Feel like hair extensions? Here are five things to know if you want to apply the strands to volumize and lengthen the hair
Summer is coming and to go to the sea there are many girls who ask their hairdresser to apply hair extensions. There are different types and there are also many ways to put them depending on the type of hair and the customer’s needs. They can be of various volumes, lengths and colors.
The types of extensions
Let’s start with the types. The extensions in keratin are the most known and applied (and also the most expensive). Then there are those with clips that can be assembled and disassembled whenever you want and, finally, those to be sewn.
Keratin extension
Keratin extensions must be applied by the hairdresser. The process, in fact, is quite long and complex and if not carried out correctly it can seriously damage the hair.
The extensions in keratin are those that best blend with the natural hair as they are fused to it with a plate that dissolves keratin (one of the most used products to give new life to the hair) and combines the locks.
Extension with clip
The extensions with clips are suitable for those who have a versatile personality and want to go from long to short over the course of an evening. These are strands of locks that you can apply on your own with a bit of foresight: each band has a precise width and must be applied at a certain point on the head. Be careful to mix the bands with your real hair, otherwise you risk showing the clips.
Stitched extensions
The sewn extensions are applied with needle and thread over an African braid: this particular method comes from America and has been very successful also in our country. They are a valid alternative to keratin extensions, which ruin the hair more.
How to treat extensions
Given that in almost all cases it is real hair, extensions must be treated so that they last longer. They can be tiled or curled and be folded with the hair dryer, but don’t forget to feed them properly, otherwise they will break and wear out in no time. For this it is good to buy a mild shampoo that does not spoil it and apply a moisturizing mask to each wash. Always brush them gently and avoid tearing them with too strong movements.
The duration of the extensions and their removal
Extensions typically last between three and six months. Those with clips can last even longer, but this depends on how often you apply them and how many treatments they receive each time.
Extension removal
While the clip-on extensions can be removed manually by you whenever you wish, the ones sewn or with keratin must be removed by the hairdresser with a special machine. Do not try to remove them yourself because you risk damaging your hair.
After removal of sewn or keratin extensions, hair may appear weaker and the scalp more sensitive. It is therefore advisable to carry out a professional strengthening and nourishing treatment that restores body, volume and softness to hair, such as oxygen therapy or keratin treatment.
Extension prices
The cost of extensions obviously depends on the type of hair you are going to buy, how many locks are applied and the method used. The extensions with keratin generally cost 3 dollars/euros per strand: considering that at least one hundred must be applied, the total price is around 300 dollars/euros. But it can come up if more is needed. Same thing for those sewn.
The extensions with clips are the least expensive ones: they can range from 80 to 200 dollars/euros.
