Marbella Rocks, in association with leading hair extension company, Marbella Hair Extensions, gives you the lowdown on every type of hair extension available today. So if you’re interested in taking the plunge and getting luxurious locks like Cheryl Cole and Beyonce carry on reading….Be informed, be beautiful!

HISTORY OF EXTENSIONS

Hair Extensions have been an accessory for the rich and famous for centuries. There is evidence that the Egyptian ruler Cleopatra was a huge fan of this type of enhancement.

Extensions and wigs have been worn by both genders up until the 18th century, when the vain obsession was banned by the government in England. However, this did not take on, and rich nobles soon returned to hair extensions which remained popular up until the 1st World War. During this period the importation of luxury hair stopped and short hairstyles came into fashion as a result.

Hair extensions have always been the accessory for the crème de la crème, for thousands of years, but it all changed in the 90’s, when extensions become affordable for everyone.

Why hair extensions?

The obvious reason for having hair extensions is to achieve sexy glamorous locks. Using hair extensions for length is a great way to achieve that personal statement and create a look that turns heads as soon as you walk into a room. Hair extensions can provide an instant solution to those recovering from a bad hairstyle, adding length to the hair that does not naturally grow well or as a tool for growing your own hair.

Anything over 16 inches is considered long hair extensions, but recently crazily long hair has become popular and now hair extensions are available in lengths up to 30 inches. Thanks for that J-Lo!!!!

Types of hair extensions

Types of application are suited to individual personal needs, determined after consultation with a fully qualified professional.

Depending on the reason for having hair extensions, lifestyle and necessary durability – the right type or combination of methods are chosen for the service.

Generally, hair extensions used today are divided by method of application into two groups, individually bonded and weft extensions 

INDIVIDUALLY BONDED

These are hair extensions that are attached to the person’s hair by creating a bond that seals the hair extensions hair to person’s hair with bonds made from keratin or other types of organic material.

Since the 90’s glue and silicone have not legally been allowed to be used after evidence was found that it was damaging the hair of the person having the extension service. Make sure your extensionists are using the right tools and materials before your service. Always check products and materials used.

Individually bonded hair extensions are usually the most expensive on the market. However, we like to refer to this as your beauty investment as after the full head application the hair extensions are kept to be reused every 6-8 weeks when maintenance for these systems are performed. In layman’s terms – maintenance involves taking all the hair extensions out of your hair and moving them higher up to the root. This is a necessary procedure as the natural hair grows on average around ½ an inch every 6 weeks.

Maintenance is also required to ensure that the hair carrying hair extensions are placed on a different strand giving necessary rotation, which is the main key to having hair extensions in a healthy way.  At this point if more hair extensions are necessary they can be added, however the initial hair used from the first service can last up to 14 months.

HOT MELT APPLICATION METHOD

This was one of the original methods available in the extensions market, that is unfortunately disappearing, as a result of the complicated skills involved in the method of application. Inspired by the ancient application system, using candle and bees wax for applying hair extensions, this system uses a gun applicator that melts keratin sticks, which are then rolled into bonds using extension hair.

Although, this method involves using high heat of just below 100° it is still lower than that provided by average hair straighteners including GHD’s, which heat up to 220°. The bonds are light, clear and are the size of a rice grain, which are then distributed throughout the hair in specific patterns. This system is good for first time hair extension application as the system lasts around 6-8 weeks and are easily removed if necessary, by remover or acetone.

Upside:

• Excellent, if this is the first time you’re having hair extensions.
• This system is safe and can be used on short hair.

Downside.

• Even though the positive and the negative for this system is that it is easily removed, the side effect can be that a little hair extension shedding can occur.

It is also not suitable for people with overactive lifestyles including spending large amounts of time in hot and humid environments. Also certain shampoos and other hair products are not compatible for this system

MAGIC EXTENSIONS OR MICRO EXTENSIONS

Based on the same principle as the hair extension system above, this system is provided by using different tools. A special applicator applies a keratin tape forming a bond, which is heated to body temperature. This system is also referred to as ‘cold fusion hair extensions’.

