 | Terry Chrisco has practiced cosmetology for 30 years and has been the owner of Unique Concepts in Wichita Kansas since 1996. She has been a member of the National Cosmetology Association. Terry has been a member of the Kansas Education Committee for 28 years where she has served as styles director and chairman. Since 1976, she has served on Illinois and Oklahoma education committees and has served as Exam Chairman for the state of Kansas. She is a Hair America Educator for the National Cosmetology Association, a National Certified Cosmetologist, an examiner for the National Certification Program and is certified for the "Look Good Feel Better" program. You may contact Terry at Unique Concepts, 1548 S. Webb Rd. Suite 3 in Wichita, KS 67207, by phone at (316) 689-8891, or visit www.uniqueconceptsspa.com. |
Beauty & Fashion
2007-04-01 09:11:00
Hair extensions...which is best for me
I’m thinking about getting hair extensions. What types are there and what should I consider before committing?
ANSWER: That’s the great thing about hair extensions. You really don’t have to commit! As versatile as they are fun, extensions can also be as temporary as you want them to be.
If you feel a little trepidation at the thought of having extensions applied, rest assured there are several options that fit your style, your level of commitment and your price range.
There are several ways to integrate synthetic or real human hair into your natural hair. They can be woven into the hair with a keratin vegetal-based microbond or sewn into a weft. There are clip-in extensions for a special occasion —as many celebrities do— or sewn or bonded extensions for up to six months.
When sewn into a weft, a series of cornrows are needed as a base for the extensions to be woven into. This weaving is called the “track and sew” method, and can hold the extensions in place for a longer length of time while still looking natural and being easy to maintain.
Microchet hair extensions are one of the latest inventions in the hair care industry. This is one of the least detectable methods and is quick and easy. There is no pulling, no stress and no damage to your own hair. The small attachments can be applied to thin hair that other extensions could not be applied to without detection. The high-quality human hair can be placed near the forehead and temples, even, with a very natural look.
The micro-cylinder extension method does not involve glues, heat or chemicals. Tiny tubes (micro-cylinders) are attached to your own natural hair with the extensions (any quality of hair can be used) on the other end of the tube. Applied correctly, the micro-cylinder method is easy to apply and remove and can be quite strong.
When glued or bonded, the extensions are placed on the scalp and cold-bonding glue, specifically formulated to go on the scalp, is used to secure. These are best used for adding fullness to limp or thin hair, but can be used for extensions of unusual or unnatural colors of hair as well. Magenta, black, blue and even white extensions are frequently bonded into a contrasting shade of natural hair for a funky look. Highlights can also be added this way with just a little of the contrasting color showing through from underneath the natural hair. The contrast shows the texture and fullness of natural hair and is able to give you a whole new look without a completely new hairstyle.
Hair extensions may be curled, washed or straightened. If synthetic, a lower temperature setting on your hair-care appliance is recommended, however, to keep your extensions from being damaged. Chemical treatments of any kind are to be avoided, so choose your extensions based on color, contrast and ease of use for you personally. Have a talk with your personal hair stylist and go over all the options they have for you and you should be flaunting a new look with confidence.
