Is it possible to do hair extensions at home? What to do with thin hair? Caring for hair extensions

Do-it-yourself hair extensions at home– this is a great opportunity to gain gorgeous long locks in a very short time and without extra costs. You don’t have to wait several years, refuse to use a hair dryer and other styling products, which usually only have a negative effect on your hair, although they help to quickly restore visible order to your head.

To grow healthy long hair yourself, you will need to take tireless care of it, put a lot of effort, trim the ends, and buy expensive cosmetic products.

Modern cosmetic preparations are not always a great option for tidying up your curls; due to the aggressive components of the chemical composition, you will only cause harm to yourself. But as for homemade natural cosmetic tools, the result, of course, will be, but this option requires a lot of time and patience from the craftswoman.

The opinion that hair extensions require only the intervention of a specialist is quite stereotypical. Of course, he will be able to guarantee, invisible to the outside eye, harmony between artificial and real hair. But the introduction of a new technology for acquiring irresistible hair into the beauty market has provoked the opportunity to carry out our plans not only in expensive salons, but also within the walls of our own home, and on our own. Thick, voluminous curls with the desired length in a few hours is the secret dream of many women, and numerous successful results of the procedure before and after encourage even more girls to turn their cherished dream into reality.

Which option is better and safer for hair?

There are a wide variety of ways to grow curls, but which one is better and safer?! Each option has its own distinctive features, quality and has a different effect on your own hair. We offer you several varieties that are very popular today:

So, answering the question posed earlier about which method of extension is better and safer, we can confidently say that the first two (sewn in tress and tape extension). It is these types of procedures that are the least traumatic for your own curls, which makes them leaders, despite all other shortcomings.

Whatever method of hair extensions at home you choose, remember that in no case should you skimp on the procedure, it is recommended to purchase European high-quality curls for use, they have a natural shine and sufficient versatility, are suitable for almost everyone, fit perfectly, with the right choice of tone The result of a harmonious combination between the hair is guaranteed; the extensions cannot be distinguished from your own.

What is needed for the procedure?

Doing hair extensions yourself at home is quite a troublesome task; the preparation process requires a lot of time, depending on the chosen method and professional skills and equipment. It is necessary to acquire at least a standard set suitable for a certain version of the procedure: strands for extensions, separators, tongs and others.

Before the procedure, you need to get rid of damaged split ends, and thoroughly wash your hair with shampoo, then carefully rinse off all remaining foam. The length of the hair is no shorter than 10 cm; the length determines how firmly the independently extended curls will be secured.

Each hair extension technique has its own characteristics. For example, with the hot method, it is necessary to divide the hair, guided by the fact that the main part of the additional curls is attached to the back of the head. It is recommended to place the secured strands at a short distance from the roots. The final stage is leveling the ends.

Cold extension, meaning tape extension, is a more gentle and safe option. Firstly, due to the lack of high temperature applicability. Before starting the procedure, you just need to divide your hair in a circle and distribute the strands at a distance of one centimeter.

How to care for hair extensions?

Hair care after the procedure, carried out both in the salon and at home, will determine the appearance of the curls and the frequency of correction. In cosmetic stores you can get a special comb (a regular comb with sparse teeth will also work) and products for washing hair extensions. In principle, it is not necessary to buy specialized cosmetic products for the care of curls; the main thing is that the shampoo used is of light consistency; there is no need to rub it vigorously into the roots. It is very important to purchase a conditioner, which makes combing much easier.

After applying hair extensions yourself, it is recommended to avoid contact with hot water; it is better to wash your hair in the shower. Irons, hair dryers, styling products, especially those containing alcohol, are the main carriers of negative effects on hair extensions. Remember this! And most importantly, under no circumstances lie down with even barely damp curls, wait until they are completely dry, braid them in a light braid so as not to burden yourself with anything while sleeping.

Exquisite thick hair of luxurious length means, first of all, proper and regular care. Perseverance, desire and patience are essential to maintaining amazing effects over time - and you will be rewarded.

Contraindications for the procedure and harm from it

Contraindication and harm, effect and positive qualities almost always accompany each other. Eg, a small list of contraindications, both for home and, indeed, for professional extensions, there is still:

And you shouldn’t forget about the possible danger either. A small, albeit independent, course of familiarization with this “weapon” and consultation with a specialist are extremely necessary. If you have decided to grow luxurious curls at home, but have never encountered this procedure before, it is better to entrust it to a professional. Lack of necessary skills can result in quite unpleasant consequences and inconveniences.

In any case, hair extensions will definitely delight you and those around you with beautiful long curls, perhaps in this way you can fulfill your dream, contrary to your natural characteristics.

Of course, long and beautiful hair is the ultimate dream of almost every girl. But, unfortunately, not everyone is naturally endowed with voluminous and lush hair. What to do in this case? If you do not want to suffer and want to get results immediately, then hair extensions will be the best way for you.

Hair extensions - is it that easy?

Of course, everyone wants their hair to be healthy, beautiful, long and at the same time natural. But nowadays it is becoming increasingly difficult to grow them. This can be explained by poor ecology, as well as the proliferation of equipment such as irons, curling irons and hair dryers, which have a strong impact on the health of hair, often making it dull. But few girls can refuse to use a hair dryer or curling iron. As a result, the ends begin to split, and the hair has to be cut off again and again. Hair extensions have become a procedure that has helped save girls and women from unnecessary hassle. Now almost everyone can get beautiful and healthy hair in a short period of time. And all this without much effort. However, everything is not so rosy if you look at how much it costs to get hair extensions. The popularity of this procedure has made it quite expensive. So, if you extend hair up to 30 cm with up to 100 strands in a beauty salon, you will pay about 11 thousand rubles.

