With all of the controversy and "debate" about which hair extensions are best I thought I might give some truely impartial advice that does not in anyway defame a paticular brand or company, but may help you choose what type of hair or extension may be the best to look into or learn.

Where does the hair come from? Well, loads of places, there is synthetic hair, a plastic fiber that is colored and prestyled, it cannot be curled, colored or styled any differently than how you purchased it. Blended hair usually 60-70% humand, the rest synthetic, can be styled with low heat, but no color change or chemical changes to blended hair. Last, human hair, it comes from different donors, usually China but India and the middle east are also large suppliers.

What is the difference in China and India hair? China hair is a larger diameter hair, it is "tougher" and can withstand a little harsher treatment. India hair is a smaller diameter and a little softer. India hair is sometimes considered European. True European hair is difficult to come by and very expensive.

Remi hair VS. Silky hair- 100% remi cuticle directed hair is the preferred choice among people who do extensions. The reason for this, the cuticle when facing the same direction is less likely to tangle, needs less silicone or dimethicone to protect it during shipping and wears more like your own hair. Plain remi hair the cuticle is more likely to be the same direction but you may have an occasional hair in the wrong direction. Silky hair- the hair that fell out during the weft making process of Remi hair. The cuticle of silky hair is usually removed with a harsh chemical process and the hair is then coated in a simethicone or dimethicone and shipped off. Silky hair is usually less expensive and after a couple of shampooings it matts or balls up, often giving a fuzzy dread lock type look- OK if you are going for that kind of a style.

Weft or Single strand application- Weft application gives great coverage, but is some times awfully hard to blend or disguise. A full weft application doesn't move as naturally as "real" hair especially in a wind storm. Single strand application moves more like real hair and can be applied with a variety of methods; beads, glue or shrink beads (tubes). Single strand can be harder to disguise a solid line when making a dramatic length change. Again most experienced hair extensionists use a combination of both techniques to give the client the most natural looking extensions possible.

How much hair can I be expected to loose wearing extensions? The average hair loss for a normal human with no underlying health issues or auto immune deficiencies is 80-120 hairs per day. If the natural hair is delicate, fine or prone to breakage, extensions will break or damage that type of hair. Considering that you wear extensions for at least 6-8 weeks before removing and resecuring, at minimum you should loose about 3500 hairs at minimum when you remove the extensions. There should not be any bald, thinning or broken patches if the extensions were properly done and properly removed. Home care is vital to this process and each manufacturer and distrubutor should give you after care information to pass along to your clients.

What this all boils down to, hair extensions are just like nail extensions- people who have trained with a reputable company and continue their education will be the ones who take pride in their work and strive to move the industry forward. The goal of the hair extensionist is to turn out a realistic and flattering style that leaves others wondering how they could get their hair to look that way.

Excellent advice! Couldn't have put it any better myself!

Just to be dull, however, I thought i'd give you a little history lesson-

During the 16th, 17th and 18th Centuries the world centre of wig making was France, that is why there are so many French words in the world of wig making. "Remis" is just one such word, from the French verb "remettre" it is the past participle and literally translates as "re-put" or "put back". This broadly describes the process which resulted in the genuine article "remis hair".

However- back on topic. In practical terms there are a few ways of ensuring a excellent result with your extensions.

1. Ask questions- only use a reputable extensionist firm. Are they extension specialists? What hair do they use? Do you know anyone who has used them previously? In a lot of cases we're talking hundeds of pounds and your hair- treat the selection process seriously.

2. Buy the hair yourself and take it with you. Might seem silly but if you find a brand you trust- its then only down to the skill of the extenionsist. And you should already have found that out.

3. DIY- buy good quality hair- buy some clips- and PRACTICE.

Thank you Jeni that was really great ,
I have often wondered what the professional name of the chemical was that they put on the silky hair after its acid bath .
it was very informative ,
I am sure more people can now make better choices for their hair extensions thanks again x

.

Hi there, does anyone know if Microchet Hair Extensions are available in the uk yet please? Have been reading about this system & it seems like it's one of the kindest to the existing hair but can't find anyone who's heard of this technique. Have just had my long hair chopped off after my hairdresser managed to highlight it green! Can remedy the colour but just want my long hair back!