QuoteReplyTopic: Which method to choose? Posted: October 25 2004 at 10:43am
I have a general question regarding length of hair and type of extension to use. My hair is short and pretty fine. I am attempting to grow it out and have started thinking about extensions. It is about two inches on top right now. I have inquired to a couple different salons about the types of extension method they use and prices. A couple salons have said my hair is too short, one salon mentioned sewing hair to my head, and another said they could apply extensions by glueing tracks to my hair (this was the most reasonably priced and actually said my hair was long enough to do). Could anyone give me some opinions? All I see on this website is great lengths and hairlocs - which is out of my price range. Also, a lot of the messages are very scary for a first time user.
Well, what do YOU feel comfortable with? If none did any damage and the price was the same, what type of extension appeals to you and works with your lifestyle most?
Unfortunately, I don't know very much about extensions which was why I had asked the question. It seems that most of the people using this message board have great lengths and hairlocs. The only method that I think I can get done right now is the tracks glued to my hairline. Because my hair is shorter on top, I don't want to end up with a mullet. Also, since I am trying to grow my hair out, I don't want to cause any damage and have to cut it off after the extensions are removed.
I guess I was just looking for someone else's opinion (who has used this method or knew anything about it) about whether it is safe, looks natural, and stays secure.
OK, here's an opinion and it's going to be brutal.
Rarely will you find a whole lot of honest answers on this board. Look back in the archives and you'll see a bunch of good people left or are disgusted because of all the ads. There's only a small handful who are objective and offer opinions and facts you can trust. The rest are trying to sell something or ram one stylist down your eyeballs. Some are the stylists themselves posing as "satisfied" customers. And then they'll create a new name to post under and back up the first one. It's so obvious and it happens all the time.
Back to what is good for you...
My honest opinion? I would not get extensions of any kind if I were you. I would not install them if you came to me. And here's why...
There is a greater chance you will end up with broken/damaged hair before you're able to grow out a bad cut or short hairstyle. I have personally never seen extensions help anyone grow their hair out and having better hair because of them.
Now, if you had bad hair that wouldn't grow or hair pulling issues or cosmetic needs, I'd do it. But even then, there'd be the understanding that your hair probably won't be better off because of it.
Just let it grow out... You'll end up with much better hair and a lot more of it if you stay patient.
Not brutal at all. Thanks for being honest and up front with me. I will do my best to just be patient. My dad is actually a hairdresser and cuts my hair - he was against this from the beginning but I had this "what does he know" attitude. Obviously he knows more than I thought.
Any type of hair extension and hair styling technique can be damaging, if not use properly. That includes perms, hot rollers and blow dryers. Don't look for perfection - just make sure you can live with the worst case scenarios.
Kristi
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hi this is the first time i've been on this site but from what you said i think it would be a great idea to get micro braids. For those who dont no what they are- micro braids are tiny plaits (with or without extensions)and the synthetic hair is left at the end to look like natural hair. To me this is a better idea because you dont have the bonding glue and the weaves tie in,and this would probably be your answer to your budget. write back and tell me what you think x
Personally I've had tracks sewn in to my scalp in the past and I had pretty good luck with them. Because your hair is short though you may get that mullet look you're scared of... If you absolutely want long hair and can't wait for it to grow out I would suggest getting Hair sewn in and then maybe a row of individuals in the top to blend in the short pieces and get rid of any mullet look.
I have a general question regarding length of hair and type of extension to use. My hair is short and pretty fine. I am attempting to grow it out and have started thinking about extensions. It is about two inches on top right now. I have inquired to a couple different salons about the types of extension method they use and prices. A couple salons have said my hair is too short, one salon mentioned sewing hair to my head, and another said they could apply extensions by glueing tracks to my hair (this was the most reasonably priced and actually said my hair was long enough to do). Could anyone give me some opinions? All I see on this website is great lengths and hairlocs - which is out of my price range. Also, a lot of the messages are very scary for a first time user.
Hi I would give the same opinion as the one about the micro braids, they are a really great option if you want to grow your hair out and it really does work because i have them in regularly and my hair takes ages to grow normally but since ive had braids put in my hair is gradually growing down my back.
