June 2020 - Town of Broadalbin

The integration of artificial hair works like magic. These strands add instant volume or length that would have taken months to achieve. As such, they don’t come cheap. A full head of hair extensions can cost $600 to $1,500 and must be taken out by a professional stylist every six to eight weeks. Taking care of your hair extensions will not only give you better hair days but also ensures you get the most of your money.

Whether you’re a newbie or a regular hair extension wearer, there are a few things you should know regarding aftercare. Following these pointers will make them last longer and save you from potential hair loss and other scalp problems.

DO: Use the right hair products.

Use moisturizing shampoos that contain argan, castor, or coconut oil to keep your extensions healthy and nourished. Choose leave-in conditioners to prevent dryness and tangles.

It’s generally safe to use creams, oils, and other styling products on your hair as long as they don’t reach the bonds that glue your extensions to the scalp. Choose hydrating serums and alcohol-free products for natural-looking shine.

DON’T: Expose your hair to chlorinated water.

Swimming in chlorine-based water can damage extensions, especially if the chlorine levels are incredibly high.

If you have exposed your hair to chlorine, wash it immediately to keep the chemicals or salt from messing with the adhesive. Chlorine drains the natural oils from your locks, so avoid using dehydrating shampoo. Apply conditioner and let it rest for ten to 15 minutes before washing your scalp thoroughly with warm water.

Leaving chlorine in your hair longer could cause color alteration and irreversible dryness. Better yet, protect your hair with a swim cap to prevent it from getting wet.

DO: Brush your hair regularly.

Brush your hair two to three times daily, but be careful of uprooting the bonds. One way you can do this is by pressing down on your roots while brushing.

Brushing wet extensions can strain and prematurely weaken the bonds. Using a detangling brush with nylon bristles will allow you to comb through the hair without excessive pulling.

DON’T: Overwash your hair.

The key to long-lasting extensions is continuous but gentle maintenance. Use the shampoo sparingly, and be careful not to bunch or scrub your hair as you wash it. Vigorous washing can stress and weaken your extensions.

At best, wash your hair every other day or every second day. Cleanse the ends and scalp thoroughly, but stay away from your hair’s midshaft. Doing so will reduce the risk of shedding and keep your hair extensions smooth and tangle-free.

DO: Allow your natural hair to rest.

Common types of extensions are glued on your roots or sewn into your hair with a needle and thread. While it can be tempting to use extensions 365 days a year, excessive use can damage your scalp and real locks.

Taking breaks between appointments lets your scalp breathe and recover from any strain caused by the extensions. Doing so will save your hair from breakage and balding.

While no extensions will last forever, proper maintenance can help you enjoy them longer. The right products and techniques will make the difference in whether your extensions will tangle or be soft and healthy. Listen to your stylist and always prioritize your scalp’s health above all else.

Commonly found synthetic gemstones

Synthetic or lab-created gemstones are named as such because they’re produced in laboratories. These labs use advanced techniques to recreate the time, temperature, pressure, and other elements to create different kinds of gemstones.

Here are commonly sold synthetic gemstones:

Pearls – Commonly known as cultured pearls, these are made by feeding a foreign substance into an oyster, with the sole purpose of getting it to form a pearl. It’s estimated that up to 99 percent of pearls on the market are cultured.

Rubies and sapphires – Lab-created rubies and sapphires have fewer inclusions than their naturally-occurring counterparts. In mineralogy, inclusions are materials that get trapped inside a mineral during its formation.

Diamonds – Lab-grown diamonds sparkle the same and have the same color and clarity as natural diamonds. The only difference is that natural diamonds contain nitrogen, while synthetic diamonds don’t.

How to tell if your gemstone is synthetic or natural?

If both synthetic and natural gemstones share the same mineral makeup, then how can you differentiate them?

You can differentiate natural from synthetic by checking its clarity. Most of the time, synthetic gemstones offer better clarity — they’re likely to be more vivid and richer in color. Also, they’re virtually blemish- or inclusion-free when you look at them. This is because they can be controlled during the production process. Natural gemstones often undergo other processes like heat treatment to bring out their natural color and to remove inclusions.

Popularity and value

According to a Future Market Insights report, more than 85 percent of gemstones sold in the market are synthetic. The study said that the versatile physical attributes and the relatively lower price point of lab-made stones would continue to position them as the preferred choice over natural stones. Gemstones like sapphires and rubies can be produced less expensively, making them less expensive for consumers.

Despite that, there are still many clients who prefer natural stones because of their rarity. For example, diamonds. They’re among the hardest materials on earth. They’re formed from millions of years of geological pressure and are extracted from deep mines in the earth. This labor-intensive process, along with tight industry manipulation and marketing, leads to a perception of rarity, that drives their prices.

Are synthetic stones inferior?

While synthetic gemstones are less expensive than natural stones, this doesn’t mean they are of low quality. Again, lab-made stones can be classified as “real” as long as they possess the same mineral makeup as natural stones.

If you’re thinking you’re not going to get your money’s worth if you buy lab-made gemstones, you’re wrong. They can be as authentic as natural gemstones, but only less expensive.

The Dos and Don’ts of Caring for Your Hair Integrations