History

• The history of hair pieces traces back to the time of the ancient Egyptians, who used wigs when they would shave their heads to be more comfortable in the hot climate and decrease lice infection. For centuries, hair pieces were only available to wealthy individuals. Since the 1990s, hair extensions became more affordable to mainstream society, who viewed them as the answer to various problems from alopecia to slow-growing hair.
  
  

Types

• Hair extensions come in two forms: synthetic and human. Synthetic hair extensions are created out of artificial fibers that are altered to mimic the look and texture of human hair. These extensions typically do not last long---even as little as a few weeks---and mat and tangle rather easily. Most synthetic hair extensions cannot tolerate heat applied to them, as they will melt. Chemically altering synthetic hair is not possible.
  
  Human hair extensions are made hair that has been sold or donated. They can be heated and processed to achieve various colors and textures. They can last up to one year longer than synthetic hair with proper care and maintenance.
  
  

Costs

• Synthetic hair is typically less expensive than human hair because it is of lower quality. The type of method used to apply the hair extensions will influence the cost as well. The price to have extensions applied can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
  
  

Choosing Extensions

• When choosing hair extensions, the color and texture must be considered. The goal of hair extensions should be to produce a natural-looking result. In other words, no one should be able to tell your hair has extensions, unless you desire otherwise. The individual should choose hair extensions that match her own hair color and texture, such as straight and fine or curly and coarse.
  
  

Methods of Application

• There are several methods of applying hair extensions. The bonding method uses glue that is applied to the wefts of the hair extensions. Thereafter, the hair extension wefts are applied to the individual's natural hair in small sections. The sew-in method involves using a hair-weaving needle and thread to sew the wefts of the hair extensions into braids formed by the natural hair. The most expensive method---fusion---applies nonwefted hair extensions to the roots of the individual's natural hair with a special wax.