Types of Hair Extensions
To give extra volume to hair most celebrities like actors and models resort to adding hair extensions. Also these give the flexibility of picking a preferred style of hair or color. The choice ranges from curly to straight to wavy. However hair extensions result in thinning and breakage of hair causing permanent alopecia. The added hair causes greater strain to the natural hair follicles which gets destroyed in the process.
When the need for a fuller head is more critical, urgent and temporary, hair extensions offer a viable option. It becomes imperative in the case of actors and models who are always in the limelight. Hair extensions are woven via many techniques.
Bonding
Bonding is a temporary weaving method which adds volume to hair and allows streaking also. Hair tracks are glued to roots of the natural hair using a special adhesive. But this method can last only for 1-2 weeks. The soft bonding method dries to the consistency of rubber glue and hence more temporary. In case this does not hold properly a hard bonding method which lasts longer is used. Medical grade adhesives are used which hold on for 4-6 weeks.
Tracking
In Tracking the natural hair is braided in concentric circles around the head and sewn down. Then the hair extensions are sewn to the braids which form a track. The hair extensions have to be washed once a week. Even a parting can be incorporated in this style. The extensions can be cut and styled in any which way.
Fusion
Fusion is a laborious and expensive process where a hot glue gun is used to stick strands of human hair extensions onto the natural hair. This weave allows washing every week and the use of styling products like mousses and gels. The heat used here damages the hair hence a well-trained and certified stylist is recommended. The latest in cold fusion extensions have become popular as heat is not required for the weaving process.
No Braids No Glue
In No Braids No Glue technique two pieces of thread are integrated into natural hair into which hair extensions are added. Damage is minimal and large areas can be covered easily and fast. The hair can be tied in a ponytail also giving a neater appearance with no lumps.
Netting
Netting technique requires the natural hair to be braided and held down under a breathable net which serves as a base for weaving hair extensions. More flexible, this method lasts for even three months requiring only a once-in-a-week wash. But complete drying is a must to keep scalp and hair under the net dry.
Clip-In and Clip-On
The use of Clip-In and Clip-On hair extensions is temporary and eliminates use of glue. Small toupee clips in the hair wefts are used to affix hair to scalp at the nape of the neck. This gives longer hair and preferred by women.
Lace extensions
Lace extensions made of nylon mesh material in the form of a cap are designed to precise measurements to ensure a good fit for the client. This type of hair extension gives a natural flow to the hair. The units are woven in or attached to the hair line using adhesives.
Micro Braiding
The Micro Braiding technique helps the client to wear her hair long. Hair-braiding weave is used to weave hair within the synthetic hair making a braid. The weave can be washed every 15 days and retained up to six months. Proper maintenance is needed as hair may get damaged and is not advisable for brittle hair. In Tree Braiding the hair extension is integrated with the natural hair using a cornrow.
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