The Pros and Cons of Hair Extensions

Hair extensions; what are they, how do they work, what are their purpose, should I get them? These questions plague the minds of those who are not happy with their hair. They are also on the minds of those who are looking to change their hair in a big way and those whose hair will not grow. Are hair extensions right for you? Well, you have come to the right place to find out. Here you will find a list of pros and cons of getting hair extensions. You will also find information about how they are applied, how long they last, and how to care for them. By the time you finish reading this you will have all of the necessary information to make a decision.

Pro – Long Hair. Many people want to have long flowing hair, but they struggle with growing it out. This can happen for all manner or reasons including but certainly not limited to, illness, medications, genetics, and fine brittle hair. Any time the balance of your body’s chemicals are thrown out of balance it causes your hair to slow down its growth. This includes when a short term or long term illness sets in, the medications that an illness requires can also throw your body off kilter. Whatever the reason, it is very difficult for anyone who wants long hair and extensions can help.

Con – The Price. Unfortunately, the process of getting hair extensions can be a bit pricey. First, you have to consider the price of the extensions themselves. While none of the options are “cheap” some are more expensive depending on the type you want. We will discuss the exact price ranges later on. After purchasing the extensions, you then have the price of getting them installed to consider. After having the extensions put in, you will need to have them styled and don’t forget about the long term upkeep.

Pro – Adding Color Without Chemicals. Not only can you add length and volume to your hair with hair extensions, you can also add any color you can imagine, By using hair extensions to add color to your hair you avoid having to use harsh, damaging chemicals that cause hair to break and frizz. This is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a more natural approach to coloring or is dealing with a medical issue that doesn’t allow for the use of chemicals.

Con- Getting Used To Your Extra Hair. If you are new to hair extensions and have never worn them before, you will have an adjustment period. It will take a few days to become used to the sensation of having them in. Plus, be prepared for your head to feel heavier for the first 2-3 days after getting them.

Caring for Your New Hair Extensions. It is important to wash your hair every other day and always make sure to detangle your hair before washing it. Be sure you are using sulfate or paraben free shampoo as other kinds will cause damage to your extensions. Always avoid going to bed with wet hair; when heading to bed make sure your hair is completely dry and it is best to wear it in a braid or pigtails. These are the most ideal ways to wear your hair to bed because they eliminate as much pulling of the hair as possible. Speaking of which, go to great lengths to avoid pulling or tugging on your extensions.

Types of  Hair Extensions. There are several different types of hair extensions and each one has its own level of  quality. The first one to take into consideration is synthetic hair. This type is the lowest quality hair extensions available. They are made with plastic fibers, low grade acrylic. These fibers are made in such a way as to look and feel like actual human hair. This is the same type of hair used on dolls and is the cheapest variety. Next up is a type of hair extension call non-remy hair. This type is actual human hair with the cuticle not intact. This is the lowest grade of human hair extensions that you can get and generally lasts only a few weeks. The next three types are what is what is referred to as remy hair. There are  three levels of remy hair; low quality, high quality, and virgin.

What is remy hair? the term remy refers to the method of manufacturing and the characteristics of the hair. The hair used in remy extensions are harvested in such a way as to keep the follicles aligned in a single direction because all of the hair strands remain aligned in the natural direction. The top at the top and the ends and the bottom. Remy hair is only lightly processed where the cheaper extensions undergo a great deal of processing. The lowest grade of remy hair extensions do not have the cuticle intact  and are coated in silicone so as to appear shiny and soft. The next level referred to as high quality remy does have the cuticle intact and are not coated in silicone. Finally, there is the virgin remy hair extensions. This type is the most expensive hair extensions available. The reason this kind of extension is so expensive is because it is somewhat rare (or at least uncommon) and it takes much more work to process. Virgin remy hair will last around a year, making it the longest lasting extensions available.

Here is a breakdown of the approximate cost of each type of extension.

  • Synthetic – One pack is less than $50
  • Non-Remy – $60 + Per pack
  • Low Quality Remy –  $80 – $100 per pack
  • High Quality Remy – Around $100 per pack
  • Virgin Remy – $200 + per pack

Keep in mind that these are approximations and could vary either way depending on the length of hair you want, how much you are buying at a time, and where you purchase the extensions from. Also remember that these prices are per pack, therefore if you want a lot of extensions, you can end up spending hundreds to thousands of dollars.

There you have it, all of the pertinent information to help you decide if hair extensions are right for you. If you are still undecided, the best thing to do is talk to your hairstylist. He or she can walk you through the process, show you different extensions and different types of ways to attach the extensions. If you happen to be in the Montreal area, I highly recommend going to Montreal Hair Salon, they will help you out and you can be sure to get great hair extensions.

 

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