Hair extensions are one of the beauty secrets that you really want to remain a secret. They are not like other feminine artifices, such as false eyelashes, which you often want to be highlighted and exaggerated, depending on the style of your makeup. You probably do not want people saying on the street: “look, this girl wears extensions,” you’ll want your hairstyle to look as natural as possible, as if it were your own hair. When you say that you use them you want people to say, “Wow, but it does not even look like hair extensions!” The extension should improve your look and not make it overdone and artificial. So how do you make your extensions look like your own hair? Here are some tips:
1
HAVE ENOUGH HAIR
Do not try to save money buying fewer hairs. Likewise, if you have shorter hair and a straight cut, without being shredded at the ends, you will also need a larger amount. If you don’t you could end up with that step stair effect, as the pictures show:
The more voluminous your hair is, the more extensions you will need. If your hair is thin and sparse with shredded ends, a little extra hair will be enough. You also need to consider how much extra hair you want. So make sure you have enough hair to fill your head and make your look more natural.
2
USE THE RIGHT TYPE OF EXTENSION
If you have sparse and thin hair, you probably will not want the traditional multi-piece sets of clip in sewed extensions. They will weigh on your head and not look right. If you choose to apply temporary extensions for special occasions, we recommend the wire extensions. This way it will be a lot more comfortable and natural for you. This look can be made more natural by shredding the ends.
Now, if you want a semi-permanent extension, the best option is the tape because it has a thin base and is imperceptible to the touch, without making volume or looking like a helmet which the keratin and microlink method does.
3
USE THE RIGHT COLOR
It´s common to have dark roots and one or two lighter tone tips. When you choose the color of your hair extensions, take into consideration the color of the tips of your hair, because it is from there that it will be visible. In the case of tape in extensions, you can mix two colors to get a more natural effect and one closer to the tone of your hair. You can, for example, make the wick sandwich with the top piece ombré and the bottom part piano effect, to disguise the dark root and obtain sparse wicks. Now, if you think no color will match your hair, the solution is to pick a lighter shade and dye it according to your color, always doing a test first to make sure the chemistry is compatible.
Another ideal option would be to buy your extensions in the color you wish, make an appointment in your favorite salon and ask the professional to change your own hair to the same shade. If he/she is a good pro, will have no problem getting the exact color.
4
CURL OR WAVE THE ENDS
Not sure that your extension is fitting perfectly into your hair? Curl the ends! This way the layers will blend more easily, get some movement and the layers of hair will be disguised. The waves and curls will prevent that step stair effect from being evident as it would be if you used it straightened.
5
KEEP YOUR HAIR CLEAN
It is not just a matter of hygiene, but also of aesthetics. Clean hair offers a much more propitious and natural base for the extension. Oily roots, in addition to reducing the lasting of the adhesive, make the wicks reveal the tapes. So, go take a shower now!
6
MIX DIFFERENT SIZES
As our Premium Line has all entire strands, without short and broken ones, you can mix 2 lengths if you want. For example, in the case of tape in extensions, you can make the sandwich with the shorter top and the long bottom, mixing the sizes and colors to get a more natural or layered result. It all depends on the shape, volume and condition of your natural hair. The person who can tell you the best way to go is a professional with experience.
7
USE HIGH QUALITY HUMAN HAIR
Buy selected hair pieces. Some brands of extensions use shoddy hair that, after washing, produces a lot of frizz and becomes opaque and rough. It happens a lot in the case of non-Remy hair, when the strands tangle a lot and have a short life. Always invest in high quality hair, particularly for semi permanent extensions, this is a certain way to save money. You will not need to replace parts frequently as you will be able to treat and stylize your own hair. On the other hand, if your own hair is damaged, rough and opaque, it will not fit into silky and healthy hair extensions. In that case, it is best to treat your hair first before using good quality extensions.
So if you want your extensions to look real, you should tailor the texture of your hair. Even though better quality pieces are more expensive, you’ll realize that you’ll save money in the long term. The cheap up front option often comes out an expensive deal over the long run.
8
APPLY WITH A PROFESSIONAL
This is one of the best pieces of advice we can give to you. Hair extensions nowadays are so easy to put on and are practically “do it yourself”. However, to get natural results without disappointment, consulting an experienced hair stylist is paramount. The best result will depend on the placement, staining and cutting, with all the tricks and tips that a qualified professional may know about. This will definitely make all the difference when merging the extensions with your own hair naturally.
In summary, it is not so difficult to have a realistic looking extension: it will depend mainly on the amount of hair, color, style and cut, and you can get help with all this with an experienced professional. Once you get a good quality product and take care of it properly, you will have it lasting for over a year, without having to spend more on it and just with periodic maintenance.