Hair Extensions: Everything You Need to Know

It wasn't long ago that women were forced to tie their locks back in a tight bun and don a cumbersome wig if they wanted to make a drastic change in their style without losing their current style in the process. Today, there are hair extensions. Whether weaved, applied with heat in a salon, or clipped in, they can give you the option of longer, voluminous style without waiting months or years for it to grow out. Nothing compares to the versatility offered by these options, and with a little styling, they are nearly impossible to detect. Here's everything you need to know about these styling alternatives.

Tradition

While modern hair extensions are a relatively new phenomenon, the concept of wearing wigs, toupees, and other pieces goes back to ancient Egypt. The people of that time would often shave their natural locks off to increase comfort in the scorching desert conditions (as well as fend off lice infection). Of course, this style wouldn't do for more extravagant occasions, so wigs were developed as a way to have the best of both worlds. For many years and through many cultures, these alternatives were only an option for the very rich. For the last twenty years, however, they have drastically dropped in price, making them accessible to the average individual and creating an industry all to itself.

Types

Hair extensions can be categorized in a variety of ways, but the primary two types are those made from synthetic materials and those made from actual human locks. The synthetic kinds are made using artificial fibers that have been developed to mimic real hair in the closest ways possible. While convincing, these synthetic types rarely last a long time and cannot withstand many styling efforts. Still, they remain popular due to their affordability. The versions made from the real thing are more durable and can be treated and processed just as your natural locks can be. They also last much longer than the synthetic varieties.

Application

There are a few different ways in which hair extensions can be applied. These methods are used to varying degrees of success and at different costs. The bonding method is realized by using glue to attach the wefts to the natural hair in small sections. The weave is applied by braiding the wefts in with a weaving needle. This is a stronger method and less likely to come out accidentally. Finally, the fusion method-preferred by many salons-using a combination of non-wefted hair extensions, wax, and heat to produce the desired attachment.

For those who are thinking about changing up their style in Dallas hair extensions are a fun way to achieve a dramatic look without much effort. For more information, visit http://www.matthewdillard.com.