Your life before and after hair extensions.
Hot fusion is a prevalent method of installing hair extensions. It is a natural-looking solution and, if applied correctly, very non-damaging to your hair. It is one of the oldest methods! However, that doesn’t mean it’s dated. Still, fusion is one of the most popular solutions available. These extensions are tipped with keratin glue and are very versatile (if they are made of real human hair). They can be dyed, straightened, curled, just like your own natural hair.
Although the fusion method is simple, the application process should be done professionally. The glue is melted onto your hair with a hot fusion wand and rolled together. The procedure itself takes about three to four hours, depending on how much hair you have. Fusion extensions can last 3-6 months, depending on how fast your hair grows. After that, you need to have them re-installed. They need to be removed by a professional to maintain the healthiness of your natural hair.
The great thing about fusion extensions is that they’re very versatile. You can use them to apply a full, long head of hair or add highlights to your hair. That works if you don’t want to use chemicals like bleach or hair color on your natural hair. This method is great for those looking for a more permanent type of hair extension and don’t want to worry about taking them out every night, like you have to do with clip-ins, for example.
Before getting fusion extensions, there are a couple of things you should know beforehand and be prepared for. If you’re brand new to the extension world, you’ll find that it’s a big adjustment from having nothing in your hair to having fusions. They are also one of the most difficult methods to take care of. So, the more information you get about these extensions, the better your experience will be, and they will last you for a long time.
1. Gathering Information
When you meet with your stylist, consult first. If this is your first time, getting all the additional information and asking if you don’t understand something is a good idea. Make sure you ask the right question and try to inform yourself a little bit beforehand to make sure that your technician is giving you quality extensions and to make sure that she thoroughly explains how to care for them.
What if your technician isn’t of much help? Then, make sure you take the initiative and do the research yourself before getting fusion extensions. Once you get them in, you should know how to care for them. Otherwise, they won’t last you as long and may damage your hair.
2. Your Human Hair Extensions Might Have Animal Hair
When it comes to affordable hair extensions, a lot of people will spend hours looking through the web, checking different suppliers just to save a dollar or two. While we have nothing against such practices, things are not what they seem in the hair extensions world.
Here’s how it all started for most of us. A lot of people would buy the cheapest possible extensions if they were “real” hair. Therefore, making other suppliers and manufacturers rethink their strategy or profit targets. However, with margins already being razor-thin, manufacturers began decreasing the quality. Just so their audience that only cares about the price is satisfied. The result? A lot of suppliers now mix real hair with animal hair, with ranges varying from a few percent to as much as 20%.
This is the result of buyers wanting the cheapest thing.
3. Real Hair Are Often Synthetic Hair
While some manufacturers add animal hair, others go the other route. These either mix real hair with synthetic hair or completely eliminate the human hair.
For better or worse, though, few manufacturers are producing synthetic hair that can sometimes be good, and only after a few washes do the defects start to show. That or a professional hairstylist can tell the difference until they melt.
4. Some Manufacturers Sell Extensions at a Loss
Now, this one might be hard to believe… AiryHair also did that (we have been in business for over ten years).
Since the beauty industry is extremely competitive, some wholesale manufacturers sacrifice their profits for a year or two to get into the business. Of course, these businesses need deep pockets to survive, but the goal is simple: Hook the client who needs high-quality extensions in huge quantities and take a loss on their order, hoping that he or she will return in the future and (at least) help you break even.
Once you do get keratin hair, you are going to be thrilled because fusions usually look the most natural and they can enhance your hair for sure, whether it’s length, volume, thickness, or different colors. Whatever it is, you’ll see a big difference, and you’ll probably really love it.
But soon, you might feel that your head hurts a little bit. Some girls have a bit of scalp sensitivity, which is completely normal and typically happens for the first few nights after you get fusions or other hair extensions.
The reason for that is that suddenly, you have all this extra hair and attachments on your head so that it may feel weird at first. So, expect the first couple of nights to be slightly uncomfortable. It kind of feels like you’re having a ponytail, and you might feel a bit of tugging. But don’t worry; this only lasts for a very short period.
1. Sleeping with Fusion Hair Extensions
Before bed, you should be putting your hair up, so expect that that will be your new way of going to bed. You can do pigtails or a high ponytail because that is the best way to go to sleep with extensions without causing matting, and it’s the most comfortable way to sleep with fusions.
If you did feel a bit of pain the first couple of nights while sleeping with fusions, don’t worry. After the first wash, the symptoms of pain will go away, and you will get used to them.
2. Washing Fusion Extensions
Going from regular washing to suddenly washing your hair with a full head of fusions is different. The first thing to remember is that you should wash your hair standing up in the shower! Yes, not bending down and flipping your hair upside down. Why? Because it’s challenging to maneuver, and you’ll end up causing some tangles. It’s a lot easier to do it while you’re just standing in the shower.
Okay, here is how you do it! When you’re ready, use a small amount of shampoo and scrub your scalp where there are no attachments—around the top and sides of your head! Then, with the rest of the shampoo, you just kind of bring it through the rest of your hair, as if you’re applying conditioner.
You don’t want to scrub aggressively where the bonds are. This is a bit of an adjustment because people are usually used to scrubbing the entirety of the scalp, but rest assured, it does get clean, so you just must get used to not scrubbing too aggressively.
3. Drying and Styling
Remember that you will need some extra time for drying and styling after a wash. A lot of people have a straightforward and quick routine, but now that you have fusion extensions, you must expect that it will take much longer to dry and style your hair. You should also never go to bed with wet hair because the water can damage the glue.
You want to dry your hair right away, and to super-dry full long hair; it takes some time. Be sure to give yourself some extra time for that. It may be a different routine than what you’re used to. However, you have to schedule it so that you get the most out of your extensions, they don’t get damaged or fall out and will look perfect.
The biggest thing people aren’t used to after getting fusions is that you shouldn’t wash your hair daily. If you wash your hair less frequently, you’ll find that your extensions will last you a lot longer. Instead, you can use dry shampoo and wash your hair every three or four days. This is something to expect if you’re someone who washes their hair every day.
Conclusion
And here you have it… When it comes to buying hair extensions on a budget, it can be trickier than initially thought.
The good news? There are some awesome hair suppliers out there.
With AiryHair, you will never have to worry about fake reviews, mixed hair, or any other dirty tips and tricks. It’s all about affordable beauty!
Now that you have all the essential information, you’re ready to get your fusion extensions finally. They are amazing, and you’ll be very happy afterward. Sure, they do require a bit of maintenance, like most other hair extensions (or long natural hair), but it’s worth the trouble!