How to prepare hair for extensions?

Today, all hair styling experts know how to apply hair extensions, because this procedure has become very popular among girls of all ages. Therefore, you can get fairly detailed advice on how this happens in each salon. But before going to the specialist, you still need to know some important rules for preparing your hair for extensions. First of all, you should decide what length you would like. By the way, this procedure allows you not only to increase the length of your hair, but also to make it more voluminous. In addition, determine the type of hair that you would like to have (European, Slavic, South Russian). Don't understand and are afraid to go for hair extensions? Don’t worry, the salon will definitely explain their features and differences to you.

What do you need to know if you want to get hair extensions?

This should be done by a professional. Of course, you can do hair extensions at home if a specialist does the extensions. Don't trust your hair to any stranger, otherwise it can lead to unpleasant consequences and even health problems.
Hair extensions can only be done on healthy and fairly strong hair. Remember that damaged hair simply may not withstand such high voltage.
Do not try to save money on this procedure. If you don’t have the means, then it’s better not to get hair extensions at all than to wear your natural hair to the point of exhaustion. Remember that after the procedure you will need to buy special products to care for your hair.

So how do you get hair extensions?

Immediately set yourself up for a fairly lengthy process. Typically, hair extensions for short hair take about an hour, but the procedure can last as long as 4 hours. After this, you will be able to enjoy long, voluminous and shiny hair. How to do hair extensions? Extensions are attached 5 mm from the natural roots. Moreover, as a rule, their structure and color completely coincide with yours. In order to attach artificial strands, special capsules (volumetric or flat), medical soft ribbon or other elements are used. The type of extension depends on this. The types of this procedure are also divided according to technology: hot or cold.

Hot technologies. English build-up

How to make hair extensions using hot technology? To do this, a capsule is created using molten resin. It is English capsule hair extensions that are considered the most popular today. During this procedure, keratin resin, which is highly refractory, and a glue gun are used. If you look closely, the capsule that attaches the strand to your hair looks like a small grain of rice. This way you can grow up to 150 strands 30-70 cm long. Despite its popularity, this technology has both positive and negative reviews. Its effectiveness largely depends on the master and his professionalism. Therefore, before doing such a procedure, find out where it is best to get hair extensions in your city.

English hot technology has its advantages. Firstly, you can wear your locks for up to 6 months as long as your own hair doesn't weaken. Secondly, thanks to the use of hot resin, the hair is not subjected to severe damage. But it also has disadvantages:

capsules glow under neon lighting, and this must be remembered;
you cannot go to a sauna or bathhouse, because the keratin resin will immediately melt;
despite a fairly good fastening, the donor strands will still be a little lost;
if you decide to get hair extensions, the price of such a procedure will be quite high;
Hair drying with a hairdryer is mandatory.

Hot technologies. Italian extension

The main difference between English and Italian extensions is that here the curls are made with resin plates already applied. To connect them to your hair, a special electric device is used where the temperature is regulated. Such strands are produced exclusively in Italy, so their price is quite high. But there is a limit on the number of colors. Correction is performed once every 4 months.

The advantages of this technology include:

hair will look perfect even after 6 months;
keratin is very stable, so you can go to the bathhouse or sauna;
the hair is almost never combed out.

But there are, of course, disadvantages:

this procedure lasts from 2 to 4 hours;
glued hair is quite noticeable, it can greatly interfere with normal rest;
To remove such hair, you need to use a special product that contains a chemical element similar in properties to acetone.

Cold technologies. Spanish build-up

How to make hair extensions using cold technology? There are no melted or heated connecting materials used here, so your curls will not undergo any heat treatment. Spanish extensions involve the use of a special glue that forms small and thin adhesions. Such donor hair can be worn for up to six months.

The main advantage is the fact that your hair is not affected by high temperatures. But there are also disadvantages to this method:

removing them is very painful;
hair is combed heavily;
It is almost impossible to remove curls urgently due to the composition of the glue; this will take a week.

Metal beads and cold building

Using small metal beads, you can connect your own hair with donor hair. Later they are clamped with special forceps. To make your hairstyle voluminous, you will need to grow about 150-200 strands, which you can wear for up to 4 months without adjustments. Thanks to this technology, your own curls are not damaged, because there is no chemical or temperature effect on them. But here it is worth remembering that there are only 4 main colors of beads, which may not always suit.

Cold build-up. German tape technology

In this procedure, special hair ribbons are used, the width of which can reach 4 cm. No capsules or clamps are needed here. To secure the donor strands, a silicone compound is used. Thanks to this technology, you can quickly change your hairstyle without damaging your own hair.

But it is worth remembering that correction is needed within the first month after the procedure, since hair regrowth makes the tapes more noticeable. What are the benefits of using this technology?

can be safely used even on weak and thin hair, because the load in this case is uniform;
at first glance, such hair is difficult to distinguish from your own, and the ribbons themselves are very difficult to feel;
but the biggest advantage is the fact that this procedure uses harmless polymers.

Despite all of the above, German technology also has its drawbacks:

the tapes are colorless, but can sometimes shine when exposed to sunlight;
you will not be able to do styling because the tapes are distributed in a certain order;
Hair extensions cannot always be called ideal in appearance.

