How to Care for Your Human Hair Extensions

You’ve gone to the salon and invested a large chunk of time and money for human hair extensions, of course you want them to look their best for as long as they can. Human hair extensions are the finest quality extensions available and with proper care, you can keep them looking natural without of a lot of fuss. The most important thing to remember is that although they are natural human hair, they are more fragile than the hair that has grown out of your head. Moisture and heat are the biggest culprits when it comes to ruining a head of gorgeous extensions.

Wash Your Hair: Before you wash your hair, gently brush it with a natural bristle brush. This helps to removed any excess dirt and oil. Brushing will also help to get any tangles out of your hair before you wet it. Section out your hair and brush it very carefully so that you do not damage your extensions or pull them out. Wet your hair before you actually begin the shampoo process and with a large tooth comb, make sure all of the tangles are out of it. Do not stick your head under the shower and wet your hair all at once. This causes the hair to swell and you can end up with a mess. Gently wet your hair a section of a time working from the scalp to the ends.

Use a shampoo and conditioner that is very gentle, your stylist can make recommendations on which products are the best. A leave in conditioner is a good idea, but do not use to much or this will cause the hair to tangle and become hard to manage.

Wrap It Up: Use a scarf to wrap your hair before bed or anytime you will be out in windy weather. This helps to protect your extensions and keep them from tangling. Also wear a swim cap or put your hair up in a ponytail if you plan on swimming. If you do not do this, you will come out of the water with a mess of matted hair that may not be able to be saved. Your extensions are too valuable to let a dip in the pool or a day at the beach ruin them.

Keep It Cool: Do not use high heat on your extensions. Even though natural human hair extensions can take more heat then synthetic ones, they are still susceptible to heat damage. Use the lowest setting on your blow dryer and consult your hair stylist before using a flat iron or curling iron. She may recommend that you use an intense protective product when you use these high heat appliances and she will have the professional products to give your extensions the right protection.

Sweet Dreams: Always let your hair dry thoroughly before going to bed. Never ever go to bed with a wet head of hair. You will wake up to a mess. Wrap your hair in a silk scarf before you retire for the night. To do this, simply brush your hair out gently with a natural bristle brush to get all the tangles out. Next carefully gather your hair into a ponytail but do not use an elastic band to secure it. Wrap a silk scarf around your head and tie it up so that it contains your hair. This will protect your hair and the silk is gentle and comfortable enough for you to get a good nights sleep.

Remember: Different types of extensions (e.g. sewn extensions vs. locking extensions) have different lifespans, benefits, and care regimens. Ask your stylist to compare them for you.

Use these simple tips and your human hair extensions will give you many weeks of great looking hair. Do not try to color your extensions or use a home perm. Let your stylist take care of these since special products must be used to protect your extensions and the products that you can get over the counter are much to strong and will damage your extensions. As always, follow the instructions of your stylist and use her knowledge and skill if you have any questions.

Call now to book an appointment. Anastasia is a salon hair stylist in Oklahoma City, OK. Out of town appointments welcome.

Hair Extensions: Getting the Best Value

Ever watch someone buy a 160z bottle of something that costs a dime less than a 64oz bottle of the same thing? Best price is almost never best value. It’s that way with your hair style, too. Take hair extensions – the least expensive process lasts weeks, not months, and the price difference is almost the same as the next highest level of service. Sewn extensions, for example, cost around $50 more but last 8-16 times longer. Go with locking extensions, and you pay more, but you can just about double how long it lasts, and you can actually re-use the extensions as your hair grows. Your stylist unlocks them and moves them up. In other words, far greater value, even though the price is more.

Know your types of extensions:

• TRACK EXTENSIONS: (glue): least expensive, last the least amount of time (e.g. 1-2weeks) – lowest value – available locally
• SEWN EXTENSIONS: only slightly more expensive, can last approximately 2months with proper care – available locally
• LOCK-IN EXTENSIONS: moderate expense, but can last approximately 3-4months with proper care (most bang for the buck) – adjustable, re-usable (highest value in the long run), must be ordered
• FUSION EXTENSIONS: expensive, can last 5-6months with proper care, must be ordered

Watch out for fruits: If you’re interested in getting hair extensions, be careful about comparing apples to oranges. Don’t jump at the lowest cost only to have your money evaporate after a short time.

