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Hair Extension Methods

While there are many companies in the hair extension market, there are 3 different basic hair extension categories: strand-by-strand, weft extensions and clip in extensions.

The following is a brief description of the different types of Hair Extensions and how they are used.

Strand by strand

A strand by strand method is actually a method where groups of 1-30 strands of extension hair is grouped and then either bonded, braided, locked, sewn or somehow attached to a similar number of your hairs at the root. Depending upon the application and the amount of the clients’ hair, the number of ‘strands’ can wind up being anywhere from 150-350.

Weft Extensions

Weft AKA ‘track’ extensions, are performed using hair that has been sewn together on a long flat seam using a special sewing machine. The hair is cut and measured to the clients head and applied in layers using bonding, braiding, locking, sewing or other methods similar to strand by strand. This method is often less expensive than a strand by strand method, but a lot less versatile in styling, and not suitable for many with thin hair. It’s also very limited when it comes to intricate color blending. Wefts are used in braiding and weaving techniques.

Clip-in Extensions

Clip-in extensions are a great alternative if you want to have longer-thicker hair only some of the time or if you are concerned about the cost of regular hair extensions. They can be difficult to put in every day and may on occasion slip. They can also cause some hair loss at the clasp points. If your hair is very fine and thin the clips may cause hair loss. They are best if used only occasionally.

Hair Extension Care Instructions

First of all, follow the instructions given to you by your stylist.

Keep the hair clean. You can wash your hair every day. If not you should wash it at least once or twice a week with warm water. Wash your hair immediately after swimming, spa, exercise, and etc. When dirt and sweat accumulate, hair tangles. Too much leave-in conditioners and other hair care products will create a build up on the hair and will cause it to tangle faster. If the hair feels dry or heavy with build up, wash it with good, salon quality, shampoo & conditioner.

When swimming, always wear a cap or keep your hair out of the water to prevent prolong exposure to chlorine or salt water which causes the hair to tangle. I recommend pre-wetting your hair with water then applying some conditioner before swimming. This will keep it from absorbing too much chlorine or salt water. Always wash the hair right away with shampoo and conditioner after swimming in both types of water. When going to the spa, the hair should be brushed out completely and should be wrapped in a cold wet towel. All but the best extension hair (Great Lengths for example) can completely mat up the instant it hits salt water. It can also happen with sweat. so be careful.

Make couple of big braids or pony tails when going to sleep, swim, or exercise (please untangle the hair before making the braids). NEVER SLEEP ON WET HAIR it can mat up! Make sure the hair is completely dry before going to bed.

Make sure you brush the 2-3 times hair daily and apply some leave-in conditioners so that the hair is soft manageable. Try not to put conditioner on the bonds if you are using any strand-by-strand extensions. With any strand-by-strand extensions it is very important to keep the bonds tangle free and separated. run your fingers between them once or twice a day and brush your roots 2-3 times daily with a natural bristle brush, for very fine hair, or a loop brush, for thicker hair. A good leave-in hair treatment can keep the hair from drying. But remember not to put too much otherwise there will be a build up and make the hair feel too heavy. If the hair feels too dry or heavy with too much hair care products, you should wash the hair.

The following instructions are for the less expensive extension hair.

Before washing the hair, spray mixture of conditioner and water and brush the hair from bottom up. You must gradually wet the hair down and brush it gently before you completely wash the hair. If the hair is very dry and a lot of water is added at once, hair will swell up like sponge and tangle! Therefore, it is important to gradually wet the hair and brush it.

After wetting the hair, add shampoo and conditioner and brush thoroughly. Be sure to wash and brush the hair in one direction. Rinse the hair completely with water and towel dry. It is best to air dry the hair but you can also blow-dry with low to medium heat.

You can also make a leave-in conditioner at home by diluting conditioner (10%) with water (90%). Put in a spray bottle and apply the mixture lightly onto your hair and brush the hair from the end to the top near the scalp.

IT IS NOT ADVISABLE TO TINT, COLOR, PERM OR DO ANY EXTRA CHEMICAL PROCESSES TO YOUR EXTENSIONS because they has already been treated. Please be extra careful with blonde and other light colored hair. They are more chemically processed than the dark hair.