The Truth About Hair

Long, lush locks are desired by most women in most cultures. Women are now cutting to the chase and buying their hair now. Fake hair isn't just for black people who want weaves, now anyone of another ethnicity can get it with a snap of a finger and instantly look like they've been growing their locks out for years. In Southern California, hair extensions are becoming more common and if someone has hair past their chest, it's most likely not natural.

Hair extensions come in many different forms and lengths. Natural hair is from other countries, mainly from Europe and India, and can cost anywhere from $200-$5,000, depending on if you get it done at a professional salon. The hair is treated and cleaned before it's sold and the best brands provide free color swatches. They take anywhere from four to five hours to apply and are attached to the root of the hair through different methods.

Clip-in hair is also popular, but there's a fine line on how noticable it is that it's fake. Celebrities like Jessica Simpson and Paris Hilton have hair extension brands, costing anywhere from $80-$400. Clip-ins are best for special events where they're easy to take out. It's still better to look for cuticle hair, as it looks much more natural. Glued hair is cheaper method (roughly $80-$200), but falls out easier and is more damaging--only lasting for about a week.

Strand-by-strand is more popular for a professional look and are what you'll find in salons. This lasts for six months, but can cost anywhere from $600-$2,500. Weaving is more popular, a method of sewing the hair into the natural hair and lasts four to six months at $400-$1,500.

Don't go overboard. Hair isn't like makeup, you don't want people to notice that you're wearing it all of the time. Don't have your hair at a length so long that people immediately recognize that it's fake. You want people to see you instead of your hair and not be able to guess that you paid big bucks for your locks.

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com