Caring for hair extensions

The most common method today is still capsule hair extensions, despite all its disadvantages. To prevent your own curls from becoming dull and falling out after such a procedure, you need to know how to properly care for them after extensions. First of all, you should buy a special shampoo and a special comb. Thanks to this, donor curls will fall out less. When washing your hair, try not to throw your hair forward; the use of balms and masks is also prohibited. The fact is that they contain substances that, if they come into contact with the capsules, can cause them to slip. Don't sleep with wet or damp hair. To prevent tangles from appearing, it is best to thoroughly dry your hair with a hairdryer and braid it before going to bed.

There are also some contraindications. For example, you can’t get hair extensions before the age of 18, since the hair follicles have not yet become strong enough. It is worth adding curls to your hair that are at least 10 cm long, otherwise the transition will be too noticeable. This procedure is completely contraindicated for people with skin diseases.

And tomorrow - well, you just need to appear in the image of a long-haired witch? Questions about impermanence are addressed to the Creator, and for us the answer to the question “What to do in this case?” The fashion industry found this answer and successfully implemented it. The procedure for hair extensions in salons will not surprise anyone, but this pleasure remains one of the most expensive.

This is the result you can achieve if you try

How to get hair extensions inexpensively

Hair extensions at home are a solution to the financial problem and save time on going to the hairdresser. Let’s say right away that the activity requires some skills. For those who cannot cope with regular coloring, it is better to take the option of calling a specialist at home, or hire a more experienced friend as an assistant.

WATCH VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

For hair extensions, you need to prepare in advance and purchase everything you need:

Artificial hair strands are the most important element to buy in specialized stores. This is exactly the case when you don’t need to go cheap and buy from a market seller or on the Internet: the issue is not only your appearance, but also your health.
Curl distributor.
Tongs for securing strands.
Vibrating razor.
Resin, silicone or keratin capsules for fixing strands (depending on the technology used).

Collect all the ingredients and go ahead

In addition to purchasing, you will have to perform a number of preparatory procedures on your head:

If your natural hair is brittle or split, you will still have to visit a hairdresser and cut off the ends, but remember that the length of your own hair should remain at least 15 cm.
If painting is needed, paint before extensions.
Immediately before starting the procedure, wash and dry your hair. Purchased strands do not need to be processed - they are sold completely ready for use.

Choose curls that are closer to your natural hair color

An important step before starting the procedure is to determine how to attach the artificial curls. In salons, hair extensions are done in several ways:

Hot, using hot resin. Very harmful effect on hair structures.
Italian bonding with keratin capsules is safer for your hair.
Japanese technology involves beads.
Tape extensions with ready-made hair strips.
False strands.

Extending short hair at home: extensions and 2 more methods

It is easier to grow hair at home using the simplest methods, accessible even to not very experienced performers.

What’s good about this option is that it’s difficult to damage your own hair, even if you try really hard. Apart from artificial strands and hairpins, you don’t need to buy anything.

Prepare your hair (cut, color, wash)
In the place of the desired fixation, make a straight parting in a circle.
The part that is secured on top into the bun with a hairpin.
Separate a small curl from the bottom and secure the extension with a bobby pin right at the base.
Repeat this action along the entire row.
All that remains is to straighten the upper strands, cover the fastening points with them and sprinkle everything with varnish.

Cons: short service life; everything looks beautiful, but not natural; there is a danger that the attached curl will fall off if handled carelessly.

But, despite the disadvantages, you can try it as a trial training option.

The second method is simple, but more durable

Tape hair extensions are also a gentle method, easy to perform and do not require a lot of equipment and preparations. This technology requires special strands of strips secured on top with adhesive tape.

The first circular parting is done closer to the bottom. Pull the rest of your hair up and secure it.
Glue the finished curls onto the parting line at the roots.
The second parting is made in the middle of the head, and the sticking procedure is repeated.
The top part of the hair is loosened and smoothed.

This hairstyle has a natural look, fits into any hairstyle except very high ones, the adhesive substance does not pose a threat to the skin. You can remove the curls at any time with a special solvent for glue (sold complete with glue).

Minus: correction will be required as the hair grows.

Method three - reliable, but complicated

Gluing hair extensions using keratin capsules is difficult alone; you need to work with hot curling irons. Here, in addition to purchased curls, you will need to purchase curling irons, razors and capsules.

Divide the hair into a parting closer to the bottom, secure the top ones.
Separate a thin strand of hair from the hair, attach the strand with the capsule to it, as close to the head as possible.
Use hot tongs to melt the capsule.
Fasten all strands in the same way.
Perform the same steps on the middle parting.
The top part of the hair comes loose.
The lower ends of the strands will have to be straightened with a razor.

Cons: careless behavior with curling irons will lead to serious damage to natural hair; the procedure itself lasts 3-4 hours.

Is it worth increasing them?

Like any procedure of artificial intervention in a natural process, hair extensions have their contraindications. Whether you decide to get hair extensions at home or in a salon doesn’t really matter as long as the steps are performed correctly. In both cases, you need to keep in mind that in some cases there may be negative consequences of this procedure.

Excessive loss of natural hair. This happens because weak natural strands cannot withstand the weight of artificial ones. Hair loss becomes especially abundant after removing hair extensions. It is for this reason that it is not recommended to do extensions for girls under 18 years of age, their hair has not yet gained the required strength.
Allergic reactions to components of adhesive substances or to other people's hair.
The appearance of dandruff, brittle hair.

First of all, always think about the health of your hair.

The reason to give up artificial beauty should be: high sensitivity of the skin, taking strong antibiotics or hormonal drugs, undergoing a course of chemotherapy.

Advice! No matter how admiringly your friends tell you that false curls last for six months, know that correction is necessary after 3 months with capsule extensions, and after 2 months with tape extensions!

