I'M THINKING ABOUT EXTENSIONS…
Q: How long does my hair need to be?
Q: Do extensions damage my hair?
Q: If my hair is curly and I straighten it all the time, can I get straight extensions?
Q: Where does the hair come from?
Q: Is human hair sanitary?
Q: What are some of the different kinds of extensions methods?
Q: Which extension method is the best?
Q: Which hair is of the lowest quality and why?
Q: Which hair is of medium to good quality and why?
Q: What kind of quality is Indian hair?
Q: Is Virgin hair the best hair for extensions?
Q: What is Remi hair?
Q: What is the difference between single drawn and double drawn Remi hair?
Q: What is cuticle hair?
Q: What is Yaki hair?
Q: Can I still colour my hair if I have extensions?
Q: Can I colour extension hair?
Q: Can I swim with extensions?
Q: What's the difference between a weave and a weft?
Q: Will anyone be able to tell I have extensions?

I JUST GOT EXTENSIONS…
Q: How often do I need to get my extensions tightened?
Q: Why does my scalp itch?
Q: Why is my extension hair shedding?
Q: How do I care for my extensions?
Q: I took my extensions out and small amounts of hair came out with it, am I losing my hair!??

I'M THINKING ABOUT GETTING EXTENSIONS...
Q: How long does my hair need to be?
A: The length of your hair and the desired look you are trying to achieve will determine if you are a good candidate for extensions. Typically average to fine hair (straight, wavy or curly) just above the shoulders or longer is best suited for extensions.
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Q: Do extensions damage my hair?
A: It's not whether extensions damage the hair so much as the hand that rocks the cradle.
If an extension stylist braids your hair so tight for a weave that hairs are popping out at the root or he or she accidentally drips a big gob of glue on your root then maybe they shouldn't be doing extensions. A good extension stylist with plenty of experience should know how exactly to apply and remove extensions with little to no damage.
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Q: If my hair is curly and I straighten it all the time, can I get straight extensions?
A: No. Extension hair should match the natural texture of the client's hair. Curly hair blow-dried straight looks different than naturally straight hair.
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Q: Where does the hair come from?
A: All over the world. Typically from Asia and India. More expensive hair comes from Europe.
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Q: Is human hair sanitary?
A: Absolutely. All extension hair is sanitized and sterilized.
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Q: What are some of the different kinds of extensions methods?
A: Weaving, netting, pinch braids, Hairlocs, fusion, acrylic bonding, latex bonding, and polymer bonding just to name a few.
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Q: Which extension method is the best?
A: The answer to this question is all a matter of opinion. Some extension stylists swear by their method because they don't know any other. A good extension expert will be able to help educate the advantages and disadvantages to a variety of techniques. Traditional weft extensions are offered at Knot Just Dreads because the hair is reusable therefore making the service economical. Sewn weft extensions are easy to remove with zero damage.
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Q: Which hair is of the lowest quality and why?
A: Asian hair (Often Chinese and Korean) is of the lowest quality. The cuticle is often burned off in an acid rinse. Then the hair is coated with a silicone sealant for temporary shine. This hair will tangle quickly. This hair is the least expensive to purchase.
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Q: Which hair is of medium to good quality and why?
A: European hair is most popular for hair extensions. This hair does not necessarily come from Europe. It can also come from Latin America and India. It is strong and usually not overly processed.
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Q: What kind of quality is Indian hair?
A: Indian hair comes in the most variety of quality. The hair is not as thick as Asian hair and not as fine as some Caucasian hair. The quality can vary depending on whether the cuticle is stripped or whether the hair is Remi.
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Q: Is Virgin hair the best hair for extensions?
A: Virgin hair is not chemically treated or coloured. This hair is very expensive, very difficult to find and not economical for hair extensions.
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Q: What is Remi hair?
A: Remi hair is a term used to describe high quality loose or a wefted human hair in which all the cuticles are facing down in the same direction.
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Q: What is the difference between single drawn and double drawn Remi hair?
A: Single drawn includes hair of different lengths. Double drawn arranges hair by equal lengths.
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Q: What is cuticle hair?
A: Cuticle hair is the same as Remi hair. These terms are used interchangeably.
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Q: What is Yaki hair?
A: Yaki or Yak hair mimics the texture of relaxed African/African American human hair.
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Q: Can I still colour my hair if I have extensions?
A: Yes however if you have multiple colours or hilites, it might be recommended to simplify your colour before you get extensions. Ask your extensions stylist.
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Q: Can I colour extension hair?
A: It is not recommended to bleach or lighten extension hair since the peroxide can cause excessive dryness and tangling. Changing tonal value or going darker however does not damage hair and therefore safer to do so. Consult with your colour specialist. Low quality extension hair is coated with a silicone sealant that often rejects hair colour altogether.
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Q: Can I swim with extensions?
A: At your discretion. There are no guarantees because everyone cares for their hair differently. Lake water is the most gentle on extension hair. Salt water is drying on extension hair. Chlorine is the worst! Think of your skin and how it feels when you go into different water. If you have a pool and like to swim, you might want to think twice about getting extensions-at least for the summer.
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Q: What's the difference between a weft and a weave?
A: A weft is made up of a few hundred or a few thousand hairs where the top of each hair is either machine sewn or hand tied to a thin strip of material. Machine wefts tend to come in one long continuous curtain of hair. This long weft needs to be cut into shorter wefts in order to fit the client's head. Hand tied wefts are often made for custom fit. A weave is the overall extension hairstyle made up of several wefts.
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Q: Will anyone be able to tell I have extensions?
A: When someone has extensions they know what to look for. A really good head of extensions will leave an expert guessing.
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I JUST GOT EXTENSIONS…
Q: How often do I need to get my extensions tightened?
A: Extension maintenance should be repeated every 2-3 months.
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Q: Why does my scalp itch?
A: Sometimes your scalp needs a little time to adjust to having extensions. This is normal and will go away in a few days.
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Q: My extension hair is shedding, what should I do?
A: Think about what you may or may not be doing with your extensions. Excessive or vigorous brushing or combing can cause hair to pull out. Remember wet hair is more fragile than dry so always de-tangle wet hair with your fingers. Hold the extensions firmly and de-tangle the ends of the hair first. Gradually work your way to the top of the hair. If you are still shedding hair, make an appointment to get the wefts looked at by a professional. Sometimes the hair sewn or tied into the weft is too fragile and needs to be reinforced. Unfortunately if a weft has shed too much hair, it will need to be replaced.
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Q: How do I care for my extensions?
A: Treat your extension hair better than you would your own. Dry your hair before going to bed at night. Some people prefer braiding their extensions to keep the hair from matting on their pillow. Others prefer sleeping with a silk kerchief or silk pillowcase for more slip and less grip. Remember to regularly use a light conditioner to hydrate your extension hair. Avoid conditioner on the roots.
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Q: I took my extensions out and small amounts of hair came out with it, am I losing my hair!??
A: No you are absolutely not losing your hair. Regardless of which method was used to apply your extensions, your scalp is continually replenishing hair. In fact some people shed up to 150 hairs a day! If you have extensions, some of these hairs will inevitably get stuck. When extensions are removed, the shed hair is combed out. This is not breakage. This is normal.
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