Our hair in many cases brings out our personal style and tastes. Because the Junk Mail team loves all things unique and stylish, we wanted to take a closer look at the world of hair. From hair extensions, weaves and hair pieces, to the different types of wigs for sale, we give you the lowdown on some of the most important info when it comes to the types of hair extensions and wigs out there today.
The Different types of Hair Extensions
There are various types of hair extensions available in South Africa (and worldwide). The price of your extensions will depend on a variety of factors including the type of extensions you choose, your desired length and desired thickness.
One of your first options is synthetic hair. This hair is ‘made’ using modacrylic fibres and resembles real hair in both look and texture. Note that there are various blends and types of synthetic hair available. Synthetic types of hair cannot be styled using heat – so no GHD or hairdryer – but you do get some brands that offer heat friendly options.
An upside of synthetic hair has that ability to ‘bounce back’ and doesn’t react to the weather either (so no more frizz at the first sign of rain). The more affordable option when it comes to everything from lace wigs to hair extensions, keep in mind that synthetic hair is less durable.
Your other option is human hair. Soft and natural, human hair available can be divided into four main groups namely European (or Caucasian), Indonesian, Chinese and Indian. Also keep in mind that the way the hair is processed also plays an important role.
One of the more sought-after human hair used for both wigs and hair extensions is Remy (or Remi) hair. What makes this hair so special is the fact that it is ‘fully intact’. The hair follicles are kept running in the same direction helping to create a smoother and silkier look. It also helps to reduce tangling.
Attaching your Hair Extensions
The techniques used in actually ‘attaching’ your extensions vary based on the look you want, the type of solution you need and your budget. Below are some of the methods commonly used to attach extensions:
Bonding
This method of adding extensions to your hair involves gluing tracks of hair to the roots of your natural hair. A method also referred to as Bonding is used when it comes to attaching wigs and hair pieces such as toupees.
Two types of bonds can be used – a hard bond and a soft bond. When a hard bond dries its consistency is compared to that of crazy glue, while a soft bond has a dried consistency compared to that of rubber glue.
Clip In Hair Extensions
Clip In Hair Extensions is one of the less permanent options available. Simply ‘clipped in’, these types of extensions have a toupee clip sewn into them. You can place these extensions and remove them before you go to bed. Because they can be removed and reinserted, they are a versatile option that also allows for easy styling.
Fusion
Creating a more natural look, these types of hair extensions involves ‘fusing’ strands of your natural hair with the human hair extension. Allowing for weekly washing and the use of styling products, this is a long process and also an expensive one.
Tape Extensions
This method involves attaching the extension to your natural hair using double-sided tape. Small sections of your own hair is ‘sandwiched’ between the tape and then ‘clamped’.
Weaves and the methods used
Also known as ‘sewn in’ extensions, weaves can be described as your hair being braided tightly along your scalp. A weft of hair extension is then sewn along the braid of your own hair.
There are also different types within this subsection of hair extension. Tree Braiding involves extensions being placed in your hair (by making use of a cornrow). The extension is placed in your hair at the beginning of the braid being made by folding it in half in order to create a cornrow with a knot in the front of it.
Lace Extensions, a more recent development when it comes to weaving, entails the use of extensions made from Nylon mesh material. This extension is formed into a cap, entailing the knotting single strands of hair into the small openings of the cap formed. These caps are then either woven into the hair or attached to your hairline by making use of special types of adhesives.
Micro Braiding involves the use of hair-braiding weave and entails your own hair to be weaved into the synthetic hair extension to create a braid.
Tracking is another weaving method used and entails your hair to be first braided into cornrows. After the braids are sewn down, the hair extensions are sewn into the braids. Starting at the bottom of your head, the hair is sewn in in a horizontal fashion (from one side of your head to the other). This results in weaves that can be cut and styled.
Netting involves your hair being braided in natural braids under a thin and breathable net. This net is your stylist’s surface onto which he or she can now braid the extensions. This is a flexible option as your stylist is not limited to attaching the extension to a braid.
Wigs and Hair Pieces
Like hair extensions, there are also different types of wigs for sale. Here you can also opt for either Human Hair or Synthetic Hair. According to its cap construction, these are the different types of wigs and the look it can help create:
*Note: The Cap is simply the base of the wig, helping to give it its shape and supplying a base onto which the hair can be attached.
Hand-Tied Wigs
These types of wigs create a very natural look because every hair in the wig can move freely. Here, the hair is tied onto the cap by hand using a single knot. Resembling the movement a natural head of hair would make, these wigs also allows for some styling flexibility.
Monofilament Caps
With this type of wig, the cap is made of a silk or nylon mesh, hair knotted onto it. This type of cap creates a look that creates the illusion that that the hair is growing from your scalp. Because the hair is individually knotted onto the cap, it also allows for more flexibility when it comes to styling.
Lace Front Wigs
Helping to create the illusion of a natural hair growth along your hairline, these lace front wigs are made with a mesh insert in the front. This mesh insert allows for hair to be individually tied to the cap, helping to create the natural hairline illusion.
Look for lace wigs for sale if you are interested in styling your hair away from your face as it allows for a natural hairline.
The Basic Cap
One of the more affordable options when it comes to wigs, the basic cap wig has wefts of hair that is sewn into the cap. The crown of the wig has a closed lace layer. The hair of these wigs are cut and styled, the crown usually teased or crimped so that you cannot see through the cap of the wig.
Hair Pieces
A hair piece is another option. Not a full wig (but rather a partial wig), this solution is great for adding a bit of volume to your hair or hiding thinning hair. Like with hair extensions and wigs for sale, a hair piece can be made from different materials and are easy to remove.
Available in a half wig, clip in or even hair scrunchie form, these pieces are great for a night out on the town or giving your hair that special little oomph.
When it comes to hair pieces for men these are usually referred to as toupees.
Ready for your next hair style? From fabulous hair extensions and lace wigs, to weaves and clip in hair extensions, why not browse through the fabulous offers on Junk Mail? With a range of extensions and wigs for sale, you are sure to find your next look. Selling your services, wigs or extensions? Place your FREE AD on www.JunkMail.co.za.
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