Rules of care

Wash your hair only in the shower, without bending forward or backward.
Use special care products.
Doesn't go to bed with wet hair.
Before going to bed, tie your hair or braid it.
You need to comb it carefully, with a special comb, but regularly to prevent tangling.

Some girls do it several times and do not suffer from negative consequences, but restoring their natural hair after each course is simply necessary. After removing artificial strands, give your head time to rest, nourish your natural curls with vitamin masks, restorative procedures, not forgetting simple folk remedies.

Extensions are an excellent solution when you need to correct the consequences of a bad haircut, “grow” your hair in a short time and give your hair additional volume.

Now that the canons of beauty are determined by Instagram, the procedure is at the peak of popularity and demand.

What is hair extensions - description of the procedure

Extensions are the fixation of artificial or donor strands onto real ones. Bunches are secured in the root zone in different ways, some of them are so simple that they are even suitable for home independent use. As the roots grow, it is necessary to make corrections and re-grow the strands closer to the head.

Note! Donor strands can be used repeatedly if the material has not lost its original quality.

History of creation

The author of the idea of extensions is considered to be Simon Forbes, a hairdresser who lived in the 60s of the 20th century. It was he who first guessed that volume and length could be achieved not only with a wig, but also by gluing artificial curls to natural ones.

Of course, at first such an extension was not the most practical - the strands were too wide and they were made from low-grade plastic curls. This hairstyle looked impressive, but quickly fell into disrepair - the artificial strands quickly peeled off under their own weight or got tangled into uncombable tangles.

Gradually, the formula was improved, and soon synthetics were replaced by natural human strands, based on the type of origin that suited the client (Asian, Slavic, European). The strands themselves became much thinner and were attached pointwise, which significantly reduced the load on the follicles.

Advantages and disadvantages

Let's consider the positive and negative aspects of the procedure:

pros

Long hair in a couple of hours– there is no need to wait several years for it to grow to the desired length. Luxurious curls can be achieved in just 1 session.
Looks more natural than a wig- provided that the master is highly qualified.
Painless– the process does not cause discomfort.
Helps with sparse hair and baldness.
Bundles can be used several times– high-quality natural material lasts up to six months or more.

Minuses

Hair extensions take some getting used to– at first, capsules and tapes greatly interfere with sleep.
Extensions become noticeable in high hairstyles– think in advance so that all your styling involves fluffed curls at the back of the head.
Corrections will have to be made as the roots grow.– and this is an additional expense item and a waste of time .
High price– high-quality consumables and competent work by a craftsman cannot be cheap.

Why is extension harmful?

Increased risk of loss if the follicles have been weakened as a result of illness, improper care, or are so due to the individual characteristics of the body.
There is a possibility of getting burned– if the procedure is performed by an inexperienced or unqualified technician.
At the place where the strands are attached, creases may form, which will entail a loss of length and thickness after removal.

Failed extension

Let's look at cases where extension may not be very successful:

The hairdresser used too large capsules- which puff up and are visible even when the curls are loose.
Too few strands were added– as a result, the hairstyle looks scanty and sloppy.
Bunches of different lengths and unevenly distributed– which also makes the hair far from the aesthetic ideal.
The specialist selected the wrong type or color because of which you get straight strands that stand out strongly from the general curly mass, or vice versa.
The color of the extensions differs from the natural ones, which sometimes gives away the fact that your length is artificial.

Horror build-up

These situations are familiar to many girls who had poor-quality extensions and ended up greatly regretting their decision:

Torn tufts during combing– this often happens when the capsule clings to the teeth of the comb. This is very unpleasant and painful.
Curls flutter in the wind demonstrating to all people walking behind the attachment points and capsules.
Features of donor strands that are not immediately revealed– you may think that you have grown perfectly smooth and heavy curls, exactly until you wet them and they curl from the humidity.
Capsules glowing in ultraviolet light. Some adhesive capsules glow blue under ultraviolet light. This fact is worth considering if you don’t mind relaxing in a club.
A guy's hand in your hair– men often admire long hair and show tenderness to their beloved by affectionately stroking the back of the head. If your partner doesn’t know about your little secret of gorgeous hair, you risk running into a puzzled look or awkward questions when he feels the capsules at the roots with his fingers.

Tangles

Hair tangled into chaotic tangles is another problem that girls often face when wearing extensions. To prevent their formation, you need to analyze the main reasons for their origin:

The most harmless extension

Of course, when choosing a technique, you want to choose the most harmless and safest type of procedure for your hair. At the moment, experts call the two most harmless methods - nanogrowth and ultrasonic modeling.

Nanogrowth– is carried out due to microscopic capsules and the finest beams on them. It is completely invisible, even if you put a high ponytail, and is safe, as it does not put any strain on the bulbs. This method has one disadvantage - high price.

Ultrasound modeling– negates any possibility of getting a scalp burn or over-drying of the root zone, since the curling iron solders the capsule to the hair not with heat, but with the help of ultrasound. This method is not yet so widespread in Russia, but is rapidly gaining popularity in the world.

Myths about extensions

Trying to find up-to-date and truthful information on the Internet, you have probably come across various “horror stories” on the topic of extensions. Let's look at the most common of them:

You will have to spend a whole day on the procedure. – This is not true - on average, a session takes from 1 to 2 hours.
This is a very painful process . – Extensions can cause discomfort if the hairdresser makes mistakes - he burns the skin with a curling iron or drips keratin onto the head. The rest of the procedure is as comfortable as possible.
After extensions, hair will fall out. – There is a risk of a slight loss of thickness, but again, it is due either to the client’s health condition or to the low qualifications of the technician.

