| TV personality and writer Judi James needed to | | | | you wish. And as they clip into real sections of hair, |
| promote her latest book Supermodel, so she sought | | | | they remain hidden and look as natural as possible. |
| to make herself look as glamorous as possible. Not | | | | Many clip-in can last up to a year, depending on how |
| wanting to shell out tons of cash, she decided that | | | | often you wear them. You cannot sleep in them, |
| investing in hair extensions to add volume to her | | | | however, and will have to spray on a maintenance |
| short, dyed blonde crop would be the smartest idea. | | | | spray to keep them, umm, well-maintained. It's |
| "My hair is poker-straight and there was nothing to | | | | possible to add volume quicker with clip-in extension |
| tie it onto, so having extensions was like tying it onto | | | | pieces, which can add a whole layer of volume in just |
| something shiny and straight," James recalls. "Four | | | | a few clicks. Many of these can be washed as you |
| days later I was in the checkout at the supermarket, | | | | would normal hair. Clip-in bangs and ponytails are also |
| and when I ran my hand through my hair most of it | | | | available - beware the bogus look. |
| came out in my fingers. The girl behind the counter | | | | Care of Hair Extensions |
| nearly fainted. What made it worse for her is that I | | | | No matter what type of method you choose, the |
| just shoved it into my shopping bag." | | | | care of extensions is generally the same - although |
| Not one to give up easily, James opted for an | | | | your hair stylist will provide specific advice concerning |
| unusual solution: she went back to the hair salon and | | | | the extensions you choose. In general, however, the |
| had the extensions put back on with Superglue. | | | | following tips are recommended to keep your |
| "After that they stayed in, and grew along with my | | | | extensions looking as natural as possible, for as long |
| own hair," James says. "I can only compare it with | | | | as possible: |
| having false nails with real nails growing underneath | | | | Always use real human hair. Synthetic hair is fake. It |
| then, although I looked like I had low-slung lice. In the | | | | looks fake. Don't fake it. |
| end they used some sort of glue dissolver to finally | | | | Follow the advice of your stylist to the letter, to |
| take them out, which didn't do my real hair any | | | | avoid wasting both time and money. |
| favors." | | | | If you want to have your extensions highlighted, visit |
| It wasn't that long ago that women yearning for | | | | a specialist. Don't try this at home! It's recommended |
| longer hair would have to either wait patiently for | | | | to have your hair dyed or highlighted before the |
| their hair to grow, or invest in a wig or a weave. Not | | | | extensions are put in anyway, to guarantee a better |
| anymore. These days, you can have longer, more | | | | color match. |
| luxuriant hair at the click of your fingers - literally - all | | | | Never got to bed with wet hair extensions, and |
| thanks to hair extensions. | | | | always tied them back before you turn in at night. |
| But if you're worried that extensions will make your | | | | Tangling hair extensions is not a good idea. |
| either penniless, completely bald or with an incredibly | | | | Always use a high quality shampoo and conditioner, |
| damaged scalp, take heart. If you do a bit of | | | | and keep your hair as clean as possible. Very dry hair |
| research and look into the type of extensions that | | | | tangles more when it gets wet, so keep it supple |
| are right for you, chances are you'll end up with | | | | and looking good and well-moisturized for best effect. |
| natural-looking head of hair you really love, instead of | | | | Pay close attention to conditioning the ends. |
| having a shiny, Barbie-type wig stuck to your head - | | | | When you exercise, keep your hair out of the way in |
| or having your hair fall out in clumps. | | | | a ponytail, if possible. If you swim, wear a swimming |
| Types of Hair Extensions | | | | cap, preferably one made of latex, as chlorine or salt |
| Hundreds of different hair extension methods are on | | | | water are not good for extensions. |
| the market today, but in general they all fall into one | | | | Avoid any type of silicone-based styling products, and |
| of these three main categories: | | | | always brush your hair very gently, without pulling. |
| Strand-by-strand. The most labor-intensive method of | | | | Similarly, don't wear ponytails or other styles too |
| all, involving small clumps of hair extensions to be | | | | tightly, as they can damage the extensions. |
| meticulously fastened to your own hair. This is done | | | | If you are concerned about hair quality ask your |
| either by weaving, gluing, fusing, applying using | | | | stylist to explain the differences between European |
| specific waxes or polymers or clamping with metal | | | | hair, Asian hair, Indian hair, Russian hair and even |
| tubes. The method you choose will depend not only | | | | Virgin hair (!). Some people claim it's all a lot of hype. |
| on your hair type, but the effect you want to | | | | Others say choosing the right type of strands to |
| achieve and your budget. All except clamping involve | | | | best match your own hair are vital. |
| having chemicals put on your hair. | | | | Finally, when having your extensions removed it's |
| Weft. This method involves making small wefts, or | | | | always a good idea to have it carried out by a |
| tracks of hair which look a bit like a curtain, which are | | | | professional stylist. You may choose just to have the |
| either handmade or done by a machine. Handmade | | | | extensions cut out, but prepared for a much shorter |
| ones are generally considered to be better as they | | | | hairstyle. |
| are tailored to suit your own head, and they last | | | | Hair extensions can give you longer hair and add |
| longer than machine-made ones. They are attached | | | | volume to your existing style, but you have to do it |
| to your head using a tiny track, or braid, made out | | | | right. And you also don't want to be left with |
| of your own hair. | | | | widespread damage to your hair when the |
| Clip-ins. These are the easiest of all - and sometimes | | | | extensions are just a memory. "After my extensions |
| they even look realistic! All you need to do is section | | | | were eventually taken out I found that quite a bit of |
| or part your hair and snap the clips into place. Repeat | | | | my hair had broken off. And I had to be careful |
| the process until you reach desired length. Most clip-in | | | | about how I brushed it as more could fall out," says |
| extensions are made from human hair, and you can | | | | James. |
| curl them, straighten them or style them however | | | | |
