How to Control Curly Hair in Summer?

First of all, understand that if you were born with curly hair, 90 percent (if not more) women with straight hair have been jealous of your hair at some point. Women with limp, stick-straight hair spend hours of their lives with curling irons trying to mimic what comes naturally to you. How do I know this? I have straight hair. I own four curling irons.
Now that we've gotten that out of the way, there are pros and cons to having curly hair. The pros include body and the fact you don't suffer from Oily Hair Syndrome and therefore have to wash your hair every day. The cons include frizz and Puffy Hair Syndrome, which tends to happen in high humidity and when the hairdresser gets too snip-happy. But there are secrets to living with curly hair and I've discovered every single one of them.

Secret #1:

Thou Shalt Not Fight Your Natural Curl on Humid Days
If you're in a hot, humid climate, you might as well put away your flat iron. You might spend hours straightening your hair, only to step outside and ... POOF!

So what to do in humid climes? Embrace the curl. We'll get more into that in a bit.

Secret #2:

If You Want to Go Straight, You Can One of the great benefits to curly hair is with a little bit of muscle or chemicals, you can go straight. Nicole Kidman has been sporting stick straight hair on the red carpet for years now, but the truth is, she has super curly hair. There are several types of professional hair straightening available, it's just a matter of finding one that fits into your budget and your hair texture. The solution used is much like a perm, only instead of curly hair, it straightens it.

Even after a professional straightening, you'll likely need to iron hair. Invest in a great ionic flat iron --it's much less time-consuming and a great iron won't fry your hair.

Secret #3:
No, You are Not Destined for a Life Full of Frizz
As you likely well know by now, humidity can wreak havoc on curly hair. Curly hair tends to be dry and therefore vulnerable to humid air -- it simply wants to soak up moisture. This causes cuticles to expand, which causes frizz.
The secret to keeping frizz at bay involves a few products: a leave-in conditioner, a deep conditioner and a styling product involving silicone. If you have curly hair, these should be staples in your bathroom cabinet. All either keep the hair moisturized or protects the cuticle from moisture.

Preventing frizz is basically a four-step process: deep condition once a week. Apply a leave-in conditioner to ends after a shower. When styling hair, apply a serum that contains silicone (look for "dimethicone" on the bottle) to wet hair, coating every curl.

Secret #4:
There are Right Ways & Wrong Ways to Use a Blow Dryer
The blow dryer can be a curly girl's nightmare if used improperly. To avoid poof, let hair airdry as long as possible, then blow dry hair with a diffuser. If you don't use a diffuser, aim the blow dryer nozzle downward, in the direction hair grows.
How to use a diffuser: Hold the dryer under hair, squeezing curls in your palm as you dry hair.

Secret #5:
Throw Out That Brush & Invest in a Comb
A comb is your best friend, a brush is not. Some women swear off even the comb, preferring finger-combing (I know of one woman who swears she's never, ever combed or brushed her hair).
Combing hair is great, because it ensures you're coating locks with that silicone serum you have dutifully purchased.

Secret #6:
Curly Hair Looks Best Long-ish
Remember when actress Kerri Russell cut off her famous long, curly locks and the public went ballistic? Turns out her long hair was beloved and she just didn't look so great with short hair.
The problem with short hair on curly women is that short hair doesn't look good. That's all a matter of face shape. The fact is short hair tends to be poofy. Curls need length to weigh them down, so women with curly hair tend look best with hair that grows below the shoulders. When I say "below the shoulders" I mean when hair is dry.

Secret #7:
The Most Flattering Type of Haircuts
Curly hair tends to look best with layers cut into it. Without layers, long curly hair tends to resemble a Christmas tree.
I almost always advise women to seek out stylists who are experienced in cutting curly hair. This can be daunting, I know, because if you call a salon and ask for such a thing you'll likely be assured that all the stylists can cut curly hair. If you admire another curly woman's hair, get her stylist's number. It could be the most coveted seven digits in your cell phone.

Extra tip: Stylists with curly probably know how to cut curly hair.

Secret #8:
Some Styles Look Better on You Than Anyone Else
Personally, I think ballerina bands, which are utterly hot right now, look best on women with curly hair. There are some romantic updos that I covet and that look good only on naturally curly hair. After all, when one thinks "romantic updo," the image conjured up in the mind is not a sleek chignon. It is curly hair pulled back and up. Just be careful with the tendrils, which are too '80s.
The half-up, half-down hairstyle is also very romantic and looks great on curly hair.