Important! Always pay attention to the specialist’s portfolio and read reviews about him - this determines how your hair will look in the coming months.

Looks too unnatural. – If a master uses low-quality consumables or builds things up inappropriately, the result may look unnatural. But this is rather an exception to the rule, which threatens all those who save on the interior.

Hair after extensions, result, BEFORE and AFTER photos, possible consequences after the procedure

The result of extensions also depends on how long your natural hair is.

For short length

Haircuts whose length does not exceed 10 centimeters are considered short, however, with the development of extension techniques, the minimum length has been reduced to 5 cm. Without harm to the hair follicles, hair can be extended:

Shoulder-length– if the length of natural strands is from 5 to 7 cm.
Up to the waist– if the curls are 10-15 cm wide.
To the waist and below– if the hair from roots to ends is 20 cm or more.

Note! Extensions are very difficult to achieve on short asymmetrical haircuts.

Most often, for this task, specialists use the microcapsule method, Diamond Hair or Extend Magic.

For medium length

Medium hair length is ideal for various extension techniques - the strands are already long enough to hide the capsules and strong enough to withstand their weight. The difficulty lies in choosing the right type of material and structure, especially for porous and curly strands.

For long curls

Extensions for long curls are carried out when a girl believes that the natural length or thickness is not enough. Preference is given to a local technique, when strands are added at the temples or back of the head.

Indications and contraindications

Let's figure out who the procedure is intended for and for whom it is highly not recommended:

For young ladies with slow-growing hair.
For those with hair that lacks volume.
Those wishing to hide minor imperfections such as bald spots, receding hairlines, wide parting, etc.
For those who love to surprise and create new images.

For whom it is contraindicated

Girls under 18 and women over 55– at this age the follicle is not able to cope with the additional load.
Suffering from alopecia (baldness). Weak and brittle strands should not be additionally loaded. Be sure to see a trichologist - the problem needs to be solved with medication, and not with cosmetics.
Pregnant and lactating women– due to hormonal changes in the body, hair can become very weak and thin. All techniques involving the use of glue and capsules are strictly prohibited . Weaving in a pigtail or through a braid is conditionally permitted.
For those with thin and sparse hair. Extended strands look too noticeable and unattractive; in addition, strands of this type are prone to splitting and falling out.
Curls– are not a direct contraindication, however, choosing the right material for extensions is quite difficult, since it is almost impossible to achieve complete emanation of natural curls, especially if they are chaotic.

Is it possible to add hair extensions for volume?

The extensions undoubtedly add extra volume to the hairstyle. For this purpose, you can use extensions on the temples or the back of the head.

What to do with thin hair?

There is no definite answer as to whether it is possible to extend strands on thin hair. It all depends on whether they are naturally thin or as a result of repeated dyeing (or ailments). Be sure to consult with the master and ask what he can offer in your particular case. Do not abuse too long and heavy strands.

What is the minimum length of curls for extensions?

Most hairdressers prefer to work with hair that is at least 10 cm long. With the proper skill of the master, they can be extended even at 5, 3 and 1 cm in length! However, there are limitations on the length and number of extended beams.

Basic extension methods

First, it’s worth considering ways to attach donor strands to real ones:

Note! If you have thin and colored hair, give preference to cold extensions. It is considered the most gentle.

All of the methods listed below refer to either the cold or hot extension method. Take this into account when choosing!

Capsule

Type: hot.

The strands are attached to natural hair using capsules with keratin resin. They are almost impossible to notice with the naked eye if the curls are loose. Capsules withstand temperature changes, numerous styling and painting.

Their service life varies from 3 to 6 months, after which they need to be removed using a special gel and re-grown.

Tape

Type: cold.

The extensions are attached using special adhesive tapes, which, like double-sided tape, secure the hair into a “lock.” The tapes are very soft to the touch and, accordingly, you will need less time to get used to, compared to other methods. Moreover, removing such extensions is quite simple - you just need to treat the tapes with a special remover spray. The material can be used several times - you just need to replace the tape.

The main disadvantage of tape extensions is its fragility - from 1 to 2 months.

Which extension is better – capsule or tape?

If you want to increase the length of your hair and add volume to it during an important event, use it, it is quickly done and easily removed.

If you like consistency and want to maintain the results achieved for a long time, then capsules are your choice.

Hollywood

Type: cold.

Hollywood, also known as “African”, is an extension using tresses (hair sewn onto a special tape). The master braids the client's head and then sews tresses onto them. Most often it is performed only on the back of the head.

Correction is carried out as natural hair grows and weaving weakens - after 1-2 months.

Keratin

Type: hot.

Or the “Italian system” - another fairly common type of artificial hair lengthening in beauty salons. The essence of the technique is the formation of an invisible keratin microsphere at the attachment site.

Royal

Type: cold

It is an extension using tapes 8-10 cm wide, each of which is treated with a special medical glue that does not harm the hair cortex. The procedure itself takes a record low amount of time – from 20 to 40 minutes.

Ultrasonic

Type: hot/cold

Ultrasonic hair extensions were invented by a hairdresser working with Hollywood celebrities who needed a quick and high-quality shine before going on the carpet. Because of this, it is mistakenly called “Hollywood”.

It differs in the method of melting the keratin capsule using ultrasound, which eliminates the possibility of thermal burns. The procedure takes from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the thickness of the hair. It is performed only when the length of natural hair is at least 6 centimeters.

