Hair Extensions: The solution?

Hair Extension Article

A client sits in my chair with  tears in her eyes, "I did it!  I got the trendy bob  haircut and hate it! What  can you do?" 4 hours  (standing in 6 inch Louboutins) later, I am  watching as she tosses her long, beautiful,  natural looking locks in the "Don't hate me  because I am beautiful" kind of way, smiling as she sees her reflection in the mirror. The  solution? Hair Extensions.  Below are some pointers I live by  and strongly recommend to anyone looking  to transform their hair;  *The kind of hair used is crucial. My choice  is 100% Russian and European Remy  human hair, the highest quality, so that it  looks the most natural and doesn't tangle as  easily as it's synthetic or cheaper human hair blend counterparts. The brand isn't as  important to me as is the quality of the hair.  *There are several methods of application.  Which methods used depends on the hair  texture, color, and the results that I want to achieve. I prefer to customize the following  methods to each individual client. A strandby-  strand application attaches small sections  of hair to the natural hair closest to the roots.  Hot Fusion uses heat to warm the protein to create a smooth bond. Cold Fusion uses an  ultra sonic machine to attach the bond  without using heat. And Micro Locs or mini  links uses small metal/copper tubes or rings  to attach to the hair. Skin wefts are thin,  wider tracks or rows of hair that use heat to bond to a larger section of the natural hair.  *The strand-by strand methods take 2-5  hours to apply, and are the most natural  looking to me. Each strand moves with the  head shape, can be expertly cut to a desired  style, and customize for a correct color  match.  The Hot and Cold Fusion methods are best  on normal to fine texture and dry hair. The  Micro Locs are best for coarse and oily  textures. Skin Wefts are the preferred  method for a quicker application time, usually 1-2 hours, and can be used most textured  hair (not best on oily).  *Extensions can lasts from 2-5 months,  depending on how well they aremaintained.  I recommend shampooing every 2-3 days  with a gentle cleansing  shampoo. Conditioner should be used only  on the ends for detangling and moisturizing, and not near the scalp where it is attached  so as not to "slip" from the hair. Brush the  hair gently, starting from the ends moving up  near the scalp. Using a leave-in conditioner  is great to help with any tangles from  shampooing. You can let the hair dry  naturally, but I do not recommend sleeping  with the wet hair.  *If you are looking for extensions on  a budget, and a temporary fix for longer,  fuller hair, clip ins are the way to go. I prefer  a more permanent method, but clip ins are  great for an inexpensive change of style.  This means no commitment -for a special  occasion, one evening event, or a fun  change. The downside? Clip ins do not look as natural or move as smoothly to the natural  hair.  Tina Dizon  Juan Florentino Salon, Beverly Hills, CA