Elisabeth Salmon, Gleaner Writer

Model Donisha Williams wears this soft curl wig complete with bangs with style.

No matter what you call them - weave, attachments or just an add-on - it's clear that hair extensions have become a staple for fashion mavens across the globe.

And with the enticement of thick, flowing hair, who could blame us! With incredible versatility, availability and a multitude of types to choose from, it's important for 'weave virgins' to be confident in their hairstylist's ability as well as the grade of hair and application method they choose.

Luckily, Saturday Style has your comprehensive guide to the sew-ins and pull-outs of hair extensions.

Hair extensions were provided by Discount Beauty Supplies and Salon Equipment, Shop #1, Kings Plaza, 38 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 10. Telephone: 906- 2361/906- 0639.

Types of hair extensions

Wefts and strands are the two major types of hair extensions available and they come in both synthetic and human fibre. The main differences between the two are found in their methods of application and packaging.

Wefts, often called 'tracks', are strands of hair bonded together at the top either to a thin ribbon or to themselves and hanging freely towards the ends. Because wefts are sewn in, no chemicals are used in their integration and thus tend to be much safer.

Simply put, strands (also called bulk hair) are hair that is not bonded together by a weft rack. Strands are applied individually and require waxes or glues. Strands may also be braided into or looped around your own hair.

Faux hair jazzes up your looks, despite criticism from some naturalists.

Grades

Human hair is mainly grouped according to its origin and processing methods. The most common grades include:

Remy (or Remi) hair - With its high price and limited availability, it's clear to see why Remy hair is considered the Rolls-Royce of the hair extension family. Remy is hair that has been cut off a person's head and whose strands have been so organised to keep the roots and tips aligned in the correct direction.

Hair collected from brushes or from salon floors is called non-Remy hair. It is much cheaper than its Remy counterpart. The cuticle is often removed and the hair coated with a layer of silicone to add shine and weight to the strands.

Virgin hair, as it suggests, is hair that has not been chemically altered.

Application

Sew method - The most common method used to sew in extensions is to braid cornrows in the direction of the hair's plunge line and then sew the wefts directly on to the braids. A blunt needle and similar coloured thread is used.

Glue method - Extensions may be bonded to hair using glue specially designed for weaves and extensions.

Wefts may also be clipped in temporarily.

Extension upkeep

The insatiable 'weave pat' has become as common as extensions themselves, but there are methods to keep the need at bay. Extension upkeep is important for long-lasting, healthy attachments. Here are a few tips:

Detangle hair before washing.

Wash hair with mild shampoo and lukewarm water.

Do not rub!

Pat-dry wet hair.

Do not apply direct heat to hair adhesives.

Removal

Sew-in threads must be carefully cut out.

Most adhesives are removed using hair glue removers.