ByClaudia A Leane
How long do hair extensions last? That's a legitimate question to ask if you're thinking of getting extensions for your tresses. Adding extensions to your hair will give your locks thickness and volume, which is always desirable if you want to appear like you have healthy mop on your head.
But then again, hair extensions represent a significant investment on your appearance. It can be expensive to have them applied professionally. They require a special hair care regimen. And no matter what extensions specialists say, you are limited to how you can style your hair if you have artificial hair on.
So, before you commit yourself to this investment, you need to know just what you are getting into. And that means knowing how long do hair extensions last and how long you will have to maintain them.
Factors that Dictate the Lifespan of Hair Extensions
There are two main factors that determine just how long you can hold on to your artificial locks. One is the type of hair extension you bought. Hair extensions come in two general types - virgin hair and fiber hair.
Virgin hair is made of real human hair. This type of hair has never been processed using styling products or perms. Their cuticles are perfectly aligned and straight. Virgin extensions can last up to a whole year.
Fiber hair, on the other hand, is man-made hair. It lasts a whole lot less than virgin hair, which can be anywhere from three to six months. This doesn't mean they're a lot inferior to virgin hair, though. Some of them look and feel just as good as real human tresses.
The other factor that determines how long your hair extensions can last is how they were bonded to your locks. Glued-in hair is very cheap, but they only last for a week. You have to be careful with glued-in hair because it can damage your real tresses and your scalp. Woven or braided hair, on the other hand, can look good on your head for at least three months.
Proper Maintenance Is the Key to Long-Lasting Hair Extensions
No matter what kind of extensions you have or how you've got them applied on your head, you will get a lot out of them if you maintain them properly. As mentioned earlier, artificial tresses require special care. If you want to get enjoy your extensions up to their maximum lifespan and if you don't want your scalp and real locks damaged because of your extensions, you absolutely must take care of your extensions.
The first thing you need to do is to follow the after-care sheet that comes with your extensions. This after-care sheet will dictate how you should pay attention to your artificial hair so they will last longer and in good condition.
Second, you should schedule appointments with your hairdresser for touch-ups every four or six weeks. Your hairdresser will check the condition of your extensions and do preventive maintenance on the bond that holds your extensions to your real locks. Your hairdresser will also be able to look for signs that your extensions are doing harm to your real tresses and scalp and advise you whether you should take them out or not.
Lastly, you should be vigilant with your extensions. At the first sign of irritation or damage, you need to see your hairdresser and have your hair extensions repaired or removed.
How long your hair extensions last depend largely on how you care for them. So make it a point to take better care of your extensions to make the most out of them.
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