Articles Directory | Free Articles | New Articles Daily

Hair extension is one of the simplest ways to create a new look without going through the trouble of waiting for your hair to grow. This article will let you in on the basics of this rising trend in fashion and beauty.

First of all, to the beauty newbies (or maybe the men), hair extension is a way of making one's own hair look longer by adding other hair to it. These extensions are usually made from human hair, synthetic fibers or feathers, or any combination of both. They are available in a wide variety of colors, ranging from the deepest black to the lightest blond, or white. Textures also vary. According to your preferences you can choose from the wavy to curly to silky.

Here are the advantages of hair extensions:

The first is they can make you look like a star! If you pick the right color and texture, with the right style and outfit, you can easily look like you've just walked off the red carpet. This is the main reason that extensions are so popular. Every woman has a dream hairstyle. Extensions make it easier to get fulfill these dreams.

Another advantage is that extensions let you get to your desired hair length faster. Many people have a very slow growth rate and just don't have the patience to wait. Also, when there is a special occasion like a wedding, you can't ask for it to be moved just so you will have enough hair by then.

Lastly, extensions let you play with your looks. You can wear a clip in extension in a formal dinner one night and go back with your short do, just in time to play tennis the next morning. You can go from look to look without batting an eyelash, much like a movie star.

On the other hand, here are the disadvantages of extensions:

This first one may make you cringe - extensions can damage your natural hair, especially if it is applied with glue and other chemicals. Consider this when thinking about how to have your extensions applied. These substances often cause split ends. Having heavy extensions also puts pressure on the scalp and may cause hair thinning.

Another disadvantage is that they have a limited life span. Of course, depending on how long you want to hold on to your extensions, this may not be a problem. Some people welcome the excuse to change hair dos. However, most people do want their extensions to last, particularly because of the next disadvantage.

Extensions are pricey, depending on the quality of the hair. Human hair is the best quality, and obviously looks the most genuine but it is also the most expensive. However, you get what you pay for in these cases, so you may want to invest, especially if you're aiming for the natural look. Synthetic hair and feather extensions are less expensive but do not last as long as human hair.

Once you have decided to do it, go and have your hair extensions done by a professional. There is simply no substitute for having them done properly.