Hair extensions: features, types and design

Most girls dream of beautiful and long hair. However, growing really luxurious curls of the desired length is often very difficult, and it takes a lot of time. That is why many young ladies decide to resort to a simpler solution and go to the salon to build chic long strands. This procedure has many features and nuances that you should know about before making a decision about hair extensions. Today we will get to know better this process and all its varieties.

Before covering in detail all the features and “pitfalls” of hair extension procedures, it is worth answering the main question: what is it?

Hair extension is a popular hairdressing procedure, which consists in adding additional locks to the natural curls of a personso that the hairstyle is longer, thicker and more voluminous. Today, many girls turn to this service because it significantly simplifies the task of growing beautiful and fairly long curls. To date, many methods have been developed for carrying out such a procedure. Among them are simple and very complex with the use of specialized tools and instruments.

Hair extension allows you not to spend a lot of time on the natural growth of strands, and the result usually does not give out its unnaturalness.It is very important to consider that building can be both useful and harmful.

Many girls wonder what hair extension can bring. Perhaps this procedure is only useful for its good aesthetic effect. In addition, the building has a positive effect on the psychological state of fashionistas, because they not only can radically and quickly change their image, but also become more attractive. Judging by the reviews, many ladies after receiving this service felt more feminine, and some even felt like real princesses.

As for the harm that can be done to your hair when building, here everything is a little more serious. Consider how this procedure can harm.

• If your natural hair falls out even in small quantities, then it is advisable to refuse this service. First you need to be treated with special restorative agents or natural herbs that are sold in a pharmacy. This requirement must be observed, because donor or artificial curls always have more impressive weight, because of which their own locks can also inevitably stretch down and begin to crumble strongly.
• If not so long ago you did carving, perm or dyed, then you should know that building your hair can cause serious damage. As a result, this procedure can provoke color fading, brittleness, excessive subtlety and cross-section of its strands. Not a single extension will last long on sick hair, so you should not experiment, so as not to harm your hair even more.
• Such a procedure can cause serious harm if it is not handled by a very experienced master. In no case do not contact novice hairdressers. It is permissible to use the services of experienced professionals for whom this work is familiar and familiar. Otherwise, after an unsuccessful build, your own locks can begin to crumble, become more brittle, dry and lifeless, and donor curls will last very short.
• While the donor strands are wet, the areas where they are fixed become very vulnerable. If at this time you start combing them (even very carefully and carefully), or go to bed with unkempt hair, you can damage not only the extensions, but also your own locks.
• Sleep with hair extensions can also harm the health of natural strands. If in a dream you accidentally sharply touch them with your hand, then together with the donor ones your locks can easily come off. That is why, at night, experts advise collecting them in a tail or braid in order to protect themselves from causing serious harm to natural curls.

As you can see, even a top-notch extension can seriously harm the health of your own hair and scalp. Of course, you can protect yourself from many problems if you follow the simple rules for wearing such curls. It is also very important to make corrections on time. Otherwise, natural beauty can also be severely affected. After that, it will be very difficult to restore health to your hair, and it will take a lot of time.

Before you go to the salon for building beautiful long hair, it is important to familiarize yourself not only with the benefits and consequences of this procedure. It is worth considering what are the advantages and disadvantages of this hairdressing service.

First, let's dwell on the advantages of this procedure.

• Many girls are delighted with the fact that hair extensions make it possible to significantly save time. A beautiful and long hairstyle is ready in just 2-3 hours from the start of the procedure.
• If the service is provided by a truly experienced craftsman, he will increase the hair so that the places of their fastening will be completely invisible. In this case, nothing will betray the unnaturalness of a luxurious mop of hair.
• After a number of types of building, one does not have to resort to complicated and expensive procedures for caring for donor strands. Of course, this does not mean that they do not need to be looked after at all, just doing it will be quite simple.
• With properly extended hair, you can walk for a long time. There are such types of services, after which it is required to go to the correction no earlier than after 3 months, and this is a good result.
• The length of your hair can be very short. For example, for today's ultra-popular capsule extension, a natural length of 2 cm is sufficient.
• Another important plus of this procedure is to give the appearance of a lady a more attractive and feminine look. High-quality hair will not only not give out its origin, but will also attract the enthusiastic looks of others to its owner. This is sure to positively affect the self-esteem of the fashionista.

