SoZo HAIR Salon Tips
Choosing The Best Hair Extensions For YOU
Salon professionals have to take into consideration all of the wants and needs of their clients; therefore, it is important to have an open line of communication between the stylist and client in order to achieve the best results. A thorough consultation will provide the stylist and client with a working relationship that will foster a successful outcome. Typically, when people schedule an appointment with their stylist, the client has a game plan of what they want to do with their hair. These services typically involve a haircut, blow-dry, style, or color service. However, what if the desired result is a longer style or thicker fuller hair, in these instances, hair extension services are a great option.
Extensions can be used to add volume, fullness, length, and dimension into a client’s existing hairstyle without having to wait the months it will take to grow out the hair. During the grow-out phase, there are also awkward stages that the hair goes through in order to get back to the (longer) desired length. With extensions, this long process can be achieved in just a short period of time. So you may be asking yourself, what are the right extensions for me? How do I know which type of hair extensions I want?
When getting hair extensions, it is important to consider the following questions:
Do I want to add length to my hair?
How much length?
Am I adding them for just body and fullness?
Do I want to try a new color without actually coloring “my hair”?
Am I willing to take proper care of my extensions?
Hair extension services can do all of the above for you but it is imperative that the extensions be cared for properly! So let’s discover the world of hair extensions.The five different hair extension types that we will discuss are tape in, clip in, micro link, fusion and sew in. Each service is different in the application process.
Tape In Extensions
Tape in extensions are the most popular, comfortable, and natural looking extensions to date. Used for adding length and/or volume to any hair type. Your stylist can cut your hair with these extensions taped in so the hair and extensions blend seamlessly. Maintenance is required every 6-8 weeks.
Clip In Extensions
Clip in extensions are quick, easy, and can be very affordable. This is a very temporary method, which is removed by the simple snap of a clip, which is a great option for someone who is looking to add volume or a pop of color without the commitment of color. Upkeep for these extensions is very simple and they can be washed like normal hair. Additionally, it may be beneficial to visit your stylist to show you how to use your new extensions.
Micro Link Extensions
Micro link extensions use silicone beads to connect (link) small pieces of extension hair to a very small section of hair near the scalp, the bead is clamped with the natural hair and the extension inside. These extensions last up to two months and can be shampooed and conditioned like normal hair; however, a special brush should be used in order to avoid tangling at the root. When conditioning the hair it is also important to avoid the micro link because the conditioner will loosen the bond and not allow the extensions to stay in the hair as long.
Fusion Extensions
Fusion extensions are fused with a tiny bead of keratin adhesive that is heated, and “fused” to a small section of hair near the scalp. This is a very tedious, time-consuming and expensive option. Fusion extensions are not very comfortable either, the tiny beads of adhesive can “poke” into the scalp, especially right after the application when they are closest to the scalp.
Sew In Extensions
T his method is cost effective and it doesn’t take a long time to install for a fast and effective braider. Sections of hair are braided across the back of the head (hair needs to be able to hold a braid well) then wefts of extensions are sewn into the braids, hair from the top should cover the area where the braids and wefts are placed. These require maintenance as well and should be tightened every four weeks by a salon professional.
Now that we have covered several hair extension methods, I hope you have a better idea of which method suits your lifestyle.
One more thing to take into consideration when choosing a hair extension method is whether you want synthetic or human hair. Synthetic hair can be somewhat heat resistant, but doesn’t provide the same lustrous look that human hair does. In addition, you cannot color or apply high heat to most synthetic hair so it is very hard to manage. Human hair is recommended for extension services so it can be colored, styled, and treated just like your real hair.
Have a happy hair day!
About SoZo HAIR:
SoZo Salon Tips is a blog about beauty salon tips, tricks, and hints. SoZo HAIR by Bajon Salon & Spa serves the greater Cincinnati area. We are located in Olde West Chester at the corner of Cincinnati-Dayton and West Chester Rds. We’re just a short drive from Mason Oh and Fairfield Oh….a big city hair salon without the big drive and big traffic.
Karen Welch has 32 years of experience in the Hair Fashion Industry and is considered an expert in hair design, hair color and beauty makeovers. Karen says she learns more every day and plans to always continue learning!
Contributor; Afton Nartker
