Hair Extensions

How to Care for Natural Black Hair

2009-02-28T02:02:00.000-08:00

With more exposure and styling options for natural black hair, more men and women need information on maintaining a healthy scalp and hair. Wearing your hair chemical-free can be liberating and save you time and money in the long run. By practicing a pampering hair care routine, your natural black hair can be healthy
Step1:Maintain a regular routine for hair care. Even though many people lead busy lives, you should factor in caring for your hair to keep it healthy. This doesn't mean you have to go to a salon if you don't want to. Many people can take care of their natural black hair themselves.

Step2:Shampoo and condition on a regular basis. Traditionally, many African-Americans, especially those who straightened their hair, avoided water as much as possible, but with natural hair, water is your friend. It's important to keep natural black hair well-moisturized as it has a tendency to be dry. Water is the best moisturizer, which is why infrequent shampooing can lead to dryness.

Step3:Shampoo when you have ample time. Try not to shampoo your hair if you're in a hurry. Although natural black hair often appears strong and coarse, it's actually quite delicate and should be handled with TLC to avoid breakage. Shampoo in the shower, letting the water saturate your hair. You may need to gently comb your fingers through for even saturation. Concentrate on cleansing your scalp, using the balls of your fingers, not the nails, to rub the shampoo in. Letting your hair maintain a downward direction, work the shampoo downward, but don't rub it into the ends of your hair.

Step4:Rinse and squeeze excess water out of your hair. Comb conditioner through while hair is wet. Begin at the bottom of your hair and work your way upward, combing out tangles as you work your way to your scalp. This is the best way to avoid pulling and breaking your hair. Make sure the conditioner reaches all over your hair. Concentrate on the ends if your ends feel dry.

Step5:Rinse your hair thoroughly. It's best to apply products to hair when it's wet or damp. There are many styling products to choose from. Whenever you can, try to buy products that are as natural as possible. You may have to shop in health stores or look into online vendors. There are quite a few natural black hair sites with product recommendations on them.

Step6:Wear protective hair styles as much as possible. This includes braids, two-strand twists, buns, chignons and French twists. By keeping the ends of your hair protected, you lessen the chance of them drying out. This is especially important in the winter if you live in a snowy climate.

Step7:Just say NO Just say NO Use hair-friendly accessories. Any ponytail holders or scrunchies that have metal on them should be avoided. The metal can pull on your hair. Wearing cotton accessories can be drying. Use accessories with smooth materials such as satin or silk to keep the moisture in your hair. Sleep in a satin cap or on a satin pillowcase to retain moisture as well.

Step8:With pampering and TLC, your natural black hair can be abundantly healthy. Just use gentle products and gentle handling.

How to Grow Long Black Hair

2009-02-16T02:05:00.000-08:00

Some women desire long hair and a few men even prefer it. However, growing long hair is difficult for some people, especially African-American women. Yet, there are several tips and techniques to help you grow long, beautiful black hair. The key is adopting a few healthy habits.

Step1:

Trim hair every six to eight weeks. To maintain and grow long black hair, trim your hair every six to eight weeks to remove split ends. Take off less than half an inch.

Step2:

Keep your hair moisturized. It's vital to maintain your hair's moisture. Apply a moisturizing conditioner after each shampoo and massage hair moisturizer into the scalp daily. To retain moisture, wrap your hair in a satin scarf every night.

Step3:

Limit the amount of chemicals applied to your hair. If you receive chemical relaxers and hair color, limit these to once every six to eight weeks. Excessive chemicals can damage hair and cause breakage.

Step4:

Take hair growth supplements. While there are ways to naturally maximize hair growth, you may need to experiment with supplements. Hair supplements contain vitamins and minerals essential for healthy hair. If your hair is badly damaged, cut it off and start over.

Step5:

Visit a hair stylist on a regular basis. There's nothing wrong with doing your own hair. However, if you want to grow long black hair, you may need a professional's help. Regular shampoos, conditioners and hair treatments are proven to strengthen African-American hair and maximize growth.

Step6:

Wear a swim cap. Before jumping into a swimming pool, put on a swimming cap. The chemicals used to filter the water can strip your relaxer and damage your hair. After swimming, wash and condition your hair.

Step7:

Choose a hands-off hair style. Applying heat and chemicals can weaken African-American hair. If you want to grow long black hair, choose a hassle free hairstyle such as an updo, twist or braids. You can wear the same hairstyle for weeks, and give your hair a break. Stay away from rubber bands.

How to Care for Relaxed Black Hair

2009-02-09T02:48:00.000-08:00

Caring for relaxed black hair can be somewhat of a challenge, but with a consistent hair care regimen it can be very manageable.

Step1: Before a relaxer, do not scratch the scalp or allow water to come in contact with the hair within 72 hours. This will reduce burning and irritation.

Step2: For best results, a licensed beautician should apply a no lye relaxer to straighten the roots of the hair.

Step3: The chemicals applied to the scalp should not sit for a long time, be aware of how long the chemical has been on the hair before rinsing it out. When burning occurs it's time to rinse.

Step4: Rinse with warm water and apply a neutralizer to deactivate the chemicals.

Step5: Using a cleansing shampoo with a built in moisturizer, thoroughly wash the scalp and hair.

Step6: Apply a conditioner and put on a plastic cap.

Step7: Sit under the dryer for 15 minutes.

Step8: Rinse out the conditioner with cold water (as not to strip the moisturizer out completely).

Step9: Towel dry.

Step10: Hair is most vulnerable to damage when wet, use an anti-static or ionic hair brush to comb through without causing damage to hair.

Step11: Apply a light setting lotion before applying rollers for better hold.

Step12: Dryer Dryer Sit under a bonnet style dryer for rolled or straight hair until dry. A bonnet style dryer will help reduce frizz verses naturally drying or using a blow dryer.

Step13: Remove rollers and style or use a curling iron or flat iron to style. For black or course hair, use a ceramic flat iron that heats up to at least 400 degrees, for best results.

Step14: Spray with a light holding spray.

Step15: To maintain styled black hair, use minimum repeated heat to reduce damage.

Step16: At night use a satin cap or bonnet to maintain body.

Step17: For styling, use a wide tooth comb to reduce pulling hair.

Step18: For added shine, spray with a light sheen once or twice a week. Do not use heavy oils, grease, creams, or gels. These weigh the hair down reducing body, bounce, or can cause extra flaking.

Step19: For a healthy scalp wash and condition hair once a week.

Step20: Keep hair trimmed to promote growth and maintain body.

How to Care for Hair Extensions

2009-02-09T01:43:00.000-08:00

Hair extensions are wonderful. You can add length to your hair or a beautiful streak of color. They can cover a bad cut or color and tie your hair in a ponytail. With all the glorious things they can do, can you return the favor? Proper care of extensions ensure they'll be around for a while.

1. Wash your extensions. Gently! Your fake hair soaks up oils made by your head naturally. This can make your extensions greasy and fibers may fall out. To wash them, soak it in warm water in the bathroom sink. Cover them with a clarifying shampoo and rinse out with cold water. Do not comb or brush extensions when wet because this will rip out hairs and lead to a shorter life for them.

2. Keep them moisturized, especially when you style extensions often. When your extensions are dry, comb a little bit of leave-in conditioner evenly. Don't overdo it because they'll become greasy easier than your natural locks.

3. Make extensions tangle-free. Never untangle dry extensions with a comb. Soak them in cool water and untangle with a wide tooth comb. If absolutely necessary, you can brush out tangles in dry hair, but never use a comb.

4. Only use stylers when your extensions are dry. Never blow dry extensions. You can always put them in when the rest of your hair is dry. If necessary, curl and straighten extensions for about half the time it takes the rest of your hair. Put them on your head when you're done styling your natural hair. This will keep hairs from falling out.
* If you can, get two sets of the same extensions. Keep one pair "just for curling" and one "just for straightening." This will cut down on style time and damage.

5. Only wear extensions in a ponytail if they were made to. Some extensions will fall apart in a ponytail. Read the labeling when buying new extensions to see if you can use them in a ponytail. If it doesn't say whether or not you can, best be on the safe side and not use them in ponytails.

How to Apply Hair Extensions

2009-02-01T23:58:00.000-08:00

Apply Hair Extensions Method:

Long and Flowing

Step 1: Add Inches

Ken swept the model's hair back into a half-ponytail and clipped it from rest of her hair. He then parted the remaining hair lengthwise and attached an 8-inch weft from the Put On Pieces Human Hair Clip in Extension 14-inch set, near the part, securing the center clip first, then each side.