The only thing is your hair needs to be at least 4 inches long to hold the plaits in your natural hair.
So i would say let your hair grow to 3 or 4 inches then consider getting it micro braided, it makes your hair look gorgeous and its really cheap here in england, not sure of prices over in states, average price is around �70 in england for braids.
Brutal is right!, I am not trying to sound nasty but your comment about ALL EXTENSIONS ARE BAD, is just hoe YOU feel, there are plenty of women on this board ( myself included ) that are happy with them and have no damage. Everyone is different, as for me, I have no damage from them (great lengths) thy got me through a really bad time when my hair was short and broken. If they are left in to long or not taken care of right, yes they can damage your hair but there is a simple solution for that.... take care of them, dont leave them in longer then 3 months, brush your hair every day and night to avoid matting ( by the way I never had that ) have someone remove them the right way, dont pick them and DO NOT put them in fragile areas like your hair line, the hair is very thin there and there is to much weight on it when the hair is added. I have MORE DAMAGE from BLEACH then any hair extension I have ever had! every time I bleach my hair I have breakage, so I now add blonde extensions in when I want streaks, this has worked for me, then again thats just me. for everyone who has had damage from extension, I feel for you ,, damage sucks but not everyone is the same.
Jenny_R
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I think it's wonderful that some people haven't had damage with GLs. For me, they were very damaging, but not as bad as other glue/fusion methods I tried. They're also very secure, which is a plus. I think if you have very thick, strong hair that's not too processed, your hair can deal with the GLs process; if it's thin, fine, chemically processed, you should go with something else. I'm still growing back the hair I lost with that method.
Back to the original poster, I would really only recommend microbraids from someone who's really an expert (has done the process for a while) and will be honest about what they can and cannot do. Sewn-in tracks may be a good option, too, but I haven't had those, so I really don't know.
Jenny, I'm curious as to your thoughts on Cinderella Hair? If you know about them, what do you think about their bonds?
I bought 25 strands of the 22" body wave from afrocare.com and I have to say the hair looks stunning. Have no idea how it performs over time or after it's washed, though.
I used Cinderella extensions once, and they were are a lot like GLs. The hair was good quality, the bonds are almost clear and small so they're not very visible in the hair (as extensions go), and the price was MUCH more reasonable than GLs or Hairlocs.
However, if your hair is thin, weak, fine, damaged, or if you're trying to grow it out, I would say don't use Cinderella because it will destroy your hair. It's a fused (heated glue) bond, so only the strongest/thickest/non-processed hair can handle it. I think Cinderella may be even more damaging than GLs, to tell you the truth, because the bonds are "gummier"--the GLs shells are harder and stick to the hair a little less. It definiely wrecked my real hair.
Some people have had problems with Cinderella bonds falling out (read previous posts), but mine stayed in well.
If you've used fusion/glue before and it works for you, Cinderella will probably be fine. Again, the price is MUCH more reasonable than many other methods. If your hair is thin, weak, fine, damaged, or if you're trying to grow it out, do yourself a favor, and look into braids instead.
Good luck!
Jenny_R
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Oh, I just re-read your post and realized you're not using Cinderella hair, just the Cinderella bonds and heat gun, I guess.
I don't know about 22" body wave from afrocare.com; I've never ordered from them, but I've heard good things. There's info. on all kinds of hair and companys here: http://p080.ezboard.com/bhair18356
You should register on that site and ask anyone if they've used it, or search their archives under Loose or Hair Sellers.
I'm actually starting to think hairlocs is some kind of creepy cult. My "stylist," Kimarie, was always pulling these weird Jedi Mind Tricks--like I'd complain that the locs were slipping out, and she'd say, "Oh, honey! Don't you just love them? You look so great! I really want to promote you, OK? That's what I do with all my clients!" Uggghhh. (Someone actually mentioned before that Kimarie pretends she's your friend, which is true--it's all just part of the con.)
Good luck with the afrocare.com hair; let me know how it goes!
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