When I decide to enhance my natural beauty with hair extensions, I often consider the difference between synthetic and real human hair extensions. Real human hair extensions have become essential in the beauty industry. They offer a natural look, versatile styling options, and a luxurious feel that synthetic alternatives can’t match. Whether I want to add volume, length, or a splash of color, real human hair extensions are my top choice.

But have I ever wondered how these extensions are made? From sourcing the hair to the final product, the process is detailed and involves several key steps.

In this article, I’ll explore the world of real human hair extensions, showing how they’re made and what makes them special.

Sourcing and Collection of Hair

The journey of real human hair extensions starts with collecting hair from various sources. One major source is donation centers, especially in countries like India and China.

In India, for example, hair is often donated from temples where devotees offer their hair as a religious gesture. This practice provides income for the temples and ensures hair is collected respectfully and ethically. Besides temple donations, people also sell their hair directly to suppliers.

Individuals may sell their hair at salons or through online platforms. The collected hair is then sent to processing facilities for treatment and preparation.

Once collected, the hair undergoes sorting and grading. This step is essential for ensuring high quality. The hair is sorted by texture, color, and condition.

For example, Remy hair is sorted to keep the cuticles intact and aligned in the same direction. This reduces tangling and gives the hair a smoother look. Grading systems, though not universal, categorize hair based on quality. Terms like "single drawn" and "double drawn" describe the proportion of full-length strands in a bundle.

Double drawn hair, considered higher quality, has more longer hairs, resulting in thicker and more uniform bundles. This careful sorting ensures the extensions look natural, are durable, and easy to style.

Processing and Treatment

After sorting and grading, the hair is thoroughly cleaned. This removes dirt, oils, and impurities, preparing the hair for further treatment and maintaining its quality.

I usually see the hair washed with a mild shampoo and then rinsed well. This removes any natural oils or residue, making the hair ready for the next steps. Sometimes, disinfectants are used to ensure hygiene and prevent infections.

This cleaning process is essential for the quality of the final product.

Next, the hair may be colored and texturized to achieve the desired look. Coloring can range from simple dyeing to more complex processes like bleaching, highlighting, or toning.

If I want blonde or dark brown extensions, the hair is treated with appropriate dyes or bleaches. Remy hair can still be processed to change its color or texture, including chemical treatments like bleaching, dyeing, or perming.

However, excessive processing can damage the hair. Therefore, many manufacturers use gentle methods to minimize damage and keep the hair’s natural characteristics.

Texturizing changes the hair’s natural texture to achieve straight, wavy, or curly looks. This can involve heat styling, chemical treatments, or mechanical processes. For straight extensions, the hair might be treated with a relaxer or straightened with heat tools.

For wavy or curly extensions, the hair may undergo perming or curling. These treatments make the extensions versatile, allowing styling to match natural hair or desired looks.

Creating the Extensions

After cleaning, sorting, and possibly coloring or texturizing, the hair is prepared for wefting. Wefting involves sewing or knotting the hair onto a thin fabric strip or lace base to create a weft. This can be done by hand or with machines, depending on quality and manufacturer preferences.

For lace weft extensions, the hair is tied onto a lace base using knotting techniques. This method provides a natural look, especially near the hairline, as the lace is nearly invisible. Fabric wefts, more common, involve sewing the hair onto a fabric strip.

These wefts are used for various application methods, such as sew-in, tape-in, and clip-in extensions. The wefting process is essential for the extensions’ durability and natural appearance. High-quality wefts prevent excessive shedding and allow extensions to be reused with proper care.

Besides wefting, individual strand extensions are created and applied using methods like bonding. Bonding attaches extension hair to natural hair using a keratin bond. In hot fusion bonding, a heated device melts the bond and attaches the extension to the natural hair. This method is durable and looks natural but requires careful application to avoid damage.

Cold fusion uses ultrasonic waves to bond the extension without heat. This method is gentler and suitable for all hair types, including fine hair. Other methods include micro-linking, which uses small metal or aluminum rings to attach extensions, and I-tip or U-tip extensions, which use keratin-tipped ends attached with hot or cold fusion.

These methods allow for versatile and natural results, enabling styling like natural hair. Each method has its advantages, chosen based on hair type, lifestyle, and desired outcome. Whether using wefted panels or individual strands, the goal is seamless integration with natural hair.

Conclusion

Creating real human hair extensions is a detailed, multi-step process. It involves sourcing high-quality hair, thorough cleaning and processing, precise wefting, and various extension creation methods. The final product’s quality depends on careful attention at each stage, from collection to styling and packaging.

When choosing hair extensions, I select the type that fits my lifestyle and hair type, whether clip-in, tape-in, or weft extensions. I ensure the extensions match my natural hair color and texture for a seamless blend. Proper maintenance, like gentle washing and avoiding excessive heat, prolongs their lifespan.

Understanding the effort and craftsmanship in creating these extensions helps me make informed decisions. I enjoy a natural, beautiful look that enhances my appearance. Whether I seek a temporary transformation or a long-term solution, real human hair extensions offer versatility, durability, and a luxurious feel, making them a worthwhile investment.

FAQ

What is the best human hair extensions?

The best human hair extensions are often Virgin Remy hair. They are collected from a single donor with all strands facing one direction. This ensures smooth, natural movement and long-lasting quality.

Which hair extensions look the most real?

Hidden Crown Hair Extensions Crown Clip-Ins and GOO GOO Hair Extensions are praised for their natural look. Hidden Crown extensions blend seamlessly, are thick and voluminous, and made from 100% Remy human hair. GOO GOO extensions also blend incredibly well, creating a full and thick appearance.

How much do real hair extensions cost?

Real hair extensions can cost between $200 to $3,000, depending on the method, length, and quality. Specific ranges include:

• Clip-in: $200

• $600

• Tape-in: $200

• $1,000

• Sew-in / weave: $300

• $2,500

• Fusion: $600

• $3,000

• Microbead: $400

• $900

How much do you tip for $1000 hair extensions?

For a $1000 hair extension service, a tip of 15% to 20% is standard. This means $150 to $200. However, some may tip more or less based on service quality and other factors.