HAIR EXTENSIONS
HUMAN HAIR EXTENSIONS
Prior to the installation of hair extensions always ensure your hair is washed preferably with a clarifying treatment or anti tap solution shampoo and no conditioner of any kind. This ensures all residues including oil and product build up are removed, these residues must be removed as this can prevent slippage and loss after installation.
Your hair must be fully dried and free of any styling products as this will give the best base for application. I do not recommend colouring or perming the extension hair as these types of products contain elements that can damage the extension hair and even though i use 100% human hair, they are not receiving nutrients from the scalp like your own natural hair.
The more heat you use on the hair extension the shorter the life span of the hair. Treat your extensions with the same respect as you would with your own natural hair, superior aftercare and regular maintenance will keep your hair feeling and looking great for longer. This also applies to shades in the crazy colour shades as they are more prone to fading than other shades as they are done on to a bleach base.
After the installation of your hair extensions do not wash your hair for at least 2-3 days. Use a dry shampoo such as ‘Batiste’ on any oily root areas as this allows the bonds to fully harden, the longer you wait the better it is for the longevity of the bonds. Tie your hair back in a loose ponytail or plait using a soft scrunchie for bed. Never wear your hair extensions for longer than 3 months continuously as during this time your hair will have grown by approx 1.5 inches, the roots of your hair often start to tangle together if you have not separated the bonds correctly and therefore it is not healthy for the hair if left.
The first thing you may notice after your hair extension installation is that for a few days your scalp may feel a little tender, this is normal and will pass and not a sign of a problem but just the added weight of the extension hair.
Please note.. Lighter shades have a bleach content therefore will not last as long in life span as non-bleached hair. The lighter shades will need extra care and less heat application to increase the life span.
AFTERCARE
WASHING
Your extension hair should only be washed between 2-3 times per week. Before washing it is advised to detangle your extension hair with a wide tooth comb and separate the bonds.
It is essential you only use shampoo and conditioner that is designed for hair extension use.
When washing your hair, do not tip your head over the bath as this could cause tangling, always wash with your head upright, in the shower is ideal. Smooth the shampoo down the extension hair-do not rub vigorously!
Only condition from the mid lengths to the ends of the hair. Do not apply any conditioner to the bonds as this can cause slippage.
You can pick the top section of your own hair and apply conditioner to this section. Pat hair gently when washed-do not rub.
DRYING
Before detangling I advise you use a leave in conditioning spray. Follow by detangling with a wide tooth comb, making sure you avoid the bonds. Make sure all bonds are dried completely.
Be very careful when brushing the hair when wet, make sure you support the extensions hair by holding the bonds.
For a sleek finish, section your hair off and blow dry using a round brush with soft bristles. Be very careful that you do not snag the bonds. Finish by using a good quality straightening iron.
Heated rollers, straightening irons, crimpers and tongs can all be used on extension hair although it is advisable to use a heat protection spray to protect your hair and the extension hair.
Serums, gels and hairsprays etc may all be used but avoid the bonded areas as this may cause slippage.
THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD AFTERCARE
It is crucial that you make the most of your extensions by taking good care of them and using the correct products.
Correct aftercare is just as important as fitting the extensions correctly. Many people try to save money on aftercare by watering down regular shampoos/conditioners etc to ‘make do’ which can have really disastrous results such as dryness, matting and dullness.
With your new hair extensions you wont need to wash your hair as much as you would normally.
It is important to only use a shampoo and conditioner recommended for hair extensions. This is because many of the standard high street brands contain high volumes of sodium chloride (salt) which will dry out your hair and silicone based ingredients which can cause the bonds to weaken and break down. Loose bonds will cause the extensions to fall out.
You also need to keep your hair in really good condition by using a moisturising conditioner.
However, you need to make sure that the conditioner does not come close to the actual bonds as this can also cause the bonds to weaken.
When brushing your hair, make sure you are using a hair extension brush as this is specifically designed for your extensions. Other brushes with balls on the ends can rip and break the hair. You need to keep your extensions tangle free by brushing your hair up to two times a day, but avoid over brushing as this can cause unnecessary shedding.
It is perfectly normal to lose some hairs when brushing, remember most people actually lose up to 100 hairs a day! You are actually doing less damage to your hair by having hair extensions as you aren’t using heat directly on to your own hair.
It is a good idea to tie your hair in a loose plait when sleeping as this will minimise tangles and matting overnight.
It is advisable to have a maintenance appointment 5-6 weeks after you’ve had your extensions fitted to make sure everything is going well. If you need any bonds removed or replaced then this is the time to do it.
Hair extensions do require a certain amount of maintenance but once you’ve got the hang of how to wash, dry and style your hair your extensions will look great for even longer; it really is worth it!
HAIR EXTENSION TYPES
LA WEAVE
The LA WEAVE is a braidless sew-in technique, similar to the traditional weaved in method but without the tight braids. There is no heat, glue, bonds or braiding involved.
The weft hair extensions are sewn into the hair using micro rings and a full head of extensions can be achieved in just one hour with only 2-3 rows of extensions.
The LA weave feels comfortable yet secure, it is kind to your hair and the easiest method to maintain. It can last 8-10 weeks, after which it can be removed and refitted. With correct aftercare the hair can last up to 9 months.
Price is based on your individual requirements. Please contact me for further details.
MICRO RINGS
A micro ring is a small metal ring lined with silicone, which is used to attach hair extensions to natural hair.
This is a strand by strand method which involves using a special tool to pull a small section of natural hair through a micro ring. The hair extension is then inserted into the micro ring and is clamped tightly inside the ring holding it securely to your natural hair.
No heat, glue or chemicals are used in this method and they can easily be removed and re-fitted.
They need repositioning every 5-6 weeks in maintenance appointments as the natural hair grows and the micro rings move away from the scalp, otherwise they will start to matte with the new hair growth.
Half head is suitable for those who just want to add extra thickness to their hair.
Full head is to add both thickness and length to the existing hair.
A deposit will be required upon consultation to secure the appointment.
Price is based on your individual requirements. Please contact me for further details
MICRO WEFT
Micro weft hair extension application method is much quicker than the individual strand by strand micro ring or nano ring method. The weft of hair is placed horizontally in strips against the head. Small sections of natural hair and hair from the weft are gently pulled through micro rings which are clamped down to secure the weft in its place, these sections are placed 3/4 inch apart.
This is continued in sections until almost reaching the top of the head. Application takes approximately 2 hours. With correct aftercare and regular repositioning of the rings every 4-6 weeks, hair can be re-used for 6-9 months.
A deposit will be required upon consultation to secure the appointment.
Price is based on your individual requirements. Please contact me for further details.
NANO RINGS
Nano ring hair extensions have similarities to micro ring hair extensions but with one major difference, they are a lot smaller.
The nano ring is up to 90% smaller than a micro ring measuring just 2.5mm.
The method of application is the same as micro rings. A special tool is used to pull small sections of hair through a nano ring. The hair extension is then inserted into the nano ring and is clamped tightly inside the ring holding it securely to your natural hair.
No heat, glue or chemicals are used in this method and they can easily be removed and re-fitted.
They need repositioning every 5-6 weeks in maintenance appointments as the natural hair grows and the nano rings move away from the scalp, otherwise they will start to matte with the new hair growth.
Half head is suitable for those who just want to add extra thickness to their hair.
Full head is to add both thickness and length to the existing hair.
A deposit will be required upon consultation to secure the appointment.