Fusion hair extensions are a method that have been around for quite a few years now. This technique involves attaching hair extensions to the natural hair with a keratin polymer or glue. If these extensions are added correctly and the extensions are correctly colour matched to the natural hair, the result can be quite good. Fusion extensions have received some bad press over the years; mainly because of issues with the glue damaging the clients hair. The key to problem-free fusion extensions is to buy from a trusted supplier or use an experienced salon to add them.
Steps to Adding Fusion Hair Extensions
If you decide to add the extensions yourself, you’ll need to follow the steps below to get a good result. If fusion extensions are added correctly and you have a good quality product, you can expect them to last between 3-6 months. I usually recommend not having these extensions in your hair more than 6 months as you really should give your hair a “breather” from extensions.
Before Application
- Choose a good hair extension supplier. If you can get a sample hair extension before ordering that is ideal.
- Decide on what colour/s you need. I find that if the colour isn’t an exact match to your own hair it still looks quite natural. Keep in mind you can always colour the hair if you’re really not excited by the colour. Also, you may be able to exchange the colour with your supplier if it isn’t right.
- Decide how many hair extensions you will purchase. The number required will depend on your hair type. If you have fine hair you will be able to order less than someone with full, thick hair. Hair extensions can vary quite a lot in weight depending on the supplier. So you really do need to consult your supplier to find out the weight of the hair extensions they supply and get an estimate from them on how many extensions you will need. Some common hair extension weights are 0.5gram, 0.8gram and 1gram. If you have the option of choosing the hair extension weight, my personal preference is for a lighter weight extension and to add more extensions. Really thick extensions tend to look a bit chunky and you can spot someone wearing them from a mile away.
- Before adding the extensions, shampoo your hair and ensure it is dry before commencing. Don’t condition the hair as it can effect the quality of the bond.
Application:
- Create a horizontal line by parting the hair and clipping it back with sectioning hair clips. You will add the extensions in lines, starting at the bottom of the head and working up. The number of rows varies depending on the hair type and the shape of the head. Generally you’ll add between 3-5 rows of extensions. The first row should be in line with the bottom of the ear. It’s easier if you can get a hair protector from your supplier. This is a plastic sheet that has holes in it. So all you do thread strands of natural hair through the holes. When you apply the bond it means you won’t get any keratin on the rest of your hair.
- Starting from one side of the head, take a small amount of hair in your fingers (about 1/2cm wide of hair). Ensure the strands of hair are completely tangle free by running your other hand through the hair.
- Take a hair extension and position it next to the natural hair close to the scalp but not touching.
- Using a heating tool such as a hair straightener, clamp down on the bond. Roll the bond between your fingers to create a cylinder.
- Follow the above method, attaching the extensions in a neat row all the way across the head about 1cm apart.
- Remove the clips and start another row directory above the first row. Continue this process until you reach the crown. You need to be careful you don’t add too many rows and go too high up the head or the extensions will be noticeable.
Hi,
I want to say that I do not agree with a method – “Roll the bond between your fingers to create a cylinder”. That’s an old method – by making a cylinder you more damage a hair because keratin and extension are to much mixed with natural hair and later you have a big problem to get it off. I have a hair salon in Croatia in Split and we are working with So Cap Extensions and using their tehnology.
1. Take a small amount of natural hair and position hair extension on the top of it (natural hair has to be in the middle).
2. Using a heating tool (we are using one with infralight – find it on web So Cap) clamp down on the bond.
3. Gently with your fingers create a shape of package (keratin has a shape of square – left and right side of it bend under the natural hair).
Now, bond is flat and more invisible that the cylinder shape. If you hand to touch a hair, you can’t feel that extension is under.
Hope that I helped you and others with my suggestion.
Big kiss from Croatia,
Sanda
Ps. Sorry if my english is not so good!