p.s. your hair is an inspiration to me, 2 years ago my hair broke off from a bad highlighting job (by a stylist, that I paid 250 bucks) and I am in the process of growing it out now that it is healty again, thanx again for everything you bring to the board!

BUMP

Hi Fabulous, sorry I haven't had a chance to get on the boards since I posted my new install pictures 

It's so great to know I've inspired people *blushing*. Growing hair out and maintaing it's health can be done with extensions... you just have to know how. The first misconception is how long can you wear extensions. You can extensions for 6 months as some brands advertise... this being said, just because you can does NOT mean you should (You shouldn't!). Most people try to get the biggest bang for their buck by streaching out their wears but this is horrible. Is the extra couple bucks worth you loosing your hair?!? I never wear my extensions longer than 3 months.

I think all methods if properly done can work to grow out your hair. Fusion seems to have the worst reputation but I've done it many times on myself with no damage. The problem is that because the bond is so strong they have the ability to stay in people's hair longer, even when they shouldn't. With other methods such as shrinkies and extendtubes they won't usually last too much longer than 3 months so people change them more often which keeps their hair healthy.

Another problem that causes damage is the take down process. It is very important to take your time and take them out properly (or go to a pro the have them taken out). When you hear stories about an average girl having a horrible experience with extensions one may wonder how long they left them in and who took them out. If she left them in for 6 months and picked them out herself- well duh! Of course she has damage.

Another thing to remember is not to install them too tight on your scalp. It may seem like they will last longer this way but in reality extensions put on too tight will start pulling out your hair almost instantly.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that any method will work for you if done correctly. For someone looking to do it themselves I highly recommend starting out with shrinkies or extendtubes. With thinner hair I would use less extensions connected to larger sections of your own hair.

I hope this answers your question.  Let me know if you have anymore

Everyone can expect to lose a few hairs with any extension process but than should be almost all completely from natural shedding. I have seen people's hair that has been a little thinner when the extensions have come out but they have all been ones who left them in way too long, were very hard on them, and picked at the bonds by themself to get them out. Their damage could have been avoided.