HAIR DEFINITIONS - “THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HAIR!”
Human hair extensions are the most popular. The hair used for your hair extension is for the
greatest part responsible for your looks and the life span of your extension and is therefore of
great importance. It is good to know some more about it before visiting selecting a product.
There is a large variety of human hair used for hair extensions. When a poor hair quality is
used your human hair extension can become a nightmare. It can result in dry, brittle hair that
tangles constantly. When it comes to hair there are two basic sections, the human hair
extension and the synthetic hair extension.
On this page we explain more about the different types of human hair used for extensions.
Human Hair Structure (the cuticle)
Hair is made of different layers. The outer layer, called the "cuticle", is made up of
overlapping layers of long cells. They lie on the surface aligned in the same direction like the
tiles on a roof with their free edges directed towards the tip. The cuticle locks in essential
moisture and protects the hair against outside elements. A healthy cuticle is much more than
just a protective layer. Much of the shine is due to the cuticle, light reflects from their glossy
surfaces. This, together with the pigment within the cortex, gives hair its characteristic
appearance. Hair without cuticle would appear dull and lifeless, it would dry out and become
brittle.
Human Hair Extensions
The human hair used in the hair extension industry comes in different qualities. In general
we can say that we get what we pay for, the lower the price of your hair extension the less
hair quality we can expect. The highest quality hair will still have all it's cuticle perfectly
aligned in the same direction. If the cuticle scales are not facing the same direction, hair will
interlock like Velcro, this will lead to matted and tangled hair.
Cheaper hair is very often placed in an acid bath which completely destroys the cuticle. To
restore the shine this hair is covered with a silicon layer. It looks beautiful but after a few
washes the silicon is removed and the hair matts, tangles, and becomes dry.
European Human Hair does not necessarily come from Europe. It is a group name for
different hair with an almost similar structure. Indian Hair, Latin American Hair, European
hair, the only exemptions are Asian Hair and African Hair (their structure is very different).
Typical European Human Hair is relatively thin and has an oval cross-section.
This is a popular hair type for a human hair extension.
Asian Hair (mostly Chinese hair) is very often used for human hair extensions. This hair is
thicker than European Hair and has a round cross-section. It is dark black.
To prepare this hair for use in hair extensions it is usually made thinner (acid bath) and
lighter. This hair is less expensive.
Indian Hair has a very similar basic structure as European Hair. In general this hair type is of
a very high quality. However the method of collection is very essential. When different
types of hair are mixed with cuticles aligned in different directions this hair becomes of a
much less quality and therefore less expensive. To prevent tangling the cuticles must be
removed and the hair is covered by silicon. Hair companies in Korea and Indonesia are
specialized in this type of hair.
Collected in the right way with all the cuticles present and in the same direction this hair is
one of the best hair types available for use in a human hair extension.
Remi Hair is a name you will hear when you shop around for hair extensions. They claim to
use only the finest and most beautiful human hair in the world with all cuticles in the same
direction.
Synthetic Hair is man-made fiber that is made to look like your own hair. It produces a
different sheen than human hair, moves differently and therefore does not blend with human
hair. New fibers are developed continuously that are better resistant to heat and have an
appearance closer to human hair. It comes in a large variety of colors. This hair is the most
inexpensive. Sometimes this hair is mixed with human hair and a combination is used for a
human hair extension. In most cases this is of course not the way to do it. Both hair types
need a different after care.
The majority of hair sold today is non-cuticle hair, which is less expensive. So if you want to
spend less money on your hair extension this could be fine for you as long as you realize that
this hair will probably start matting, tangling and become dry a lot sooner than a higher
quality hair.
Overheating is one of your hair's biggest enemies, the damage can be as deep as the cortex
which is in the middle. Be careful not to use too much heat when you use a blowdryer or
curling iron. It is best to let your hair dry naturally.
Chemical treatments like color and perm can be harmful as well. Go to your stylist for
advise, they should know what is best for your hair. Brush your hair gentle to prevent
damage. This is not just better for your hair extensions but it will also keep your own hair
healthier.
European and Indian Remi Hair is the most popular for a human hair extension but also the
most expensive.
Hair extensions come in many different types. There are differences in the way hair
extensions are prepared, in the technique used to attach it to your own hair, and in what kind
of hair is used.
Strand by Strand Hair Extensions
With this extension technique small strands of extension hair are attached one by one to small
sections of your own hair by either weaving in, gluing, heat fusing, clamping with metal
tubes or using waxes and polymers.
