If you are balding in large areas of your head, hair expansion are not a viable
option for you. However as long as you have a good amount of healthy hair even
if it's thinning you can get hair expansions attached to add more volume and
length to your hair. Those suffering from hair loss and thinning hair can avoid
further damage from adhesives, chemicals and heat by thoroughly investigating
various hair expansions attachment types to find an appropriate method.
Hair
expansion
Custom hair expansions can be sewn in strand by stand for a very
natural look. Because of the time and expertise required to attach these,
strand-by-strand expansions can be very expensive. With weaves, very small
sections of your own hair will be braided close to your scalp. The hair
expansions are then sewn into this braided base. Those experiencing hair loss or
thinning hair should be aware that weaves, particularly if the attached hair is
extremely long, can be very heavy on your scalp. This can cause an uncomfortable
tightening and lead to traction alopecia.
Weft hair expansion
Weft
expansions are quite popular. A weft is a track of hair that is already attached
together in a row and which is applied using one row at a time as opposed to
strand by strand.
"I love this method," says Norma Bouza, extension
specialist at Christophe Salon in Beverly Hills. "It is super easy, takes very
little time and results in gorgeous, luscious hair. It is a long weft that goes
ear to ear, with little metal clamps on it. You simply loop the hair, clamp and
seal shut. Wefts are amazing for photo shoots or a nonpermanent expansion
wearer. "
Clip-in wefts are an inexpensive way to add instant volume or
length. They can be attached at home, offering versatility for the user without
spending hours at the salon.
Fusion hair expansion
Hair expansion can also
be attached with a variety of adhesives and bonds. Some of these use heat, while
others do not.
"Individual pieces can be applied with or without heat," says
Bouza. "With heat, these thermoplastic bonds are made mostly of nylon, which is
great for the hair when it comes time for removal. You simply crunch the bonds,
and they turn into a powdery substance and slide right off the hair, causing
less damage. Cold fusion bonds are applied with no heat. They are attached
through ultrasonic waves from the tongs. This attachment method is also very
good for keeping the hair from being damaged," she adds.
"Protein bonded
extensions use heat-free technology that bonds the extension to natural hair,"
explains Giovanni Mele, owner of Giovanni & Pileggi salon in Philadelphia.
"This attachment method is the longest lasting and is ideal for thinner hair
textures because the keratin protein bond is less detectable than other methods.
You can also apply individual pieces using this technique, which results in more
control and a more natural look. There's also no risk of damaging the bonds with
hot styling tools.
Mele continues, "With heat-bonded extensions, heat is used
to secure the extension to your natural hair. It is long lasting and can be
colored and styled like normal hair. Like protein-bonded extensions, you can
also apply individual pieces using this technique."
"Infusion hair extensions
are made with a keratin tip bond that is then heated and attached around your
hair in very small sections," explains Teresa Cliff, a hair colorist and
extension specialist at Le Posh Salon and Spa in Los Angeles. "These bonds are
soft, so they can be precut to match your hair's density and thickness giving
you a seamless transition between your hair and the extensions. This method is
gentler on the hair, and when maintenance is done correctly, there is little to
no damage. You may bathe, go swimming, work out and enjoy your normal routine
with ease as long as you follow a few simple guidelines. "
Cliff also
discusses the benefits and drawbacks of micro bead attachments. "Also known as
interlock and micro-ring, micro bead hair extensions are small bonded pieces
that are also attached to the head in very small sections. Instead of having a
keratin bond wrapped around the hair it's attached to, these extensions use
small metal beads. The size of the beads cannot be customized, but the beads do
come in a variety of colors to match the client's hair. This type of extension
can get overheated by blow-drying, flat ironing or curling iron use. Once the
bead is heated, it damages the trapped hair inside and can cause breakage. Also,
water can get caught inside the bead, leading to possible corrosion. But if you
are more of a wash-n-go kind of person, this would be a good option for you.
Another plus is the hair is reusable.
Hair expansion attachments
"I chose
to create my line with an adhesive bond, which uses a surgical tape to attach
the hair," explains Ron King, L'Oreal Professional stylist and spokesman as well
as the creator of Ron King Invisi-Tab Hair Extensions. "The benefits of this
type of attachment are that the extensions lay flat against the head and remain
very natural looking. Additionally, this type of bond provides support from end
to end of the attachment, as opposed to strand by strand. "
"The tape method
is where the extension is attached to the hair by placing one piece under the
section of the hair and then one on the top," says Bouza -- "Think of a
sandwich." "Then it is heated, allowing it to adhere to the natural hair. This
is a great method to get plenty of hair in one section or for a photo shoot.
"
This sandwich method is ideal for those with fine or thin hair, as well as
those suffering from hair loss from chemotherapy or other causes that would make
hot applications and harsh chemical attachments undesirable.
Hair expansion
attachments and hair loss
"When extensions are applied and removed properly,
there should be no hair loss," Bouza says. "Educating your client on home care
is very important to eliminate hair loss
Any hair extension attachment can
cause hair loss if applied improperly. Talk to your hairstylist about your hair
loss issues before deciding which method to use. If your stylist does not have
experience dealing with clients with hair loss or thinning hair, it may be best
to look for another professional.