Step 2: Build Body

Next, Paves lifted a small section of hair from underneath the ponytail and attached a 1-1/2-inch weft directly beneath it. Bringing the same small section of hair back over the extension, he then attached a second 1-1/2-inch weft above it. This gave the hair more thickness and volume.

Step 3: Natural Tie

"It's important to incorporate pieces of your own hair as you style the extensions," Paves told us as he took pieces of the model's hair and the extensions and curled them together. Hot tools can be used on human hair extensions but never on synthetic pieces.

Step 4: Long and Luscious

Finally Paves attached a Long Curls Pinup Piece, (Or try Scunci 20-inch Curly Hair clip) into the base of the ponytail, between the elastic and where the hair gathered. He fluffed out the piece with his fingers, then applied some hair spray to lock the style in place.

The Finished Look

Here, the finished look is a voluminous mane with added length

Tips for How to Grow Your Hair Long

2009-02-01T22:32:00.000-08:00

There is no instantaneous method for growing hair, but conscientious application of sound hair strengthening practices will help your locks achieve their longest potential.

Prepping for Long Hair:

To begin growing long hair, the hair must first be healthy. It may seem counterproductive to start a quest for longer hair with a severe cut but it evens out the hair and ensures stunning results with minimal damage. Hair that isn’t trimmed prior to long-term growth may look ratty and uneven, and as the damage worsens, more drastic cuts may be required.

To prep your hair for long-term growth:

* Cut damaged areas, including split ends or poorly maintained layers.
* Revert to your natural hair color if possible, or begin using low-impact coloring and dye. Harsh chemical coloring damages hair and can restrict growth.
* Find a stylist experienced with long hair care and appropriate products. If they insist that you cannot grow long hair or that it’s not the style for you, politely decline their services.

Washing Tips:

Hair is delicate and more easily damaged when wet. These tips for washing long hair will help you avoid damage and painful snarls that can stress and break carefully cultivated strands.

* Do not pile the hair on top of your head when washing – this creates tangles. Instead, work the shampoo from the scalp through to the ends carefully with your fingers.
* Choose a shampoo that won’t weigh your hair down. Long hair has significant natural weight, and heavy shampoos will make the hair flat and listless.
* Rinse the hair with cold water to seal the cuticle, thereby minimizing damage. A cold water rinse also leaves hair shiny and sleek.
* Do not towel-scrub wet hair – squeeze moisture out carefully and wrap the hair gently with a towel to remove excess water.
* Do not wash the hair too frequently: letting long hair get dirty occasionally helps spread natural oils through to the ends.

Conditioning Tips:

Long hair needs regular conditioning to rejuvenate strands that may be years old. Conditioning tips for how to grow your hair long include:

* Use a leave-in conditioner with SPF protection to safeguard against sun damage.
* Opt for occasional deep conditioning treatments: once a month for healthy hair; more frequently for delicate or damaged hair.
* Avoid applying conditioner to the scalp where it can clog follicles and inhibit hair growth.

Styling Tips:

Certain hair styles can be extremely stressful and damaging to hair. Styling tips for long hair include:
Long hair takes a lot of care.
Long hair takes a lot of care.

* Avoid tight styles such as micro braids or severe twists that apply pressure to the roots and may damage follicles.
* Avoid styles such as perms or straightening that require harsh chemicals – those chemicals frequently dry and damage hair.
* Opt for loose updos, ponytails, or thick braids to keep hair under control without damage.
* Avoid metal, rubber, or plastic accessories that pinch or snag. Coated accessories are best for encouraging growth.
* Use a natural bristle brush for styling without tugging or pulling. Avoid brushes and combs with bulbous tips or coatings that can break hair.

Care Tips:

How you care for your hair daily can determine whether or not you can grow it long. Additional care tips include:

* Using a satin pillowcase to avoid nightly snarls.
* Trim hair to eliminate split ends every month; regular trims every 2-3 months are recommended to smooth damage.
* If trimming ends yourself, use extremely sharp scissors. Dull scissors can rip the ends of hair and exaggerate damage.
* Avoid heating tools like hair dryers or curling irons as much as possible.
* Opt for natural products whenever possible to avoid excessive chemicals on your hair.
* Avoid contact with chlorine or saltwater – both dry hair out.

How to Grow Your Hair Long from the Inside Out:

No matter how well you care for your hair, it must be healthy on the inside as well as the outside to grow longer. To keep your hair healthy…

* Drink plenty of water for natural moisture.
* Eat a balanced diet or consider taking a multivitamin, particularly one with beta-carotene to encourage hair growth.
* Exercise regularly to stimulate blood flow to the scalp and hair follicles.
* Avoid stressful situations that may prompt hair loss.

How to Make Your Hair Grow Faster

2009-01-26T20:35:00.000-08:00

1.Assess the current condition of your hair. Is it healthy, shiny and strong, or has it been damaged from heat, sun, coloring, etc.? You don't want to grow out hair that is damaged and scraggly. If you suffer from split, thin, and dry ends, seriously consider getting a trim to remove as much of the damage as possible. Split ends will not slow down hair growth, as your hair grows from the scalp, but they may prevent length accorring due to breakage of the ends.

2.Look at your overall health and your lifestyle. How is your diet? Do you exercise and sleep enough? Are you under a large amount of stress? If your body is lacking in health, your hair will be lacking as well. Your hair growth rate will be at its maximum when you are at your healthiest and fittest.

3.Make some dietary changes. Hair consists of protein (because hair is keretinized protein) so be sure that you are getting enough. Incorporate foods from all food groups - especially protein. Nuts, poultry, vegetables, fruits, grains, eggs, etc. All contribute to hair health.

4.Consider taking a daily vitamin supplement. There are many options on the market nowadays. Research the multi-vitamins which may work best for you. Other vitamins and minerals that are believed to contribute to hair growth are: biotin, beta-carotene, biosil, B complexes, magnesium, sulfur, zinc, silica, nettle, and flaxseed oil.

A good hair vitamin will contain all of the nutrients necessary for overall health, as well as those specific to hair growth. Biotin and MSM are ingredients every hair vitamin should contain. Biotin promotes cell growth, the production of fatty acids, metabolism of fats, and amino acids. MSM lengthens the hair growth phase. Using a combination of the two is beneficial for healthy hair. Using an amino acid supplement is not necessary for growing longer hair. Amino Acids are the building blocks of protein. They are found in all natural foods, such as meat, eggs, dairy products, vegetables, grains, fruit, nuts, and pulses. Most Americans eat more than enough protein for to supply these amino acids. Only people who do not consume enough calories need to be concerned with their protein intake. So one may assume that using an amino acid supplement can only make hair grow faster.

5. Stimulate blood flow to your scalp. One of the two main ways is by doing cardio. There are many benefits to cardio - staying fit, being healthier, glowing skin, and increased blood flow, which can get rid of strange hues that some people get on their legs and increase hair growth. The other main way of stimulating blood flow is by massaging your scalp. Take the tips of your fingers and massage your scalp all over, for about 5 minutes.

6. Do not over brush your hair and NEVER use a bristled brush, as this will tear and damage your hair. Not to mention it doesn't feel very nice. (Boar bristled brushes, however, are in fact good for your hair as they "maintain good hair condition by keeping it clean, stimulating the scalp and distributing oils for a healthy, glossy look, without ever damaging it or causing split ends." Do not brush your hair when it is wet. Wet hair is very elastic and prone to breakage. De-tangle your hair with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb.

7. Do not over wash your hair. The oils that your scalp produces can be beneficial to the health of your hair. If you wash your hair every day, consider skipping a day or only using conditioner one day instead of both shampoo and conditioner. Shampooing everyday may be necessary for oily hair, but normal hair can get by with shampooing about 2-4 times a week, and dry hair is best when you shampoo about 1-2 a week. Curly hair(types 3A-4C) and some dry wavy hair (2A-2C) can be shampooed as little as once a week, to once every two weeks, because curly hair tends to be dryer.Use a shampoo/conditioner that is right for your hair. For instance, if you have dry, frizzy hair, you should not be using products designed for oily hair. Look into using a leave-in conditioner and/or hot oil treatments. Your local beauty supply store (i.e. Sally's) will have many options to choose from. Make sure to read the directions beforehand!