Glue/Bond based attachments
So.Cap. USA hair extensions: This method introduces an innovative and advanced
equipment in the field of cold fusion, 'Flat Ice'. The hair extensions are attached using the
highest standard of ultra sound technology combined with a very easy and practical use of the
machine. It works by transforming the electrical signal sent by the main unit into waves that
soften the keratin. So.Cap. USA hair is available in 81 colors which are available in straight,
wavy and curly. Each strand of hair is 100% unprocessed human hair with no silicone coat.
Donna Bella Hair Extensions: Donna Bella Milan is known amongst hair professional's world
wide for its certified remy human hair. Besides trading raw human hair for both wigs and
extensions, Donna Bella also manufactures their own unique line of products. The Kera-Link
system is applied using a flat-tipped heat tool that fuses the extension into the client's hair.
The European formulated bond comes in a flat shape that can be cut into smaller pieces
making it very difficult to see.
Vision Hair Extensions: Vision uses 100% human remi hair that is pre-tipped with a Italian
Keratin Bond. It is claimed that the bonds hold 3-4 months or longer. The bonds can be cut
easily to make micro bonds. The hair comes in 20" - 22" length and is available in 22 colors.
Celebrity Extensions: This system involves Strand by Strand / Individual Hair Extensions.
These hair extensions are made of 100% Pure Russian Remy Hair. The bond is Super
Keratin which are the same fibers that our hair and nails are made up of and a Nylon (no
glue) which is actually what shrinks around your hair forming a solid cylinder shaped micro
bond that will last until removed. They claim that there is no shedding and hair loss. It must
be removed by a professional. Application can be done by hot fusion and Ultra-Sonic (coldfusion). Average application time is 2 1/2 - 3 hours. Special products are given to each client
for proper care. These extensions will last anywhere from 2 - 7 months depending on how
well you take care of your hair and how fast your hair grows.
D'Vine Lengths: is a hair extension system that matches to the contour of your head. This
system is very flat. The inventor claims that this system is virtually undetectable even in fine,
thin hair. The bonds are flexible what makes them comfortable as you sleep. The New
innovative interlocking system eliminates slipping and shedding. With these hair extensions
every strand can be reused.
Hairdreams Hair Extensions: Hairdreams is an European hair extension system offering the
highest quality 100% human hair strands in two premium quality levels: “Basic” 5 Star Hair
and “Special” 7 Star Hair. Hairdreams is attached to your hair using its patented Thermoplast
Bonding System – tiny, connective bonds that are virtually undetectable and feel light and
comfortable to wear. Hairdreams mentioned to us that the hair can be worn up to six months
and hair extensions can be re-used and re-bonded. Hairdreams can be applied as individual
strands by hand using its Standard System or with its innovative LaserbeamerXP system
which can bond up to 8 strands of hair at one time. A wide array of hair colors, textures and
accessories are available.
Perfectress Extensions: The Perfectress extension line includes prebonded, link, and pretaped methods. There are three textures, three lengths, and dozens of colors for each method.
The prebonded adhesive is a carefully formulated polymer seal bond that the stylist seals with
an applicator. It is very easy to remove. Perfectress hair extensions use the best remy hair
available.
Great Lengths Hair Extensions: This method is based on 'modulating'. The attachment of the
hair strand to your own hair is composed of polymer chains whose molecular structure is very
similar to that of human hair. A special applicator joins the strand with your hair. Easy to
install and remove by an expert.
Invisible Hair Extensions: The Extension is a skin replica. An air tight, water tight seal is
created allowing 5-8 weeks of attachment. “Skin” base is adhered directly to your scalp by
the use of an medical grade adhesive. Your hair will continue to grow out while the grafted
hair addition remains attached to your scalp. It can be re-used and brushed in any direction.
This method can be used if you have "baby fine" hair.
Unique VIP Rinex Hair Extensions: These recently introduced extensions do not require heat
or chemicals to attach or remove. FL- Hair & Accessories, Inc., that offers these extensions
say: "They are virtually impervious to the assault on bonds by shampoos, conditioners,
swimming and bathing. The Unique VIP Rinex extensions have a longer life than traditional
extensions and they do not shed."
Cinderella Hair Extensions: These extensions are attached to your own hair at low
temperature with a protein-moulded bond. The bonds are strong and flexible and made of
protein that is not harmful for your hair. In general a high hair quality is used with these
extensions.
Ultratress Hair Extensions: This application method can be used on areas on the head where
ordinary extension can't. A polymer bond is used for the attachment.
Mega Hair Extensions: With this method a keratin based hi-tech adhesive is used for
application. Because the bonds are slightly thicker this method is not recommended if you
have very thin hair.
