Dec 06 , 2024
Where is Hair Extensions Coming From?
Where is Hair Extensions Coming From?
Hair extensions are a big part of the beauty industry. They add length, volume and even color to your locks making it possible to create a glamorous style without a full head of natural hair. The best hair extensions are made with human hair, rather than synthetic strands. Human hair looks and feels more like your own strands, and is easier to blend in with them than the fake stuff. It’s no wonder that many celebrities are seen rocking luscious manes with the help of extensions.
Authentic human hair extensions blend better with your strands, and can be impossible to differentiate from your own natural tresses. However, it’s important to note that they are also more expensive than their synthetic counterparts. That being said, they can last up to 12 months if properly cared for and maintained.
Where is Hair Extensions Coming From?
It’s no secret that most of the hair used in extensions comes from real people – but have you ever wondered where it is actually coming from, and how it gets from there to your local salon? In a new film, director Riqua Hailes (founder of the Hair Extensions Academy and creator of the “Just extensions” salon in Los Angeles) takes you on a journey across Asia as she seeks to uncover this secretive trade. The resulting documentary is both fascinating and disturbing.
The hair that is used in human hair extensions typically comes from women in India, Malaysia, China and Cambodia. Hailes explains that the hair is usually donated or sold for a variety of reasons, including to support their families and children. This is not the first time that Hailes has taken on the issue of unregulated and unfair trade within the human hair extension industry. Her previous documentary “Tonsuring” documented the exploitation of women in Vietnam who were being paid pennies on the dollar for their hair, and in some cases had their heads shaved as part of a religious ceremony known as tonsuring.
Authentic human hair extensions are more expensive than synthetic ones, and it is important to choose the right one for your style and lifestyle. They can be a little more difficult to maintain, but are worth it in the long run when they look and feel natural. They are also easier to style than synthetics, as they can be curled, dyed and straightened, but it’s best to minimise heat styling as much as possible to avoid any unnecessary damage.
If you’re looking to try out human hair extensions, or you’re a stylist that is recommending them for your clients, make sure to check out our comprehensive hair extension length chart. This will help your clients find the right match for their natural strands, and avoid any potential disappointment down the road. Remember to always use a heat protection product such as Lullabellz Hot Girl Spritz before applying any heat, to avoid unnecessary damage or dryness to the hair. Good luck, and enjoy your new strands!