So here is the next question.  I'm living in the Caribbean (Haiti) because I work for the UN.  This poses a couple of problems:

 

1) the pool shock chlorine that goes in our rainwater for showering which I can't really alter.  Will this destroy extensions? 

 

2) bad humidity yearround...my own hair (fine, straight, about 16" probably) becomes quite stringy by midday and really yuck by evening.  I know the elite synthetic says it will hold curl very well (like once a week) but will it hold up to this type of environment?

 

3) how difficult is the "cutting in" that I've been reading people talk about?  I'm not sure that there is an experienced stylist here that will know how to cut extensions (though I do no that some of the local women use extensions and hairpieces but these are usually pinch braids or something and the quality seems pretty low most of the time).  Do you have to get a cut afterwards for blending or does it usually blend ok without?

 

4) I PMd Sherrie earlier about this but do you girls think that Caruso ionic steam curlers would be enough to set the curls?  I have no idea how hot they are but they are good for my natural hair and easy to use.  I'm not so hot with a curling iron though I like the look better of curls put in with tongs.  What do you think?

 

Ok, that was way more than 1 question....

 

Oh yeah,

 

5) My hair is almost exactly the color of Nicole Kidman in "The Interpretor", which color does anyone recommend in the Elite synthetic?

 

Ok really that was the last one for now.  Thanks for sharing all of your knowledge girls.  One of these days I'll get off the fence and install something (with photos of course).

 

Stacey

 

1. Chlorine is HORRIBLE on hair extensions....if you dont have a water softener, get a chlorine shower filter. Its a very inexpensive investment and you'll see a difference in the longetivity of hair extensions (Im not sure how this applies to synthetic, but I'd bet chlorine isnt too kind to synthetic either)

 

2.Most thermal fibers hold curl very well and through showering, so Im sure it will hold curl in humidity too.

 

3. Yes you will most likely require a cut for blending. I personally razor cut. I think some people prefer to point cut or slide cut with scissors. Try doing a search and see what you can find on cutting. IF you use a razor have several blades on hand, synthetic dulls a razor very fast. If you decide to try layering yourself, use a light hand only cut a little at a time, you can always go back and do more layering. Light layers on the top few rows usually is enough. Also, CURLS are a great blending disguise.

 

4. The steam rollers are plenty hot enough to use on most thermal fiber.

 

5. I havent a clue, maybe amm or someone with more knowledge of the Elite thermo can better help with the Elite color suggestions.

 

HTH