Do Your Research Before Getting Hair Extensions - Beware of Misleading Information

by Melissa L. White

There is a wealth of information on the Internet concerning hair extensions, but not all of it is true. Sometimes the information is exaggerated, other times it is more than just a little misleading - it can be completely false.

Note the bald patches
after removing extensions

This may come as a shock to some, but there are people out there who use inferior hair products and try to pass them off as quality! Many who do this offer hair extensions at "too good to be true" prices, or make bold statements that those who charge more are just ripping off consumers. I've even heard outrageous claims that Great Lengths hair extension bonds are not keratin and are glue! It's hard to believe that people can still fall for bold claims like this when for years we've been warned that if something looks too good to be true, it probably is.

But, it happens time and time again. You read a story about someone who finds a great price on hair extensions, then gets them installed, only to find out that it was a huge mistake. Not because they had hair extensions, but because they had extensions that were not top quality, using methods that can be problematic, and more importantly, installed by uncertified, unqualified or inexperienced stylists.

Just this week an interesting story of a British actress named Jodie made the news. Her case was newsworthy because the hair extensions she had put in caused extreme damage to her hair. The photo above shows the actress after she had to remove the hair extensions herself.

The stylist who installed her long blond hair extensions had used wax bonds (not a recommended method) and hadn't explained that you couldn't use any type of heat on them. This caused a big problem when Jodie attempted to blowdry and straighten her new hair. She explains, "It was great waking up feeling like Cinderella with long, blond hair. But when I went to straighten my hair, the wax bonds started to melt. My hair started matting and sticking together."

Jodie was left with short, thinned hair and bald patches

There is a reason that high quality hair extensions are more expensive than the hair extensions that you can purchase yourself at a beauty supply store. Quality hair extensions are sold only to licensed hair stylists who have been trained by their company. They are not available at beauty supply stores anywhere. Companies such as Great Lengths and Hairdreams sell the world's highest quality hair extensions. They are more expensive than other brands, but they use the highest quality of hair, and the bonds used are designed to be gentle on your hair (unlike glue, wax, tape, weaves or even clip-ins).

I could get technical with all of the specific differences that determines the "quality" of hair, but we'll cover that in another article. The point that I'd like for everyone considering hair extensions to get is that this is an investment in you. Don't take short-cuts or do it solely based on price or you may end up with a look that is far worse than the one you are unsatisfied with now.

You need tips in finding the best hair extensions, and don't want to fall for misleading claims. So what do you look for? Beware of claims like these:

• Name-brand such as Great Lengths, Hairdreams or So-Cap are not the best
• Name-brands use bonds that are not Keratin-based (a protein found in hair)
• Glue is the best method
• Prices are good because they get hair from a local beauty supply store
• They send you to purchase your own hair
• You can get a head full of quality hair extensions for under $500
• Claim training and/or certification without naming the companies certified by
• Has your hair in stock already (hair should be custom ordered for each person)
• Clip-in extensions are the only "safe" method
• Synthetic hair can look just as good as 100% human hair
• There is no maintenance needed for their hair extensions
• Tape is a good method of applying hair extensions
• You can wear your extensions for a year or more
• Micro-rings can't damage your hair
• You need to change your extensions every 1-3 months

These are just some of the outrageous claims I've seen from stylists who venture into the world of hair extensions without having done their homework! Stylists who spend a lot of money for training from the top companies don't hesitate to mention those companies by name. If you have received certification from Hairdreams or Great Lengths, you flaunt it because they are the two best in the world. Your equipment is the latest technology and your training is unequaled.

Yes, quality hair extensions do cost more than those you purchase from a beauty supply store. And, the professionals installing them usually charge more than a stylist who doesn't use quality extensions. You need to ask yourself whether you feel comfortable taking the risk with hair and stylists who are questionable.

Do you feel saving a few dollars is worth the possibility of ending up with an experience like Jodie? Read all the details on Jodie's bad hair extensions and let me know what you think!

RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:
The Daily Mall - Actress left with matted hair after "dodgy" hair extensions
Extensions of Yourself - Facts About Hair Extensions
Extensions of Yourself - The Hair
Extensions of Yourself - What's Best

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Melissa White is an experienced, licensed hair extension artist and stylist whose passion is to bring out the natural beauty in everyone by enhancing their own individual features with the use of hair extensions. Melissa has over 14 years of extensive training and experience with the industries top hair extension companies in the newest techniques. Originally from Boston, Melissa has been in San Antonio for the past 8 years. She believes that everyone should be able to access and afford the hair of their dreams...thus the creation of Extensions of Yourself, San Antonio's first salon which specializes exclusively in quality hair extensions.

