it, it's recommended to avoid using conditioners and other hair care products.
2. The Italian method uses keratin capsules that are attached with heated tongs. The effect can last up to 4 months. Conditioners, masks, and other hair care products should not be used. Ignoring these tips may cause the capsules to slide off within a few days. Following recommendations allows natural hair to grow and maintain its health and structure.

The latest and most gentle method is ultrasonic extension. Keratin capsules are also used, but they are attached using ultrasound. This method is suitable even for exhausted and heavily damaged hair. The capsules are securely fixed, the attachment points are almost invisible, and the effect is more stable. After the procedure, the hair is well-suited for coloring and curling.

Cold Methods: Tape and Cold Extensions

No high temperatures are used here, and after the procedure, you can use a hair dryer and care products.

1. In some cold methods, the strands are connected with surgical glue with a hardener, but the substance whitens over time. This is known as the Spanish or micro-capsule technique, which makes the hair resistant to salt water and oils. Correction is recommended every 3-4 months.
2. The tape technique is considered very simple and inexpensive. The attached hair is joined to your own with adhesive tape. The procedure is suitable even for short strands.
3. A variety of cold extension is the Chinese/Japanese technique. Very small rings or beads are used, through which the strands are threaded and fixed with tongs. Correction is needed every 2 months.

1. Another cold type is Hollywood extension. It uses wefts (special tapes with strands) that are sewn to pre-made African braids. This method is considered the gentlest.

All the techniques used are recognized as safe.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Techniques

The procedures for each method are performed using materials safe for health. Each technique allows you to quickly change your image, look stylish and modern. Advantages include:

• invisibility of attachments;
• lengthening of all hair types.

There are also disadvantages:

• contraindications (hair loss, skin diseases, allergies, pregnancy, prolonged use of hormones or antibiotics);
• regular corrections (every 2 months).

It should be noted that your own hair should be at least 5 cm long.

After the procedure, special care for the hair is required, and special combs should be used for brushing.

Let's consider the pros and cons of specific techniques.

The advantages of the tape method are:

• lack of significant pressure on the roots;
• resistance to high temperatures;
• short procedure time;
• ease of removing the tapes.

Despite these advantages, there are some drawbacks. They include:

• difficulty in washing and brushing;
• risk of adhesive layer damage when using alcohol-based products;
• visibility of attachments in high hairstyles;
• frequent corrections.

The Spanish method also has pros and cons. Advantages include:

• invisibility of capsules;
• resistance to oils and oil-based products;
• natural appearance.

Disadvantages include:

• the glue turns white over time;
• long procedure time.

Japanese/Chinese extensions have advantages such as:

• lack of chemical compounds;
• no high temperature effects on the strands.

Disadvantages include:

• cooling of beads/rings in cold weather;
• visibility of attachments.

Let's separately consider the advantages and disadvantages of the English technique (hot extension).

Advantages:

• suitable for all hair types;
• hypoallergenic;
• invisibility of capsules;
• creation of a natural effect;
• possibility of reusing strands.

Disadvantages:

• cannot extend the bangs;
• thermal impact;
• restriction from visiting saunas, steam baths, and tanning salons.

Among all the techniques, ultrasonic stands out. The procedure is quick, and the effect lasts up to six months.

Capsules are reliable and invisible in the hairstyle, allowing you to experiment with looks.

There are no high temperatures, and there is no risk of damaging your own hair.

The only drawback is the complexity of correction.

Modern Hair Extension Technologies

Some techniques have their unique features.

1. The American method has a fundamental difference. New strands are attached to the underside of the existing ones. This allows for multiple extensions.
2. Micro extensions (ExtendMagic) use European and Slavic type strands, as well as capsules no more than 3 mm. This allows for extensions in the temple and any other area. After the procedure, the hair can be gathered into a high ponytail and any hairstyle.
3. The French technique is considered a type of Spanish. Here, a toning agent is added to the glue, expanding the possibilities for working with hair of any color.

You can choose any method based on your preferences and possibilities.

Hair Care Rules for Extended Hair

You need to follow the guidelines according to the chosen technology.

With capsule extensions, you can wash your hair after a day. Using a hairdryer or other heat styling tools is undesirable, as the capsules may melt.

Tape extensions allow for the use of hairdryers, curling irons, and straighteners. Hair should be brushed no more than 3 times a day with a comb with soft, wide teeth.

Features of Care for Different Types of Extended Hair

During extensions, strands of the same type as your own hair are used. Based on this, care procedures and products are selected. There are a few features to consider.

1. When washing, the water should not be too hot or too cold.
2. When applying shampoo, keep your head in a natural position, do not tilt it back.
3. Apply the shampoo evenly along the length, without rubbing it into the scalp.
4. After washing, do not wring or twist the hair. Let it dry naturally.
5. Before bedtime, brush your dry hair and braid it into a loose braid. This helps avoid tangling at the attachment points.

Following recommendations and timely corrections help maintain the style without harming the hair.

Effects of Hair Extensions: Before and After Comparison

Your own hair doesn't always match our idea of luxurious locks. As a result of extensions, the owner gains a new look and modern style, and the dream of gorgeous locks becomes a reality. This lasts from 2 to 6 months, and then correction is needed.

Over time, there comes a need for a rest period for the hair. Removing them seems to return to the "before" period, and statistics say that in half the cases about 50% of your own hair is lost. This is claimed to result from using the hot method.

In the "after" period, it's important to properly support hair health.

1. Trim damaged ends.
2. Use therapeutic shampoos and special conditioners.
3. Temporarily refrain from using mousses, foams for styling, and fixing products (wax and hairspray).
4. Take vitamin complexes, B vitamins, and Omega-3.
5. Avoid low-calorie diets.

It's also important to organize proper, balanced nutrition for yourself.

How to Choose the Right Technique Based on Hair Type?

• Any procedure is contraindicated for weakened hair.
• Capsule extensions are not suitable for hair prone to loss.
• The Japanese method is suitable for owners of coarse and dark hair. It excludes the use of chemicals and high temperatures.
• If you have thin strands, it's recommended to choose extensions on braids.
• Ultrasonic extensions are recommended for damage from frequent styling and coloring, dry, split ends.

A master will always help you choose the right technique.

Valentyn Evgenovich

Director

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