Not so long ago, the owners of a short haircut, dreaming of finding long, thick curls, had only two options: to wear a hot and uncomfortable wig, or to grow their own locks slowly and for a long time. However, today there is a simpler and more convenient way out - hair extension. Reviews indicate that curls elongated in this way look as natural as their own.
In total, there are several types of donor (used for building) hair, based on their texture and quality: European, Asian, South Russian and Slavic. Slavic hair is the thinnest, silky and most high-quality, close in texture to natural, well amenable to styling and dyeing. They withstand three to four corrections without prejudice to their appearance. South Russian - somewhat tougher and thicker Slavic, are smooth and wavy. If necessary, can withstand two corrections. European hair, contrary to its name, is usually collected in India. They are thicker than the Slavic and South Russian, therefore, not everyone is suitable - the difference between their own and hair extensions can be striking. Correction for them is not done (in extreme cases, it can be done only once).
Finally, the Asian type of hair is the cheapest and least quality. Such hair is very stiff, so they are subjected to special treatment. However, after five or six times washing the heads begin to lose their appearance - break off and become tangled. Using such material, it is difficult to make high - quality hair extensions. Customer reviews indicate that most of them were not satisfied with their choice. However, this most affordable type of hair still has its customers. All types of hair used for extension are supplied both in slices and in tresses - collected in thin ribbons or on keratin capsules.
Various methods are used for hair extension - “hot” or “cold”. At the heart of each of them is the attachment of additional strands to their own hair, similar in color and texture to them. Extension is possible if the length of your own hair is at least 10 cm - otherwise the fixation points of the strands will be visible.
With the “Japanese” (aka “Korean” or “Chinese”) extension method, donor hair is attached to its own using miniature rings of the corresponding color. This method is quite simple, however, the strands grown in this way can cause some discomfort, interfering during sleep. In addition, such rings, in comparison with the same keratin capsules, are quite heavy. Hair with this extension method is combed out strongly.
Another “cold” method, called “Spanish”, is to hair extensions with a special glue. Small capsules at the attachment points of the strands are formed manually by the master. This is perhaps the most gentle way: this hair extension (reviews confirm this) allows you to do without temperature and avoid hard mechanical effects on them. The adhesive capsule is very durable: it does not break even under the influence of high temperatures. Hair grown in this way looks as natural as possible. The disadvantages of this technology include a very painful removal of donor hair during correction. There is also a tape “cold” hair extension - a technology that allows you to find long hair in just 40 minutes. For her, hair is used on a special adhesive tape in tresses, manufactured by Arcos - it was she who patented this technique. This quick and easy-to-use technology, however, has serious drawbacks: colorless adhesive tapes sparkle in bright light, and sometimes can peel off. However, this method is very good for thin hair, since the load on them is distributed evenly.
Of the “hot” technologies involving thermal effects on the hair, one can distinguish “Italian”, in which keratin applied to the strands is sealed with special forceps, forming a strong capsule - small and flat, completely invisible. Keratin hair extension allows you to use all of their types. Correction with it is done after 4 - 6 months. Hot "English" hair extensions, reviews of which are good enough, provide for the formation of capsules of harmless, refractory organic resin at the joints. To do this, use a special glue gun. The disadvantage of this method, in contrast to the "Italian" one, is the impossibility of visiting the bathhouse and sauna: the melting temperature of the bio resin is about +80 degrees (the keratin used in the "Italian" way of building up is +120 - 130 degrees).
Hair extensions in any way, regardless of technology, have contraindications: these are, first of all, seborrhea, neurodermatitis, eczema. Do not do this procedure with hair loss and fragility - their condition can significantly deteriorate. In general, with sufficiently strong hair and healthy scalp, choosing a hair extension technology that is right for you will not be difficult.