Do not skip the free consultation: An experienced stylist who starts with a free consultation is the norm. Just walking in off the street and getting extensions is bad news – get the free consultation. It’ll also give you a chance to meet your stylist in person, which is everything. No matter how they sound on the phone, you’ll be able to tell what you’re getting when you evaluate how they handle things in person.

It Takes Time to Properly Place Extensions

Your stylist shouldn’t rush through a hair extensions process. Using smaller extension braids, and sewing the extensions more tightly, takes more time, but you get more natural looking hair extensions, more freedom to wear your hair in a pony tail, and you can wash your hair with less worry. Extensions are labor intensive, so the cost can be surprising, but don’t skimp to save a few dollars – you want to look like a star, not a porcupine. Your stylist should be meticulous about extensions, not rushed.

Your stylist should also use natural human hair extensions, where possible. These not only look better but are easier to care for and last longer. High quality human hair extensions come from India or the Far East. They can be styled like your own hair with heat or rollers unlike synthetic extensions which will be damaged by heat and some styling products. So if you are supplying your own extensions look for all natural human hair from a reputable supplier. Don’t think that you are getting a bargain by purchasing cheap low quality extensions, you’ll only be disappointed and end up spending more in the long run replacing them in a few weeks.

The first thing your stylist will do is section out your hair. Starting at the back, she will take small sections and braid them horizontally across your head very tightly to give her a base to sew the extensions onto. Small tight braids are essential for proper placement and durability. If the braids are too loose, the extensions may come out in just a few days. A skilled and experienced stylist won’t make this mistake.

Your stylist will use a curved needle and thick thread to sew your extensions into your hair. This will take time, so be prepared to stay in the salon half of the day. Working her way around your head, she will continue to braid and sew until the proper number of extensions are in, to create the look you want. Once the extensions are placed, she may cut your hair and then style it. Now you are ready to enjoy your new look.

Anastasia is a salon hair stylist in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Out of town appointments welcome.

Locking Hair Extensions

Long cascading hair has been a fantasy for people who have a permanent bob cut or hair that needs continuous trimming as it doesn’t grow thick beyond the shoulder level.  The voluptuous appeal that long flowing hair could give is just a two hour sitting away! Locking hair extensions (sometimes referred to by brand names like Euro locs or the hair locs system) is a unique process that adds an extension to your hair, not with a synthetic replica of your hair texture but with original human hair that is available  in umpteen colors and lengths. This hair extension system is extremely popular owing to the fact that the hair used is natural and real and doesn’t show signs of wearing off at all when maintained properly. The procedure is a safe and healthy system of extending your hair.

Primarily, the hair strands that are attachments used to lengthen your hair can also be used to enhance volume for people who have scanty hair. The process involves parting your hair into equal and organized portions and clipping it, making the parting line visible. The stylist will decide how many extensions you will need to give your hair the length or the right blend between your hair and the extended hair. There is no clipping, or bonding process involved – unlike the other hair extension systems available in most salons. The human hair extensions are specially locked into your hairline growth by a method that leaves it absolutely undetectable. This patented process has to be handled by a certified stylist.

With proper care, the extensions may last 6 months, before you need to visit the stylist again just to re-fix any extensions that have moved with your natural hair growth. After undergoing the hair extension system, you could shampoo it, condition it, perm it or even straighten it like you would with your natural hair. A professional will charge you a fee for the whole session besides the price for the number of extensions you want affixed in this manner.

Locking extensions  are not just a beautiful way of extending your hair by giving it the most original and natural look, but also safe while there is no harmful chemical, glue or heat involved in the process. Consult your stylist for the best results for your hair type.

Anastasia is a salon hair stylist in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Out of town appointments welcome.

Choosing The Most Appropriate Hair Extension Service

The 5 most common hair extension services today are  Glue In, Track Hair Extensions, Locking Hair Extensions, Hot Fusion and Cold Fusion. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Here are some guidelines to help you make your choice wisely.

