There are many different ways to attach human or synthetic fiber hair extensions. Below is a list of the basic methods and description. Many of these methods are referred to by several different terms.

Attachment of hair extensions, regardless of method, should never hurt in any way (other than financially of course!) Fusion, Infusion, Strand by Strand Extension hair is applied strand by strand (Infusion) with a hot or cold form of adhesive. The adhesive can be a keratin based product or other natural-based products that can be very similar to the material that makes up the hair and nails and is considered to be non-damaging to your own hair. Some companies will vary the amount of individual pieces of hair that are included in each strand. I.E. some will consider 20-30 human hairs to be one strand.

There are many types and variations of adhesives available, including waxes and medical grade adhesives. Extension hair applied in wefts is called fusion and extension hair applied strand by strand is called infusion. Generally speaking, fusion refers to both strand by strand and weft attachment. Fusion is a more permanent
technique that can last anywhere from 3-5 months. Be advised that there are some stylists and professionals in the hair extension industry that stress that no hair extensions should be left attached to your hair for more than 8 weeks, as they will cause permanent hair loss if left on longer. (Called traction alopecia)

Bonding
A Bonding glue or adhesive material is brushed onto the weft of the extension hair and then it is applied to the root of the individual’s hair. The extensions can be easily removed by a bonding remover. There have been women that have had an allergic reaction to the bonding material. Many companies offer bonding kits with do-it yourself instructions. This method is a more temporary solution that will last a few weeks.

Micro Links, Micro Sleeves, Micro Shells
or Micro Locs
Human extension hair is attached with tiny links, sleeves, locs or shells that can match your hair color or be clear. Some of these micro products are made out of specially formulated polymer materials. Others are made from flexible nickel tubing that is squeezed shut to hold the hair in place. They are non-magnetic and do not rust. If you have a nickel allergy you will not be able to wear them. Some of these micro methods are used on extremely over processed hair, very fine, silky straight hair and any hair that has trouble holding the adhesive or keratin products used by the other extension methods. The micro shells and links can be re-used sometimes up to three times.

Heat Seal:
Strands of synthetic fiber hair are attached to the natural hair using a heat seal that is created by applying a low temperature heat to the fiber hair. The fiber hair then shrinks down to form a seal securing the attachment.

Standard Track Weaving
Wefts of extension hair are sewn into tracks created on the head with cornrows. Wefts are re-usable and this system can last 3-4 months. Tracks can also be made with hand-tied knots. The extension hair is sewn into the knotted track with a needle and weaving cord.

Tape
Various types of two-sided tape are used to attach hair extension wefts or strands.
 

String:
Crochet + Hook
A crochet needle is used to sew the individual strands of human hair into the tracks created on the head with cornrows.
 

Filament String:
Strands of hair extensions are attached to a filament string. The string is then attached to your natural hair

Man-Made Skin:
Extension hair is attached to a man-made skin and is then grafted to the scalp.

Clip-Ins
Extension hair is clipped directly to hair with tiny hair clips. This is an easy do-it-yourself solution for hair extensions. The hair is purchased with the tiny clips already attached on the ends. Clip-in extensions may be a great place to start if you are serious about getting hair extensions. See our list of various online resources to purchase human hair clip-in extensions, located at the end of the Chapter 3 Extension Companies.

Drawbacks with some of the current methods have been instrumental in the development of new technology. Factors such as the time to attach the extensions, how long they last and more will lead to new and improved methods in the next year.

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