Extension Techniques

Hair extensions are used regularly by women to add length, volume and color to one’s own hair. The techniques are many and what determines which technique is used depends on many things. The first thing to establish is the desired look or style that one is trying to achieve.  After establishing the look or style with the client the stylist must assess the clients’ natural hair before they can proceed. Some of the considerations include the density of the client’s natural hair, the health of the hair and the texture of the hair. Other questions include how much volume or length does the desired look need and what texture should be used?  Will the client be looking for extensions that can be styled differently for example a curly style and or a straight style? Will the client wear the extensions temporarily for a particular affair such as a wedding or just a fun night out– and how important is cost? In all cases the quality of the hair is of utmost importance to minimize tangling and to provide the best match to one’s own hair. After many considerations the stylist will recommend the technique best to achieve most realistic and natural looking hair. The following are techniques that we use at Salon Santa Cruz.

• Micro bead fusion hair extensions are a new and trendy way to get a very natural look. This technique does not require bonding or glue of any kind; the extended hair is attached strand by strand with tiny micro beads that blend right into the natural hair. The beads are made of delicate silicon beads with a keratin coating which make them extra gentle on the hair. This technique is very popular amongst the celebrity set because the hair can be worn in many styles without detecting where or how the hair is attached. Ponytails, a very popular look these days can be worn easily with this technique.
• The braid-less sew-in; this technique is great for those used to getting weaves but hate the braiding process. The bead is secured onto the section of the hair replacing the braid; the weft of hair is added and secured with beads throughout the section and length of the weft. This is a delicate process with great results.  The braid-less sew-in eliminates bulkiness by eliminating the bulk of the braid for a more natural look.
• Custom made clip on hair extensions are great for those who don’t want any real commitment to the maintenance of hair extensions. With this in mind, they work well for wedding day hair styles that need to last and keep their shape.  Clip on hair extensions can be used and saved for other occasions to use again and again.