Initially, developed for people suffering from alopecia and later readjusted to use in hair extension services. This system can provide the smallest bonds available today. It is perfect for people with very short hairstyles who desire a change in the most naturally looking way. This system is also perfect for micro extension work such as eliminating fringes or filling crown areas, achieving height at the top. This system is also the most popular for men as it can provide a solution for guys with male pattern boldness. These extensions are more water and humidity resistant.

Upside:

• Durable and reliable system
• Virtually invisible bonds, therefore ideal for very short hair
• The most natural looking hair extension system available today.
• Can be used to disguise baldness such as Alopecia, or recovery from chemotherapy.
• Suitable for all hair textures.
• Great for men.

Downside:

• As the system is more durable it has less negative features, however some people have found that the bonds may feel a bit hard and irritating for the first few days after the service.
• Also the service is more expensive and can take anything from 3 – 8 hours depending on the desired outcome.

KERATIN HARD WEARING SYSTEM

This system is a very durable and hard-wearing way of having hair extensions. Often chosen by girls with busy, active lifestyles that are not novices in having hair extensions.

This system consists of using keratin tablets to pre-bond the hair and apply it to hair with a specialist machine. This system also involves using higher heat therefore the bonds have a higher melting point providing greater durability.

It is also great in combination with other systems when applied on certain parts of the head that are more prone to dampness such as excessive sweating.

It is definitely the best system for those hot summer months in The Costa Del Sol. Longer durability, with maintenance not necessary for 8-10 weeks.This system is extra durable and perfect for those who are more then a novice to hair extensions. If you have had hair extensions for more then 12 months, then this is the system you may been looking for.

As the maintenance is not required as often as the other systems this system can be better value for the money.

Upside:

• Less shedding
• Heat and water resistant compared to other systems
• Looks good 

Downside:

• As a hard-wearing system it can result in a problem when they are required to be removed. This is a problem if the extensions have only recently been applied.
• Also for the same reason, these extension bonds don’t go soft and always appear new. This can give a false sense of reassurance for the time of maintenance.
• These hair extensions can last up for 12-13 weeks without maintenance, not saying that is healthy for your hair, as the hair extensions require regular rotation. 

MICRO RINGS

This is a no heat with this type of extension. The bonding application system involves holding extensions in place with a silicone coated metal bead. It is ideal for applying both wefts and individual hair extensions.

Mostly this system is used for temporary hair extensions as maintenance is required. Its only takes from 40 minutes to 1½ hours’ time per service. It is ideal for weddings, photo shoots and special events.

Downside:

• Despite the quick application time there are quite a few downfalls for this system. Starting from cost, it can be pricey as the hair that is used is pre bonded in a special way.
• The beads, although the smallest ones available, can sometimes be visible when the hair is wet. Also the hair does not fall naturally in a glamorous way and this system requires quite a lot of styling so it can look its best.
• For durability this system is not great and the best use of it can be gained for a short period of time as it last up to 6 weeks. Also colour blending is limited and for the best results it works on hair that has only been coloured to one particular tone.

bonded hair extensions

PRE BONDED HAIR EXTENSIONS

The market today is flooded by various brands such as Great Lengths and Balmain, offering pre bonded hair extensions for salon use.

These hair extensions take the same amount of time as other systems. They are durable and easy to apply, using heated application machines.

Downside:

• As with any pre bonded hair extension system, it can work out a costly way of having hair extensions.
• The colour blending is also very limited and it tends to achieve a striped hair extension look.
• This system is not designed to be reused so the client is expected to buy new hair every 2-3 months in order to maintain the extensions. Also the size of the bonds cannot be adjusted to person’s individual needs, which can cause damage to the hair.
• The bigger the bonds the more traction and less flexibility it can cause.

WEFTED HAIR EXTENSIONS

This system is used mainly for Afro Caribbean hair, as it involves keeping hair in a plait called cornrows for a long period of time.

The wefts of hair are sewed to the braids to create the hairstyle. This is great way of achieving hair extensions styles without integrating the person’s real hair into it.

Downside:

• It is the most uncomfortable system to have done and to wear. It’s not suitable for European hair as it tends to produce large amounts of natural oil, which cannot be washed out with this type of hair system.
• The build-up of oil and salts that the body produces can result in itchiness and scalp irritation as well as traction alopecia from the tightness of the cornrows.
• This system can also work out quite difficult to manage and requires regular maintenance as it loosens quickly and it gains movement across the head.