Fashion Insider Volume 3

NekoCandii's Hair Extension Tutorial/Guide

The Visual Kei world is no stranger to the likes of colourful hair with everything ranging from full-on dye jobs to a simple coloured streak. You've probably always wanted those candy pink and electric blue highlights or maybe that vampire red streak that completes your look.

So what next?

A lot of people tend to be pretty sceptical about braving the bleach when it comes to dyeing their hair. Many times if it isn't done correctly, it can lead to damaged hair or just an overall "meh" dye job. Or maybe you're like me and can never decide on a colour.

Then how about Hair extensions?

Hair extensions are extremely common in the Visual Kei Fashion world as they make changing hairstyles pretty simple and gives more options for different styles without the commitment of dye.

There are several different types of extensions ranging from clip-on types, glue-in extensions, woven in extensions, single strand etc. and they vary from synthetic to natural human hair.

In this article, I'll focus on the clip-on and glue-in synthetic kind, since I have the most experience with these types and they are also relatively cheap. If you'd like to have your extensions in for the long haul however, you can always opt for the human hair kind (but be warned, they are significantly more expensive).

These extensions come in a variety of bright colours and are relatively simple to apply on your own at home as well as remove. Which saves the trip (and money) to the hairdressers. I find them more versatile than actually dyeing your hair because they are simple to remove. You can opt for bright blue streaks one day and go completely multi-coloured the next. They can even be dyed and cut to fit your specific taste. What's not to love?

Clip-on extensions are fairly straightforward. The hair comes attached to a clip which you simply slide into your hair and clip shut. Easy right?

Manic Panic has a fantastic range of clip-on extensions "Glam Strips" in their signature bright colours (they even have animal print!). You can find their online page here. Their prices range from $4 - $10 per strip.

If you prefer a longer-lasting extension, then glue-in ones may be a good choice. They are basically the clip-on kind without the clip. They last for two-three weeks or even a month (depending on how well you take care of them) and are more secure than clip-ons because you can comb/brush/style them like your regular hair.

So how do you apply glue-in hair extensions?

Materials needed:

• Hair extensions (the colour of your choice)

• Hair bond glue (it's a special type made especially for the extensions)
• Rubber gloves (glue can get messy)
• Comb
• Bobby pins/Hair clips
• Hair straightener (if your hair isn't already straight)

Removal:

• Hair bond glue remover

Glue-in hair extensions are most commonly found as a strip of hair attached to a weft/track. They vary in length and colour as well and they can be different textures as well (curly, wavy, crimped). I prefer the straight kind because it's easier to style but you can experiment with different textures and see how it turns out!

The price for usually ranges from $ 4 - $10 depending on the length

Hair bond glue is applied to the track at the top of the extension and pressed onto the hair until it dries in place. They usually come in a black or white colour. Choose the colour of glue depending on the colour of your regular hair. There's also clear kinds but I don't see them too often.

They are usually priced between $0.99 - $5 per bottle.

Hair bond glue remover is used when you're ready to remove your extensions. NEVER YANK THE EXTENSIONS OUT. You'll lose more hair faster than you can say "Ow" and you'll have a ridiculous headache after (trust me I know). The bond remover is squirted underneath the wefts of hair and loosens the bonds. It easily slides out afterwards and softens the glue so combing the remainder out is simple.

Steps for Applying Glue-in Extensions:

1. Make sure your hair is clean, combed out and straightened.

2. Part your hair in the area where you would like to apply the extension.

3. Pin back your loose hair, ensuring that your part is still in place.
4. Apply a thin strip of glue to the extension track (you can use the gloves at this point)
5. Place the extension on your hair as close to the root as possible (but not on the scalp)
6. Press down and hold until it dries (you can use a hairdryer for this)
7. Comb through and you're done!

Care Tips: Despite being synthetic, these hair extensions can last for a while with the proper care

• Synthetic extensions can be straightened/curled but be sure that it is on a very low heat setting as it is made of plastic and will melt. If you are a person who heat styles their hair often then you can use human hair or the specially made heat-resistant synthetic hair.

• Washing your hair with the glue-in extensions in is fine as long as you do not pull/rub too hard on the areas where the glue is applied and avoid using conditioner. The conditioner makes the hair slippery which causes the glue to loosen. Also avoid very hot water as it can cause the glue to melt. If this is too troublesome then you can always remove the extensions whenever you wash your hair (I wash the extensions separately when I do this)

• Styling products are fine on synthetic hair but avoid using too much greasy/oily products on glue-in extensions as this causes the glue to loosen quickly as well.

There, I hope this covered most of the bases and you're ready for some experimenting ^^ have fun!

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