Hair Extensions – What You Need to Know – Oklahoma City

“What are the best hair extensions?” or “How are hair extensions put in?” These are questions you should have, especially if you’ve never used extensions before. Choosing the right hair extensions is confusing, as there are so many different types; they have different insert methods and come at different costs. The reason for this variation is due to the nature of hair, hair styling and color. Just as people have different hair, styles and color, so are there different extension styles, hair colors, thickness, and length, and each of these elements influences the type of extension you need.

What Kind of Look Do You Want?

Kamisuki (Combing the hair), A colour woodbloc...
Kamisuki (Combing the hair), A colour woodblock print, Japan, Taishō era, 1920 Goyō (1880-1921) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Before buying your new extensions you need to think of the hair style you want and how hair extensions will help you achieve that look. Do you want longer hair? Are you satisfied with your short tresses and just want to add volume?
– Think of the hair extension color – Do you want the color to be different? If you want hair that matches your own, then you need extensions that are closely colored to your own hair color.
– Texture – Inexpensive hair extensions are synthetic and often have that plastic feel and look to them. So you want to buy extensions that are similarly textured to your own original hair. However, this may mean a higher hair extension price.

Choose the Best Hair Extensions You Can Afford

The best hair extension material is Remy human hair (real hair that is untreated by chemicals) and the much cheaper alternative is synthetic hair. There are many variations, lengths and types of extensions that fall between these two types. Just remember, human hair is more versatile whereas synthetic hair cannot be heat-styled and doesn’t last as long.

The Attachment Method

There are several different attachment methods used for hair extensions. The type you use depends on what you want and how long you need the hair to last.

– Clip-on attachment – To attach hair using this method you simply clip the extension into your hair. This method works for temporary attachments or those you put in during the day and take out at night.

– Heat-Shrink or Sew-in Extensions – if you want it for a more permanent duration, get heat-shrink tubing or sew-in hair. Although these have a longer duration the sew in attachments can be a little uncomfortable to attach, and the heat-shrink attachments can cause hair damage when removed incorrectly. These are more expensive than clip-on attachment methods, but they do last the longest, usually about four months.

– Locking extensions, or microbead extensions are more expensive, because they are done with individual strands, so they are more labor intensive, but that also means they are more natural looking and can blend better with existing hair.

The Application Process

Everything else seems a cinch compared to getting good hair extensions put in. Finding the right professional to attach the hair is critical to making the hair extensions look attractive and natural. So, before getting new hair extensions, look everywhere for a great hair-dresser who has experience with hair extensions.

Hair Extension Care

Once you’ve had them put in, the care you give your hair is important, and will keep the hair extensions looking healthy, shine and natural for as long as possible. Make sure you use a good shampoo and conditioner, recommended by the stylist, that hydrates your full head of hair, including your added hair extensions. If you decide to use removable extensions, be sure to keep them tangle-free, even when you aren’t wearing them.

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