Trendy hair extensions

Expert Chantel Simmons talks with us about the newest hair extension trends for long hair styles.

1. First hair extension trend – iLoc extensions

iLoc extensions uses real hair costing from $1,000-$1,500 for a full head. This is applied by a hair stylist. Small pieces of real human hair attached to small pieces of your actual hair, attached with the bead that you squeeze onto the hair near the root to hold in place.

Takes about 4-5 hours to apply and last 3 to 4 months. A loop brush is provided - ideal for hair extensions -- loop brushes have curved ends and oval so it doesn't tangle the hair.  As for washing your hair it’s recommended to shampoo very gently and downward so you don't tangle the hair.

Maintenance: it can cost around $300-500 -- because the hair is attached with a bead, it's re-usable, so the cost to remove the extensions and reapply them closer to the root is much less. You're paying only for the salon time, not the hair extensions. And the damage to hair is very minimal because the extensions are attached with a bead that can be removed.

When the hair grows, you can remove the extension and reapply closer to the start. The beads now come in a variety of shades, so they can be closely matched to your natural hair colour so they blend in with your hair and aren't noticeable. 

2. Second hair extension trend - Fusion extensions

Fusion extensions is another hot trend and it cost about the same as ilock extension at $1,000-$1,500.  And like iLock, fusion uses real human hair extensions that can be coloured and highlighted to match your current hair colour. Instead of beads, Fusion uses a  Keratin-bond (type of glue), small pieces of real human hair are glued onto the hair near the scalp.

It lasts 3-4 months depending on how fast your hair grows. You return to the salon to have the extensions removed. At that time you can then have new extensions attached to your hair. 

Damage to hair: Fusion is a bit more damaging to hair than iLock because you're gluing the extensions to your hair. Pro: Fusion is more subtle than iLock in terms of look & feel. Some people prefer Fusion because you can't feel the spot where the extension is attached as much as you can with the iLock beads.

3. Third hair extension trend -  GEEwig

GEEwig is a clip on style of extensions – costing : $500. This clip-on system instantly gives you thicker, longer hair in less than a minute. There's no time commitment -- you can DIY in seconds.

You use little clips that snap the mesh system onto your hair - It goes ear to ear at the back of the head, and you clip it under your real hair so that you can brush your real hair overtop and blend the wig seamlessly with your own hair.

For care, a stand like this one is provides to hold the wig when you're not wearing it. Other than that there is very little maintenance and will last you up to 2 to 3 years.

NOTE: Ideal client: You want Victoria's Secret hair in an instant, for a special event or night out.
It's perfect if you have a bob, but want to wear an up-do for your wedding and don't want a long-term commitment of extensions.

Not ideal: if you're thinning on top (or all over). You need to apply the GEEwig to the back of your head under your natural hair to make it look natural.

Stylist – Daniel from Salon Daniel http://www.salondaniel.ca/

Beauty expert – Chantel Simmons www.thekit.ca