Fake hair
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Fake hair is used to give many different people different kinds of hairstyles without the commitment that having real hair in that style would require. It can be used to give the appearance of different colors, different types or longer hair.
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[edit] Methods of attachment
Hair extensions that are popular and used mainstream are made from human or "synthetic" hair. In one method, the hair is attached in a strand-by-strand method that lasts up to 6 months. A tiny rice grain attachment is placed 1/4" away from the scalp and human hair blended to match a clients color is added. A weave is popular in the African American community and that is when hair is stitched against the scalp, the antiquated method is painful and the tension can pull out the clients own hair. Some people are switching to a strand-by-strand technique even though it damages the hair and looks unnatural. Many celebrities of all ethnicities use hair extensions to give the appearance of length, thickness, and fullness; men are also having extensions as well now for a fuller head of hair.
[edit] Types of fake hair
[edit] Hair extension and Hair weave
Hair weave, commonly known as hair extensions or simply 'weave', is hair that has been sewn into a weft. There is stitching at the top of the weft, holding the hair together, and from there the hair hangs loose. This can be human or synthetic hair of any texture. The weft can be sewn to cornrows (the 'track and sew' method') or glued in with cold bonding glue specifically formulated to go on the scalp. It is also common to wrap a length of wefted hair around one's ponytail and pinning it in place, giving the illusion of a long, full ponytail. Being that this hair comes pre-wefted, there are many different hair possibilities one is able to achieve. Some use wefts for length, others for fullness, and still others for color. The hair can be wavy, curly, or straight and can be nearly any color. Longer extensions generally cost the most money. Wefts of unusual/unnatrual color can be pricey as well, being that the hair must be additionally processed. Many of the curly-textured wefts do not hold their texture after washing, but it this quality is brand dependant.
Washing the artificial hair is generally as simple as washing natural hair, though if the wefts are glued in, one should excercise caution not to loosen under the tracks, as it may cause them to 'slip' prematurely. Lower heat settings must be used when drying the hair, especially if the wefted hair is synthetic.
Hair extensions are able to be curled or straightened, but again, if the hair is synthetic, a lower heat setting is advisable. Also, chemical texturing services should be avoided altogether, with the exception of expereinced, licensed professionals.
Sewn-in tracks must be removed by cutting the thread that attatches it to the cornrow. One must be careful not to snip one's own natural hair. It is advised that someone with experience perform the removal.
Glued-in tracks can be removed a few different ways, depending on the bonding glue used. Most bottles of glue will have recommendations as to the best method of removal. Some can be removed by simply washing and conditioning the hair. Others require a specially-purchased glue-removing shampoo/conditioner.
As with most hair services, most of the techniques mentioned in this article should be performed only by professionals, especially if the service involves chemicals.
[edit] Bulk hair
This refers to hair which is not attached to a weft track. This can be human or synthetic; however, synthetic will tend to be in double lengths with a fold at the top. Synthetic hair is not only available in 'loose' varieties but in many variations such as braids, microbraids and dreads. The most popular brand of manufactured dread is the Elysee Star brand; these are widely regarded to be much lower quality than handmade dreads. Handmade dreads are created from backcombed and heat- or steam-sealed 'KK jumbo braid' and are installed in the same way, most commonly known as the 'double ended dread method,' where one side of the dread is braided into the hair whilst leaving the other loose. Many other methods have been devised for different kinds of dreads.
[edit] Yarn (sometimes called 'wooly dreads')
Yarn is sometimes braided into hair or made into hair pieces. Yarn comes in many colors.
[edit] Plastic
Some fake hair is made out of plastic. This style is popular within the cyber subculture. It can be made into hair pieces or braided in.
[edit] Falls
This is hair, wool, plastic and other materials that are tied onto a hairband or clips and simply ties into the hair. This is good for quick and easy attachment and styling.
