Tips for choosing hair extensions to suit you

Getting hair extensions can be a confusing business. Many extension systems exist, from pre bonded and micro rings, to fusion bonded hair extensions, or clip ins. It is important to know what happens to your hair when extensions are applied. Top extension salon Glamour Junkies shows us how it's done.

[See also: The best way to remove hair extentions]

1. General Tips

When choosing hair extensions, make sure you find a stylist that you can trust and has plenty of experience. Spend time talking with them about what is right for you, and try to keep them involved from start to finish.

2. Clip-ins

You can buy clip-ins with a clip sewn in place, or just attach a track of hair to a standard hair grip. Simply attach the clip to your existing hair so that it is out of sight. They can be added at a moments notice without the need of a stylist, and are a great place to start.

3. Fusion Bonding

Fusion bonding is a common method. About 20 to 30 strands of human hair have a warm keratin bond applied to the ends with a keratin gun. This is then attached to a small portion of your hair, and rolled between the fingers until a smooth protein bond forms. For a whole head of extensions, this is repeated around 150 times, takes about 3 hours, and is perfectly safe.

4. Pre-Bonded


The strands in pre-bonded extensions already have a protein keratin bond at one end. This is then fused to your hair using a special heating element. All hair extension systems experience natural shedding over time, however with pre-bonded extensions the bond is more robust, and so shedding is minimal.

5. Micro Rings

Micro rings are tiny rings which both your hair and the extension hair are threaded through. This is then clamped tight with pliers. It is a system which is ideal for fine hair as they add minimal thickness, and they are also resilient to styling as there is no glue to melt. The rings need tightening every 6 weeks, but this is simple, and makes them a cost effective long term method.

These are just a handful of the systems available, so make sure you have that long chat with your stylist to find out exactly what is right for you. You'll be sporting luscious locks in no time.

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