Glue In Hair Extension Service/ Track Hair Extensions

This is a temporary hair extension solution which means for the amount of time you spend in the salon, which can be 4-hours or more for partial, upwards of 5-hours for full, and the money, the investment for a short term look should be worth the effort. You should also be ready to have the hair extensions removed within a reasonable amount of time – like a couple of months. Of course, this can depend on the expertise of your hairdresser, but it can also depends strongly on how you care for the hair in the meantime. Some people report their glue-in extensions only lasted a week, others say they change their glue-in extensions every 6 months. The average time that glue-in extensions last is about 2-3 months, with proper care.

You can expect to pay anywhere from $220 (partial) to $390 (full) and up for these type of hair extensions. The price will vary depending on the type of hair used (e.g. human hair vs. synthetic) and length of the hair. You must also consider the cost involved in removing the hair extensions. Attempting to remove glue in hair extensions on your own is not advisable because you could inadvertently pull out your own hair,, causing a bald spot.

The benefits of this type of hair extensions are lower cost, adds volume to your hair, and can create a whole new look for you. On the downside, glue in extensions can damage your hair and scalp because glue can sometimes cause split ends or even burn your hair.

Track hair extensions involves applying up to 50 hair strands to specific areas in your scalp by using a chemical substance to make it stick. You should consider the maintenance cost that comes after. For every track you had placed in your hair, you can expect to pay up to $60 for each as part of the cost for upkeep. Upkeep should be done every 6 weeks minimum.

Locking Hair Extensions

This is a great choice if you have fragile and thinning hair. This is because it uses natural human hair only and is attached without the use of abrasive chemicals or substances like glue. In fact, you can keep your lock-in hair extensions for many months without having to sit through lengthy extension sessions. The initial service might take 4.5hrs (partial) to 5.5 hours (full). The times are not exact.

The cost for this kind of hair extension service can start at $700 (partial) to $1000 (full), but can get up to $2500 for some stylists. The reason this type is more expensive is the human hair factor as compared to synthetic hair which is much cheaper.

The main advantage of this kind of hair extension is the fact that you can usually remove them to use again when you please, as long as they are not damaged. Naturally, you would have to have this done by a professional to ensure that they can be used more than once. With regular maintenance of 2 to 4 months, the extensions can last up to 4 years with proper care. Another advantage is that the locking tubes can be adjusted to compensate for the growth of the natural hair.

Hot Fusion Hair Extensions

This type of hair extension service uses hot glue to attach the extensions. Using hot glue can burn your scalp, if you attempt it at home,  so you need to make sure to visit a professional salon to have this done for you. It would cost you about $700 (partial) to $1400 (full) , but this amount varies depending on the length of the hair extensions and how many you want. You will spend at least 5-hours [partial) or 6-hours (full)  in the salon for this service.

The advantage of this type of hair extension service is the 4 month period where you can enjoy beautiful, longer, and thicker hair. Because of the application method, the hair can sometimes seem a little stiffer and less natural. The method is generally not damaging to the natural hair. With the fusion method, it is difficult to make out the extensions from the natural hair, but one of the disadvantages of this  method is that sometimes glue material may be visible when pulling the hair back.

Cold Fusion Hair Extensions

The cousin to hot fusion, cold fusion is a comparatively new technology and is very popular, because it is gentler on the natural hair, since it uses polymer to attach the extensions. Since this method doesn't use heat, it is the preferred method for thin or fine hair. Furthermore, the extensions can stay on for up to 6 months.

With this type of hair extension service, you will be able to fool a lot of people, because the results are amazingly natural and beautiful. This is also the reason why this type of extension is much more expensive.

The range of a cold fusion hair extension service can start at $700 (partial) to $1400 (full), but this can balloon to $4000, depending on who you approach for the service, and the length of the extensions. As with hot fusion, you will spend at least 5-hours [partial) or 6-hours (full)  in the salon for this service.

Scalp Braiding Hair Extensions

This type of hair extension can only be done partially. This means that you cannot expect a full head of hair extensions with scalp braiding. This type of extension will last you only about 2 months. Some women find scalp braiding difficult to maintain and adjust to, so they can find themselves considering removing the braids a couple of weeks after. In short, this extension needs a little time to adjust to, so expect that at the start.

The advantage of these "sewn in" extensions are that they have almost zero damage on your natural hair. In order to apply the extensions, the natural hair is styled into a firm braid across the head and then the extensions are sewn into the braid. The only major drawback with scalp braiding is that it is not suitable for all hair types. In general, the extensions last longer on hair with a coarser texture than on smoother hair.

