There is a lot of buzz in the industry and on the street about hair extensions. This is a general overview of hair extensions, why you may want them, how to care for them, and where to get them.

Hair extensions can be used for several reasons. Perhaps you have never been able to have long, luxurious hair because your hair is thin and only grows to a point before breaking off. Maybe you just want long hair and you want it now. Sometimes the time and effort of growing out your hair is just too overwhelming. If you just want your hair long for an evening or special occasion, there are inexpensive clip on hair extensions available in retail stores.

If, on the other hand, you want beautiful, permanent human hair extensions, which will not harm your own hair, have a professional from the salon put your extensions in for you. Extensions are not cheap but are well worth the cost because they are just like your own hair! Some salons such as Fantasia, use Great Lengths Extensions, which are used in Hollywood. They are known as the Rolls Royce of Extensions for many reasons, but one for certain is that they don’t harm your hair.

There are actually many types of hair extensions. Some are made from 100% human hair such as the Great Lengths. Others are 100% synthetics and still others are a mixture of human and synthetic. Also, extensions are applied differently. Some are attached to a hand tied weft and sewn in. Some such as Great Lengths are bonded to your hair with a special tool and hot adhesives which come bonded to the extensions. Then there are the Accents which are cyberhair and are secured with a minuscule clamp. All of these types of hair extensions must be attached by a professional hair dresser or hair extension specialist.

The life expectancy of the extensions is typically from three to four months. Longer than this and the extensions may begin to loosen and fall off or, the hair can become matted. Really, how long the extensions are kept in is a matter of personal preference.

Your hair dresser will talk with you regarding caring for your extensions. There are some key things you must do for proper maintenance:

• Wash your hair twice weekly and follow with conditioner. A good deep conditioner is recommended.
• Care for your extensions as if they were your own hair. They will not grow back if yanked with a brush, don’t burn them with the blow dryer or kill them with chemicals.
• If you hair is long, try to always sleep with a ponytail to prevent knotting and tangling issues.
• Brush out all knots before you wash your hair or swim. Start at the bottom and work your way up, slowly, using a loop brush. Never force a knot or tangle out unless you are willing to part with that extension.
• Make sure you wash in between the bond to keep your scalp clean and free of bacteria.

Monthly, your hair grows about an inch. The extensions will still be connected to your hair but will have grown out from your scalp. At this point you should return to the salon to have the extensions checked to make sure all is well.
How long can extensions be? You can have any length you want up to about 18-24 inches. Anything longer puts extra weight on your scalp which could lead to uneven pressure and damage to your own hair. the best looking hair extensions for most women are usually around 18″.

You can wear your hair up with extensions if you allow a one inch “buffer zone”. This will assure the extensions are completely undetectable which would be what you would want. You don’t ever want anyone to complement you on your hair extensions.

Do your research when locating a salon for hair extensions. Ask questions as to the type of extensions they are using and how they are attached. Ask to see before and after photos. Make sure their cosmetology license is current. Ask how often the average client is replacing their extensions. It pays to do your due diligence as its an investment but something you will enjoy immensely if you have a good experience.

Beware if a salon is giving you extension prices over the phone. Most salon professionals will ask you to come in for a consultation so they can see exactly what you are looking to accomplish before quoting you a price. There are many variables which will determine the price for your extensions. How long is your natural hair, does your hair need to be colored, what length/style are you looking for etc.

So, if you want the long, lush hair you have been dreaming of, think hair extensions. Who says you have to wait for your hair to grow out?