subject: Hair Extensions: A Faster Way To Change Styles [print this page] For anyone interested in making drastic, quick changes to their appearance, we live in an exciting time. Hair extensions allow women (and even men) to add considerable length to short tresses in little more than an instant, something that would have been quite difficult not that long ago. Of course, there have always been wigs, but those hardly give you the undetectable, seamless blend available in this fashion accessory. For those that don't have the patience (or desire, in some cases) to wait for their natural locks to grow out, these provide a way to have a longer style right out of the box. Here are some things you need to know to get started.
Natural or Synthetic
If you start looking at hair extensions, you'll see that you have two primary choices: natural and synthetic. Natural options give the user a lot more freedom to do with the accessory what they will. Like your natural locks, they can be permed, straightened, put into curlers, and much more. With a synthetic weave, the options are a bit more limited. You have to be careful about exposing them to heat, so heat-applied changes are not possible. This doesn't mean they can't be curled, but it must be done in lengthier, more roundabout ways. Of course, the greater options come with a price. Human locks cost several times more than their synthetic alternatives.
Temporary Options
If you're just looking for hair extensions to wear for a photo shoot or a party you've been invited to attend, you might want to look at different options than you would if you were looking at something to wear for a month or two. Many in the fashion world will recommend clip-in options for those who want something they can take in and out as they please. These clip-ins are permanently sewn onto clips that can then be quickly attached to your existing locks. When you're ready to be rid of them, taking it out is no more a hassle than removing a barrette from your head.
Long Term Options
Many women see short-term hair extensions as something to have fun with, but generally view them as little more than a Halloween prop or something silly for schoolchildren to play with. The difference between clip-ins and true weaves are like the difference between spray on hair dye and having your hair colored in a salon. And true to form, an experienced professional usually does long-term hair extensions in a salon. Once in place, the customer can usually expect to get three months of wear before the weaving process needs to be repeated.
