At some point or other, we’ve all experienced a sort of discontent when it comes to our hair length and thickness. While some of us are able to grow our hair to fabulously Rapunzel lengths, there are those of us who are simply not able to (thank you heredities). The first usage of artificial hair came about with the ancient Egyptians who used wigs to shield their heads from the burning sun. In the 16th and 17th centuries, wigs served even more practical purposes of hiding shaved heads (due to lice). 18th Century French women wore them big, combed-up and decorated and it became a sign of decadence. Wigs were typically worn by men throughout the ages and more surreptitiously by woman in the 18th century. 19th and 20th century woman hardly wore wigs as they were considered more for older women who had lost their hair. By the 1920’s, wigs had fallen by the wayside.

Enter the 21st Century and Hair Extensions. Boy, did the practices of old fall away and quickly! No longer is artificial hair for the balding woman and thankfully no one is shaving their hair due to lice! In 2013, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to hair extensions and the market is inundated with different types of hair (natural, synthetic and their variants), colours and procedures to suit the needs of anyone and everyone.

Some of the most popular methods in South Africa are:
•Wefts (or weaves)
•Bonding
•Tracking
•Fusion
•Clip-Ins
•Lace
•Micro Beading and Micro Braiding
•Micro Rings
•Netting (not as readily available in SA as it is highly specialised)

Ok, so I’ve just hit you with names of extension procedures. You may or may not know what each (or any) of them mean, so let’s take a look at the different types and perhaps you may see a method that is right for you.

What is a Weft?
A weft is a long strip (usually made of net-like fabric) to which hair is attached. Wefts can either be ‘machine sewn’ or ‘hand-tied’ and can be made from 100% human hair, synthetic hair or a blend of both. (Hand-tied wefts are generally of a better quality as they are only ever made with natural 100% human hair. The manufacture of this type of weave is both labour intensive and expensive). The quality of a weft/weave is dependent on the hair quality, thickness and its tendency to shed.

Bonding
This is a more temporary method. The cut weft is glued to the scalp (without the need for cornrow) by using latex based glue.

Tracking
The most popular (and oldest method) of using wefts is to sew it into the hair. The weave-ee’s hair is plaited flat against the scalp in cornrows. The cornrows can differ in style such one continuous spiral; commencing at the very top of the head, concentric circles running horizontally or just straight horizontal cornrows for partial weaves. The weft is then measured, starting at the nape of the neck (or the lowest cornrow) and then stitched in from the bottom up. This way the weave covers the seam of the one below it. At the top of the head, the natural hair covers the final seam of an additional, parting piece, may be used.

Fusion
One of the most versatile methods available to create natural looking hair and with this technique, a machine similar to a hot glue gun is used to adhere the human hair extensions to individual strands of your own, natural hair. When utilising the heating appliance, individual strands of hair are used. Hair is sectioned out in to skinny individual braids. The appliance is heated and the stylist attaches a section of the human hair on to the client’s sectioned hair. It is recommended that a trained and certified stylist use this technique because of potential hair loss and possible burning of the skin by the appliance.

Clip-Ins
We’ve all seen the clip extensions. They are great for adding a quick fringe, some fun colours or when you feel you may not want to commit to another method of extension just yet. Made from a long weft, clip-ins are cut down to size and have clips sewn into the weft band. The sizes range from 2” to 8”. The clip-ins can be attached in a number of ways. You can try gently teasing the hair at the root and give a spritz of hair spray. Then, clip the extension into the cushion you’ve just created. Or you can clip them in (clip open, facing the scalp) without any back brushing.

Lace
Lace extensions are made from a nylon mesh material that has been formed into a cap which is then hand-ventilated by knotting single strands of hair into the tiny openings of the cap, giving the hair a more natural, realistic flow than conventional extensions, and creating a lighter, more breathable cap. Lace extensions can be laced in or attached to the hairline with special adhesives. To ensure a proper fit, head measurements are taken into account with this type of weave.

Micro Beading and Micro Braiding
This is the best option for anyone who wants to have really long hair but they do not have a definite hair strand. The hair is separated into small sections; then, using the hair-braiding weave, hair is weaved within the synthetic hair, creating a braid. This is, however, a time consuming process (think 3-15hours). If you’re considering this option, be aware that your own hair has to be in a good condition and this is not suitable for brittle hair.

Micro Rings
This method involves pulling a small amount of loose hair with a small amount of growing hair through a tiny metal tube which is then squeezed flat with a pair of Micro-ring Pliers. To remove these extensions, one simply squeezes the Micro-Ring open again.

Netting
Netting is a technique which involves braiding natural hair beneath a thin and breathable net that serves as a flat surface onto which stylists can weave extensions. Netting provides more flexibility than track placement because the stylist is not limited to sewing extensions to a braid. Again, this method is not as readily available in South Africa as it highly specialised.

And that, lovelies, is the guide to hair extensions. Have you had any extensions put in? If so, what method did you opt for? If not, what method would you try out?

Article by: Suaad D Artistry http://www.beautybulletin.com/blog-directory/our-bloggers/suaad-d-artistry