But you need to take into account the fact that hair extensions have not only advantages, but also disadvantages. Let's get acquainted with them.

• Ladies need to be prepared for the fact that hair extensions can be quite expensive. Of course, you can save money by turning to a simpler extension using medium quality strands. However, in this case, the result will not be so good.
• In the course of fixing the donor strands, their own curls can partially crumble. It is very important to take into account that you do not have to experience shock and horror in the cabin.
• Many types of extensions include aggressive heat treatment of their own curls. In this case, they will do considerable harm.
• Fixed donor curls will need to be combed often. Otherwise, they run the risk of quickly becoming confused, which will negatively affect the aesthetics of their appearance as a whole.
• Various hair care products that contain oils and acids will have to be abandoned.
• Hair extensions are contraindicated in many cases. For example, it is not recommended to use this procedure for pregnant or VSD women. If a lady undergoes a course of aggressive chemotherapy, buildup should also be abandoned.
• For building it is very important to find a highly qualified master, which is not always possible and not immediately. It is dangerous to contact students - an incorrectly performed procedure can end in failure for their own strands.

Do not think that hair extension is a procedure built on the only existing scheme. In fact, there are many options for lengthening women's hairstyle. Each of them has its own characteristics and nuances, which you must know about before going to the hairdresser. Let us consider in more detail what types of building exist and how they are characterized.

One of the most popular and safest to date is capsule hair extensions. With it, donor locks are attached using special keratin or adhesive capsules of different sizes (can be either large or nano). These elements are very neatly and carefully laid under natural locks, after which they are firmly fixed, pressing or softening.

There are several subspecies of the popular capsule extension. So, Italian buildup is recognized as the first in sustainability. This technique involves the use of specialized capsules, which consist of a component such as keratin. It is in these elements that donor curls are glued.The main distinguishing characteristic of such a technology is that it is permissible to resort to its use even if its hair does not differ in sufficient length.

There is also a special microcapsule building. As the name implies, it uses mini capsules. Based on their size, donor curls of the desired thickness are selected. Oddly enough, this modern technique is suitable not only for hair extensions, but also to eliminate bald patches in men. Due to its properties and characteristics, microcapsules are able to make the hair more dense. At the same time, this procedure does no harm to its hair or scalp, so you can not worry about its harm.

Another popular type of lengthening hair is an extension according to the English method. This is a "hot" procedure, which in many of its characteristics and parameters is similar to Italian technology. The only difference is that in the case of English building-up, the resin acts as an adhesive component.

This type of building is rightfully recognized as the safest and most environmentally friendly. It is more gentle than Italian, because it does not require extremely high temperatures to heat and melt the resin than keratin. In addition, it should be borne in mind that keratin very often takes not the most successful forms. For example, it can crystallize and get sharp edges. Similar items can interfere with the girl. As for the resin, this is a soft material, you won’t have to prick it.

There is also an ultrasonic capsule extension. It also almost does not harm the health of natural hair, so many ladies choose it. In accordance with this technique, the capsules are heated and then gently softened by the influence of a suitable temperature and ultrasonic pulses. For building this type, it is permissible to use almost any kind of donor strands.

Many ladies today prefer to turn to Japanese hair extensions. Otherwise, it is called an extension on ringlets or clips. This popular technique is recognized as one of the most interesting and unusual. The Japanese developed it.

The features of this method are that the donor and their locks are fastened by fixing special small rings, beads or clips, the diameter of which does not exceed a mark of 2-3 mm. Crocheting at a distance of 0.5 cm from the very roots, the hairdresser passes the donor and “native” strands into a ringlet, and then clamps them with special tweezers. Due to this simple attachment, the hair holds very well and reliably, without being exposed to the fatal effects of high temperatures. Since the sizes of the rings are minimal, they are simply not visible in the hair, so the result is a completely natural hairstyle.

The main advantages of such a simple and harmless build-up are:

• low complexity of the procedure and speed of its execution;
• lack of need for the use of thermal devices or aggressive chemicals;
• there are no strict restrictions and prohibitions in the care of such extensions;
• it is permissible to build up locks of any shades and any length (that is why people who value experiments and vivid images so often turn to this method;
• it is allowed to stack curls built up by a similar method in almost any way you like;
• the rings are not afraid of the effects of aggressive external factors;
• in this way it is quite possible to lengthen even a bang or to perform extension of short hair;
• such overhead curls are not afraid of the effects of a hairdryer, hot air or sea water;
• the rings themselves are made from environmentally friendly, safe materials that do not cause allergic reactions.

