Hair Extensions are Used for More than Just Style and Fashion

Hair extensions can add volume to thinning hair besides adding length.

Hair extensions aren't just for adding length to hair. They are also a common method for adding volume and thickness to thinning hair. Hair extensions can be applied in a number of different ways. If you have thinning hair, be sure to talk with the stylist to find the best technique and type for improving the look of your hair without leading to further hair loss. We talked to a variety of experts around the country to get their input on hair extensions as hair loss treatments.

Types of hair extensions

"The safest and only type that I would personally recommend for fine or thin hair is a method called cold fusion (not to be confused with hot fusion) or microlinks," says Giulia Heiman, professional hairstylist and cofounder of StyloNY.com. "This method is ideal for those with very thin or fine hair, because the bonds are about as small as a grain of rice. Since they are bonded to individual clumps of hair, they won't stress and weigh down your hair like sewn-in track extensions. The only downside to this method is the higher price. The fusion method, though, is all around better than tracks because there is less glue, you can wash your hair you as normally do, and it is comfortable to wear."

Choosing a stylist for hair extensions

"You definitely want to find someone who specializes in your type of hair," explains Heiman. "Since the options are overwhelming sometimes, here is a little trick. Call a salon and ask for its most experienced stylist working with hair extensions and your hair type. Call back again the next day and see if you are given the same name. That way you will know if the person really is a specialist or just the only one who was available at that time. Make sure to set up a consultation before you schedule your service; and book a few consultations with different salons and stylists. If you meet with two or three, you will be able to get an idea of who is experienced and who's not. Be certain that the salon is using real human hair, not synthetic, and ask the stylist how long she or he has been performing this service. Last but not least, you will very likely need a haircut after the extensions are put in, to blend the new hair. Make sure to ask your stylist if this is included in the price or if you will need to schedule that also."

100 percent real human hair

"If individuals are looking for a solution to thinning hair, a non-surgical avenue is to seek out a salon that specializes in extensions and hair grafts, which are used to enhance naturally thin or thinning hair," advises Missi Koebler, salon owner and master stylist of Secrets of Hair Design & Day Spa, located in Butler, Pa.

"At Secrets of Hair Design & Day Spa, we offer hair grafts, which are wefts of hair made from 100 percent real hair, designed specifically for men and women who suffer from top-of-the-head hair loss and want a natural-looking, full head of hair. This is a very sensitive issue for many men and women, so it's crucial that we provide our clients with the easiest hair replenishment service available, and that is why we offer hair grafts that are easily applied without glue, heat, sewing or braiding. Hair grafts are not wigs or an integration of the hair but a light hair replenishment that is applied directly to the hair, as with extensions. The significant difference, however, is that hair wefts are made for thinning hair and are therefore much gentler than the average hair extensions. Hair grafts also come in a variety of colors and most often two lengths that can be customized for clients."

What to ask about hair extensions

Stylist Cesare Safieh of Hair by Cesare, Inc. in Pasadena, Calif., recommends asking the following questions when choosing salons or stylists:

1.What type of bond do they use?

2.How do you have to care for the hair extensions?

3.How much training have they had in hair extensions?

4.Can they provide prior client referrals for the same situations?

5.Can they match the color to your hair?

6.Will you have to change your lifestyle?

7.Are they certified in hair extensions and hair loss specialty?