8. Cut back on the coloring sessions, which will inevitably cause your hair damage. If you must color your hair, look into some of the newer dyes available which offer more moisturizing protection when dying. If you want to dye your hair a shade of red, try dying it naturally with henna. If you want to dye your hair black, you can try dying it with a combination of henna and indigo.

9. Use protective styles, which are hair styles that keep your hair up and unexposed from environmental damage. Some examples would be buns, ponytails, plaits, cornrows, French braids, etc. This is very effective for a person whose hair is above shoulder length, because the hair tends to rub against clothes. Use them loosely, though, as you don't want to yank on your roots and scalp. When pulling back your hair, use smoothbands and clips. Avoid metal clips that can tangle and break hair, and never use bare rubber/elastic bands on your hair or hair bands that contain metal connections.

10. Avoid excessively hot water as well as blow dryers and curling irons. If you must use a blow dryer, invest in a diffuser. Consider wearing a cap or scarf of some sort when outside. Excessive heat/cold, wind and the elements can damage your hair. You may also choose to invest in a silk/satin hair wrap or a silk/satin pillowcase to reduce damage to your hair when you toss and turn at night.

How to Grow Long Hair

2009-01-20T22:21:00.000-08:00

Below is your basic guide to growing longer stronger hair. Following this procedure will allow you to grow up to 6 inches of hair in 12 months. Just think, 6 inches of longer, stronger, beautiful hair in 1 year! My hair growing formula will help you achieve whatever length you desire. Whether its 12 inches or 24 inches of hairyou can achieve this easily with patience and persistence.

* Step One: Shampooing
* Step Two: Conditioning
* Step Three: Moisturizing
* Step Four: Relaxing
* Step Five: Maintaining your mane

Step One: Shampooing

Selecting A Shampoo

When selecting a shampoo look for one that is made for dry, damaged, chemically treated hair. The shampoo should not be a "conditioning" shampoo either because the added conditioner will lessen the cleansing effect. The shampoo shouldn't lather up a lot either because shampoos with this much soap are very harsh.

Shampooing Relaxed Hair
When shampooing the hair wet the hair completely as if you were rinsing it out. Next apply the shampoo and gentle massage the scalp with your finger tips for about 3-5 minutes. Rub the shampoo gentle through your hair and rinse all traces of shampoo. One lathering should be sufficient unless you had major buildup which in this case you can shampoo twice. Do not wash your hair until it is "squeaky" clean because this will strip the oil from your hair and make it dry and brittle.

Step Two: Conditioning

Choosing a Conditioner

When selecting a conditioner you should choose one that contains protein to help repair and strengthen hair, oil to help soften, lubricate and seal in moisture, and a stimulate such as tea tree oil that will stimulate the scalp.

Weekly Conditioning

After you have shampooed your hair and rinsed it apply an ample amount of conditioner to your hair from root to tip paying close attention to your ends. Place a plastic cap over your hair and sit under a warm dome dryer for a minimum of 20 minutes to allow the conditioner to penetrate the hair shaft. Next rinse the hair until it is free from all traces of conditioner with lukewarm water. Then towel blot the hair gently.

Step Three: Moisturizing

Choosing a Moisturizer

A good moisturizer should not contain protein because although protein is good for your hair it will dry your hair out and cause breakage when left in the hair. The moisturizer should contain a humecant such as glycerin or sobitol which helps attract moisture to our already dry hair. The moisturizers first ingredient should be water and it should also contain some type of oil to seal in the moisture.DO NOT use a moisturizer that contains mineral oil, petroleum, or parafinium liquidum!This ingredient actually inhibits the absorption of moisture in our hair.

Moisturizing After a Shampoo

After conditioning your hair and towel blotting it apply the moisturizer to your hair while the hair is still damp paying close attention the ends. Comb the moisturizer through your hair with a wide tooth comb for even distribution.

Moisturizing Daily

Daily moisturizing is essential for optimum hair growth. Our hair is naturally dry so to prevent hair breakage moisture must be constantly applied. You should moisturize your hair daily paying close attention to your hair ends. DO NOT apply the moisturizer to your scalp because the scalp does not need to be moisturized or oiled. Your scalp produces enough natural oil(sebum) which is sufficient. Your hair needs the moisture not your scalp. Moisturize your hair at least twice a day.

Step Four: Relaxing

Choosing a Relaxer

There are thousands of relaxers on the market today for African American women to choose from. I recommend that you use a no-lye relaxer, but there are only two no-lye relaxers on the market that I will recommend.

Relaxing the Hair

If you do not know how to relax your hair I strongly advise for you to seek out a trained hair stylist to relax your hair properly. Make sure she uses a neutralizing shampoo immediately after relaxer and then conditions your hair for 20-30 minutes. Do not let the hair stylist clip your ends or dry your hair with a blow dryer. If she/he does anything that you don't agree with SPEAK UP! It's your hair and it's your job to protect it.If you relax your own hair be sure to follow the instructions exactly and avoid overlapping of the relaxer on your hair. It is difficult to relax the back of your own head so I strong advise using protective cream,a relaxer/dye brush, and a mirror or going to a professional.

Step Five: Maintaining your mane

These next couple of tips will help you maintain your hair to avoid breakage and reach your hairs maximum

growth potential:

1. Sleep on a satin pillow case or wear a satin bonnet or scarf at night.
2. Comb your hair with a wide tooth comb beginning at the ends and working your way up to the roots.
3. DO NOT grease or oil your scalp.
4. Do not wear your hair in a ponytail all the time. This causes breakage from the tension.
5. Do not get your ends clipped for a whole year.

History of Hair Extensions

2009-01-12T01:03:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not but hair extensions go as far back as the Egyptian days. They were worn by both genders for cosmetic adornment. In addition to cosmetic vanity, wigs served another purpose as well, to avoid infection of head lice. Egyptian men shaved their head but wore wigs to protect them from the different elements.

Fake hair for women became frowned upon after 1800 and women wore hair more naturally. In the early 20th Century Edwardian women wore false hair additions to create the pompadour hairstyle, shown below.Fake hair returned once again with the elaborate “Appollo Knots” of the Romantic era, shown below.
Later human hair additions were used so extensively in the mid Victorian era that 51,816 kgs of fake human hair were sold in France in 1871 and 102,900 kgs in 1873.

By the 1920’s less hair rather than more was considered “in”. In the 1940’s long natural hair like that of Lauren Bacall was one of the few remaining luxuries a woman could indulge in.

Lauren Bacall

Many eons later Asian countries learned to process and manufacture hair extensions to be sold all over the world. Like now most of the wigs and hair extensions were made of human hair, the main difference was the way they were worn by each individual. Wigs were coated ith beeswax or plant resin to adhere to the scalp. Now, we have fusion techniques, clip on hair extensions and strand bond weaving, back in the day, they were fastened with a thread to the wearer’s natural hair.

Extensions were worn mostly by the very wealthy who could afford the cost and sit still for about 12 to 15 hours . Others followed when they saw what was possible when hair extensions were applied in a glamorous way. In particular black women used hair extensions to improve upon hair texture that some found difficult to tame. It became common to see pop singers sport a wide range of looks that centred around hair extensions.

So you see we have come a very very long way with what we can do with actual human hair. It’s quite amazing knowing that the Ancient Egyptians were doing it long before we even knew what they were. Till next time Good Luck,

Allhairstyle

2009-01-07T01:41:00.000-08:00

Reese Witherspoon's Hairstyle

Milla Jovovich's Hairstyle

Ashley Tisdale's Hairstyle

keira Knightley's Hairstyle

Amanda Bynes's Hairstyle

Natural Human Hair Extensions

2008-12-12T21:53:00.000-08:00

Natural Human Hair Extensions are the most popular form of extensions because they look and feel so natural and are so easy to wear. There are several ways of attaching real hair, because we feel it is the safest method for your hair. When it is time to remove them all you have to do is apply the remover and the bond turns to powder and is gently combed out with no discomfort or damage to the hair.

Each individual extension is individually colour matched as it is applied allowing for subtle highlights and lowlights to the hair giving a perfect natural colour match every time.

Another advantage of the technique we use is that, unlike some other extension systems, ours are not pre-bonded therefore we can precisely choose the size as well as the colour of each individual extension as it is applied. With human hair it is often possible to re-use some of the hair for a second application which will result in a reduced cost the second time around.