There are also disadvantages here:

• with strong compression of the rings on the hair, noticeable creases may remain, therefore it is not recommended to use this method for ladies with too hard and overdried hair;
• with this method, it will not be possible to comb the hair up, because in this case the clips will be noticeable;
• the clip may accidentally unclench along the socks, which is why the overhead lock simply falls out;
• the rings will not be visible, but to the touch they are palpable.

With tape extensions, your own natural hair is not exposed to heat treatment. This royal (another name for the tape method of building) procedure is carried out by applying a thin ribbon that attaches to its locks. Modern manufacturers claim that adhesives for such procedures are safe and do not cause allergies. This method is rightly recognized as the most harmless.

A good and professional master must begin to evaluate the condition of the client’s natural hair, as well as the level of their density before starting to build it. If all the work is carried out correctly and competently, then the ribbons will not be visible even if a strong wind blows the hair. Even the collected ponytail will not reveal the secrets of a beautiful hairstyle.

However, with this build-up, the roots still experience a serious load. Your hair will always be taut, and this often leads to problems with the circulation of blood in the scalp. In addition, with this procedure, the risk of natural hair loss is high.

In search of original ideas, many young ladies turn to unusual feather hair extensions. This method can be called partial, because natural hair is diluted with a certain amount of feathers. So, about 3-5 feathers are quite enough for a short lock. Their color can be almost any. There are a lot of options for this build. It looks very fresh and unusual.

Brazilian extension involves the weaving of donor strands. At the same time, your curls are not injured. That is why this type of build-up is very often addressed when other options are unacceptable. Of course, this popular technique is considered safer and more gentle, but even it can do some harm. In addition, the procedure itself takes up a lot of the efforts of the master and free time. Since pigtails have to be weaved very finely and meticulously, it can take more than 4 hours to do anything.

It should be borne in mind that carrying out such a procedure is often very expensive, especially if you plan to grow on thick enough and voluminous hair, where you will have to make a large number of small weaves. The hairdresser's skill level must be appropriate, otherwise it will be very difficult to achieve a good result.

This extension technique cannot be accessed with:

• any diseases affecting the skin;
• painful conditions of their own curls (excessive dryness and brittleness);
• vegetovascular dystonia;
• regular migraine attacks;
• chemotherapy
• significant loss of own natural hair;
• pregnancy
• at the age of 18 years, and also after 40 years;
• hormone therapy.

Today, many girls decide to turn to this particular type of building. Its popularity is due to the following positive qualities.

• This procedure is absolutely harmless, since high temperatures do not affect natural hair, and harmful chemicals are not used.
• If you adapt, this technology can be mastered by yourself, but we must keep in mind that this will take a lot of time and effort. It’s better to turn for a similar build-up to a good salon.
• While wearing donor hair fixed in this way, the girls do not experience any inconvenience, pain or itching.
• There are no prohibitions in hairstyles with such a build-up. Moreover, after a similar procedure, you can visit the sauna or bath. With many other types of building, doing this is strictly prohibited.
• Such hair looks natural and attractive.

Building beautiful and long curls with the use of a special gel composition has become available thanks to highly qualified specialists involved in the study of hair properties. Usually donor strands are attached to natural ones using a special Le Cristal de Paris gel. Do not be afraid of this composition - it will not harm either your hair or scalp. Le Cristal de Paris is a safe and environmentally friendly product that does not cause allergic reactions.

A distinctive feature of this type of building is that it uses effective adhesive compositions in which there are no active chemical activators, which confirms the safety of the whole procedure. Today, many girls decide on gel building, because it is not traumatic and has several other serious advantages.

Get acquainted with them.

• With this procedure, instruments that can damage the structure of the hair or scalp are never used. Exposure to high temperatures also does not occur.
• After this extension, it is allowed to dry and style your hair by any usual (and not so) methods. There are no restrictions here.
• This extension is permissible to carry out on any part of the head. For example, it may be the temporal or parietal region.
• It is permissible to grow absolutely any hair. They can even be thin and weakened.
• If desired, even bangs can be extended in this way.
• Strands can have any volume and level of density. In addition, they can be stained, highlighted or curled.
• Even after removing the hair extensions gelled, your curls will remain as beautiful and neat as before.

