Strand by Strand Hair Extensions.
Fitting of strand by strand extensions can take between 3 and 6 hours depending on the thickness of your own hair. They should last between 2-4 months depending on how well they are maintained.
The extensions are applied using a hot extension applicator which forms a small bond around your own hair and the extension hair, each bond is around 1cm long and 2mm wide, this is a very important factor when having extensions done because if the bonds are bigger than this they will be seen and they will make the extensions bumpy and heavy instead of laying flat
Hair is left around the hairline as when hair is put in a ponytail this hair covers the bonds around the edge. There can be up to 250 bonds applied in a full head. The only way bonds may be seen is if the hair is given an un natural parting.
We also use a bond which best matches your own hair. eg black bonds for black hair and clear bonds for blonde hair. When extensions are completed in some cases depending on the style of your own hair it helps to texturize the ends for a better blend.
Washing Hair Extensions
DO NOT wash hair for at least 2 days after the extensions are put in. This allows the bonds time to properly set. If the hair is washed before this there is more chance of bonds or hair falling out.
You can wash hair as often as you like but remember that the less stress put on the bonds the better.
You can condition often and a deep conditioner can also be used to re-condition ends if required. Leave in conditioners can be used as can serum and any other styling products.
Brushing Extensions
When brushing extensions try to use a soft bristled brush as this will cause minimal damage to extensions, a hard brush can often pull hair out, brush gently, the more care taken the better, just don't pull at any tangles, try to tease them out.
Extensions should not get terribly knotted but as with your own hair they can occasionally get luggy! You will lose strands of hair while brushing, this is normal bear in mind you lose strands of your own hair every day naturally. The shedding is just hair which has not been caught up properly in the bond or has come loose. Try to sleep with hair in a plait, this will minimise chances of knots.
Styling Hair Extensions
The hair can be straightened, curled and blow dried. When straightening try to avoid straightening over bonds. Hair can also be cut and styled but when cutting please take into consideration where bonds are so you do not get the hair cut in a way which will expose the bonds.
You can dye hair but do a strand test first as different hair types dye differently eg your own hair may not dye the same as the extension hair or the extension hair may not dye as expected.
You can however do your roots while extensions are in. The best way to do this is to dye around the hairline, (where hair is seen if in a ponytail) and down the centre parting. Usually this is the only hair seen, if however you wish to dye all of your roots then this is also possible but remember that the less stress and messing around done the better.