Synthetic Clip In Hair Extensions

2008-12-01T01:12:00.000-08:00

Synthetic hair extensions are the most affordable, look natural and are a great place to start for beginners. Most synthetic extensions cannot be customized by chemically treating or using heated tools to curl or straighten. Yet they have many color and texture choices, and are so affordable making it easier for you to try more than one style, color and length. They generally can be cut and layered with a razor by a professional to blend with your natural hair. They must be washed with specially designed products for synthetic hair. With proper maintenance they should last 3 months.

Reasons to Choose Synthetic Clip In Extensions:
- You're new to using hair extensions
- You only want to use hair extensions for special occasions
- You change your hairstyle or hair color often
- You want to have more than one length, color and/or texture on hand to change up your hairstyle quickly and

often

Below are examples of Synthetic Clip in Hair Extensions

How to Clean Your Hair Extensions

2008-11-23T22:25:00.000-08:00

It’s very important to treat your hair extensions properly to ensure the longevity of them. We highly recommended that you wash your hair 3 to 4 times per week, especially after active events like swimming or exercising. Your hair can be washed with cold or warm water, so the choice is up to you! If you are planning to deep condition your hair, just leave the conditioner in for 3 to 5 minutes before rinising it out with warm water.

The most important part is what you do after your hair is washed. You must be very careful and treat your hair with care… this includes not rubbing or ruffling the hair. It’s best to put a towel on your head and let the water soak into the towel. You must never sleep on wet hair, sleeping on wet hair extensions is known to matte the hair badly… this is a surefire method to ruin your extensions so don’t do it!

Your hair must be combed everyday, especially after each wash. We highly advise that you comb the hair from the ends upwards, this method helps prevent shedding by keeping the pressure away from the wefted area near your scalp.

It’s best to these advice tips, brushing your hair each day is an especially important thing to you. You can train your self to brush first thing in the morning, just lean your head forward and use a soft brush to gently brush your hair from the root end toward your scalp. We care about our Indian hair extension customers and want them to learn how they can help ensure the longevity of their hair.

Tips on Hair Extension Care

2008-11-16T20:55:00.000-08:00

Taking care of your hair extensions will not give you a lot of extra work. Here are just a few tips that will help to keep your extensions and your hair in a better condition.

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

Washing: Keep your hair clean. Hair tangles when dirt and sweat build up, wash your hair after exercise, swimming etc. Brush your hair and remove all tangles before washing it. Wash your hair going in a downward motion. Use a good quality shampoo, your stylist can advise you what product is best for your hair. When lots of water is added at once to very dry hair, hair can swell up and tangle. Gradually wet the hair and brush gently before you completely wash it. This is more common with less expensive extension hair.

Styling: When brushing use a soft bristle brush, start at the ends of your hair and gently work your way up. Always brush in a downward motion. Do not brush harshly. Brush your hair 2 or 3 times a day. Heat is your one of your hair's biggest enemy, the more you use it, the shorter your hair extensions will last. Be careful with the use of blowdryers and curling irons. It is best to let your hair dry naturally.

Exercise: Wear a cap when swimming or keep your hair out of the water. Chlorine and salt water can cause the hair to tangle and mat up. It is recommended to wear your hair up or in a ponytail when you swim or exercise

Sleeping: Never sleep on wet hair, make sure your hair is completely dry before you go to bed. It is also recommended to wrap your hair together or gently tie it up to prevent tangling.

Hair care products: Use a good (leave-in) conditioner to keep your hair soft. Don't over do it. To much conditioner or any other hair care product can cause a build up and tangling. Avoid hair products that contain alcohol. Alcohol makes hair dry. Ask your stylist what would be the best products for your hair. hair extension products

Hair treatments: Don't perm, color or any other chemical process to your own hair extensions. Let your stylist take care of that.

In general it is better not to brush synthetic hair and keep this hair away from all sources of excessive heat.ProHair synthetic hair extensions can be brushed in exactly the same way as one would brush the natural hair but it is essential that the correct type of soft bristle brush is used and ProHair Daily Conditioning Spray.

Different types of human hair extensions

2008-11-10T20:28:00.000-08:00

Human hair extensions are the most popular. The hair used for your hair extension is for the greatest part responsible for your looks and the life span of your extension and is therefore of great importance. It is goodto know some more about it before visiting a salon. There is a large variety of human hair used for hairextensions. When a poor hair quality is used your human hair extension can become a nightmare. It can result in dry, brittle hair that tangles constantly. When it comes to hair there are two basic sections, the human hair extension and the synthetic hair extension. On this page we explain more about the different types of humanhair used for extensions.

Human Hair Structure (the cuticle)
Hair is made of different layers. The outer layer, called the "cuticle", is made up of overlapping layers of long cells. They lie on the surface aligned in the same direction like the tiles on a roof with their free edges directed towards the tip. The cuticle locks in essential moisture and protects the hair against outside elements. A healthy cuticle is much more than just a protective layer. Much of the shine is due to the cuticle, light reflects from their glossy surfaces. This, together with the pigment within the cortex, gives hair its characteristic appearance. Hair without cuticle would appear dull and lifeless, it would dry out and become brittle.

Human hair extensions
The human hair used in the hair extension industry comes in different qualities. In general we can say that we get what we pay for, the lower the price of your hair extension the less hair quality we can expect. The highest quality hair will still have all it's cuticle perfectly aligned in the same direction. If the cuticle scales are not facing the same direction, hair will interlock like Velcro, this will lead to matted and tangled hair.Cheaper hair is very often placed in an acid bath which completely destroys the cuticle. To restore the shine this hair is covered with a silicon layer. It looks beautiful but after a few washes the silicon is removed and the hair matts, tangles, and becomes dry.

European human hair does not necessarily come from Europe. It is a group name for different hair with an almost similar structure. Indian hair, Latin American hair, European hair, the only exemptions are Asian hair and African hair (their structure is very different).
Typical European human hair is relatively thin and has an oval cross-section.
This is a popular hair type for a human hair extension.

Asian hair (mostly Chinese hair) is very often used for human hair extensions. This hair is thicker than European hair and has a round cross-section. It is dark black.
To prepare this hair for use in hair extensions it is usually made thinner (acid bath) and lighter. This hair is less expensive.

Indian hair has a very similar basic structure as European hair. In general this hair type is of a very high quality. However the method of collection is very essential. When different types of hair are mixed with cuticles aligned in different directions this hair becomes of a much less quality and therefore less expensive. To prevent tangling the cuticles must be removed and the hair is covered by silicon. Hair companies in Korea and Indonesia are specialized in this type of hair.Collected in the right way with all the cuticles present and in the same direction this hair is one of the best hair types available for use in a human hair extension.

Remi hair is a name you will hear when you shop around for hair extensions. They claim to use only the finest and most beautiful human hair in the world with all cuticles in the same direction.
Synthetic hair is man-made fiber that is made to look like your own hair. It produces a different sheen than human hair, moves differently and therefore does not blend with human hair. New fibers are developed continuously that are better resistant to heat and have an appearance closer to human hair. It comes in a large variety of colors. This hair is the most inexpensive. Sometimes this hair is mixed with human hair and a combination is used for a human hair extension. In most cases this is of course not the way to do it. Both hairtypes need a different after care.

The majority of hair sold today is non-cuticle hair, which is less expensive. So if you want to spend less money on your hair extension this could be fine for you as long as you realize that this hair will probably start matting, tangling and become dry a lot sooner than a higher quality hair.

Overheating is one of your hair's biggest enemies, the damage can be as deep as the cortex which is in the middle. Be careful not to use too much heat when you use a blowdryer or curling iron. It is best to let your hair dry naturally.
Chemical treatments like color and perm can be harmful as well. Go to your stylist for advise, they should know what is best for your hair. Brush your hair gentle to prevent damage. This is not just better for your hair extensions but it will also keep your own hair healthier.

European and Indian Remi hair is the most popular for a human hair extension but also the most expensive.

Curly Hair Care

2008-11-04T19:11:00.000-08:00

These are what I've found to be the basics of caring for naturally curly hair. The main key is moisture.

My Keys to Keeping Curly Hair Moist

Curly hair has a tendency to feel really dry. Because of the curves and corners of our individual hairs, the natural oils have to work much harder to flow down the hair shaft. This may be the reason many women decide tostraighten their hair--trying to capture the shine and sleekness that comes with straighter hair.

Those of us who have made the choice to embrace our curls also know what it is to make sure there is a balance to having curls: full of bounce and body, yet moist and manageable. I have learned some tips from fellow curly-haired divas.