Great Lengths Reports Hair Extensions At All-Time High In Popularity

by Melissa L. White
Licensed Hair Stylist
Certified Hair Extension Artist

Great Lengths, one of the world's top three suppliers of high quality human hair extensions, is reporting a 70 percent growth in the last five years! That's huge by any standard, and it speaks volumes as to how popular quality hair extensions really have become.

According to a report by the Professional Beauty Association, there has been a  28.5 percent increase in the number of U.S. salons who offer hair extension services. This at a time when the economy has been in the pits is a pretty good indication that this trend is exceeding popularity predictions. While the hair used in hair extensions has not changed, other factors seem to boost their desirability.

So what is contributing to the success of the hair extension phenomenon? First, more and more celebrities are seen wearing hair extensions and are openly talking about them. In the past, movie stars didn't talk much about their beauty secrets, but in today's society everyone gets on the band wagon with sharing just about anything and everything. Sometimes it is in preparation for a launch of their very own product line, other times it is a way of staying in the news.

And, celebrities aren't the only ones talking. Women from just about every walk of life now wear hair extensions and are willing to talk about it with friends, family, co-workers and even acquaintances. It can be such a life-changing event that most women are excited, renewed and feeling so good about themselves that they want to share it with everyone.

What also contributes is the advances that have been made within the hair extension industry itself. The leading manufacturers of hair include Great Lengths, Hairdreams and So-Cap. "Glue" bonds have been replaced with high quality keratin tips that are far less damaging to the hair because keratin is a naturally found in hair itself. Also methods for installation of hair extensions has improved tremendously as more specialists have emerged with superior application techniques.

Outdated methods of glue-tips, sewn in extensions, beaded bands or clips still exist, and are often found in hair extensions of lesser quality. Even the quality of keratin tips can vary tremendously from one hair company to another. Doing research and finding trained stylists who are experienced in hair extensions will generally lead you to those who use more up-to-date methods and provide quality hair from one of the major hair companies such as Great Lengths, Hairdreams, So-Cap and select others.

Training should come from the company itself. In other words, the stylist should be certified by the companies they use, i.e., Great Lengths or Hairdreams (as I am), and not by the salon they work for. All hair extension professionals that are certified have been trained in similar classes. Where stylists differ is in the quality of hair they choose (or that their salon chooses) to use, and the techniques and skill level they have in applying the hair extensions. This is what can make a world of difference in your hair's outcome. Some stylists have a natural "feel" for placement and bonding, while others simply have textbook knowledge. Some see a lot of clients, others may do extensions only once a week, once a month, or perhaps even less.

The bonds used by companies also can vary greatly, and each has specific suggestions for installation, care and removal of hair extensions. As the first salon in San Antonio to specialize exclusively in hair extensions, I quickly realized that too many stylists try a "one size fits all" solution for all of their clients, and some choose short-cuts using cheaper hair or even synthetic hair. I use several of the top companies because my client's needs are all different and I choose what is best for each individual person I see.

The news remains - it looks like hair extensions are here to stay. Not only in San Antonio, but areas around the country are seeing increases in the numbers of women seeking hair extensions as a matter of looking better, feeling better, and many times taking care of medical conditions which would otherwise leave them depressed and hopeless. I'm glad that hair extensions have come out of the woodwork and are no longer seen as taboo.

RELATED ARTICLES:

Extensions of Yourself: The Cost of Hair Extensions

Jan 17, 2012

A top-of-the-line hair extension system like Great Lengths, HairDreams and So-Cap, will cost more because of the premium nature of the hair used in these extensions. This hair is not as readily available as lower end hair, ...

Extensions of Yourself: Use of Hair Extensions in Today's Economy

Jan 12, 2012

HairDreams and So-Cap are a close second to Great Lengths and their 10 year head start in the hair extension market. With the huge response to hair extensions, people are innovating new and creative techniques and that ...

ABOUT THE AUTHOR -

Melissa White is an experienced, licensed hair extension artist and stylist whose passion is to bring out the natural beauty in everyone by enhancing their own individual features with the use of exquisite hair extensions. Melissa has over 10 years of extensive training with the industries top hair extension companies in the newest techniques. Melissa is also a certified Brazilian Blowout stylist. Originally from Boston, Melissa has been in San Antonio for the past 8 years. She believes that everyone should be able to access and afford the hair of their dreams . . . thus the creation of Extensions of Yourself, San Antonio's first salon which specializes exclusively in quality hair extensions.

