The Different Types of Hair Extensions (2)
The cons are that it is very time-consuming to have the extensions put in, as very thin strands of hair are taken to be attached to each extension. Also, this procedure has to be done by a qualified and experienced hair stylist. Otherwise, you'll probably end up with burned hair and sloppily done extensions. This means that it is very expensive, especially if you desire thick, long hair to be done at an upscale salon.
The glue/keratin is also quite damaging to the hair. The process itself requires extremely hot, melted glue to be attached to the root of the hair, which is in essence damaging. Also, the hair tends to knot and break with time around the keratin/glue bonds, which is of course also damaging.
Next up we have pocket-strands of hair that are attached to the client’s natural hair roots by means of a metal cylinder, called the Micro-link System. The hair extension is pulled through the metal cylinder with a hook-like mechanism, while the cylinder is then flattened with pliers. This is basically the same concept and procedure as the previous method; only instead of the glue/keratin we use a flattened metal cylinder as means of attachment.
These extensions are also relatively "permanent," as the cylinder bonds grow out with the hair and can then be attached to the roots of the hair by removing the old cylinders and reapplying new cylinders. These cylinders tend to fall out easier than the glued-in type though, especially if the stylist is not particularly experienced in this method, or if the client tends to be rough with their hair.
This method tends to be less damaging to the hair, though, which is a huge plus for anyone who is trying to grow their hair long and is only using the extensions as a transitional or motivational tool.
The cons are that some people suffer moderate to severe allergic reactions to the metal-type cylinders, especially when the cylinder makes frequent contact with the scalp. There is also a risk of causing open wounds when the cylinder rubs or chafes against the scalp repeatedly. In such a case, the extensions will have to be removed quickly to avoid serious irritation, injury, and/or infection.
This is also an expensive method, as it has to be done by a qualified, experienced stylist, preferably at an upscale salon to ensure quality products used (cylinders, hair extensions, etc.) and the services of a stylist who knows what they are doing.
Wefts
Next, we have wefts, which is a continuous type of extension (long strips of extensions, not individual pockets of strands), which are attached to the client's hair by means of cornrows braided into the roots of the hair. The cornrows are braided as closely and tightly as possible to the client's scalp, to ensure a stable and semi-permanent base for the weft to be attached to. Then, the wefts are sewn onto the cornrows, thus attaching the wefts quite securely to the head of the client.
The weft grows out with the hair, gradually becoming looser at the roots as the hair grows out. The wefts can be taken out and attached to the new roots as needed.
The cons are much like the previously mentioned methods. Damage to the hair is unavoidable, although greatly reduced in comparison with the aforementioned systems; as there is very little movement in the base of the hair because of the tightly braided cornrows.
This has to be done by an experienced stylist, as you will waste your time and money if you use someone without the necessary knowledge and experience. If the cornrows are not tight enough, the extensions do not have a stable base, and will inevitably become loose and uneven within a day or two. Then again, if the stylist braids the hair too severely or without care, the tight braids can pull painfully at the scalp, causing gradually increasing pain until the point where the client will demand to have the wefts removed.
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