Ultra Strands Hair Extensions: This is a bond attachment like Great Lengths and Cinderella.
The bond is made of a different material but can be small and long lasting.
Racoon Hair Extensions: This technique uses a 'hot bond' method. The bonding material has
been specifically designed for hair extensions and provides a balance between strength,
durability and, importantly, ease of removal. The bond is kind to the hair during application
and equally gentle on removal.
NON Glue/Bond Based Attachments
Donna Bella Hair Extensions: The I-Link system is applied using micro links. Donna Bella
has two types of links that come in different sizes. Their most popular is the "non-slip" link
that is threaded on the inside which secures the extension without damaging the client's hair.
Click here to watch the Donna Bella Hair Extension video
Micro-Cylinder Hair Extensions: This gentle attachment method does not involve glues, heat,
or chemicals. Tiny tubes (micro-cylinders) are used to attach the strands with a special
technique to your own hair. Easy to install and easy to remove by an expert. Applied in the
correct way this is a strong and safe method that will not damage your own hair. This
method can also be used for weft extensions. The cylinders come in different sizes and
colors but also in different qualities. This method can be used with the highest hair quality
and with hair of a lesser quality, it depends on the salon.
Microchet Hair Extensions: One of the latest inventions in the field of hair extensions is a
very gentle thread technique that is virtually undetectable. The process is quick and easy
with no pulling or stress and no damage to your own hair. It is very comfortable and light,
you can hardly feel it yourself. The attachment is so small that it can be applied on very thin
hair and on areas of the head (temples, mid scalp, fore head) where most other systems can
not. High quality human hair is used.
Invisible Strands: The extension hair is applied to a strand of your own hair using dental
floss, the floss is then removed leaving an invisible strand. A sealant is applied to each
extension to ensure that it lasts the duration of the process. The technician said that this
method lasts from 8 months to a year. It could take 3 to 8 days to complete with 2 specialists
working on your hair. The process does not cause damage to your hair. You care for your
hair like normal.
ProHair Extensions: A gentle method of attaching synthetic hair extensions without the use
glues or chemicals. The ProHair is braided into the hair using a 3 stem braid close to the root
area, some of the extension fibre is wrapped around the braid and then heated with the
ProStyles Heat Clamp. The ProHair shrinks around the braid locking it in place and
preventing it from unravelling. Removal is easy as well, simply twist the heat seal until it
fractures then the extension slides out without any damage to the clients hair. Gentle because
it does not rely on tension or chemicals for application or removal. It is also suitable for all
hair types European, Asian or Afro. ProStyles are the inventers of this method.
FLhair™ Xtensions Strand by Strand: This method utilizes a custom designed MicroCylinder shell. Small, weightless and strong each shell’s interior is coated with a Silicone
compound to protect the hair from any compression stress. The outer shell is colored coordinate to match the hair color for truly sightless, gentle dependable connections. The
uniqueness of this method is all the Remy Hair Strands come fully prepared with a shell and
threader attached. It can be used for length or volume on all hair types, excluding medical
hair loss. FLhair™ Xtensions Strand by Strand method makes it affordable and dependable
for the stylist and client.
TemBond™ Hair Extension System: This gentle, non-adhesive bonding method is a process
in which you dip and attach strands of extension hair to your own. The patent-pending
TemBond™ is uniquely designed to create a secure hold for the extension strands without
actually binding to the natural hair, giving the wearer a temporary bond that can be worn for
months and applied themselves. Working with all hair types, and allowing reuse of the
extension hair, the natural and non-toxic TemBond™ can be removed without chemicals or
tools.
HairXtend Hair Extensions: Attachment is done with skilful manual application using a soft
silicon pad that does not stress your hair. They supply only 100% cuticle hair.
Unique VIP Tubex extensions: This method utilize a polymer tube that shrinks at the bonding
point for a comfortable, secure, and more unobtrusive bond.
Hairlocs™ Hair Extensions: This method is based on the same principle as Micro-Cylinder.
No heat, no glue or polymer is used. The tubes are larger and have a different shape than the
Micro-Cylinder but both are tightened to create the attachment.
Individual braiding: In this time consuming method extension hair is braided into your own
hair.
Weft hair extensions
A weft is a track of several inches long on which the hair is already attached (a curtain of hair
attached together at the top and free flowing at the bottom). A weft can be made by a
machine or by hand. Handmade wefts are better, they are custom made to suit your head and
match your hair. The extensions are then applied by using one row (track) at the time instead
of strand by strand.
