Hair extensions: types, recommendations, technology

Roman Bondarenko, hairdresser, stylist, beauty expert, inspired by the images of Hollywood celebrities, shows how to use hair extensions to turn an everyday hairstyle into a star look.

Roman Bondarenko , top stylist, hairdresser, colorist, wig designer, member of the editorial board of Your Hair magazine

Italian hot hair extensions using keratin capsules

For hair extensions, a special keratin glue is used, which is melted using tongs, then a capsule is formed - it holds the donor strand on the client’s hair. In my work, in 80% of cases I choose this method of extension. You can adjust the size, color, location of the capsules to achieve the most natural effect.

Recommendations:

• Before extensions, for better adhesion of the keratin glue to the hair, I use a degreaser over the entire extension area.

• Do not apply oils or masks to the capsule area.

• Be sure to dry your hair after washing to avoid tangling.

Tape extensions

For extensions in this way, strands of hair are used on special polymer tapes with glue applied to them. The process follows the sandwich principle: strand on a tape – client’s strand – strand on a tape. A very fast and easy way to grow.

Recommendations:

• Ideal for clients who want to add volume.

• You can mix different colors of strands to achieve a raised color.

• Not suitable for clients with very fine, damaged hair.

Spanish “cold” extensions

The donor strands are fixed using a special glue that does not require exposure to temperature. It is enough to apply it and simply form a capsule. In my opinion, this is the most durable and durable type of extension. However, stronger capsules will also be more rigid, which may cause some discomfort.

Recommendations:

• I choose this type of extension for clients with very smooth, glassy hair, as an alternative to keratin capsules, which can slip in such cases.

• You can form the smallest capsules that will be almost invisible.

• Since the capsule material is quite hard, I do not use this method on blondes with very damaged hair.

Technology

1. Separate the occipital area by parting from ear to ear.

2. We do a little backcombing and fix a wide tress.

3. Separate the parietal zone.

4. We fix two narrow trusts.

5. Separate the parietal and temporal zones and collect the tail on the top of the head.

6. Use a 38 mm curling iron to curl the curls and comb them out.

7. To add volume and texture, use dry shampoo and hairspray.

(Ready image)

Hairpins

This method allows you to turn a bob into Rapunzel curls in a matter of minutes. I use tresses at work almost every day - they are a very easy and quick way to transform your hair. Does not require corrections, unlimited service life, you can also play with color.

Recommendations:

• I always adapt the hair on the tresses to the client’s hair: I choose the optimal location, cut it so that there are no obvious transitions and steps, and be sure to color it.

• It is better to choose a hair texture that is slightly denser than the client’s hair, so that shorter strands do not separate from the donor ones.

• It is forbidden to wear tresses for a long time or go to bed with them, as irritation of the scalp or a bald spot may form in the places where the hairpins are placed.

Previously, the material was published in Your Hair magazine No. 6/2019