Tressovoye

Type: cold.

Wefts can be made from both synthetic and natural materials. In the first case, they are used as a temporary addition to the length, for example, for a photo shoot or a special event.

Note! Artificial curls give a plastic sheen if you take a photo with a flash.

Natural tresses are made from human hair. They are sewn to the hair, which makes the method as comfortable and safe as possible.

On hairpins

Type: cold (conditionally).

Lengthening with clips is only conventionally called extensions, since the strands are attached to the hair as decoration - with special clips. Hairpins are placed in rows - from one temple to another, along the back of the head.

To get this type of extension, you don’t have to go to a beauty salon to do it; just practice a little at home in front of the mirror.

Silicone

Type: cold.

The extension is attached to the hair using small silicone rings that are tightened in the root zone. As the length grows (every 2-4 months), the rings can be opened, pulled the strand closer to the root and clamped again. The third time, the fasteners will need to be secured to new rings.

Non-capsular

Type: hot.

This lengthening method is considered classic, as it has existed for more than 15 years. The strands are engrafted using special heat-sensitive sleeves made of oxygen-permeable material. At the same time, the native strands remain mobile and flexible. There are two types of sleeves - classic and small. Small ones are used for extensions on thin hair.

Californian

Type: hot.

This technique also originated more than 10 years ago to please Hollywood celebrities who were unhappy with their natural hair. Fastening is carried out using miniature keratin capsules, which are not felt when worn and are not noticeable.

Spanish

Type: cold.

The strands are attached to the hair using glue. The technique is currently somewhat outdated and is suitable exclusively for blondes, since the glue is white and does not take on shades, this makes it very noticeable.

Italian

Type: hot.

Hair for Italian extensions is pre-coated with a keratin compound, which melts from the heat of a curling iron heated to 180 degrees. Under the influence of high temperatures, the donor and native strands are held together by a transparent capsule, which is almost invisible to the naked eye; despite its small size, the capsule holds the material quite firmly.

English

Type: hot.

This type of extension is also somewhat outdated, but despite this, it is still found in salons. The workpieces are fastened using hot resin, which the master squeezes onto the strand from a glue gun. This is quite labor-intensive work that requires great care and attention from the master. The capsules turn out to be large and without proper care they stick together and form tangles.

Brazilian

Type: cold.

False strands are simply woven into natural hair in a “braid” - the hairdresser takes one part of natural hair and two – artificial or donor hair and weaves a classic braid from them.

Correction is carried out every 2-4 months, depending on the growth rate.

Reference! If you can freely stick your finger under the braid, then it’s time to make an appointment with a hairdresser.

Japanese

Type: cold.

The curls are attached using clips, beads or clamps, the color of which is matched to the color of the roots. The diameter of the fastening does not exceed 2-3 mm, which makes it completely invisible to the eye.

The service life of such an extension varies from 1.5 to 2 months.

African

Type: cold.

This method is interesting for its simplicity and safety. For African extensions, the master braids perpendicular or spiral braids over the client’s head and then sews tresses to them. Despite the dubious description, hair extensions in this way look very natural and vibrant.

French

Type: cold.

For French extensions, a special hardening glue “Rueber” is used. Initially, the composition is produced in two shades - white and black, however, to obtain a shade as close as possible to the color of the hair extensions, the masters mix them in different proportions.

Wearing period is from 3 to 4 months.

American

Type: hot.

The idea of the development belongs to the American company “CinderellaHair”, which means “Cinderella’s Hair”. It is the quality of human hair that sets it apart from others.

The material goes through a multi-stage selection, after which the strands are treated with a protein-containing composition that prevents split ends. The curls are not weighed down by silicones, thanks to which they retain their natural appearance even after repeated hair washing. Otherwise, this is a standard capsule hot extension.

Wearing period is up to 6 months without correction.

Gel

Type: cold.

Fastening is carried out using a self-hardening gel "Le Cristal de Paris"– it is harmless and environmentally friendly.

Note! The composition of the gel is identical to what surgeons use to heal bone fractures. Therefore, you should not be afraid of allergic reactions and trauma to the cortex.

Laser

Type: hot/cold.

Appearing on the market about 10 years ago, laser hair extensions quickly fell in love with professionals for their safety and comfort. The keratin capsule is melted not with a curling iron, but with a targeted laser.

Extension in the temporal area

Type: hot.

This type of extension is designed to increase volume rather than length. Thin strands of hair are attached to the hair at the temples using special transparent wax. To ensure accurate dosage of the substance, the master uses the “Extend Magic” device. Due to the point attachment and transparency of the wax, you can not only add volume to your hair, but also extend your bangs.

Diamond

Type: hot.

The method got its name due to the special composition of the glue with the addition of diamond microparticles. According to the manufacturer, it is not only harmless to hair, but also healthy! Dormant follicles awaken and hair strands begin to grow faster. The fixing capsules do not exceed 2 mm in volume, making them completely invisible to others.

Glue

Type: cold.

The technique was originally developed at the Trichological Institute in Spain. The craftsmen managed to come up with an adhesive base that will not cause allergies, even in people with sensitive scalps.

To activate the glue, a special emulsion with healing oils of plant origin is used.

Nanogrowth

Type: cold.

The size of the fixing gel capsules is approximately equal to a grain of rice, which makes it very convenient and practical to wear. Hair can be dyed, styled, soaked in a pool and steamed in a sauna - this will not affect the quality in any way. Due to the microscopic nature of the capsules, extensions are possible even on strands 3 cm long.

Colored hair extensions

Type: cold, less often hot.

