Hair extensions used to have a bad reputation, but they have come a long way in recent years when it comes to quality and technology. Hair extensions are not just for adding length or fullness to your hair. You can wear them to experiment with different styles, like clip-in bangs or strands of another colour. Before you take the plunge and get hair extensions, make sure you know the rules to give both your extensions and your natural hair in the best condition possible.
Consider Your Lifestyle
There are several different types of hair extensions. The entry-level, which most people start with, is clip-ins. These are the most popular options for beginners to hair extensions since they are so user-friendly. This style is essentially barrettes with hair attached, which can be clipped in or out whenever you like.
The second option for extensions is tape extensions. These are held in place with strong, invisible bi-adhesive premium tape that is undetectable to the touch. Tape extensions last for up to eight weeks if they are properly cared for.
The third choice for your extensions is keratin. These are attached with a high-tech process that binds the extension with sound activation and keratin attachments. They can last for three months or even longer with the right care.
If you do a lot of hot yoga, tape extensions are not for you. Keratin is a much better option. If you want to be able to change the colour often, then you should opt for tape, as the keratin will be in for a long time. Your stylist will work with you to assess your lifestyle and choose the right extensions for you. There are many little things that go into this choice, so the expert help is wise to listen to. Reading canada hair reviews also helps.
Get The Right Colour Match
Being off by even a shade is a giveaway that you’re wearing fake hair. The most accurate way is to colour match your extensions with the ends of your natural hair, not the roots, and to go with the colour that is most prominent in your natural hair. Most women don’t have one shade of hair. Hair colour tends to be mixed, so look for colours that are blended for a more natural look. This will allow you to colour match a lot more accurately. Ask your stylist for help choosing the right colour for you, or you can click this here and get more information from professionals.
Splurge On Quality
Synthetic extensions are the most affordable option, but they can get tangled easily, and have a very high shine look, which will make them look clearly unnatural. Non-virgin hair means that the hair has been processed, either it has been dyed or treated to change the texture, so this is also not an ideal option, as it is more damaged.
Look for hair extensions of the highest quality that you can find. Good quality extensions will be closer to your real hair and should hold styles and textures in the same way. Good extensions shouldn’t shed as much as cheaper options. Ideally, you want people to not be able to tell that you are wearing hair extensions.
The key to natural-looking extensions is making sure that the hair cuticles are all facing the same way to prevent tangles and matting. For clip-ins, look for a silicone cushion on the clips to prevent tangles and breakage.
Do Maintenance Work
Just like your natural hair, your hair extensions need to be washed on a regular basis. You should wash clip-ins every six to eight times that you wear them, depending on how much product that you’re using. You can give your clip-ins a little bath in your sink and then dry them gently on a towel. Before you wash your clip-ins, remove them and gently comb out any tangles. Use a shampoo and conditioner that is free of both sulphates and parabens. Blot your extensions with a towel to remove any excess water, and leave them to air dry.
If you are wearing tape-on or keratin extensions, these also need to be washed with a gentle shampoo. Focus on the roots and condition only from the mid-lengths of the hair down. Protect your extensions by waiting until they are already almost dry before you use any heat styling tools. Don’t use heat styling directly on the tape or the keratin bonds. Don’t go to bed with wet hair either. Make sure your hair is completely dry before you get into bed.