* Baggy with Moisture
* Use conditioner during wash days (Co-washing)
* Moisturize hair daily
* Seal moisturized hair with oil
* Steaming
* Regular deep conditioning

Baggy with Moisture

What does it mean to baggy with moisture? To put it simply it is applying moisture to the hair (either withwater, conditioner, leave-in or any combination of these) then using a conditioning cap to cover the moisturized hair. I usually do this at night before I go to bed. Be careful not to put too much moisture on the hair before baggying or else you will have a wet neck, wet pillow...you get the idea. It's also possible to pass the limit of moisture intake for your hair, so be sure to monitor your hair's condition when first starting out. You can do this after your shower/hair cleansing, before or anytime you feel your hair needs the extra moisture.

I usually leave the cap on my hair for anywhere from 30 minutes to overnight. Start with about 15 minutes at first, and then if your hair seems to respond well to it, you can increase time until you find the limit. The limit is when your hair absorbs so much moisture that it becomes mushy and lifeless--you don't want that--so, as I stated before, try it in small increments first.

Side note: If you have good moisture levels, but your ends are looking worse for wear, then you can make a ponytail, apply moisture to your ponytail (just the ends or the whole pony), then put a small plastic bag around your ponytail to give a concentrated infusion of moisture to your hair ends.

Co-Washing

Since curly hair is more prone to being dry, it is important to keep as much moisture as possible in the hair, while keeping the scalp clean. How to do all this? Conditioner to the rescue! Yes, you read right--conditioner.

I was not sure when I first found out about using conditioner as a way to cleanse my hair while keeping moisture levels high in my hair. As my Grandma says, I've gotta see this for myself. So I got into the shower and wet my hair. I almost reached for shampoo out of habit, but passed it over for conditioner instead. I poured a small amount into my palm and concentrated the conditioner on my scalp, working it in like shampoo. After messaging it in, I rinsed it out and finished my shower. It still felt weird not to use anything with suds in it, but I forged on. After letting my hair dry, I gave co-washing the litmus test: scratched my scalp.

I was almost scared to look under my nails. When I did I saw...nothing! My scalp was as clean as if I used my suds--couldn't believe it so I tried it again on another part of my scalp. Same thing; nothing. On top of it, my hair was feeling quite good, not as stripped as it usually did.

I was told the reason for this. Little known to me many conditioners contain a bit of the same ingredients that shampoo has. The action of scrubbing the scalp is actually the legit reason the scalp gets cleaned, not just the fact that there are suds on top of my head. This actually made sense to me. Now I use co-washing as a regular part of my hair cleansing regime. My curls behave much better, and the growth I've been getting is starting to show in my length because I get to keep moisture in my hair, which keeps my hair from breaking as much as it used to.

Moisturize Daily

Depending on many factors, some of us curly haired divas need to make sure we keep on top the moisture levels in our hair. Using a tiny bit of conditioner, leave-in or other moisturizer give curls relief from the thirst that it suffers on a constant basis. Make sure that you are using the correct weight of moisturizer for yourhair. Unfortunately, there is no magic bullet to know what will work right from the start. What works for one head of hair will not necessarily work for another. Unless you are one of the lucky ones to get it right from the get-go, it is a game of trial and error. At least it was for me =)

Seal with Oil

When you mention putting oil on the hair, many people will run and hide. Oil conjures images of flat, limp, lifeless hair. This is true depending on the oil. As a matter of fact, there are cultures where applying particular oils to the hair results in luster, body and health of the hair. Yes, heavy oils will weight hair down, and may be more suitable for a hot oil treatment before cleansing.

Steaming

Steaming is simply applying conditioner, then using steam to open up the cuticle of the hair. This allows more to get into the hair shaft. The result is much less frizz in humid temperatures. Less frizz means better maintained curls!

Regular Deep Conditioning

Deep conditioning is a valuable part of your haircare regime. The key word throughout this post has been keeping curly hair moist. If you've read about the steaming, then deep conditioning is simply the same thing without the steam. If your hair is coarse (like mine) deep conditioning may benefit you if you do it about 2-3 times a week. If your hair is not as coarse, about 1-2 times a month. If you're one of the lucky ones who rarely has a problem with your hair, deep conditioning might still benefit you--you just won't have to do it so often. Think of it as a treat you can give yourself every now and then.

Beautiful Hair Extension with Balmain

2008-10-27T21:41:00.000-07:00

Balmain Hair extensions offer such beautiful results. Balmain Hair extensions can provide immediate length of hair and great haircolor results.
Balmain Hair Extensions are applied to such a small section of your own hair, that the end result is so real looking that…….seeing is believing.

Balmain Hair Extension hair is 100% real. Balmain Hair Extensions come in a variety of lengths, color, textures and accessories.

The blend of colors and the Balmain Hair Extensions “seamlessly” blend into your own hair. The Balmain Hair extensions will be undetectable.

The quality of Balmain Hair Extensions hair and the selection of colors just give way to endless creative options.

There are extremely practical uses for Balmain Hair Extensions, too. Balmain Hair Extensions can be added for some volume and for added thickness without extending your length.

Creative highlights and deeper colors can be added or alternated. In the above photo, you can see what is called a “continuous” row of Balmain Hair Extensions. This type of row will add thickness and bulk. With the sections being very small, the extensions will behave like your own hair.

The Balmain Hair Extensions are gently attached to your own natural hair. As your hair grows, the Balmain Hair Extensions will grow out with your own natural hair. Balmain Hair Extensions can last up to 3 to 4 months depending on home maintenance and lifestyle.

The benefit to opting for Balmain Hair Extensions is that the hair is reusable. What this means is that whenthe extensions have “grown out” and it is time for them to be removed………..you don’t have to buy new hair. TheBalmain Hair Extensions Artist will be able to remove your extensions, section by section and then reapply.

It takes approximately 3-4.5 hours to have a full set of Balmain Extensions applied. That is a short amount oftime to achieve the results that you may want NOW!

Categories: Balmain Hair Extensions · Balmain Hair Salon · Bridal needs · Hair Extensions in West Springfield · Mass · Photographer · brides · clip in extensions · extensions · hair extension salon · hair extensions · hair color · long hair · longer hair · proms · westfield massachusetts

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Two Types of Hair Extension

2008-10-17T23:30:00.000-07:00

With expert selection, professional application, and conscientious care, human hair extensions are virtually indistinguishable from your own natural hair.

Human hair extensions are available in two basic formats -- strands and wefts. The strands format involves adding small sections of hair to your existing hair. Wefts are large clumps of hair attached at the top. Human hair extensions can be applied in a variety of ways. One popular method is to sew the extensions into small cornrows. Professionals will often sew strands with subtle color variations -- this tends to give the extensions a more natural look. Hair extensions can also be weaved, braided, fused, clamped, or glued.

If you are considering adding human hair extensions to your hair, seek a licensed cosmetologist for consultation. It is also a good idea to check references or the stylist's portfolio.

Individual Strand Extensions

2008-07-28T01:54:00.000-07:00

The Individual method involves taking small amounts (maybe 20-50 strands) of extension hair (natural or synthetic, but we'll get to that later) and applying to small sections of your own hair by either weaving in, heat fusing, gluing, clamping with metal rods or using waxes and polymers. All of these methods (except for the clamping which is self explanatory) involve coating your own hair with a chemical or foreign substance.

These extensions usually only last a few months before they have to be taken out and completely re-done. The main problem with this method is taking the Hair Extensions out without damaging your own hair.

Hair Extensions Good and Bad News

2008-07-28T01:48:00.000-07:00

Good News:

* Extensions don't only to add length. You can choose to add volume instead (or in addition to length), which is perfect for fine, limp or thinning hair.
* Turn that bob into a mane! If your existing hair is at little as 3 inches long, you can get extensions, although the extent of your transformation may be limited if your hair is very short.
* Extensions can be braided in, glued in, woven in, or -- if you only need a follicular boost for a special event -- clipped in.
* You can also add highlights or color -- with shades ranging from mild to wild -- to your hair with the use of extensions.
* The process isn't painful, so it shouldn't hurt a bit.

Bad News:

Hair extensions aren't cheap. Depending on how much you get, how you get them attached and the type/grade of hair you use, the cost can range from the hundreds to the thousands of dollars -- and that's not including maintenance every six to eight weeks. You will also need to make an investment of time, usually four to six hours, for the initial setup.

Hair care for human hair extensions

2008-07-23T03:07:00.001-07:00

* Do not sleep on wet hair. Hair should be dried thoroughly

* Tie hair up in a pony tail or braid it when sleeping

* Avoid prolonged exposure to chlorine. Wear a cap if possible

* Wash and condition your hair immediately after going swimming. Do not allow chemicals to remain in your hair for any length of time.

