Ever since Bo Derek made them fashionable in the late 1970s in the film “10,” hair extensions have introduced a new realm of possibilities for those who want to do something distinctive with their old hairstyle. Whether you want semi-permanent additions or short clip-ins, you can pick a look that would never have been feasible with your own hair alone.
Extra length, extra fullness, and detailed highlighting are all achievable using the new techniques and materials that are available today. Of course, the famous saying, “You get what you pay for,” is valid here as well. The best hair extensions are produced from real human “Remy” hair and look far more natural than any manufactured product. They can nicely blend in seamlessly with your own hair to create an attractive and natural, long-wearing style.
While it is feasible to learn to care and to apply for your own hair extensions at home, there are numerous factors to consider. Initially, a salon visit will help you settle on the exact texture, color, and length that you will need. Your own hair usually needs to be at least 2 – 3 inches long to properly use the extensions. The method you want to have your extensions added will also determine whether the procedure should be handled by an expert stylist with expertise in these techniques or done at home.
Since it is crucial not to break your own hair in the process, a professional can help you choose between pinch braid technique or advanced weaving, bonding or fusion, or more temporary treatments involving shrinkies, clip-ins, and mini links. High-level weaving consists of creating a cornrow or underhand braid that will lie flat against the scalp. Extensions are stitched into the tracks, and then your natural hair will cover the mark. This hairstyle can last for months, with the first month of tightening done in the salon or at home.
Bonding includes using a glue product to attach 15 – 40 strands at a time to your high-quality hair extensions. It is a rather tedious and long process and must be done correctly to avoid damage. It is a bit more temporary because of the glue bond’s inevitable breakdown, particularly with frequent conditioning and shampooing.
There are more modern, damage-free methods that some high-level salons also employ. While more costly, these don’t need the use of glue, wax, metal, or any other products that can permanently damage your hair. Many of these newer methods can last up to eight months and allow for reuse of the hair for up to a year with good care. If you learn how to take strict care of your own hair and your new extensions, you will be able to reproduce and enjoy your new look until you tire of it. Utilizing a highly experienced stylist’s assistance can make the complete experience much more relaxed and give you the natural look you desire.
DIY: How to Make Hair Extensions
Salon bought hair extensions can be costly, so why not create your own? This part of the article provides one DIY simple technique for making your own hair extensions.
- Get the right materials. To make hair extensions at home, you will need a tube of bonding glue, a pack of hair wefts (synthetic or human), scissors, and some monofilament.
- Mark and cut the hair. Take the hair weft and map it against the back of your head. For these kinds of extensions, you only want the hair incorporating the back of the head; you don’t want it coming behind your ears or around the sides. Once you’ve mapped the correct breadth, use your scissors to cut them to the proper size. Then cut two more identical wefts of hair to the same breadth.
- Stick the wefts. Take your bonding glue, press a thick line under the rubber ridge on one of the hair wefts, and then put the second hair weft on top. Do the same with the next piece, then leave the bonding glue to dry for a couple of hours.
- Attach after measuring the monofilament. Take a piece of monofilament and map it to find the right length. To do this, place the monofilament over the top of your head (similar to a headband), then pull the end pieces to the tail of your head. Wherever the edges of the monofilament stops are where the hair extensions will begin. This is truly a matter of personal preference, but most individuals want their extensions to start somewhere around the occipital bone. Cut the monofilament to your chosen length, but leave an extra few inches on either side for binding knots.
- Connect the monofilament to the hair wefts. Take one end of the monofilament and tie it to one end of the hair weft using a pair of tight but straightforward knots. Do the same on the opposite end. Seal the knots in place with a dab of bonding glue, then wait for the bonding glue to dry.
- Apply the halo extensions. To apply the halo extensions, sit the ring of monofilament and hair on your head — with the monofilament across the top of your head and the hair to the back. Take your hairbrush and start brushing to carry your natural hair over the extensions and to cover the line of monofilament. You can secure the lengths in place with a pair of bobby pins, but this usually isn’t important.
