Hair Extensions - Before you decide on glue in extensions consider the clip-in, clip-on type, there are fabulous and easy to put it and take out without damaging your hair. A superb alternative if you ask me.

What Are Hair Extensions?
Most hair extensions are made of fine strands of nylon which are melted around your natural hair. Extensions are available in just about any color, texture or length. A lot of women of color will add hair extensions to provide the full braided look that is popular.
How Hair Extensions Are Applied
The hair extension is placed on the parting of a small tress of hair and the hair criss-crossed over the extension. The real hair and the hair extension are then tightly plaited or braided together and painted with a bonding solutions. A heated clamp melts the solution sealing the extension around the hair. This is known as "heat sealing". Hair extensions must be attached by a professional hairdresser or hair expert. It is very difficult and risky to attempt to add hair extensions on your own. Not only will the attachments be hard to handle, you may wind up with an uneven overall length or possibly damage your hair unnecessarily.
Life Expectancy Of Extensions
If applied properly, will last up to four months. After this the special glue-like bond attached to your natural hair will begin to loosen and fall off. Many people will only keep their hair extensions for a short period of time for a special event or occasion. How long extensions are kept is a personal decision.
Disadvantages Of Hair Extensions
Hair extensions can do damage to your natural hair. The glue that is attached to your natural hair can burn and split the ends of your hair. This means that you will almost always be required to have the ends of your hair cut after the extensions are removed.
Also, if a lot of long or heavy extensions are added, this applies additional pressure to your scalp. One of the dangers of extra pressure to your scalp can be a thinning of your natural hair. In some cases there have been reports of headaches from the added weight of the hair or allergies to the bonding glue that is used. Everyone is different and will react to hair extensions in a different way.
What's the typical length?
You can have any length you want up to about 26"-30". Anything longer than this puts extra weight on your scalp, which may lead to uneven pressure and damage to your own hair. The best looking hair extensions for average height women are usually around 22" or even lesser.
How much do they cost?
Price depends on experience. Anything from a few hundred dollars to a few thousands. Shop around and do some research. Be sure your extensionists takes notes & has a consult form that asks pertinent questions pertaining to your situation.
Can I wear my hair up?
Of course, you can! Hair extensions should not be applied any lower than the base of your scalp

Each strand is 'pre-tipped' with a synthesized keratin protein that acts as a glue to bond the strands onto your hair. Heat may be used to bond, or 'melt' the glue, or some stylists use FastFusion technology, which uses air pressure to bond the hairs in faster time. xpect to pay $10 for a single extension to $2,000 for a full head.

Don't want extensions glued to your own hair? Clip-ons are becoming more popular. I personally prefer the clip-on type because they are easier to attachand remove, and lets face it, they are kinder to your hair, no chemicals, less tugging and pulling.

In fusion - Each bond must be symmetrical; you must be able to part hair at any point to be able to see the scalp. It should not be pulling the client hair nor should it be too tight for the scalp, as this will cause uneven weight distribution as it grows out, which in turn causes breakage. A good fusion should look invisible, even when the hair is in a ponytail or moving around.

Caring for hair extensions is a bit different from caring for natural hair.

* Use a soft bristle brush and brush your hair from the bottom and gently work your way up.
* Gently tie your hair up while sleeping.
* Do not color your own hair extensions at home.
* To prevent tangling, run your fingers through the braid extensions.
* Be careful with conditioners or any silicone based products.