What You Ought to Know About Hair Extensions
Although wigs remain a favorite styling product, hair extensions are quickly taking their place on the crowning glories of many women. For one, hair extensions appear more natural and there are more varieties available in terms of style, color and texture. By simply offering extensions at their salons, many stylists have increased their income significantly.
Source of Hair Extensions
Extensions use real human hair, which explains their texture. The hair is sourced globally from many different countries, although majority of the supply that reach salons are sourced from several Asian countries where the hair is harvested from young women who either sell their hair or donate it as part of a religious ritual.
This is the type of hair that comes from India, where both men and women undergo a ritual shaving as a form of sacrifice to Vishnu, one of their gods.
There is some controversy regarding this source because the hair is offered for free but temples sell them without giving any part of the sale to the donor. Once the hair reaches the manufacturers, it is treated using chemicals to disinfect it. To add shine and make the hair smooth, it also undergoes a silicone treatment.
Types of Hair Extensions
There are various types of hair extensions, there are hair extensions for short hair, temporary extensions such as clip-ins and many more. Clip-ins can be clipped, styled and worn for a few hours or for a day to provide the client’s natural hair some much-needed boost temporarily. Others, however, offer a more permanent option since these can be sewn or braided into the client’s natural hair. Another option is the bonded hair extension which is attached to single hair clusters to make them more permanent. Bonded extensions are best suited for clients with healthy, strong hair. If the hair is weak, brittle or fine, the extension can cause damage to the hair structure. The variety of uses of these extensions make them quite flexible as a salon product. They are also ideal for clients who want an aesthetic solution to fine, limp hair or bald patches.
Choosing the Right Hair Extensions
A hair stylist or salon owner who is buying extensions for the first time may find the wide variety of choices available quite intimidating and confusing. However, knowing what you need and why will help you make the right decisions at the counter. First, consider that the extensions sold at beauty supply stores are dyed and labeled using a system of hair color level, which means that you will find hair categorized from light to dark, with a number of hues in between. The light variety, for example, can range from dark blonde and strawberry blonde to honey blonde and platinum.
Next, decide on the length you need. Extensions are sold in a set number of inches, so it is quite easy to pick the type you want. Lastly, you will have to decide on the quality and texture of the extension. Keep in mind that there are cheap brands and there are expensive brands. Once you check for other factors, try to consider mid-range options for most uses. If the client will be using the extension on a more permanent basis, go for top quality which is more reliable.
Cost
Depending on how much hair you need to use and on the length and quality, you could expect to spend $ 40 – $100 a pack. For more expensive (and extensive) options, expect to pay for a few hundred dollars. Adding clips to a single woven track will also make the extension easier to wear.