 

The Cost of Hair Extensions

by Melissa White
Licensed Hair Stylist

Hair Extension prices depend on a number of factors. The type and quality of hair extension, the amount of hair used, the length of hair or the look desired. A top-of-the-line hair extension system like Great Lengths, HairDreams and So-Cap, will cost more because of the premium nature of the hair used in these extensions. This hair is not as readily available as lower end hair, hence the much higher costs for the hair extensions. General rule of thumb, to add body to hair figure you need $500 and up, to add length, figure $1000 and up.

The average person spends over $1000. Be careful just judging on price. Hair Extensions are an investment in yourself. If it costs $200 for a full head of hair extensions, stay away. They will probably destroy your hair. Use only 100% Natural Remy Human Hair Extensions. Avoid synthetic extensions, and make sure the person is a licensed hair dresser who has had experience applying them.

The best thing to do is schedule a consultation with an extension specialist in your area, or a location you are willing to travel to. I personally enjoy meeting my clients in consultations, as they enable me to give an exact price based upon the look you want, the length you want, your lifestyle, and the amount of hair needed to accomplish your desires. These are all important. I spend time answer any and all questions you may have, and preparing you for what to expect when you get your new hair. Make sure the person you see is a licensed hair stylist who has had experience applying hair extensions, and who is willing to give you a realistic idea of what it is like to wear them. While my consultations and hair analysis visits are always free, some stylists choose to charge a fee.   Here's more information on what it's like to wear hair extensions, where the hair comes from, and the different types of hair extensions available.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 
Melissa White is an experienced, licensed hair extension artist and stylist whose passion is to bring out the natural beauty in everyone by enhancing their own individual features with the use of exquisite hair extensions. Melissa has over 10 years of extensive training with the industries top hair extension companies in the newest techniques. Originally from Boston, Melissa has been in San Antonio for the past 8 years. She believes that everyone should be able to access and afford the hair of their dreams . . . thus the creation of Extensions of Yourself, San Antonio's first salon which specializes exclusively in quality hair extensions.

Use of Hair Extensions in Today's Economy

by Melissa White

Licensed Hair Stylist

Hair extensions have exploded in popularity over the last several years, and are not just for celebrities anymore. People from all over the country are getting hair extensions, trying to improve their hair fullness and length. At the start of the hair extension craze, everyone wanted to look like their favorite celebrity. Mariah, Beyonce, Tyra, Oprah, Shakira, and a host of others, never left the house without their extensions in. Now it is everyday people, making room for the hair’s budget, even in tough economic times.

As the demand for hair extensions grows, more and more companies are offering different type of hair extensions. At the start of the hair extension boom, silicone was the bonding agent of choice to connect or “fuse” the hair extension to your own hair. Fusion attaches small amounts of hair, strategically placed, throughout your own hair to create length, fullness, or both. Shortly after the boom began, Great Lengths developed a pre-bonded hair extension, that eliminated the need for glues, and the new hair extension revolution took place.

The current bonding agent of choice is usually a keratin polymer. Keratin is a natural component of real human hair. This polymer can be fused in many ways, such as heat, ultrasonic waves, air pressure, or laser. There may be pros and cons for each method depending upon your hair type and the type of hair extension used. An experienced extension artist can advise you.

Today, there are dozens of companies looking for a share. HairDreams and So-Cap are a close second to Great Lengths and their 10 year head start in the hair extension market. With the huge response to hair extensions, people are innovating new and creative techniques and that is good for everyone.

I’m often asked by other businesses whether the downward changes in the economy do anything to change demand. At my San Antonio hair extension salon I've noticed that with today’s emphasis on trends, it has become apparent that people will always find room in their budget to look good. A woman might buy one less dress or fewer pair of shoes instead of giving up their hair extensions.

One thing is for sure, the hair business is changing. The days of getting a haircut or color at the salon are changing. More and more exotic services are showing up and taking hold, and growth for the beauty industry as a whole looks like it will continue. Celebrities are not the only ones trying to look good, and with the Internet, people are made aware of new trends faster than ever before.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 
Melissa White is an experienced, licensed hair extension artist and stylist whose passion is to bring out the natural beauty in everyone by enhancing their own individual features with the use of exquisite hair extensions. Melissa has over 10 years of extensive training with the industries top hair extension companies in the newest techniques. Originally from Boston, Melissa has been in San Antonio for the past 8 years. She believes that everyone should be able to access and afford the hair of their dreams . . . thus the creation of Extensions of Yourself, San Antonio's first salon which specializes exclusively in quality hair extensions.