* Always dry hair, do not leave it wet. Some stylists recommend using a diffuser attachment
to your hair dryer to avoid direct heat at the point of attachment.

* Hair should be shampooed and conditioned regularly. The extensions do not receive natural scalp oils and need to be conditioned every wash.

* Do not apply conditioner to the roots or directly on the area of attachment. Be very gentle with shampooing. There are recommendations from several extension companies to squeeze the shampoo thru the hair, instead of rubbing.

* Rinse hair thoroughly— especially important for braided/sewn in hair extensions. If shampoo is left in the hair, it will cause buildup.

* Do not rub hair with towel after shampooing Gently detangle the hair using a wide tooth comb.

* Detangle before shampooing.

* Avoid using any hot appliances, blow dryers, curling irons, flat irons directly at the point of attachment

* Avoid 2-in1 hair products

* Avoid products with wax, alcohol and silicone or sulfur

* Avoid cheap shampoos and conditioners

* Avoid scrubbing or rubbing the hair

* Use a spray-on conditioner between shampoos

* Gradually wet the hair with mixture of conditioner and water before washing

* Avoid coloring, tinting, perming or any other chemical processes as it will weaken the hair

* Make sure you keep your scalp clean Use shampoo and conditioner for dry hair, color treated hair

Hair care for synthetic fiber hair extensions

2008-07-22T15:44:00.000-07:00

In addition to the care instructions for human hair extensions, there are several tips for taking care of synthetic fiber hair extensions. These hair care tips may not apply to some synthetic fiber hair. Always consult with your stylist for more specific instructions.

* Style only when hair is completely dry

* Low quality synthetic fiber hair-do not blow dry or apply heat.

* Shampoo in cool to lukewarm water

* Swimming and sun do not affect synthetic fiber hair-no special precautions needed

* Higher quality synthetic fiber hair--can use blow dryers, hot rollers to style the hair

Advantages of Hair Extensions

2008-07-21T15:47:00.000-07:00

1. Get good hair!!! If bad hair is ruining your self-esteem, you can fix it immediately in a few hours.

2. You got your hair cut short and you absolutely hate it! Again, you can fix it in a few hours.

3. There has been some research that certain methods of hair extensions can actually improve the condition of your natural hair. Over-processed and damaged hair is actually ‘cocooned’ inside the extension hair, thus protecting it.

4. It is the quickest way to get long hair. Growing out your hair— at the rate of 1/2-in. per month would take several years of patience.

5. Get a beautiful flowing hair style for a special event such as weddings, proms, dances, etc.

6. Transform hair thinning and alopecia issues instantly. Some extension companies have developed their methods specifically for hair thinning and alopecia patients.

7. In some cases, the condition of your natural hair may improve after wearing hair extensions.

Disadvantages of Hair Extensions

2008-07-18T15:52:00.000-07:00

1. Application method can damage your hair. All hair extension companies claim that their method and materials do not damage the natural hair. Giving these companies the benefit of the doubt, one can only assume that some stylists are not properly trained and are attaching and/or removing the hair extensions in a way that damages the hair. There are some professionals in the industry that say any application of adhesive or glue type products to the hair will cause damage.

2. You will spend money—and probably lots of it. Hair extensions are not cheap. If you skimp on the quality of the hair or the method, you eventually get what you pay
for—cheap extensions. Although spending a ton of money will not guarantee quality extensions, it is a fact that more expensive human hair is a higher quality and
will last longer.

3. You will spend more time fixing your hair every day. Many companies claim that you treat your extension hair the same as you would treat your own hair. That is absolutely true!!!! Talk to anyone who has long hair and ask them how they take care of it! You will need to condition it on a regular basis and maybe use more hair care products than you normally would. Also, consider that it will take longer to dry, longer to style and longer to brush or comb out tangles. Long hair requires extra work. Be prepared to maintain the hair.

4. Your natural hair may fall out. If your hair is weak or damaged in any way, it may not be able to support the weight of human hair. This in turn causes your hair to fall out along with the extensions.

5. You may get headaches or neck strain. The extra weight of the human hair extensions may cause you to have headaches initially. Also, if your stylist is using any sort of braiding for the sewn-in extensions, there could be extra tension to the scalp if the braids are done too tightly.

6. Certain hair extension methods may impose limitations on styling your hair. If the bonds are applied too close to the hair line, they may be very visible when pulling your hair back in a pony tail. Also, because of the way some extensions are designed, your hair will look great when it is lying flat. But when the wind blows it exposes thinner hair underneath.

7. You may become addicted to hair extensions. After wearing hair extensions for several months, you may feel that your natural hair is even thinner after having the
extensions removed. In reality, you have become accustomed to seeing yourself with full long hair. Many people wear hair extensions continuously for years at a time.

Split ends - Hair

2008-07-17T02:09:00.000-07:00

Split ends are caused by overuse of heated appliances and over exposure to the sun which results in extremely dry and damaged hair. Once you get split ends there are no solutions to repair it except trimming the ends. However there are lots of preventive cares you can take to avoid split ends.

Things you can do to avoid split ends –

- Don’t brush hair when it’s wet, because that’s when it’s most delicate and susceptible to damage.

- Cut down on hair dryers, crimpers, curling irons, straightening irons and hot curlers.

- Use only natural-bristle hairbrushes.

- Use covered or coated rubber bands

- Wear hat or scarf to minimize sun damage when outdoors and wear a cap while swimming to avoid the harmful effect of chlorine.

- Condition your hair after every shampoo and deep condition at least once a month.

- Use shampoos that have sunscreen and moisturizers.

- Split repair products cannot remove split ends but just minimize the frizzy look

- Get a trim every six weeks.

Wanna need different methods to apply?

2008-07-16T01:12:00.000-07:00

Different methods of applying hair extensions:

Braids, Cornrows, Twists, Locks - Integrates extensions in a visible way in that the braided attachment is seen but blends into the hairstyle.

Weaves - Tiny braids hold hair extensions against the scalp, like cornrows, except these braids are hidden. A concern with this method is that it applies tension and uneven weight to the natural hair where attached, especially when washing the hair or when wet from swimming or other activities. This can not only loosen the weave but it can tug on your natural hair and break it. It can also be difficult to dry the hair beneath the braids and some people will avoid washing their hair as often.

Bonding - The extensions used for this method have a latex plug meant to be glued to your own hair for short terms use. Because this method is fast it's also inexpensive. However, to remove extensions, oil and heat must be used to dissolve the bonding agent, which messy and time consuming. If not removed with care the latex can pull your own hair out.

Metal Tubing - Uses a metal tube clamped over the real hair to attach extension hair. In some cases it can break off real hair, can be difficult to pry open later, and adds additional weight to hair. Experts don't recommend this method for fine hair.

Heat-Shrink Tubing - This method won't harm natural hair but doesn't have a lot of adhesive for holding power needed for extended wear. After a few washings, the tubes can loosen, releasing strands, which then allows even more extension hair to fall out.

Adhesive-Based Fusion - This method is arguably the best, though the type of adhesive used is critical. Wax-based adhesives have a low melting point so a professional grade adhesive is a must. These adhesives can withstand both heat and chemical treatments. The adhesive remover that is used to remove the hair extensions dries the bonding agent to a powdery substance (rather than dissolving it through messy oil and heat).

If interested in hair extensions speak to 2 or 3 professionals about your specific needs and concerns and get a written estimate of what they would do and how much it would cost. New methods will no doubt come to light and it's always wise to get more than one opinion before committing to something that will represent a substantial investment of time and money.

Asian Hair Styles Gallery - II

2008-07-15T04:59:00.000-07:00

Asian Hair Styles Gallery - I

2008-07-15T04:43:00.000-07:00

Hair Extension Maintenance Tips

2008-07-15T02:54:00.000-07:00

Straight Hair:

Maintenance
• Shampoo at least once a week.
• Use a shampoo no higher than pH 7.
• Dilute one ounce of shampoo in a bowl or jug with a pint of warm water.
• Sponge the shampoo into the hair.
• Do not massage.
• Rinse thoroughly.
• Apply conditioner and comb hair, starting with the ends working your way up to your scalp.
• Rinse thoroughly.
• Let air-dry.

Daily
• Brush or comb through to style.
• Use styling aids, such as mouse, gel, and hairspray in moderation (preferably alcohol free products).