Flattracks: Flattracs is an exclusive method that only takes an hour to attach. It looks natural
and costs half of what a full head of individuals would. There is no damage to the natural
hair. No special products or brushes are required. The hand-tied hair is sewn on to a thin
section of your natural hair. This technique was developed by Cynthia Orr.
Klix Hair Extensions: Klix Hair, Inc.’s hair extension system, Klixtensions are hand made
from high quality human Remy hair. Each strand is individually hand threaded onto a skinlike weft, root to end, maintaining the hairs ‘natural cuticle direction. Silicone lined copper
micro links protect while holding the hair.
Invented by professionals for professionals, Klix patent pending system dramatically reduces
application time allowing the stylist to apply a full head of extensions in 60 minutes or less.
Klix application uses no glue, no fusion, no heat, no tape, and no chemicals. Commitment
free, Klix is a moveable and reusable permanent hair extensions system available only to
licensed stylists.
Simplicity Hair Extensions: can be applied in less than 30 minutes. The Extensions are
attached with specialized liner tape. This method can be used to add length, volume,
highlights, and bangs. Simplicity Hair Extensions are 100% human hair and are sold pre-cut
in 38 different colors and a variety of sizes and styles for all over attachment. They last 4-6
weeks with proper care and can be easily removed and reused.
Keraloc © Hair Extensions: involves a human hair weft. A tiny hook tool is used to pull a
small but secure amount of your natural hair through the weft and then add a tight, silicone
,waterproof , heat activated seal around the keratin protein bond. This is repeated every half
an inch around the weft. This way the weight of the extension is evenly distributed through
your whole head Keraloc hair extension will grow out and need to be uplifted every 10 to 12
weeks or 8 weeks if your hair is fine or fragile. The hair extensions can be re–used, as long
as you have looked after it will the correct shampoo/conditioner and styling products. This
system has been developed and copyrighted by Hot Hedz.
Glam Hair Extensions: is a new technique which uses the finest quality of hair! Highlights
include safe, fast, easy and full and flawless look not to mention a completely flat and
reusable base which is easy and safe to wear and maintain. It is attached simply with a
special medical grade tape and holds for 2-4 months. This method is actually a two sided
tape method, where the tape sits on a polyurethane base and is placed on the client's hair just
below the scalp. It is available in many different colors and textures and special orders are
made per request.
Hotheads Hairwear Extensions: are pre-cut rounded seamless strips and are easy & fast to
handle during application. They are 100% Indian Remi human hair with 2 very thin seamless
strips, hair is sandwiched between. Hotheads Hairwear Extensions are permanent and can be
worn for 6-8 weeks and reused. They are available in 4 different lengths. There are 27 colors
to choose from and you can simply blend your extensions to achieve more than 600 custom
shades. Hotheads Hairwear Extensions are available in 3 textures/curl patterns and in unisex
extensions.
Unique VIP Tapex Extensions: This system employs wefts of the finest human hair for
speedy attachment. The Tapex wefts are taped to the client's hair. The wefts may be cut to
size for precise placement. Both methods are attached much faster than single strand
methods.
Bonded Hair Extensions: The weft is applied with adhesive to your hair or to your skin
depending on salon and stylist. For some people it will last for many weeks and for others it
loosens up after the first shampoo. This method is faster and therefore less expensive than
strand by strand extensions.
Braided Hair Extensions: First a braid is created of your own hair and than the weft is sewn
onto the braid. The number of tracks depends on what you want.
Weaved Hair Extensions: This is done by weaving your own hair around a number of threads.
This way a track is created. The weft is sewn onto this track.
Braiding and Weaving give more tension to your hair and skin because it is tight and
therefore will pull more. The extensions stylist should braid the tracks firmly but
comfortably, it should not hurt. Some clients complain about being uncomfortable and
having headaches using these systems, others have no complains at all.
Clip-in hair extensions
As the name already revealed, you can clip these extensions into your own hair whenever you
want it and take it out at night before you go to sleep.
Donna Bella Milan Clip-In Hair Extensions: Donna Bella Milan is known amongst hair
professional's world wide for its certified remy human hair. The clip-in line comes in both
natural and fantasy colors. Clip-in hair is thought to be the easiest of all systems to apply and
remove. Clips come in all sizes and lengths used for both highlights and full heads.
Unique VIP Clipex Extensions: These are 100% Remy human hair clip-on hair extensions for
clients wishing to have long, luxurious hair for a day or night. They can be attached and
removed by a professional stylist or the client themselves. Once removed they can be stored
for future use.
Before having your hair extensions done, ask your stylist about the method and the hair that
will be used.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------Remi Closures and Toppieces are now available. Perfect for covering hair extension tracks
and for filling out your hair extensions style.
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