The gel building has its drawbacks:

• the procedure itself takes a lot of time;
• it is very important to contact only a professional master, so as not to harm natural hair;
• there are some contraindications.

It is worth considering a number of contraindications to this procedure.

• Thus, the extension of the hairstyle is unrealistic if scalp problems occur. If you neglect this prohibition, instead of a good and beautiful result, you can seriously harm your own health.
• Such a service should be discarded when taking certain medications that can affect the structure of your own hair, making them more vulnerable and brittle. These drugs include antibiotics and hormones.
• As in other cases, you should not turn to this build-up if vegetovascular dystonia occurs.Stacked curls will be weak, but they will drag out their own locks, affecting the state of the vessels of the head. This can adversely affect a person’s well-being.
• If you have sensitive scalp, then this service is also not suitable.
• It is not recommended to use the gel extension service if you suffer from frequent migraines or just headaches. If this contraindication is neglected, then the situation can be seriously aggravated.

Cre Cap is another popular hair extension technique. She appeared back in 1999 in Europe, where she immediately gained wild popularity. In our country, this technology was fixed only in 2011. This type of extension has many advantages over other varieties of this procedure.

Check out their list.

• With the Cre Cap technique, the effect of aggressive chemicals on natural curls is completely absent, which indicates its safety.
• In such a popular technique, neither glue, nor keratin, nor resin should be used.
• A mechanical effect on natural strands is not required here.
• With the length thus extended, various experiments are allowed. It is not prohibited to dye, lighten, straighten or curl hair.
• To remove hair extensions, do not use chemicals that can harm strands or scalp.
• Fastening donor locks here can be absolutely anything. Their sizes are all sorts. These elements are selected in such a way that they "acclimatize" to the girl’s natural strands as much as possible.

The extension technology itself is quite simple and has the following subtleties.

• To fix donor strands, a specialized thermal cap Cap Cre is used here. Using it, the master holds together natural and additional strands. The connection occurs under the influence of a slight heating. When the temperature rises, it only affects the sleeve itself, without touching the girl’s own locks. Due to this feature, girls suffering from hair loss or thinning can resort to this procedure.
• Correction of accrued curls is quite simple and takes a little time. To do this, the master will need to remove the sleeve under the influence of a little heat. After that, it is freely removed from the base.

Otherwise, this popular technique is called Diamond Hair. This name was given to a similar procedure by adding special diamond microscopic particles to the adhesive composition. In addition to the usual technical application, precious grains contribute to a significant strengthening of the hair follicles, and also beneficially affect the state of their structure.

Diamond building is done in a hot way. Small capsules, whose dimensions are only 1-2 cm, are attached to the donor strand using special refractory glue. The small size of the capsules makes it possible to make the hairstyle really beautiful and natural. They are not striking and do not give out any extended strands. In addition, thanks to this technology, hair becomes several times more voluminous and more magnificent. That is why today many girls who want to give the hair an extra shine and volume, turn to this procedure, although it is not cheap.

There are a number of contraindications to the use of diamond extensions.

• The minimum length of one’s hair should be at least 5 cm. It’s simply impossible to stick capsules to a smaller hair.
• Heavily damaged, thinned and weakened hair is a serious reason for refusing diamond extensions.
• As in previous cases, contraindications are vegetovascular dystonia, frequent headaches, excessive sensitivity of the scalp.
• It is also undesirable for pregnant girls to grow their hair in this way, because during this period there is no necessary hormonal stability, because of which the hair can begin to actively fall out.

The main advantages of the diamond procedure are:

• instant effect;
• noticeable healing effect;
• absolute invisibility (of course, subject to a quality build-up by an experienced master);
• good strength characteristics;
• fairly simple care;
• the ability to wear extensions for a long time without correction.

There are also minuses here, which should be known to ladies who want to resort to such a procedure:

• diamond building is quite expensive;
• in windy weather, wearing such hair is not very convenient;
• doing high hairstyles can be quite difficult.