Sleep
• Before going to bed, braid your hair into one loose large braid at the back of the neck.
After waking up, undo braid and comb through beginning at the ends and working your way up to roots.

Natural Body Wave Hair:

Maintenance
• Shampoo at least once a week.
• Use a shampoo no higher than pH 7.
• Dilute one ounce of shampoo in a bowl or jug with a pint of warm water.
• Sponge the shampoo into the hair.
• Do not massage.
• Rinse thoroughly.
• Apply conditioner and comb hair, starting with the ends working your way up to your scalp.
• Rinse thoroughly.
• Let air-dry.
• Style as desired.
• For extra wave, hair can be set in rollers.

Daily
• Brush or comb through to style.
• Use styling aids, such as mouse, gel, and hairspray in moderation (preferably alcohol free products).

Sleep
• Before going to bed, braid your hair into one loose large braid at the back of the neck.
• After waking up, undo braid.
• Dampen hair with a water bottle.
• Comb through beginning at the ends and working your way up to roots.
• Let hair air-dry.
• Style as desired.
For extra wave, hair can be set in rollers.

Permed Curly and Natural Curly Hair:

Maintenance
• Do not use oil products on permed hair, it can cause matting.
• Do not brush or comb hair when dry, it will cause frizz and the ends may tangle.
• Shampoo at least once a week.
• Use a shampoo no higher than pH 7.
• Dilute one ounce of shampoo in a bowl or jug with a pint of warm water.
• Sponge the shampoo into the hair.
• Do not massage.
• Rinse thoroughly.
• Apply conditioner and comb hair, starting with the ends working your way up to your scalp.
• Rinse thoroughly.
• Scrunch up hair gently to reform curl.
• Let air-dry.
• Style as desired.

Daily
• Brush or comb through to style.
• Use styling aids, such as mouse, gel, and hairspray in moderation (preferably alcohol free products).

Sleep
• Before going to bed, braid your hair into one loose large braid at the back of the neck.
• After waking up, undo braid.
• Dampen hair with a water bottle.
• Comb through beginning at the ends and working your way up to roots.
• Scrunch up hair gently to reform curl.
• Let hair air-dry.
• Style as desired.

Specific Conditions:

Static:
• In colder months, you may experience some static. The best way to deal with this is to dampen your hands with water, and rub hand together so they are warm. Run the palms of your hands over your hair, without actually touching your hair. This process should help control the static.

Swimming:
It is not recommended that you swim with extension hair. However if you do the following precautions are recommended.
• Never wear a swimming cap or anything that covers your hair, the friction may cause matting.
• Before swimming comb out tangles.
• Braid hair into one braid at back of neck.
• Try to keep head above water.
• Do not swim under water.
• No diving.
• After swimming keep head out of shower.
• Immediately after showering undo braid, comb hair and let air-dry.
• Follow with appropriate shampooing and conditioning as needed.

Sauna:
• Braid hair into one braid at back of neck.
• The water of the sauna will penetrate the hair and wet it.
• Do not wrap hair in towel, which will compress it.
• After sauna keep head out of shower.
• Immediately after showering undo braid, comb hair and let air-dry.
• Follow with appropriate shampooing and conditioning as needed.

Sunbathing:
• Braid hair into one braid at back of neck.
• After sunbathing do not unbraid until hair has cooled down.
• After hair cools, undo braid, comb hair.
• Follow with appropriate shampooing and conditioning as needed.

Product Recommendations:

Shampooing and Conditioning:

• For an effective and cost efficient conditioner, we recommend ARS’ Moisture Recovery, which we sell on the premise or can ship to you. This product should be used twice a week (3 times if you are very active). Apply a quarter size portion to shampooed hair and leave on 5 minutes. Rinse and style as desired.

• Joico offers good products for hair extensions. Their Moisturizer is excellent for regular conditioning while the K-Pak should be used once every two to three weeks. The Integrity Spray Leave in Conditioner can be used to help protect the hair. Integrity is also useful when applied to dry curly or permed hair after sleeping. If used prior to combing or picking out the hair, it can help minimize frizz.

• Any care product that is Human Hair Keratin based is preferred for our extension hair.

• Conditioning the hair is vital to its maintenance. However, it is possible to over condition the hair. Some signs that the hair is over-conditioned are brittleness and tangling. If this does occur, your best resource is to use a deep-cleansing or chelating shampoo.

• If you use hair spray or other styling products, try to avoid those containing alcohol. (Alcohol can be very drying to the hair.) Styling products create build up on the hair and it is recommended that a deep cleansing shampoo be used once or twice a month to remove build-up. Build-up can make the hair dry and can cause tangling. Use moisturizers to avoid this problem.

• If you must use heat, be sure you use a leave in conditioner first such as Lanza’s Rebalance Leave-In Conditioner.

Miscellaneous Tips:

• Although the extension hair is real, it is not receiving nutrients from the scalp like your own hair. Heat is your hair extensions biggest enemy. The more you use on it, the shorter the life span of your hair. We cannot guarantee that the hair will remain silky if you use the blow dry, flat iron, or curling iron. We also recommend that for curling the hair, you use steamrollers such as Caruso’s or Vidal Sassoon’s molecular steamrollers.

• When you sleep, we highly recommend that you braid, wrap or ponytail your hair together to prevent tangling. This will save time that would be spent untangling the hair the next morning.

• When washing the hair, always wash it going in a downward motion. Use your fingers in a horizontal motion between wefts to clean your scalp. When rinsing, do the same to be sure that all the shampoo and conditioner residues are washed out.

• If you perm, tint, bleach or cellophane the hair, you do it at your own risk. We do not guarantee any hair that has been chemically altered. If you must chemically alter it, then be sure to do a test strand first. This will allow you to test how the hair will hold up to the chemicals.

Hair Extensions Gallery

2008-07-14T05:27:00.000-07:00

African American Hair Extensions

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African American women's search for societal acceptance often encompasses struggle between natural and socially constructed ideas of beauty. As an essential component in traditional African societies, cosmetic modification is ritualized to emphasise natural features of blackness. Defined by social occasion such as childhood development to maturity, indicators of marital status or the group to which you belong, beautification of the hair and body play an essential role. In our racially conscious society, presenting a physical image and being accepted is a complex negotiation between two different worlds.

African American Genie McMurrick talks about her struggle. "I remember battling with the idea of going natural for several years. I never had the courage because every time I pictured myself with my natural hair, I never saw beauty. Now my hair is natural, thick and healthy. Yet, it saddens me to know that at one point in my life I felt being natural wasnt beautiful." African American women are finding confidence within themselves to wear their hair naturally and feel beautiful about it.

"Good hair" has been defined as long, straight and therefore beautiful". "Good hair was the hair that bounced and shook. You saw it in all the shampoo commercials, the white lady with the hair bouncing around, and you were told that was good hair. Women seeking solutions come to focus on artificially changing their natural hair structure. African American women have been trying to manipulate, control or find solutions to their "hair problem" for years. Through "the process of lye, making one's hair straight is a practice that has made textured hair and people of color somewhat acceptable in the white world".

However, many contemporary African Americans are avoiding high maintenance and feeling confident in their natural beauty. By being brainwashed into believing black people are "inferior" and white people are "superior" African American's mutilated and adjusted their bodies to try to look "pretty" by white standards.

Americans spend billions of dollars in the quest for beautiful hair. African Americans share the experience of finding their hair identity. Ethnic hair care products are a lucrative market in the beauty industry as companies are finally adding more products targeting black and non white women.

Hair is as different as the people it belongs to. People are finally recognizing that beauty is what helps to create our individual identities. Ultimately, individual confidence shapes and strengthens the culture of the African American community.

The best African American hairstyles are looks that reflect a proud heritage and work with the texture of African American hair, not against it. Traditional African American hairstyles such as cornrows, and modern enhancements to them such as hair weaves are among the best ways to maximize the beauty of African American hair.

Hair Weaves for African American Women:

Hair weaves are a particular type of hair extension that work well with cornrows because they are attached to the natural hair with thread and glue. The natural hair is styled in tiny cornrows along the middle of the scalp and the hair extension (which may be made of human hair or synthetic) is sewn into the cornrows and then glued to make sure it stays in place. The women’s natural hair is then combed over the spot where the hair is attached so it is not noticeable. Hair weaves are a great way to create longer African American hairstyles without waiting for your hair to grow out.

