So you are considering getting hair extensions in Orange County but you have no idea which type is best suited for your needs. Extensions can be very pricey, so you should take the time to research all of your available options before committing to a big investment. Taking the time to research your perfect hair extension solution can be the difference between having your hair look similar to Taylor Momsen in comparison to Jessica Beil & Victoria Beckham. LUMARIN® has taken the time to provide a detailed list of all of your available options in Orange County. If you are considering any of the services listed below please contact owner and hair extension specialist Ashley Hoffman by email at Ashley@lumarin.com. Ashley has been a hair extension specialist in orange county for over 10 years. Her exclusive technique and experience has gained the attention of celebrities, models, international clients and women who genuinely want to look and feel their best.
HAIR EXTENSION TYPES
LUMARIN® Hair Extensions – Lumarin extensions are one of the newest techniques on the market and are available only through a LUMARIN® certified hair extension specialists. These extensions are installed using a combination of several traditional techniques as well as years of developed and carefully crafted groundbreaking solutions. Lumarin extensions are made of the finest quality, natural European human hair. Installation takes between 30 minutes & 1 hour depending on the amount of hair you desire. These extensions are resistant to heat because of the bonding and installation process, but alike all other extensions they should be treated with tender care and minimal chemical exposure. Removal and maintenance of Lumarin hair extensions is a very quick process, usually between 20 minutes to 1 hour. All services are currently provided at Lumarin’s Orange County salon location in Laguna Niguel, CA. Other Lumarin specialist locations in the Orange County and Los Angeles areas will be released shortly.
Sewn-In Weft Extensions - Traditionally known as a weave, sewn-in extensions have been in the hair industry the longest out of any technique. Usually sewn in wefts are the most cost-effective but prices very according to installation technique and quality. Like swing weft extensions, sewn-in’s need to be maintained regularly usually every 6 to 8 weeks. The benefit of sewn in wefts is that the extension hair can be used many times, depending on how well it is taken care of. Installation techniques can very, usually your natural hair is braided and then the extensions are sewn in to the braid. This technique is very strong but can sometimes be painful depending on the sensitivity of your scalp. Sewn in wefts can be applied in as short at 15 minutes per row and up to 1 hour depending on the experience of your hair extension specialist. Removal is usually very quick along with maintenance, the life of sewn in extensions can vary depending on how you treat it. Sewn in wefts are highly resistant to heat styling and blowdrying because there is no chemical or plastic bond.
Heated Bonding Extensions - Hair Dreams or Great Lengths are some of the well known companies on the market. These individual hair extensions have the advantage of coming in a variety of different lengths, multiple strands can be used to blend with your natural hair pattern. These extensions are safe for most any hair texture and color. When installed a small heat iron is used to fuse the bond as it melts into your hair, the stylist rolls the iron it until the bond cools with your natural hair locked within. Classic Bond Extensions can also be applied by dipping loose strands in glue and attaching with the same method. This has the added bonus of custom color blending without having streaks. The drawback with this method is that it takes longer to apply and is therefore can be more expensive than other options. Because these types of hair extensions are bonded with heat, excessive heat styling can eventually damage or melt the bond, causing extensions to melt together or possibly detach from your natural hair! The removal of these extensions require the application of a chemical solvent, which breaks down the bond. Experts are still unsure on what affect this solvent has on your natural hair.
Protein Bond Heat Free Extensions - This technique is the latest to hit the hair extensions market. According to developers, heat free protein extensions can last up to 8 months before your next visit! The heat free bonding is primarily made of keratin, which is the same protein as your natural hair. Hair strands can be custom installed at different lengths and colors for a personalized hair experience. These extensions are bonded with the smallest fusion points on the market and also the toughest, all while remaining as flat as a sheet of paper. Heat-Free Protein Bonds are considered to be the ideal solution for clients with fine hair, because they are unlikely to cause bumps or be felt while running your hands over the hair. Heat Free Protein Extensions are applied using an ultrasonic vibration method to soften them as they are attached to your natural hair. There is absolutely no heat applied to your hair at any time during the installation process, and it takes a much higher degree of heat to damage or the extension bonds. According to the developers, blow-drying and all heated styling tools cause very little or no damage to the bond.