Expect to stay at least a couple of hours in the salon, but this time can vary depending on hair length. The cost for scalp braiding might be around $150-$200. The disadvantage of this hair extension is that the scalp can sometimes itch and tangle. On the other hand, you do not put any chemicals on your head, and this is a top reason for wanting this kind of extension.

With these 5 choices, bear in mind that the costs are multi-faceted. In other words, you have to consider the cost of the salon service, the hair extensions, and the maintenance or upkeep of your hair.

Anastasia is a salon hair stylist in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Out of town appointments welcome.

Vital Differences in Hair Extensions: Human Hair vs. Synthetic

Understanding a few key differences between synthetic and human hair can make your mind up for you if you happen to be torn between the two.  Most women simply factor in the price difference first and the duration they last second, but there are even more factors to consider.

Even if you are looking at extensions to wear for a special occasion like a wedding, you cannot underestimate the choice between human or synthetic hair extensions.  Think about it as carefully as you would if you were considering getting extensions for an extended period of time.

Are you looking for a specific hairstyle or just longer, manageable hair? Human hair extensions are as versatile as your natural hair, but in that same vein they can also get to be as unruly as your natural hair.  Synthetic extensions are more often than not pre-styled, meaning that in the majority of situations it will stay fast and look as beautiful as they did the day they were attached.  Synthetics are also almost indistinguishable from human hair, so in most cases the style does not seem artificial.

The climate in the area you live or will be during the duration you would like to wear the hair extensions matters as well.  If the climate is very humid or rainy then human extensions will react in the very same way that your hair has done for years: either frizz up or go completely flat.  Synthetics will look just as good in a moderate climate as they would somewhere humid, though that in itself could look a little unnatural.

The natural beauty of human hair is just as appealing as the steadfast styles that synthetics offer, and hair products may nullify the differece in humidity.  Your choice will probably still come down to price because of the huge price difference between the two, but these are good bits of information to keep in mind when looking into hair extensions.

Anastasia is a salon hair stylist in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Out of town appointments welcome.

Hair Type Affects Extensions

No matter whether you have synthetic or human hair extensions, it is possible to run into some difficulties or discomfort with your new extensions. While long and beautiful hair is always tempting, knowing what you’re getting into before investing your time and money is always a good idea.

Removing extensions is usually what causes the most damage to your natural hair, but some complications can arise before you even get a chance to have them removed. While having your hair extensions attached by an experienced stylist is a big part of reducing or preventing most problems inherent with extensions, there are some natural factors that cannot be helped.

If your hair is especially oily, hair extensions applied by weaving may not stay intact. The excess oil in your hair can cause the weave to simply slip loose and fall off. This is especially true for synthetic hair, as it is 3 times heavier than human hair extensions. Glued in extensions are not immune to excessive oils either. It is possible for the hold the glue has on your hair to weaken or slip over time. Cold fusion attachment techniques are best for those with oily hair.

Very thin or damaged hair may fall out over time with heavy hair extensions. Even worse is the possibility of experiencing permanent hair loss due to the weight put onto your scalp. Extensions can give you beautiful hair for a temporary amount of time, but your real hair is with you forever.

For the reasons above, it’s especially important to seek a consultation with an experienced stylist prior to making an official appointment. Finding out your exact hair type is crucial to determining which attachment method is best for your hair and your budget. Neglecting to make an informed decision on your hair extensions can end in results that could affect you for much longer than the extensions themselves will last.

Anastasia is a salon hair stylist in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Out of town appointments welcome.

Managing Hair Extensions

Managing hair extensions presents even more responsibilities than your natural hair. You need to be a little more gentle with your extensions to extend the life and to keep them looking their best.

Your natural hair goes through a ton of abuse every day of the year and it can really withstand a good amount of damage over time. But extensions do not gain nutrients from your scalp so they are at least three times more susceptible to irreparable damage. While this may not seem like a big deal, because hair extensions are not with you forever, it does mean that they could fall out prematurely or need to be replaced.

Be sure to always wash your hair every day if you have hair extensions. Unwashed hair accumulates your body oils and it could compromise your extensions. All too often extensions fall out because of oily hair, and it’s a shame to have to have all new ones put back in because of a little negligence.