Colored strands are most often extended using hair clips. This is a great idea for a bright photo shoot and a way to try on a new color without harming the health of your hair. It can be done even at home if you purchase colored strands of Kanekalon or natural, pre-dyed hair in advance.

Zonal

Type: hot.

Involves local elongation using classic Italian technology. You can add strands to your temples, lengthen your bangs or the back of your head, and thus change your look without resorting to a haircut.

Cascade

Type: hot/cold.

A cascade is a haircut that involves shorter strands near the face and gradual lengthening towards the back of the head. If you want to get such a result, first of all pay attention to the portfolio and qualifications of the master; such work requires high concentration and attentiveness from a specialist.

Powdery

Type: cold.

This relatively new extension technique has a lot of advantages: the hair is attached to the roots with microscopic capsules that are difficult to recognize by touch, even if you run your hand through the hair. With it you can easily hide bald spots, which is why men often use it.

Two-color

Type: cold/hot.

You can get the effect of extravagant coloring using extensions; girls often ask the hairdresser to create an ombre or highlighting effect on their hair. Again, it is worth paying special attention to the specialist’s portfolio. If the result is unsuccessful, you will have to go with it for several more months.

Sew-on

Type: cold.

Sew-on, also known as Hollywood or African, are the names of the same method, which involves sewing tresses to braids braided over the head. This is a good way to get a different hair structure, for curly hair - straight, for straight hair - curly, etc.

Preparing for hair extensions

How to prepare your hair for extensions? What should you pay attention to? How to care for your hair before visiting a beauty salon? Read about this below in our review article.

Care before the procedure

There is a widespread belief that before applying extensions, you must cut your hair and dye it, but there are some nuances here.

Haircut before extensions It only makes sense if you have noticeable asymmetry in your hair. In other cases, the master will carry out the thinning himself after the procedure, comparing the native hair with the donor hair.
Coloring– coloring and extensions are prohibited on the same day, since both the first and second procedures are stressful for the hair. If you are used to regularly updating your color, do this a week before extensions.

Do I need to wash my hair before extensions?

In order for the extensions to be securely held on the natural ones, the hair must be cleaned of all styling products, sebum, and dust. There is no point in washing your hair right before going to the salon - the master will wash your curls himself using all the necessary professional products.

What kind of shampoo do you need?

If you plan to do hair extensions at home, you will have to purchase a suitable shampoo in advance, since regular shampoo will not work. Consult with a consultant, tell us about your task and ask them to choose the right deep cleaning product for you.

How to do extensions - the process step by step

Let's consider the extension procedure in two versions - tape and capsule.

Tape

Dividing hair into sections– the master separates the curls on the top of the head and fixes them with a clip.
Separating the strands for fixing the tress– in this case, the strand should be equal in width to the tape.
Removing the adhesive tape and attaching the strand to the hair the tape is fixed on the root zone.

Capsule

Determining the fixation zone- the back of the head, temples, or bangs and again - dividing the hair into sectors.
Strand separation fixation – it is very important that they are the same size.
Fixing the extensions with a curling iron. The capsule is soldered to natural hair, thanks to which the strand is fixed.

How long does the procedure take?

The exact extension time depends on the number of strands and the extension method. On average, this figure varies from 40 minutes to 3 hours.

How much is enough?

New long hair can be worn for 3 to 6 months, which again depends on the extension method. To make the result look attractive, it is advisable to make corrections regularly and periodically give your hair time to rest and recover.

Materials, tools and equipment for hair extensions

The set of tools varies somewhat, depending on the type of extension.

Hot

Curling iron or curling iron– a tool with a thermostat for fixing the capsule. They have a flat or rounded working surface.
Keratin or resin– these materials serve as a kind of fixative, from which the capsule is created.
Removal pliers– the instrument is used at the stage of correction or complete removal of capsules from the head.
Laser machine– used for laser extension techniques. Works much faster than a curling iron.
Glue gun– used for dosing glue using English technology.
Ultrasound machine– used during ultrasonic extension. It is convenient because it does not have a negative effect on the epidermis.

Cold

Forceps– used to separate small strands or remove extensions.
Regulator pliers– used for clamping rings.
Hook– using this tool, small strands are threaded through a ring-retainer.
Clamp (clip)– with the help of it the donor strand is attached to the hair.
Tapes – for fixing hair using a tape method.

How to make hair extensions for yourself at home

Once you have decided on the necessary tools and method, you can try to do hair extensions yourself.

Capsule– divide your hair into sectors, separating the back of the head from the crown. If this is your first time doing extensions yourself, fix the strands only at the back of your head. Attach the capsules at a distance of a few millimeters from the roots so that the hair does not become brittle.
Tape– this method of extension is much more convenient for non-professional home use, since it does not include a heat treatment step . Separate the hair in a circle along the crown, then distribute the donor strands around the circumference in increments of 1 cm from each other.
Tressovoye– a rather labor-intensive and time-consuming option. Before proceeding directly to fixing the strands, you will need to braid thin braids over your head, while avoiding the area around your face. After which you can proceed to the stage of sewing on the tress.
On hairpins– the most preferred method of household extensions, since it does not damage the hair at all and is performed extremely quickly. Simply part the hair at the top of your head and secure the clips along the back of your head, covering them with your natural hair.