Micro-tube Extensions - These extensions are also known flat-tubes or hair locs. These extensions are the most ideal solution if you have black or brown hair with medium texture. Your hair can be either straight or curly in texture, and ideally you do a minimum to moderate amount of heat styling. During the installation process micro-tubes are threaded into your hair as a hair extension is inserted into the tube and is flattened, thus bonding the hair together. Removal of micro-tubes are considered to be quick and easy. The flattened tubes are compressed back to the original shape and the hair is easily slipped right out. If you have blonde hair you must be extremely cautious if you are considering installing these type of hair extensions. The micro-tubes are made of metal than can sometimes stain your hair do to UV damage, hard water or moisture in the air.
Shrink Tube Hair Extensions - This type of extension is one of newer to hit the hair market. These extensions are applied using clear plastic tubes to attach the extension hair, and can have the bonus of applying a great amount of hair to your head. Just like the microbe installation technique your hair is bonded using tubes, but with shrink tubes the bond is heated until it melts and shrinks, locking your natural hair and the extensions together. Shrink tubes have room for up to two extensions per tube, if your natural hair is thick and strong this can be a great option for achieving the long, curly and big look similar to beverly hills housewife Adrienne Maloof.
Taped Weft Extensions - Notable brand names include Nordic Hair Contrast and SkinWeft. These extensions are applied using thin strips of hair bonded with tape and a heating element. These extensions recommended for individuals with extremely fine hair because lay flat against the scalp and tend to fill in naturally with fine long hair. Custom colors can be achieved by blending layered strands together, providing a dimensional look without streaks being visible.
Swing Weft Extensions - Swing weft hair extensions use top quality hair as in most long-term extensions types. However, unlike other long life extensions, swing wefts are considered economical because of the quick installation process. Swing wefts have a tendency to appear more natural than some cheap sewn in wefts due to the fact that they are applied close to the scalp allowing the hair to move freely like your hair. Swing weft extensions are usually applied very quickly but there is greater maintenance involved during the life of the hair, They usually need to be tightened between every 6 to 8 weeks. Maintenance tends to be very quick and the life of these hair extensions vary between 6 and 8 months.
Temporary Hair Extensions or Clip In’s - These type of extensions are made up of natural hair and are the ideal solution if you are seeking a quick fix for a night on the town. They are easily applied to your hair with clips and can be just as easily removed. They are a great solution if you are on a budget or like to frequently change your hairstyles, but unfortunately they tend to loosen and fall so they made need periodic adjustments throughout the night These extensions are usually around half of the price of most extension options and can be found in a variety of quality and colors. They can be treated like your normal hair and resistant to most heat styling and blow drying. It is still recommended that you treat these delicately in order to preserve the life of the extensions. Be cautious of and pre-packaged hair extensions that you can find at local retailers, although they are a cheap solution you tend to have better results if you seek a hair extension specialist to match your hair color and texture. Extension specialists will also cut the extensions to naturally blend with your hairs. If treated with great care, temporary extensions can last up to several years depending on frequency of use.
Highlight Extensions - If you are want to have highlights but are afraid of chemicals damaging your hair, extensions can be a quick and safe solution. Rather than bleaching your hair, consider adding a blond streak using an extension. This can also be beneficial if you are seeking to add low lights or depth to your light hair. Best of all this solution can be as temporary or permanent as you desire and can easily be cut, moved or colored to evolve with your ever changing look. Highlights can be installed using most of the extension techniques including; heat-free protein bonds, classic bond, shrink-tubes, micro tubes and clip-in’s. The benefit of chemical free highlights when using clip in extensions is that they snap in when you want them and can be removed with the night is over. Snap in extensions have become more and more popular over the years in the fashion and runway industry because of the need for quick look changes.