When it comes to hair extensions-“the forbidden accessory” (as I like to call them), there remains a stigma of inauthenticity if you indulge in their high-hair-esteem qualities. Although the use of extensions has been a synonymous part of self-image for both men and women for centuries, let’s validate this hair accessory and turn it into a moment.
(The Obvious) Extensions- Extend
We’ve all been impatient wanting a particular lengthy look immediately. Why wait six months to a year for a couple inches of growth, when you can grow eighteen inches in one hour? The same goes for that beansprout ponytail. Opt for the Dolly Surprise special… you want long hair, get long hair.
Build Body
In my years of doing hair no matter what product I use on my clients, or what haircut I give them, by the third or fourth day after their salon visit, they’re ready to shampoo their hair. The only problem with this is- dryness of the hair and scalp.
My solution for putting volume into the hair mid-week is triple-sec and clip-in extensions (for the sides of your hair only). Using the extensions at the sides of the head allows you to create the necessary volume to the crown using heated rollers and triple-sec.
Protective Style
Working out and looking great when it’s time to go to work or have a social life can become a bit of a juxtaposition. The process of shampooing, blow-drying, flat-ironing and styling your hair can take hours and make you all- together change your mind about going anywhere. Of course, we have the option to wash and go. But even that consists of looking like Micheal Jackson from Thriller until your hair dries 5 hours later.
A full wig or full head of extensions come in handy in moments such as this. Not sure what it is about having other people’s hair in our heads behaving perfectly. Maybe it has something to do with sharing…sharing hair (Sounds gross)? It’s what we do daily- besides the synthetic hair is itchy.
There is magic in having a full head of someone’s hair on your head. Just admit it:)
Transition
Changing your self-image is not always easy to do, even if it’s planned. Extensions can create an easier adjustment for someone looking to change their appearance.
If a person wants to try a short haircut but isn’t ready to commit. A full head of sewn-in extensions or a lace wig are excellent options. This gives them the opportunity to try out the style without the commitment, (I’ve heard that short hair takes more maintenance).
NEWSFLASH LADIES…IT’S ALL WORK!
No- you- di-ent!
On the flip side is the person growing their hair longer. Hair never grows out evenly. Long here, short there, no bangs, and of course… the layers that won’t go away. To this monstrosity, we add clip-in hair extensions (these will keep you growing your hair out when you hate it most)!
You can create bangs, shags, and fullness in the crown when using clip on’s. The use of the extensions will prevent your hair from being heat damaged.
Color Wheel
Whatever the heart desires (as far as hair color goes) can be achieved. No worrying about overprocessed hair or the color being the wrong choice for your complexion, hair extensions allow experimenting with color safe.
Colored hair extensions may also be applied throughout the fringe area to brighten up the skin tone or extend the life of an existing color by blending two or three colors together until the existing color has grown out.
Next time you see a woman with a beautiful head of hair, ask her to share a few of her secrets. Don’t be quick to think she does or doesn’t have extensions.