Beauty :: Hair Extensions: A Complete FAQ

Answers to Common Questions About Hair Extensions

We spoke with trichologists, hair stylists and other experts to have answers to faqs about hair extensions.

We have all the answers to your most common questions to help you make the right decision about getting hair extensions. We asked professionals about kinds of hair extensions, attachment methods, costs, maintenance and many types of the other pertinent information that you would like to know.

Q: Can hair extensions help disguise hair thinning?

"Hair extensions will add volume and contribute to the appearance of density, that may be very useful for those with hair loss issues," says Elizabeth Cunnane Phillips, a hair trichologist in New York City. A trichologist is really a certified expert in the care and management of the hair and scalp.

If you suffer from progressive hair thinning or don't have a lot of healthier hair left, Hair Thickening extensions could possibly be problematic, given that they require hair that the extensions can attach. For those with limited hair thinning or hair loss, weigh your alternatives and talk to your stylist to make a decision which bonding method would be the least damaging for a hair.

"At least two inches of tresses are needed to use more permanent methods, nevertheless the longer better and natural," says Teresa Cliff, hair colorist and extension specialist at Le Posh Salon and Spa in Los Angeles.

Q: What are the best forms of hair extensions?

Hair extensions are manufactured from either real hair or synthetic hair. The real human hair comes from Europe, India or Asia. Although human-hair extensions can be more expensive than synthetic extensions, fortunately they are more natural, better to care for and versatile. You can cut, color, style and otherwise treat human-hair extensions exactly like you do your own personal hair.

Q: What are the different kinds of attachment means of hair extensions?

"There a variety of different ways to attach hair," says Phillips. "Adhesives are traditionally used -- they can be composed of waxes and medical grade tape, or even a keratin-based product. Bonding glue, microlocks, heat seals and track weaves are methods of attachment also."

Q: How much do hair extensions cost?

"The price of extensions ranges with respect to the method used and also the quality of your hair. The usual cost is between $500 and $3,000 which enable it to go higher for custom-length and colored hair," explains Norma Bouza, extension specialist at Cristophe Salon in Beverly Hills. Keep in mind that the spot of the country where you live plays a big part as well. You'd think the larger cities would charge more, reality that's sometimes true, it is not always the case. In small towns having very few hair experts, hair extensions could be pricey because of supply and demand.

Q: Is any special care required to maintain hair extensions?

"As long because extensions are made from real human hair, you are able to style and look after them when you normally would take care of your hair," says Giovanni Mele, owner of Giovanni & Pileggi salon in Philadelphia. "You do need to be careful with classic bonded extensions so your heated styling tools aren't getting too all-around where the head of hair is bonded."

When shampooing your hair, make use of your fingertips and massage hair and scalp gently. To dry, gently pat flowing hair with a towel in lieu of rubbing vigorously. Avoid small, dense brushes, which could tangle hair extensions easily. Talk for your hairstylist about the products and tools that are best for flowing hair extensions and their attachment type.

Many industry is wary about using heated styling tools on hair extensions; however, this shouldn't be an issue. "Heated tools -- blow-dryers, flatirons and curling irons -- can all be suited for extensions," says Ron King, L'Oreal Professionnel stylist and spokesman and creator of Invisi-Tab Hair Extensions. "Remy hair (hair that is not striped and is often considered the top hair available) is human hair, so it might be styled as you would your natural hair," he adds.

Q: Can hair extensions damage my hair?

"The biggest problem related to hair extensions might be traction alopecia," Phillips says. "It is essential to note they should not hurt the scalp. I always say that they can should be removed after 8 weeks and reattached."

Never leave flowing hair extensions in past the recommended time period or make an effort to remove them yourself. "If you do not care for them properly or leave them in a long time, hair extensions could cause breakage," explains Mele. "For greatest results, extensions needs to be applied and removed with a professional."

Q: How long will it take to connect hair extensions?

If you are looking to get a full head of extensions, you might have to plan on spending almost all of the day at the head of hair salon. "Long-term 'permanent' extensions usually takes hours to utilize, but it depends on the gap and fullness you are looking to achieve," says Mele. "Clip-in temporary extensions have become quick and easy to apply."