If you are considering human hair extensions, be sure to ask your stylist if it is possible to safely dye the brand they will be using. It is not possible to dye synthetics, but it is possible to dye human hair extensions. Some brands are pre-dyed, so if you happen to dye them it could severely damage the hair. If you forget to ask before having the extensions put it, it might be a good idea just to stick with your natural color for the time being.

It is completely possible to use heated styling tools on human extensions, but most synthetics will melt if subjected to high levels of heat. There are brands available these days that are safe to get hot, but their heat resistance is usually reflected in the price. A simple curling iron twist on zero resistance synthetic hair can melt a whole area of your extensions, and force you to get them completely redone.

It’s important to know both what kind of extensions you have and what brand they are. Brands can mean as much as the material, so get the full scoop on your extensions before having them attached and possibly making a mistake.

Anastasia is a salon hair stylist in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Out of town appointments welcome.

Don’t Gamble With Amateur Hair Extensions

If you want quality hair extensions, it’s absolutely essential that you have it done by a professional with extensive experience.

It’s just too easy to make a mistake, if you do them on your own or have a friend attach them, not to mention that most methods of attachment are difficult for an amateur to master, and you don’t want extensions falling out at embarrasing moments.

There are a few different ways to have hair extensions attached — the most common and effective of which is gluing them in. Gluing should never be done by anyone who is not a professional, as it is very possible that you may irreversibly damage your real hair. If you would like longer-lasting extensions, having them glued in will last you considerably longer than braiding them in and will look better if you have thin hair.

For cost savings, it is possible to braid extensions in at home with help, but if done in the wrong area or improperly, it’s possible that your extensions will be visible under your real hair — and that too can be embarrassing. Having a hairstylist attach your extensions will ensure that your braids will not be visible to the naked eye, and will be hard to discern even with styles that could otherwise reveal the braids.

Professionally done extensions can actually cost less, since they typically last much longer than those done by someone inexperienced, and they are much more flexible. Think of cost in relative terms – vs. how long the extensions will make your hair glorious. If you would like the highest quality extensions possible, Anastasia is available for an appointment or consultation upon request. Don’t put your beauty at risk to save a few dollars. You could be paying more for it in the long run.

Anastasia is a salon hair stylist in Oklahoma City.

Hair Extensions End the Waiting

Hair extensions are a great way to add extra length and volume to your natural hair without the waiting time of growing it out.

There are two main types of extensions: synthetic and human hair, and both have their own pros and cons.

Human hair extensions are always more expensive than synthetic extensions, but they last longer and can take a little more wear and tear. You can also use hot tools on your human hair extensions, such as blow dryers, curlers, and straighteners, making them easy to style on a day to day basis. Human hair extensions can last anywhere from one to six months, if properly taken care of. Human hair extensions, of course, always look like natural hair and come in just about every color and texture imaginable.

Synthetic hair extensions are good for those who are on a budget, as they are much cheaper than real hair extensions. The biggest downside to synthetic extensions is that you absolutely can not use any hot hairstyling tools on them, so you’re left with minimal customization. It’s recommended you get the extensions in the style you want to avoid the temptation to style them yourself and damage both your extensions and your real hair. Synthetics last between one week and four months on average, making them a more temporary extension solution than real hair.

With either human or synthetic hair extensions, you should have at least 3 or 4 inches of real hair to start off with. Most hair extensions are either sewn/plaited in or glued into your natural hair. Sewn extensions do not damage your hair in any way as there are no special chemicals used, but they should be used for thick hair. If done in thin hair, there is a chance the braids will be visible under your natural hair — no one wants that. Glued in hair extensions can damage your hair, but hold for longer than sewn extensions. If you take careful care of your glued extensions you can keep the damage to a minimum, but you should still be careful.

If hair extensions sound like they might be for you, or if you want a new, full hairstyle, Anastasia can give you just the right look. Anastasia has extensive experience putting in hair extensions, and there are so many options available, there is almost no reason not to look into getting extensions to give yourself a fuller hair style. Call for a consultation and we can work out a time that’s convenient for you to come by, and we can discuss which type of extension and technique will work best for your hair.

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