Hair care after extensions

Immediately after leaving the salon, you feel dazzling - chic long curls flutter in the wind and spring nicely with every step you take. You can maintain this feeling until your next trip to the salon if you adhere to the following care rules:

Replace the comb with a wide-toothed comb. This comb is most often used for styling curly and curly hair. The arrangement of the teeth will reduce hair trauma and tearing out of capsules.
Replace your usual shampoo with a special one In professional cosmetics stores you can purchase specialized shampoos for hair extensions. If there are none in your city, and you don’t want to order from an online store, then choose a shampoo in the store marked “without sls.”
Buy conditioner to ease combing– this will prevent tangling and tearing out of attached hairs.
Wash your hair with warm, not hot water– this will prevent the fusion of capsules and the formation of tangles.
Always dry your hair immediately after washing! The longer they stay wet, the faster the extensions will peel off.

Important! If you have hair extensions, sleeping with wet hair is strictly prohibited.

How to remove hair extensions?

The removal process largely depends on the specific extension method, but in general terms it is the same. Withdrawal can be divided into professional and home.

Professional removal

To remove the extensions, the master uses special pliers and a solvent (remover) to remove the capsule. Afterwards, the hairdresser washes the client’s hair, removing any remaining remover and hair extensions. If necessary, a small correction haircut is carried out.

Home withdrawal

It is highly undesirable to remove capsule extensions at home, as this can lead to serious damage to the hair shaft. However, according to reviews on the Internet, some girls manage to do this in a safe way using a warm oil mask. To make it, you need to slightly warm up any base oil (coconut, grape seed, burdock, etc.), thoroughly rub it into the capsules and leave for a couple of hours, after which the softened capsules can simply be removed by hand.

Suitable haircut after hair extensions

After removing the extensions, the hair may be somewhat weakened and split. To eliminate sloppy fuzz along the length, you can do hair polishing, cutting with hot scissors and, if desired, keratin restoration. If you act comprehensively, your hair will return to normal much faster.

How to choose a hair extension specialist?

Choosing a good salon and a professional is the lion's share of successful extensions. To avoid making mistakes when choosing a hair specialist, pay attention to the following aspects:

Portfolio– now the master’s portfolio can be found on the beauty salon website or on any social network. Be sure to read customer reviews.

Important! When looking at the photo, be extremely attentive to details. Pay attention to the environment in which the photo was taken. If the background is constantly changing, this is a reason to think about it. Many people, especially novice artists, often appropriate other people's work to attract new clients.

Professional ethics– if your portfolio only delights you, and numerous reviews from clients only confirm your good impression – do not rush to make an appointment with a specialist. To get started, get a consultation by phone. Ask about the methods used, materials, prices - the answers should be clear and confident. Any doubt in the voice or avoidance of an answer should alert you.
Removal and correction of extensions– check with the specialist how he removes the extensions. What products does he use, does he comb out the remaining keratin, etc. The more carefully the master carries out this work, the less likely it is that you will encounter problems such as tangling and tangles.

Prices

Prices for procedures in Moscow salons, source zoon.ru

FAQ

Where do hair extensions come from? – There are a lot of frightening and rather strange myths about hair extensions. Starting from the fact that they are cut in prisons from prisoners or patients in psychiatric clinics, to the completely unrealistic theories that they were cut from the deceased in the morgue.

In fact, everything is much more prosaic. Most of the hair is purchased from Asian countries. There are organizations that contract with women who grow their hair long for several years, then cut it short and sell it.

“Slavic” hair comes to us for sale from the former republics of the USSR - Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova. They are considered more acceptable for extensions, since they initially have a light, easily dyed color and are very similar in structure to the hair of Russian women.

My head itches after extensions. why and what to do? – This is a typical reaction of the scalp - the follicles receive a lot of stress, plus the skin begins to come into contact with something foreign and unusual. Itching can be relieved with chamomile infusion or antipruritic ointments and shampoos. If the itching does not go away for a very long time, the skin begins to open up and becomes covered with blisters - contact a specialist to remove the extensions and make an appointment with a trichologist.

Is it possible to get hair extensions after chemotherapy? – Hair after chemical therapy begins to grow less frequently and becomes thinner. Bald patches and bald spots appear in some places. In this case, experts advise doing microcapsule extensions. An attractive hairstyle can boost the morale of a woman who has gone through such a serious ordeal.

How often should hair extensions be corrected?

The timing varies depending on the extension technique used:

tape – after 1-2 months;
capsule – after 2-4 months;
tress – in 1-2 months.
Japanese - in 1.5-3 months.

Is it possible to apply blonde hair extensions to dark hair? – This technique is called two-color. It is used to create an ombre or highlighting effect.

Important! Don't get Slavic locks if your natural hair is Asian, and vice versa. This will create a contrast between the extensions and natural curls.

Does hair extensions damage your hair? – They may become more brittle and brittle under the following conditions:

You have done extensions for weak and depleted hair – Excessive load on weakened bulbs quite often leads to creases and loss.
The master did the job poorly. As mentioned earlier, a lot depends on the qualifications of the master. If he formed the capsules incorrectly or used a lot of glue, the likelihood increases that the strands will quickly roll into tangles.
You neglected the correction and wore the extensions longer than expected – this also leads to weakening and loss.

What is better hair clips or extensions? – Hair in clips is good for photo shoots or events. You can take them off and put them on yourself. The build-up is done with a longer-term perspective. When choosing a procedure, base it on your needs.

Hair falls out after extensions, why and what to do? – The first few hours after removal, remnants of donor hair may still fall off the head. Don't be afraid of this. The main thing is to determine in time whether your hair is falling out, or the hair that was part of the extension. This can be understood by the presence of a spine at the tip. Loss may be due to excessive stress on the follicle. In order to stop hair loss, consult a trichologist for advice.