Thursday, March 29, 2007

Forget everything you think you know about hair extensions. For many, this is a very exciting new fashion trend. For some, the name itself elicits negative images of fake hair, tangles galore and messy glues. This is due, largely in part to the early years of hair extensions, by which lengths of hair were added by braiding or ?tracking? the locks into the natural hair. Not only was this process painful, yet it also caused long term alopecia and was unable to thoroughly clean. Forget the ?technology? of yesteryear ? or lack thereof, and see why hair extensions are now again enjoying some time in the spotlight.

Innovative new technological improvements have completely changed the look and feel of hair extensions, providing easier and safer methods of hair lengthening. Revolutionizing the standards of beauty, professional hair extensions are now more popular than ever, offering limitless hair design options from haircolor transformations, added new textures and added fullness. Today, hair extensions are known for much more than length. For years, most people have thought that extensions will only damage their hair and this negativity is still associated with original methods. President of SO.CAP.USA Hair Extensions, Ron Cardillo, believes ?Now that there are perfectly safe methods of attachment, the public needs to be reeducated to understand all the benefits and possibilities. They also need to think of hair extensions as not only a way to add length, but as a way to add volume, texture and color.?

Composition of the Hair: Unlike previous uses of synthetic hair, most extension manufacturers use only real human hair which looks, acts and feels completely natural. Furthermore, extensions are offered in a variety of colors and textures, ensuring a perfect match. SO.CAP.USA offers the most available; 81 haircolor options in 3 different textures -- straight, wavy and curly. However, most prominent companies will offer plenty of haircolor shades to suit any style.

The variety makes the possibilities endless. It also provides an opportunity for the less adventuresome to try something new without the permanence, as hair extensions don?t expose your hair to harmful chemicals like regular hair color does. Many companies use pre-bonded extensions, rather than a separate adhesive which can be messy. SO.CAP.USA Hair Extensions have taken the appeal of pre-bonded extensions one step further by using 100% keratin pre-bonded tips. This is the same protein as our own hair, creating strong, healthy and long lasting bonds. In addition, keratin bonds are also easy and safe to remove unlike harmful adhesives which were formerly used.

Bonding Methods: There are many different professional bonding procedures available today including heated applications and cold fusion techniques. The cold fusion procedure, pioneered by SO.CAP.USA Hair Extensions, is a new technology that utilizes ultrasound waves rather than heat to bond each extension to existing hair. ?The absence of heat allows us to bond extensions closer to the scalp, which creates a more invisible bond. Cold Fusion is also the preferred method when bonding extensions to colored or chemically treated hair, because it is so gentle,? notes Cardillo.

Another common misconception related to hair extensions involves removal, which beforehand had to be cut out, leaving stubbles of hair. Nearly all modern bonding methods crystallizes and dissolves easily in combination with a specially formulated solvent, which allows for convenient, safe and painless removal.

Cost: Some may be hesitant, simply because of the price; however affordability is becoming more reasonable. Pricing is usually based on several factors; the quality of the salon, quality of their products, the geographic location and the length of hair. The best quality salon and products would probably run between $6 and $12 per extension. Volume is based on each client?s personal requirements. Thus, the total cost will inevitably vary depending upon the desired hairstyle. A full head, short to long application usually requires between 150 to 200 extensions. ?The majority of our clients want to add length, which usually costs between $1500 to $2500, depending on the length and number of extensions needed,? notes Char Chung of Eclips Salons & Day Spas, which is a ?medium to high? priced salon chain in the affluent area of Northern Virginia, outside of Washington D.C. Eclips has a huge regular hair extension clientele.

Professional Home Care: To maintain your striking new tresses proper home care is essential. Following simple guidelines will ensure long lasting beauty and a natural look and feel, between salon visits. After the extensions have been attached it is important to follow up with a maintenance consultation. Your extension specialist will professionally advise you on special maintenance instructions. Use only products recommended by your extension specialist. When caring for your tresses, gentleness is key. It is important not to excessively scrub your hair. Avoid tangles by drying your hair thoroughly before going to bed and comb with a wide tooth comb or pick, gently from ends to the scalp. Never color, perm or use any other types of chemicals without consulting with your professional salon hair extension specialist to prevent damage to your extensions. As extensions are real human hair, use common sense when caring for them as you would your natural hair like immediately washing out chlorine water and following up with a good conditioner. Taking special care of your new hair will ensure longevity and beauty.

So throw caution to the wind, disregard your hesitations and get the hair that you have always dreamed of. Whether you have yearned for luscious lengthy locks, fabulously full coiffures or funky fantasy hair colors, hair extensions are the solutions to endless possibilities. Coming a long way from burns, braids and messy glues, hair extensions have greatly improved dismissing old time myths and providing incredible versatility for all.

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For more information about SO.CAP.USA Hair Extensions or to find a SO.CAP. USA Hair Extension Salon near you, call Ms. Mel Rodriguez at 914-423-6545. Their 17 regional offices provide localized education, certification seminars, products and service support to hair extensionists across the US, Canada and Latin America. Visit them on the web at www.SOCAPUSA.com or email them at Info@SOCAPUSA.com. SO.CAP.USA is headquartered at 851 Yonkers Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10704.