hair weaving techniques! hellllp! ;-)

Hi joli,

>>can anyone suggest which method is better and best for my hair?

I'm not a hair stylist at all, but I'd suggest you read a bit farther below my post entitled "Direct Comparisons" in the hair extensions thread. I really don't think there is a definitive answer. I'd been looking into extensions for a very long time and simply had to draw my own conclusions. Obviously, anything you do to your hair "affects" it. I finally drew the conclusion that using the least invasive method without chemicals was best for me. I've never used a bonding method at all, so I can't make a direct comparison, but I wear pinch braids and am very happy with them.

>>i'm leaning toward getting the sewn-in method...i understand that that is when my hair is braided and then the "new" hair is sewn into the braids...is this correct?

From what I've read, this certainly sounds right to me. However, I would find out **for sure** from your salon! I'd tell them you are considering hair extensions and would like to see them put in someone's hair. Ask when the next appointment is that they'll be attaching extensions and then go in and watch them do it. That way, there will be no question as to how it's done! And then, ask every conceivable question you can, ie

1) How often can I wash my hair?

2) Should conditioner be applied only to the ends of the hair or to the area where the extensions are attached?

3) How often should they be re-attached?

4) Is there any activity which should be avoided while wearing my extensions (ie swimming in chlorinated pools, etc)

I had dozens and dozens of questions, but think about what is important to you, and then ask away!

Good luck,

Jennifer

Geez, I can't believe I didn't mention this! I'm not certain, but I would imagine that the skill of the person could make a huge difference in how the extensions look and would probably affect the amount of "damage" done to hair. In other words, for methods that require solvent to remove a chemical bond, too little or too much of the solvent may have a vast impact on the cuticle of the hair.

Another question to ask may be what kinds of problems people have had with their extensions. I asked my stylist what was the shortest amount of time anyone ever wore them. She said one woman had them applied on a Friday afternoon and took them out Saturday morning because she couldn't stand the feel of them!! My stylist said she always advises people to call whenever they have any problems and although the first few days may be uncomfortable, the discomfort is almost always gone by the third day. But I honestly did not experience any discomfort at all.

Please keep us up-to-date with whatever you decide to do!