By Marquetta Breslin

Hair extensions are a great way to get your hair longer, thicker, and fuller than you could simply by using styling products! Extensions have come a long way since they were first introduced. Now, people looking for a change have more options then they could have ever dreamed of. Today you'll find new tools and chemicals, different methods for attaching the hair, and more style possibilities then ever before.


Even though extensions can be attached in many different ways, they are grouped into three basic categories: clip-in, bonded or sewn weft, and strand-by-strand. The first method, clip-in, is by far the easier one of the three because the extension hair is applied to a clip. This clip can be removed and added to the hair anytime the client wishes. Since these extensions are removable and are unaffected by hair growth, they will last the longest out of all the systems.


Weft extensions are applied in the form of a track. A ''track'' is a piece of hair that is bonded on one end and free-flowing on the other. Wefts have a curtain-like appearance before they are applied. They can be applied by using glue or by sewing the weft onto a braid or cornrow.


The last method for attaching extensions is called ''strand-by-strand''. With this method, the extension hair is applied in small sections of fifty to several hundred hairs. To keep the hair in place, glues, polymers, or clamping devices (such as micro links) are used. This method takes the longest to complete but offers the most subtle results.


Strand-by-strand extensions can be attached with either clamping devices or adhesives. When you're considering extensions, keep both methods in mind. Using adhesives or glues can make the extensions appear more natural, while using a clamping device is less damaging to your hair.


Here are some hair extension tips to keep in mind:


* There are many different extension methods, categorized by materials used, application methods, and hair type. Make sure you familiarize yourself with all of the available options before making a decision.


* If you have extensions, it's important to remember that they require extra care and maintenance. Be sure to check with your stylist on the appropriate care and maintenance guidelines for the extensions method you choose.


* If you're going for a natural look, it's best to stick with human hair extensions. Human hair will blend best with your natural hair. If you want crazy colors, you will probably have a better selection with synthetic hair.


* Extensions can result in a lot of extra weight on your hair. Be sure to talk to your stylist about your daily activities so they can determine what type of extensions will work best for you.


* If you're using an adhesive to attach the hair, it's important to keep in mind that certain glues have been known to cause allergic reactions on some skin types. Ask your stylist for more information about the particular type of glue they plan to use for your extensions.

 

By Glenn Turner

The quest to find the most effective solution to hair loss is one that has the medical and scientific community the world over hard at work. And while there are certainly some very effective pharmaceutical type hair loss treatments available today, for many people looking to avoid the possible side-effects of prescription drugs and hair loss medications, natural vitamins for hair loss can provide an effective and healthy alternative.

The causes of hair loss are numerous. But one area that needs to be explored if you suffer from hair loss or indeed if the health of your hair is compromised at all is making sure that you are getting adequate levels of nutrients such as minerals and vitamins.

While all vitamins are essential for optimum health, as far as the health of your hair is concerned the vitamins for hair loss that need to be considered as most important are the B group of vitamins. To prevent hair loss and maintain strong and healthy hair the main B vitamins we need to have adequate supplies of are Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Inositol and Biotin. If there is a significant hair loss problem these B vitamins can be taken in high doses to help stop further loss and encourage new growth.

Of these B vitamins Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) and Folic acid are especially important in treating hair loss. If someone shows a deficiency in Folic Acid for a long period of time the chances of complete baldness increases dramatically. In the case of Vitamin B6 large doses have been shown to be clinically effective in stimulating hair re-growth.

But, there are some conditions where taking large amounts of these or other nutrients can in fact cause a worsening of the hair loss condition.

One such nutrient is Vitamin A which has been clinically proven to cause hair loss when taken for long periods with a high dosage.

A carefully prescribed course of specific hair loss vitamin supplementation is what is needed. A basic B Complex vitamin supplement should provide the necessary levels of the essential B vitamins. As B vitamins are water soluble, supplements need to be taken daily.

Dosage of various nutrients when used therapeutic li always needs to be monitored to make sure you're getting the maximum benefit from a supplements. That being said the following dosages should be thought of as a minimum daily dose for most people looking to use vitamin B as part of their hair loss nutritional programme. Inositol 500-1000mg, Pyridoxine (VitaminB6) 50mg, Folic Acid 1mg. Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) 50mg, Biotin 25mcg. Niacin (Vitamin B3) 100-300mg.

While it is difficult to get the appropriate levels of these natural hair loss vitamins from food alone there are some foods that you may like to include in your diet that are generally good sources of these essential nutrients.

Lentils, green peas, walnuts, sunflower seeds, carrots, soybeans, oats, brown rice, bulgur, cauliflower, brewer's yeast, bran, peas, nuts, eggs and beans are fantastic sources of the essential natural hair loss vitamins that your body needs to combat hair loss and encourage re-growth of your hair.

While this covers vitamins that have a specific action in regard to hair growth and hair loss there are other nutrients that are also essential for normal bodily functions in general, that can have an effect on the health of our hair.

The antioxidants Vitamin C and Vitamin E are very important for optimum health. Specifically where hair loss is concerned Vitamin carries vital oxygen in the blood and is essential for correct circulation all over the body, including the scalp. Taken medicinally Vitamin E can be used in doses up to 1200 IU.

Similarly Vitamin C also has an effect on circulation in the scalp and helps to maintain healthy and strong capillaries through which blood flows to the hair follicles. 2000mg would be the recommended daily dose.

When beginning your vitamins for hair loss program start with the recommended daily dose and slowly increase your dosage until you get to the recommended therapeutic dose (usually significantly stronger dosage than daily maintenance dose). There is no need to overdose here as this can create just as many problems as the nutrient deficiencies you are trying to treat.

If you're having trouble figuring out the vitamins for hair loss maze, you may even consider getting some assistance from a dietician or nutritionist who will outline a hair loss treatment plan that will include adequate and safe doses of the specific hair loss vitamins that you need.