Let’s talk about another trend in the beauty industry. This time it’s hair and big bountiful “Barbie” hair to be exact. This is THE look for this summer. This can be terrifying for those with less than impressive locks.

Hair extensions to the rescue! If you are going to go the route of hair extensions, due your research, all are not created equal and some can actually damage your hair! Who’s wearing extensions these days? Probably lots of women in Hollywood–think Jennifer Aniston, Elle Macpherson, Britney Spears, Naomi Campbell to name a few.

With hair extensions, it’s kind of like plastic surgery, you are not supposed to notice them. A great set of extensions can do as much for you as lipo or Botox according to one of the celebrity stylists. They make you look younger, sexier and even thinner.

Today’s trend is to use subtle extensions to add color or volume rather than unrealistic lengths. The look you don’t want is theatrical waist long hair that looks cheap and dated. The cool thing about extensions is that they are versatile: you can instantly add a fringe, double the thickness of your real hair and correct a bad haircut.

Since extensions can damage your hair if not done right, it’s important that you have them done by a professional. You can get traction alopecia if too much extension is put on too little hair. Also, it’s not good to leave them in too long. They may last for six months but it’s best to take them out in three. From personal experience I can tell you this is important unless you want major “mats” in your hair!

Go for the best you can afford, extensions are pricey. They are made from human hair so that they blend with your real hair. Great Lengths are the Rolls-Royce of hair extensions, these would be my recommendation. They are less likely to shed when brushing as other brands will. However there are tons of extensions on the market today. If you want to do it yourself, there are even clip on extensions on the market.

So, if you have short hair and you want the “Barbie Hair” think about hair extensions. Today, the possibilities are limitless. Go ahead, flaunt your new crop of extensions, only your hairdresser will know they are not the real deal!