For many people, it can be frustrating to have to wait for natural hair growth to achieve the length they desire. Others may not be quite bothered by the growth, but rather the lack of volume of hair. Extensions are a great way to get your hair looking fuller and longer in a matter of hours. There are different options in the market, however, keratin extensions tend to stand out as a top choice for several reasons. Let us first discuss what they are and how they are applied.
What Are Keratin Extensions?
Keratin extensions are small groupings of a few individual strands of actual unprocessed human hair that can be individually bonded to your natural hair using already attached beads of keratin adhesive on one end of the strands. This keratin bond is made of the same material as your hair, making it look and feel more natural.
The extensions are matched to your natural hair to ensure a natural-looking result. These extensions are incredibly versatile as you can style them in much the same way as your natural hair, including curling, straightening, and dying.
They are attached one at a time using a heat wand or ultrasonic waves that bond the keratin to your hair. This application is done one row at a time, ensuring good coverage so the extensions are not visible. This can take anywhere between one to four hours, depending on the number of extensions to be added. Once installed, your stylist will perform a blowout and style the hair, ensuring the extensions are perfectly layered in and even.
Pros and Cons of Keratin Hair Extensions
Pros
Instant Results
Maybe not quite instant as you do have to let the stylist do their work for anywhere between one to four hours. However, once they are done, you will be amazed by the results, whether it was the length you were looking for or a fuller head of hair. No need to wait for your hair to grow out over many months when all it takes is an appointment with your stylist for fantastic natural-looking results.
Variety
As said, Keratin hair extensions are available in a variety of colour options, textures, and lengths. This makes it easy for a stylist that is well-stocked to find a perfect match for your hair for that natural-looking result. This is important as extensions are often chosen to help blend in with natural hair rather than be distinct from it. The extensions can also come in different volumes, so if your goal is to get a fuller head of hair due to thinning or other issues, this is an ideal solution.
Safety
Because keratin is the same material as what your natural hair is made of, the bonding of these extensions is safe. You do not have to worry about a reaction by your hair or scalp to the extensions. They also look and feel as natural as your own hair.
Durability
When professionally applied and well cared for, Keratin hair extensions can last for up to 6 months before they need to be removed. The Keratin bond is strong and well suited to natural hair. They can even be reused for 6-8 weeks after their first use. This is an investment that will serve you for a long while.
Low Maintenance
When properly installed, Keratin hair extensions can last several months and can be just as comfortably styled and cared for as your natural hair. In some cases, clients have reported the extensions being even easier to style than their natural hair.
Natural Looking Results
Because of how these extensions are applied, the bonding will appear invisible. This makes it possible to style the hair in any way, including down and updos.
Cons
Cost
Because Keratin hair extensions are the highest quality extensions you can buy, they are on the higher price end. So basically, you get what you pay for. If you want the best, be prepared to pay the price. The cost will however vary depending on how many of the extensions you actually need. Someone looking to add just a little volume will naturally pay less than another who needs a full head of extensions. Remember that they will last you a long while when properly cared for and in some cases, you may be able to reuse them.
Installation
The installation process will also vary depending on how many extensions you want to add. Since the extensions are applied in rows across the head, there may be times you will have to hold your head at awkward angles to accommodate your stylist’s efforts. Some people also report mild discomfort when laying down to sleep the first couple of nights, but that quickly fades. You are not to wash your hair for a couple of days after installation, so even if you sweat, you will have to bear with it for a little while.
Aftercare
These extensions should not be exposed when swimming. You also need to avoid the use of silicone-based hair products and oils that can cause them to slip down. Beyond that, you can care for them the same way as your natural hair.
Summary
Keratin hair extensions are a great choice for adding length and volume to your hair with a natural-looking result. Not only will the bonding be invisible when professionally done, but it can also hold for as much as six months, allowing you the freedom to style your hair any way you want. They are safe, comfortable, and will leave you looking like a hair model. These extensions are a high-quality product, so come with a corresponding price tag that is well worth the cost and aftercare requirements.
