We bust the myths and reveal the facts about hair extensions.
As you read in the February issue of ELLE Canada, my mop of limp and fine hair and need for instant gratification lead me to extensions. Hair stylist and owner of Salon Escape Robert Barbosa transformed my hair by adding 20-inch long individual extensions to my head—here are my details to consider if you’re “growing” your own hair and how to maintain the luscious locks.
THE DECISION
Getting a consultation before deciding to get extensions will help you decide what type of extension is best for your situation and whether or not your hair can hold the extensions properly. “Although synthetic or fiber hair can be great to experiment with for a night out, natural hair blends more easily,” Robert explained to me. “It can be treated like your own hair so you won’t have to change your maintenance routine.” My goal was always to disguise the fact that I had faux-locks and with that in mind agreed to get natural hair extensions.
THE PROCESS
Total time: Five hours and 45 minutes
I was intensely self-conscious walking into the salon—my dry-shampooed hair was thrown into a messy bun on top of my head and whispy fly-away’s had me resembling Helena Bonam-Carter—after a swift assessment and encouraging smile from Robert, I was robed and ready for my transformation.
Step 1: My hair was washed twice with clarifying shampoo to eliminate any product buildup that would weaken the keratin bonds that attached each extension to my natural hair. Without being conditioned-- my hair needed to be “clean” in order to hold the extensions—my hair felt stiff and straw like as I sat in the chair.
Step 2: A thorough blow-dry! Any dampness will weaken the hold each extension may have on your natural hair.
Step 3: Robert pinned my hair up leaving approximately an inch loose at the base of my neck. He then selected a small section of hair at the bottom-right of my head and secured the hair with a plastic disk.
Steps 4, 5 and 6 on the next page, plus hair extension care tips ...
Image courtesy of Nelson Simoneau.
