Synthetic Hair FAQ

How are the extensions applied?

Synthetic extensions are applied with a small braid.
A thin piece of synthetic hair is then wrapped around the braid, and heated to form a bond.
I use spirit gum to help, but here is no glue or wax.
Spirit gum is a theatrical resin that does not harm hair in any way. Please watch this video to see how it is done.

Removal is easy,  crack open the seal by twisting counter-clockwise and then comb out the braid. Your extensions should be removed after three months.
With synthetic hair I crack the heat seal by twisting it, then the extension slides off.
Then the hair is combed free of trapped hair.

What kind of hair do you use?

I use only high quality synthetic hair that is made especially for this service.
I don’t purchase at a local beauty supply,
I have it shipped in from Atlanta, England or Switzerland.

What textures are available in synthetic hair?

The hair comes in straight, bodywave and curly.

How long has this type of synthetic extension been around?

Heat-sealed extensions were developed by Simon Forbes in the early eighties at The Antenna Salon in London, England.

I have received training directly from them and I have been doing this method since 1986.
The service has been refined through the years
and is now not the “wild” hair service it once was.
My clients range in age from 3-70, with every look imaginable.

How long does my hair have to be?

Technically 3 inches. Any shorter and the hair will not lay over the extensions properly.
If you don’t mind a more fun/fake/funky look then this won’t be an issue.

How long does it take to have the service done?

A full head of extensions takes 4-6 hours typically.
The length of time depends on how thick your hair is and the size of your head.

How long will they stay in before they start to fall out?

With proper care, you shouldn’t lose too many of the extensions. Losing 20 or less within the lifetime of the extensions is common.
I replace any extensions for free within the first month, but this rarely happens. Just be careful to not overuse conditioner on the scalp, and DO NOT pick at the bonds.
ALL extensions should be removed after wearing them for 3 months. The hair will grow 1 1/2-2″ in that time and the roots will start matting and dreading. This is due to trapped and dead hair being unable to be combed out.
There are NO extension methods that can be worn longer than 3 months without risking damage to your hair,  no matter what you have heard or been told.

Will my hair come out when the extensions are removed?

Normal daily hair loss is 50-100 hairs per day.
When you wear extensions, the hair you normally lose is
trapped in the extension and does not fall out naturally.
When you see some of your own hair coming out with the extension, don’t worry!

Are extensions just for people who want long hair?

Extensions can incorporate color, volume and texture to your existing hairstyle without the use of damaging chemicals. ANY color can be added without worry.It isn’t just for making hair longer.

Can I color the extensions?

Synthetic hair does not accept color although the lighter colors of synth hair have been known to pick up color, such as black or manic panic/special effects/punky color type hair color.
You are able to do retouches to your own hair without a problem.
Extra careful rinsing (3 times longer than usual) is imperative if you are doing the retouch yourself.

Can I use a curling iron/hot rollers/blowdryer?

Blowdrying with warm heat or hot rollers is fine.
Using a curling or flat iron on synthetic hair will melt it right off.
Human hair can be styled using heat, but less is always better.

Is the hair flammable?

Synthetic hair isn’t, but it will melt if exposed to high heat.

What colors are available?

Please note I borrowed the color chart below from Diversity Hair.
My color ring is a bit ratty.

Can you think of any more questions? Feel free to ask!