Currently, both natural and artificial strands are used for building. To achieve a good and sustainable result, these materials must be of high quality and environmentally friendly. Do not save on a similar procedure. Poor quality locks will not last long, and they will most likely look unnatural.

Today, different types of hair are used for extension.

Perhaps these are the most aesthetic, attractive and high-quality strands that are often used when building. Of course, they are not cheap, but their appearance and sustainability are worth it. Usually, only the best, soft (almost silk) locks are used, which simply do not need any processing. They are not exposed to highly effective chemicals, because this simply does not make sense.

Such locks are collected in the southern regions of Russia. They differ in their characteristic rigid structure. In addition, such donor materials are much denser and thicker than the Slavic options. They are sanitized, washed and thoroughly combed out.

European curls are collected in accordance with all the rules and standards. They do not have “shifters.” However, such strands must undergo special processing to make their structure more soft and silky. It must be borne in mind that absolutely any treatment over time is simply washed away. Basically, European curls are either not corrected at all, or no more than once.

These are locks that are meticulously collected by hardworking Asian women from combs and also from hairdressers. This type of natural hair is rightfully recognized as the cheapest. Many girls, as the first experiment, turn specifically to building up with such materials. However, it must be borne in mind that cheap locks are subject to frequent confusion, because neither the top nor the bottom is observed in them. A large number of “shifters” leads to the appearance of many scales, regardless of the frequency of combing.

Properly conducted hair extensions can fundamentally change the image of a girl who turned to an experienced master for such a service. There are many options for the design and execution of donor locks.They can be not only ordinary, having a shade suitable to the natural color, but also multi-colored, iridescent or gradient.

So, recently an interesting design of extended strands called ombre has been enjoying wildly popularity. This is a kind of gradient on the hair. It is advisable to turn to such a design decision if you already have ombre on your own hair. It may not be. In this case, it is desirable that their curls have at least a light brown or chocolate shade. Only if this condition is met, will it be possible to achieve the most smooth transition from natural to extended strands.

Color strand extensions are another popular and fashionable solution., which is addressed to courageous girls who want to emphasize their bright personality. Multi-colored locks can be diluted with both dark and light hairstyle. For example, in a pile of dark silky hair, locks of blue, red, purple, blue or white look very bright and expressive. There can be many colored locks, or maybe just a few for the whole head.

No less popular today is the extension of highlighted strands. As a rule, these are bright shining curls “striped” a little darker for a couple of shades. Some girls prefer not classical, but black-and-white highlighting. All of these options with proper execution look aesthetically pleasing and neat. In addition, strips of different tones on a long hairstyle visually make it even longer.

There are a lot of options for the original and bright performance of hair extensions. You should go to the salon after deciding in advance which result you want to receive. You can (and even need) to consult with the master before starting hairdressing procedures. He will help you choose the perfect solution for you, answer any questions you may have.

The following important criteria have a direct impact on the choice of a particular building technology.

• The length of your hair. There are techniques in which the client’s natural hair can be of almost any length. For example, for very short strands, it is permissible to use the popular Japanese or even feather extension. But there are also such procedures for which the hair length should be at least a certain value. So, only ringlets no shorter than 5 cm are suitable for diamond extensions. It is better to discuss such issues with the master so that he helps you choose the best technology based on the length and condition of your hair.

• Density. The density of hair for all girls is different. On rare hair, extension is very often used, because this way you can hide this drawback and make the hair more voluminous. For example, a higher density can be achieved thanks to the gel building that is in demand today. Of course, almost any type of hair extension usually makes them less rare.

• Hair condition. In many cases, too thin, lifeless and dry strands are not recommended to be supplemented with donor curls. It’s better to first restore the structure of your own hair, put your head in order. Only after that you can safely contact the salon. Of course, there are types of extensions that can be accessed even with sick “native” hair. These types include gel building.

• The condition of the scalp. Do not forget about this criteria. If there are any diseases of the scalp or damage, scratches or sores, then do not resort to building.There is no such technique that would not cause unnecessary damage to vulnerable skin. Experimenting and taking risks is not worth it.

• Style and image. In choosing the right building design, it is very important to decide on a style that is closer to you. For example, if you prefer a business style in clothes and work in a serious organization, then bright and color building will not suit you. It is better to give preference to something more restrained, serious. If you are a bright and positive person who loves bold and bold images, then you can decorate your hair with colored locks or even original African braids.