Short African American Hairstyles:

Short hairstyles, in general, are very popular right now. This also holds true among African American women. Although there are some women who choose to wear shorter to medium length hairstyles, there are many who opt for even shorter hairstyles than that. One short hairstyle that is very popular among African American women is the same hairstyle that Halle Berry. Of course, some women do choose longer or shorter variations of this hairstyle. If you have the right facial structure, a short African American hairstyle can look wonderful on you. Have look at some of the african american hairstyles pictures for black women.

Long African American Hair Styles:

Since short hairstyles are so common among all races right now, many don't realize that there are still African American women who opt for long hairstyles. It is very common, however. In order to get the straight hair look that is popular among Caucasian women, many African American women choose to get hair relaxers. In order to get a long hairstyle, some African Americans also choose to opt for a short hairstyle and then wear it in combination with longer hair extensions. This can be very trendy. Longer African American hairstyles tend to look the best on women with round or heart shaped faces.

African American Hairstyles:

If you need to choose an African American Hairstyle then there are certainly many to choose from. If you would like some ideas why not buy one of the magazines on the market specially dedicated to Afro American Hairstyles. There are also a number of hairdressers which specialize in African American hairstyles for men and women. These specialized hairdressers are a great source of styling ideas.

Of course as with any hairstyle, the one you choose will depend on many factors including the shape of your face. If you face is not very round or chubby a very short cropped hairstyle is a great African American hairstyle. You can add a bit of glamour to this by asking your hairdresser to put some gold highlights on the tips of your hair; this really is a sophisticated hairstyle. Otherwise, if you would like a short hairstyle but do not want to crop cut it, you can choose a cut just below your ears and then also add a very light permanent body wave.

African American Hairstyles for Short Hair:

If you choose a short hairstyle and then would like to change it from time to time, there are a number of great hair extensions specially fabricated for African American hairstyles. Another alternative if you would like to change your hairstyle for the evening is to buy or rent a wig, again as with the hair extensions there are a great number of wigs available especially for African American hair.

Braids - African American Hairstyles:

Something that looks great on African American hair is braids and especially braid with beads weaved in. Braids hairstyle lasts for a long time, and is sophisticated as well as being fun at the same time. It is also a great hairstyle to choose for the summer time as it keeps your hair off your face.

Braids are also a great choice of African American hairstyle for girls of a young age who have long hair, it looks extremely cute, and it avoids you having to do their hair each morning before they go to school.

Important Remedies for Natural Hair

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Super moisturizing hair masks can be made from honey and eggs, mashed avocado and olive oil, and pureed carrots and olive oil.Simply mix the ingredients, apply to hair strands, allow the mask to soak in, and wash away the mixture with warm water.

Olive oil, sesame oil, almond oil, grape seed oil, and even peanut oil, can be applied to hair for luxurious moisturizing and hydrating.

Mix half a teaspoon of castor oil with pure coconut oil.Heat it and apply it on the scalp and the hair the night before shampooing.Use a mild herbal shampoo and rinse thoroughly with water.

Henna treatment with amla will help check graying and restore hair health.Soak a handful of dry amla in about two to three cups of water overnight.Next morning, strain the water, but do not throw it away. Grind the amla.To the henna powder, add the ground amla, four teaspoons each of lemon juice and coffee, two raw eggs and enough amla water, so that the henna becomes a thick paste.Apply it on the hair to cover the entire head. Keep it on for two hours and wash it off with water.

Hair Sytles

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Hair pulled back
This style highlights your jaw line, elongates and thins your neck. Drawing your hair over the top of your ears will make your ears look smaller and closer to your head.

Fullness
Fullness at the crown tends to make your face look longer. It adds width to your cheeks and brow. Fullness at your jaw line or below will broaden your lower face. Full hair brushed up and away from your face at your temples gives a lift from your face at your temples gives a lift to your cheekbones and makes your eyes look wider.

Fringes
The length of your fringes influence the appearance of your forehead. Short fringes make the distance between eyebrows and hairline look longer than it is. Long ones make your forehead look shorter and some times wider. Fringes that are long at the temples and curve to a shorter length across your forehead will highlight your eyes and make cheekbones broader.

Partings
Worn straight down the center add width to your brow. Slightly off-center parts and side parts make your forehead seem narrower. Low side parts on your head broaden your forehead.

Ringlets
Wisps of wavy or curly hair that fall from a pulled -up hairstyle soften the outer edge of your face and add length to your neck. Tendrils can soften the severity of a hair style pulled back from your face.

Main Reason to lose Natural hair

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Sun exposure, curling irons and blow dryers damage your natural hair.

Perms and Permanent Coloring and dark hair dyes are very toxic.

Improper Nutrition can affect your hair growth.

Some medications can also cause hair loss.

Smoking constricts your blood circulation, it cause hair loss.

Combing wet hair causes hair loss.

Plenty of hair loss is mainly too much of stress.

Tips to select Hair Extension Stylist

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Before choosing your hair extension stylist , You must prepare little bit about the Hair Extension methods .

1.Visit and inquiry Queries from at least 3 hair extension consultations.

2.Confirm that the Hair Extension Stylist has the Credentials/Training.

3.Verify that the stylist must have cosmetology license and also clarify if any complaints have been filed against him/her.

4.Get a reference from the hair extensions stylist for your future enquires.

5.Exactly get an idea if anything goes wrong means what are the steps taken.

6.During the Consultation never sign an agreement or contract. Take your own time to read and confirm each and every terms and conditions.

Clip on hair extension (Q/A)

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1. Is it possible to fit the clip in hair myself?

Yes, it’s very easy. You will receive full fitting instructions and it takes just minuets to fit them.

2. Can my hair extensions be straightened?

Yes as often as you like! Clip in hair extensions are made with human hair. It is best to use a styling holder to straighten, curl and perfect your hair extensions style before fitting them to your head.

3. How is the hair extensions attached?

The hair extensions are made of strips of real human hair , each strip is a specific size and has micro clips already attached to them. The clips are pressure sensitive and clipped into the hair between sections. This ensures they are hidden, secure and natural looking.

4. How often can I wear my extensions?

As often as you like, just remember to take them out before sleeping to prolong their life. The clip INS can last up anything from 6 months to a year depending on how often you wear them.

5. Are the clip INS easy to look after?

Very easy! Simply sprit some maintenance spray onto the ends of the extensions after each use.

6. Will people be able to see if I am wearing hair extensions?

The beauty of clip in extensions is the natural look that can be achieved with them. Once fitted they are a perfect blend with your own hair.

Before Hair Extensions - Important things to Remember

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1. After selecting a salon, schedule an initial consultation to discuss what you would like to have done and any concerns that you have.

2. Ask about what hair extension experience your hair stylist has and where they received their training.

3. Make sure the hair stylist listens and understands your needs and concerns. Does he/she communicate well with you?

4. The hair stylist should ask you about your lifestyle, health, hobbies and your normal hair routine

5. An analysis of your scalp and hair should be done at the initial consultation to make sure your hair is in a condition for successful hair extensions.

6. Ask to see before and after photos of hair extension clients

7. Ask for references and be sure to call them

8. Ask how often the average client needs to replace the hair. This is very important for anticipating future costs

9. Get a written estimate for your hair extensions with an itemized list of the services required to achieve your new look

10. Get a written maintenance plan. Plan should include recommendations for products, grooming tools, follow-up appointments and any special instructions.

Why we need Hair Extensions?

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New look for a special occasion like wedding, formal event.
Without chemical processing to get bold or subtle highlights hair styles.
Cover up a really bad hair cut.
Add instant length, volume or thickness to their natural hair.
Just for fun!!!! Some people like to experiment with their hair styles

Two Major types of hair extension.

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STRANDS hair extensions technicians apply 20 to 50 strands of synthetic or natural hair to your own hair by weaving, heat fusing, gluing, clamping, or using waxes and polymers. Strands technique always involves attaching the extensions to your natural hair shaft by chemical means. So it is more detrimental to the natural hair and also they are not a good option for allowing your natural hair to grow out while you wear the extensions. While the strand hair extension does not cost as much as other procedures, there is a good deal of maintenance .These hair extensions normally have to be completely re-done every few months.

WEFT hair extensions are the best types of hair extensions. Its look like curtain of hair attached together at the top and free flowing at the bottom. These hair extensions are attached to your head by sewing them into a tiny braid made out of your own hair. This technique is very natural and no one can see the braids or wefts of hair unless you show them. Every 6 to 8 weeks to have your wefts taken out and put back in close against your scalp.