~Long Locks Hair Extensions ~ Diamond Quality~

Good Hair Extensions VS Bad Hair Extensions - What's The Difference?

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VERY IMPORTANT!   The quality of hair used for your hair extensions is for the greatest part responsible for how gorgeous and natural your hair extensions look and also the life span of your hair extension, and is therefore of great importance.  

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Here we explain more about the different types of human hair used for extensions.

When poor quality hair is used, your human hair extensions can become a nightmare.  They become dry, brittle and tangle constantly.  The majority of hair sold today is *non-cuticle (or non-remy) hair, which is less expensive than *REMY human hair.  So if you want to spend less money on your hair extensions this could be fine for you, as long as you realise that this hair will start matting, tangling and become dry a lot sooner than a higher quality hair.

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 *Remy hair is a description you will hear often when looking for hair extensions.  The highest quality hair will still have all the cuticles intact and perfectly aligned in the same direction.  This hair is referred to as REMY hair

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*Non-cuticle or non-Remy hair is hair that has been cut and processed without keeping the cuticles intact or running in the same direction.   

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A. If the cuticle scales are not facing the same direction, the hair will interlock like Velcro. This will lead to matted and tangled hair. 

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B. When different types of hair are mixed with cuticles aligned in different directions this hair becomes of a much less quality and therefore less expensive. To prevent tangling the cuticles must be removed and the hair is covered by silicon. 

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C. Cheaper hair is very often processed in a way which completely destroys the cuticle. To restore the shine the hair is covered with a silicon layer. It looks beautiful when first applied, but after a few washes the silicon is removed and the hair matts, tangles, and becomes dry.  This hair is primarily referred to as non-cuticle or non-Remy hair.

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Human hair extensions.  Human hair used in the hair extension industry comes in different qualities and in general we can say that “we get what we pay for”.  

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The lower the price of your hair extensions, the lower the hair quality you can expect. 

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Hair comes in many different qualities and apart from the method of application, the quality of your hair extension hair will determine whether or not they will look real, and how long they will last.

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{Please Note: The following comments on hair quality are meant as a guide only and are relevant to matching the hair strands of Caucasian people. The Asian and African hair strand is different in texture and structure and these comments may not apply. A trusted Hair Extension technician with experience dealing with the African hair strand will be able to give you the best advice in matching your hair with the extensions.}

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Synthetic Hair

Synthetic hair is a man-made fibre that is made to look like your own hair but will NEVER look like you grew it (unless you are 12 inches tall and your name is Barbie).  It produces a different sheen than human hair, moves differently, feels different and therefore does not blend with human hair. New fibres are developed continuously that are better resistant to heat and have an appearance closer to human hair. It comes in a large variety of colours.  This hair is the most inexpensive.  Sometimes this hair is mixed with human hair and a combination is used for a human hair extension. In most cases this is of course not the way to do it. Both hair types need a different after care.  Synthetic hair is however, great for dreadlocks - but that's another story. 

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Asian Hair

This hair is a coarse hair strand and naturally grows very dark and very straight. This hair is thicker than European hair and has a round cross-section. It is normally dark black.  To prepare this hair for use in hair extensions it is usually made thinner and lighter. Use it if you are Asian and you do not colour your hair and you want the sleek, dark look. This hair is very often used for human hair extensions as the hair is less expensive.  Only buy Asian hair that has been coloured or permed if you don't intend to wear the hair extensions for long and you can't afford anything else.

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European ‘Quality’ Hair (not to be mistaken for European hair)

This is basically NOT European Hair but is the best of the Asian, Korean and Pakistani hair.  It has a similar basic structure as European hair. In general this hair type is of a medium-good quality. However the method of collection is very essential.  Hair companies in Korea and Indonesia are specialized in this type of hair.  Collected in the right way with all the cuticles present and in the same direction this hair is one of the more popular hair types available for use in human hair extensions. Same as the above though.  Don't expect it to last for more than one application.

Temple Hair

Temple hair is derived from the temples of India.  This hair is donated by subjects that believe donating their hair to the temple is an honour.  Because these subjects do not normally process their hair in any way, the quality of this hair is great.  Once cut from the donors head, the hair is then processed for distribution to salons around the world and is reknowned as a great match for caucasian hair.

European Hair

European human hair does not necessarily come from Europe. It is a group name for different hair with a similar structure, the main exemptions are Asian hair and African hair (their structure is very different).  True European hair mostly comes from southern Italy and Spain and usually is grown very dark. Some of it is naturally straight, some naturally wavy. European Hair is what many people use for Extensions. It is durable and looks good. It can last for up to 6 months sometimes longer if cared for properly. 

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 Raw/Virgin Hair?

Does Russian hair really exist or it is the result of great marketing spin and hype? 

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According to Russian Hair marketing gurus, this hair has been grown for generations by the same families specifically to be cut and sold. It has never been chemically treated in any way (blonde hair is grown on a blonde head) and as such is much better suited to colouring and perming if necessary.  If you choose to have hair extensions in what is known as Russian hair, the extensionist should be able to show you the difference in the qualities of the hair.  You will be able to see and feel the difference.

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How Do I Look After Them?

You look after Hair Extensions the same as you would for long hair that you grew yourself. If you have never been able to grow your hair long before it is probably because you are killing it just as quickly as it grows.

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Here's a few tips:

1.   Wash, condition and MOISTURIZE (very important) your hair every 2 - 3 days. The extensions do not receive your natural scalp oils and so need to have moisture added every wash. If you don't moisturize your hair extensions they will become brittle and break easily leading to split and ratty ends. We recommend a good moisturizer be used for all Hair Extensions.

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2.   Treat them with respect. They will not grow back if you yank at them with a brush, burn them with the blow dryer, or destroy them with chemicals. Be nice to them - they cost a lot of money so make sure you get your money's worth.

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3.   Always brush out all knots before you wash your hair, swim, or sleep. Start at the bottom and work your way up slowly using a paddle brush.

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4.   Make sure you wash in between the bonds to keep your scalp clean and free of bacteria.

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5.   Over-heating is one of your hair's biggest enemies, the damage can be as deep as the cortex which is in the middle. Be careful not to use too much heat when you use a hair-dryer, straightener or curling iron. It is best to dry your hair extension bond from the scalp to approx 1 inch below the bond, but to let the rest of your hair dry naturally.

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6.   Chemical treatments like colour and perming can be harmful as well. Go to your stylist for advice, they should know what is best for your hair. Brush your hair gently to prevent damage. This is not just better for your hair extensions but it will also keep your own hair healthier.

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What Happens Next?

Every 6, 8 or 12 weeks (depending on your hair growth) your own hair will have grown anywhere from ½ to 1 ½ inches on average.   At this time you will need to return to your Extensions technician and have the bonds removed and both your hair and the extensions checked for any product build up, damage etc. The hair extensions can then be re-applied (depending on quality you can re-use the same hair) and Voila! You look beautiful again.