For hair extensions, it is recommended that you contact only experienced craftsmen whose professionalism is not in doubt. Of course, the services of such hairdressers always cost more, but in the end you will get a good and stable result that will not disappoint you. An inexperienced master can not only grow hair badly, but also cause serious harm to natural locks. As a result, you will spend a large amount on the alteration of accrued curls, and on the restoration of their own strands.

Hair extensions must be properly looked after. Only if this condition is met can we expect from the donor strands of stability, durability and attractive appearance. Let us consider in more detail how to handle extended curls.

• It is advisable to replace the usual comb with round nozzles on the teeth with a scallop with rare teeth. Such a tool in most cases is used when laying naughty curly or curly curls. The special arrangement of the cloves will prevent injuring the scalp and hair, and will also not affect the attachment of donor hair (for example, capsules or special sleeves).

• It is advisable to wash your hair with a special shampoo. Such products are sold in professional cosmetics stores. These shampoos will not harm either natural or extended curls.

• To comb it easier (and have to do it more often, so that the curls do not get confused), you should stock up with a good conditioner. Of course, before this it is worthwhile to find out whether it is possible to apply similar funds to the selected strands of your choice.

• Do not wash your hair with hot water. A warm liquid will be sufficient.

• Always dry your hair after washing, but do it right. For some types of extensions, a hairdryer cannot be used due to hot air. In such situations, you should use a good towel that will quickly absorb water.

• Do not forget to go for corrections. These procedures should not be neglected. If a correction is not made in time, then the extended strands can lose their pristine attractive appearance, and their own hair will suffer along with them. It is advisable to go to corrective procedures to the same master as the extension did.

Today, many fashionistas, instead of long (and not always successful) to grow their own hair, turn to different types of extensions. This procedure allows you to significantly save time on transforming the image. Due to the popularity of building it leaves a lot of useful feedback about it, looking at which is easier to make a decision.

Based on the huge number of reviews left by the girls, the following positive aspects can be distinguished, which they noted in building.

• Properly extended hair looks very beautiful, especially if it is high-quality Slavic strands.
• From hair extensions you can create a variety of hairstyles, from simple to original. Technique can be very different. Diamond, capsule and other types of extensions are acceptable.
• Most girls note that the strands built up by a good master do not give themselves away. They can be seen only if there is a strong wind in the yard (this applies to strands attached with large capsules or sleeves).
• Thus, it turns out to save the situation with hair that is rare from nature. With the extension, the hairstyle of many ladies became much more voluminous and richer.
• The weight of hair extensions is not always felt. For example, girls who turned to capsule building, argue that the severity of donor curls almost do not feel.
• Beautifully elongated hair gives self-confidence.
• Many women were pleased with the fact that you can build up not only simple, but also colored locks or chic curls made in ombre color.
• Girls claim that under well-grown hair their own locks continue to grow normally and not deteriorate.

However, the ladies who turned to such a procedure revealed in it not only advantages, but also disadvantages.

• Some were disappointed that their own hair after hair extensions was badly damaged (although it is not known here what condition their hairstyle was before the procedure).
• Clients did not like the fact that hair extensions are often confused. They have to be constantly combed.
• Many girls upset the cost of this service if it is provided by a good master in a good salon.
• Some were not the best masters, whose work did not suit them at all, so they strongly recommend not to save, but to go to experienced professionals, even if their services are expensive.
• Washing hair extensions is not so convenient, you will have to get used to this process.
• Even in a dream you have to be careful, which does not suit many fashionistas. At night, you can accidentally jerk sharply hair extensions. This is not good, so at night you have to collect the whole mop in the tail.
• In some girls, hair began to fall out with fixed capsules.
• Combing hair extensions can be difficult.
• The procedure for hair extensions takes a lot of time.

Of course, many of the shortcomings noticed by clients can not be encountered at all. It all depends on the condition in which the hair was originally, what kind of master worked on it and how the girl takes care of them. If everything is done correctly, then there should be no shortcomings. Of course, you will have to get used to some new things (for example, to the fact that you cannot use the usual means or go to the bathhouse), but a quick and effective transformation of the ladies' image is worth it.

An example of capsule hair extensions in the video below.