Hair extensions are a popular way of making a change to your appearance without drastic measures. You can purchase hair extensions in two ways: human hair or synthetic. Each has its own specific pros and cons, and before you ask your stylist to have extensions put in, you'll need to decide which type of extensions are the best choice for you. You'll be wearing them for up to a year, so it's important to choose the extensions that suit your style and lifestyle the best.
Appearance
Human hair extensions are made from human hair, so they mimic the tone, color and texture of your natural hair very well. Synthetic hair extensions are usually of good quality, but it you purchase less expensive synthetic extensions, you run the risk of having a texture that is unnatural or doesn't blend well with your natural hair. For this reason, it isn't recommended that you purchase synthetic extensions without seeing them in person first, to compare and make sure they look natural.
Longevity
When you have human hair extensions placed in your hair, you can keep them in for up to 6 months to a year, depending on how well you care for them. Synthetic extensions usually last around 6 weeks to 3 months, again, depending on how they were cared for. If you are looking for a short term change, synthetic extensions may be a better choice.
Cost
Human hair extensions cost $76 to $400 as of 2009, according to HairExtensions.com. Compare that to synthetic extensions, which can cost anywhere from $50 to $85. If you are planning on keeping the extensions for a longer period of time, it may be worth it in the long run to pay more money for human hair extensions.
Styling
Synthetic hair extensions are much easier to style; they come with style memory, which allows them to keep their shape and style all of the time. You cannot use heated styling tools on most synthetic hair, as they may cause the hair to melt. Hair products should be used sparingly, as they can cause build up on the extension. Human hair will be styled in the same way you care for your natural hair. You can use styling products and tools without trepidation.
Care Instructions
You can care for human hair extensions in the same way that you care for your natural hair. Wash them along with your hair with shampoo in the shower, and use conditioner to keep them soft and shiny. To wash synthetic hair extensions, you should use the cleaner solution that comes with most extensions. If you did not receive the solution, you can use a small amount of dish soap to wash them and a small amount of conditioner to restore them to their original softness.
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