which hair extensions are best for you?

Have you ever wondered which hair extensions are best for you?  

Below are show notes from our Hair Matters Podcast, to listen just click the link or read below - do both! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hair-matters/id1464075880

Let’s start with what we receive the most questions about, “hand tied wefts” They are simply wefts (tracks) of hair that are tied onto a small thread. The hair can come in a variety of textures and is generally of superior quality

You are able to get more hair than a machine sewn weft which has a big and bulky track The wefts are generally 12 inches in width and range between 12 to 22 inches.

The clients hair is simply attached by threading a micro bead through their hair & the hair on the track. Many people opt to sew through each micro bead for extra security.

We have done lots of hand tied tracks and they work similarly to a sew in weave with a lot less tension.

They seem to work best on clients with lots of thicker strands of hair, textured hair and curly hair. They can slide on clients with finer hair especially those who tend to get oily quickly.

Tape Hair Extensions

A client hair is sandwiched between 2 tape extensions which vary between 1.5 to 2 inches in length. The extension is placed horizontally on against the scalp.

They work well on most hair textures, especially those with thick hair. If you have thick hair Tape Hair will add lots of volume and length.

These need to be removed every 6 weeks or so, taken off, re-taped and reattached. Most of the hair is reusable although we find our clients like to add some new fresh hair!

They may be difficult to wear in a high pony or updo, many stylists cut them in half, but that seems to compromise the integrity of the hair extension and is not recommended. Brands are carrying .5 inch width tape extensions which are a better option for fine hair particularly on the sides of the head.

Super fine and/or see through hair will not benefit from tape since they may be too heavy and visible. They do work well on Thin/Fine hair ­ it is important to not add too many since they will be heavy and can possibly cause damage to the hair follicle.

Some find them uncomfortable because they are placed close to the scalp.

Individual strands

Give the stylist the opportunity to place the extensions away from the scalp which enables them to move freely. They look very natural and should be placed with perfect sectioning. A well trained extensionist should be apply these extensions ­ if they are placed on too little of the clients hair they can shed out quickly.

Once again, adding too many will lead to too much weight that can pull out the hair.

You can wear your hair up, color while wearing them, but bleaching over them is not recommended. You can damage the attachment and also damage your own hair!

Individual strands can be attached with a keratin protein bond or micro link. We prefer links lined with silicone to help with slippage.

The Keratin protein bond extensions can last up to 5 months with virtually no maintenance. Some opt to reuse the hair by re­-bonding them. We find many of our clients prefer all new hair since the extension hair can shed and looks skimpy when reapplied after 5 months.

Individual strands can also be attached with beads or links which are made of an aluminum composite. They tend to work well on medium density hair, but most extensions do. The client’s hair is threaded into a bead (with a tool similar to a crotchet hook and the extension is placed into the bead, and then clamped down with pliers.

The hair is reusable, but many clients find they slip out and have to collect & save the extension. The average maintenance is after 8 weeks, some prefer to remove completely and reapply. After 6 months or so many clients prefer all new hair extensions or do add a decent amount of new hair since they can look skimpy and not fill out the hair. It also depends on how well they are maintained.

No extensions are permanent, although many clients ask for them. Nothing can be permanent in hair since it is constantly shedding and growing. Shedding is important to understand, we all shed 100+/­ strands per day, while wearing extensions you will find the natural shedding is trapped in the attachment and needs to be removed when extensions are removed/replaced.

We can not tell you how many people ask if the shedding is breakage, it is not.

It is not unusual to lose some extensions, have them slip out especially after wearing them for a while your hair is shedding and they are attached to less hair than they were originally..

To sum it up

Thick Hair works well with most types of extensions since it is strong, but Tape & Hair Tied Wefts will give you more abundant hair.

Medium Density hair can use all types of extensions, but if you tend to be oily, I would stay clear of hand tied wefts and possibly tape. Although with the proper take home products you may get around this. Clarifying or deep cleansing shampoos used at the attachment will help to remove oil build up. Also, dry shampoo is a life saver since it will help to remove oil.

With Fine or super fine hair it is important to not add too much weight or too many hair extensions.. Length can be a factor too, keeping the extensions too long can add extra weight. So less is more regardless of which technique you choose.

A good leave in product to detangle and moisturize the extensions is important since your natural oils do not run through them in the same way as your natural hair.

We love, Truss Amino Spray for thick/dry hair, Pureology for all hair types. It is important to apply the leave in away from the attachment mid-shaft to ends

Never leave  extensions wet, if you are in a rush at least dry the attachment are. Hair is weakest when wet so drying is essential. Also NEVER put your hair up wet. If you are not willing to dry and maintain extensions then you should rethink getting them.

Chlorine is a killer on natural hair and extensions, salt water is better but we suggest that if you swim or go to the beach rinse your hair with tap water this creates a barrier from chlorine & salt. Also, let the extensions air dry in the sun and hot weather.

Do not use too much protein products, not good for natural hair & extensions. Using products with protein will actually dry your hair out!

Brush from roots to ends, a wet brush is highly recommended and a natural fibre brush such as boars bristle will keep hair extensions supple.

You should always have a thorough consultation, realistic goals, check ins to make sure you are working well with your new hair, written instructions and easy access to the salon! If you have any questions please feel free to email Noelle@NoelleSalon.com and we can help!