Features and types of keratin hair extensions
To add volume and length to the hair, modern technologies suggest not growing, but increasing curls. Keratin hair extensions are considered the safest practiced methods. After a high-quality conduct of such a procedure, it is impossible to think that there are extended strands among natural hair.
Description
Keratin is a synthetic polymeric substance that helps the attached curls stay long and naturally. They do not create discomfort with daily care and do not weigh hair down.
Keratin technology was first used in Italy and gradually spread in Europe and then around the world. Now any woman has the opportunity to improve the look of her own hairstyle in just one procedure.
It is recommended to do it:
- to increase hair length;
- to add extra volume to the hairstyle;
- for cardinal changes in the image or the creation of a new one;
- to mask imperfections in the form of bald patches, etc.
Like any procedure, keratin hair extension has some contraindications. It should be discarded if any of the following list takes place:
- frequently colored or discolored curls;
- diseases of the hair, scalp, the presence of scratches;
- sensitivity of the scalp;
- VSD (vegetative vascular dystonia);
- the period of treatment with antibiotics, hormonal drugs, chemotherapy;
- allergy to the composition;
- thinning and too brittle hair;
- acclimatization period or before climate change.
There are restrictions on the length of natural and hair extensions. The length of the former should not be less than 6 cm, and the extended ones should not be more than 50-70. Natural strands have to cope with the load.
Extension types
There are several methods of hair extension. Let's consider the main ones.
According to new forms and technologies for performing the procedure, keratin hair extensions have been constantly changing during application. At the moment, three varieties are preferred: Italian, English and micro-growing.
Italian
The capsule method, which is considered the most reliable and safe. Its peculiarity is that it uses keratin-coated strands. The master attaches them to the client's hair with heat tongs. At the same time, a kind of adhesion with natural strands and elongated, thick strands that look natural are formed. Additional strands are held firmly enough and for a long time, they can confidently tolerate washing and dyeing.
It should be noted that the procedure according to the Italian method is done for a long time (about 4 hours). Strands need correction as they grow back.
English
During the procedure, the master uses a special thermal gun that melts keratin capsules to hold the strands together. This does not harm the "native" hair and is done faster than the Italian method. The size of the keratin capsules is selected individually and it is possible to do everything exactly according to the wishes of the client. The utmost care is required in the execution of this type of extension.
There are also some disadvantages: after the procedure, you cannot use balms and masks for a certain period, you should use a hairdryer as little as possible. The strands last for a shorter period than with the Italian method.
Microwelling
Extension of lightweight strands of any length using transparent microcapsules and keratin powder. This completely harmless method has a disadvantage in the form of refusal to visit steam rooms and gradually comb out the hairs from the strands.
Advantages and disadvantages
In general, such a procedure as keratin build-up has both pros and cons.
A positive result can be considered that:
- hair visually and to the touch becomes denser, longer and silky;
- you can individually select strands according to hair color and length;
- extended strands are allowed for heat-laying and painting;
- the fact of the increased strands is invisible to others.
Of the minuses, only the most obvious ones can be noted:
- the cost of the procedure and the time it takes to carry it out;
- the need for special care and correction after regrowth;
- a feeling of discomfort after building up (mainly during sleep) is possible;
- you can dry with a hairdryer only under a cool stream of air.
Hot extension procedure with capsules
This salon method can be seen on the example of the Italian system. Its essence lies in the technique of applying a keratin capsule, fixing the strand at a high temperature and forming a long extended strand identical to natural hair. Keratin is recognized as absolutely safe and maximally identical to the protein in the structure of natural hair.
Build-up by stages:
- hair is divided into strands, a line is determined for attaching additional strands;
- at a distance of about 1 cm, an extensible curl with a bio-keratin capsule is applied;
- heat tongs are heated to 180 degrees for the melting process;
- the master uses forceps (or hands) to form a capsule;
- after building up all the strands, the hairstyle is leveled with an iron;
- with a special hot razor, the master smooths the border of the transition between the strands of the natural and artificial structure;
- the final length and shape of the hairstyle is formed.
Before the procedure, a professional hairdresser will definitely ask the client what form of hairstyle is preferred most often. Based on this, the strands will be distributed.
When to do the correction?
Judging by the advertising recommendations and advice on websites and in publications, the correction will be needed only six months later. But the reviews indicate that even if all these care procedures are followed, correction is required after 3 months in 90% of cases.
In time, the procedure will take at least 3-5 hours. It will cost less than the initial extension. The strands will be reused so you won't have to pay for them.
Cold way
Known as the "Gentle Spanish Method". During this procedure, the hair is not exposed to high temperatures. Gel capsules are used to attach the strands.
The gel building technique is as follows.
- Selection of strands to match the client's own hair.
- The capsule design process is carried out manually. The size of the created compound is no more than a grain of rice. A mixture similar to medical keratin glue is used. It does not cause allergic manifestations, is not toxic, and tolerates hot temperatures.
- The capsule is attached to an artificial strand and then to natural hair. The junction looks invisible, and the bundles are held firmly without inhibiting the growth of natural hair.
- A high-quality gel material remains transparent after solidification, and a cheap analogue acquires a whitish tint, invisible only on blond hair.
The whole procedure will take 4-6 hours. Two types of hair are applied:
- Slavic - with a fine and silky texture;
- Asian - greater rigidity.
Based on the quality of the connection, the hair extensions last for 3-6 months, and then a correction is necessary. A weighty advantage of the gel is that the removed strands are reused.
Correction
The capsules are removed using a special remover, and then the regrown hair is put in order and the removed bundles are reinforced. It is recommended to take care of a new hairstyle in the salon once a month. This will prolong the wearing period of the hair extensions and keep the shape of the hair and the shine of the strands.
Care
It is difficult to care for hair extensions, you must adhere to some recommendations, so that the hairstyle retains its acquired shape for the desired period of time.
- You need to comb the curls several times a day, carefully separating and smoothing the strands with a soft comb, starting the combing procedure from the ends and slightly rising up. This is to prevent confusion.
- In the process of washing, rinse the hair at the roots with care, not tilting your head down too much.
- Means for nutrition should not be applied at the base of the hair, close to the roots and keratin capsules, so as not to provoke detachment of the strand.
- Do not go to bed with wet hair, so as not to injure or break it.
- At night, it is better to collect your hair in a ponytail or braid.
- When laying with thermal devices, avoid contact of the iron with the attachment points of the strands.
The procedure for lengthening hair with a keratin composition can be carried out at home, but only with high-quality certified products. It is purchased in specialized stores with the help of consultants who select a product according to the hair structure of a particular customer. Enough 10 grams of funds to fix about a hundred strands.
Quality keratin can be clear, slightly bluish, or colored. It resembles fine-grained seed beads. Creamy shade or yellowness is a low-grade product that is best discarded. Using low-quality keratin will harm your hair and can negatively affect your overall health.
For information on how the hot keratin hair extension procedure goes, see the next video.