Also headbands. Headbands look fabulous with curly hair, which leads me to ...

Secret #9:
Headbands are an Excellent Choice When You're Short on Time
For curly-haired women short on time, a headband can be a lifesaver. If you pull hair back in a band while it's damp, it's a great way to "flatten" hair at the crown, leaving the curls at your hair's ends. Later you can pull off the hairband and you'll have gorgeous body.

Secret #10:
Loose Buns are Utterly Sexy
Because you abide by secret #5, chances are you have long hair and long hair looks fabulous pulled back in a loose bun. To get this look, simply pull hair back, then twist at the nape of the neck into a bun. Secure with a rubber band. Loose and messy is good, tendrils are not.

I Want Long Hair - NOW As told to Karen Shelton

Introduction

Ever since my hair all broke off about 5 months ago (we won't go into WHY it broke off) I have been considering hair extensions. (Before photo to the side)

I knew at that time that my hair was too short for them (it broke off about 1/4" from my scalp) but of course all that meant was I had plenty of time to research and think about hair extensions as an option for me.

While I waited for my hair to grow long enough (most hair extension professionals won't attach them until hair is at least 4-5" long) I looked on the net for more information. The HairBoutique.com site by far had the most information, with articles on the different types of hair and the different methods of attachment. They also offer many different opinions from many different experts who don't necessarily agree.

I chose to go with real human hair, because it looked the most real, and to have the hair extension expert recommended by HairBoutique.com in Dallas do the actual work.

My total cost was around $1,600.00. I realize that might be very expensive to some, but this is my hair I was thinking about. I wasn't going to skimp, and of course I had 5 months or so to save up for it :). After coming to a decision about those points, what I wanted was personal accounts. What did it feel like to have extensions? Could I brush my hair, wash my hair, sleep with them comfortably?

Alas, there are few places that have the answers to these types of questions.

So, before I relate my own experience of the actual attachment, I will address a few issues relating to hair extensions that others might be interested in.

Can I brush them?

Of course you can. I recommend using any soft bristle brush. In fact, I personally brush it thoroughly at least twice a day to prevent tangles and help distribute the scalp oils along the extensions to keep the hair shiny.

Basically, you can brush the hair, sleep on the hair, pull it up in a ponytail or a bun, anything you can do with hair that grew out of your head.

How long does my hair have to be?

My hair varied from 3-4" all over my head when I had mine attached, and this seemed plenty long. My hair is very thick, so I was lucky that they were able to attach additional extensions very far up on the crown of my head, which looks even more natural, as if it grew that way. If you are unsure, visit the extension artist you plan to use or send pictures, and they will tell you whether your hair is ripe for extensions.

Do I need to use special shampoos?

I was advised to avoid Redken CAT shampoo. For some reason this brand deteriorates the attachment bond that keeps the extension on the hair. All other shampoos were declared fit for use. I was told to add conditioner to the ends of the extensions, then comb through any tangles gently, follow with a shampoo on the scalp letting the suds rinse through the ends, then end with conditioner before a final rinse. My hair still feels great so far.

Do they start falling out?

It is normal to lose a few of the attachments as time goes on. A mass exodus of extensions leaving your head signals a problem, usually stemming from improper care or your own hair being too short to have extensions in the first place. If most of your extensions are falling out in large chunks, visit your extension artist to identify the problem. From my own experience, I am able to tug on the extensions quite fiercely and they stay quite attached.

What is they best type of extensions to get?

This is strictly a personal choice. I chose to use the HairBoutique.com hair extension expert because of his reputation as recommended by HairBoutique.com I chose real hair because the look I was going for was a natural, grew-out-of-my-head look. Different methods and different types of hair result in different looks and are available in varying price ranges. Shop around, and do some research to help you decide what is best for what you are trying achieve.

"Let's do this!"

I got off the plane at 12 noon and my dad picked me up. We were on our way to the hair extensions studio (located off 635 in Dallas, normally about a 20 minute drive from DFW airport) when ACK! Traffic jam! I was terrified I was going to be late but everything worked out fine and I made it on time.

When I came in the hair extension expert was probably more excited than I was! He greeted my father and I with a large smile and bundled me off into the studio while my father (who is not really interested in hair, bless his heart) escaped to I know not where for the duration of my appointment.

First my hair was washed clean of conditioner and styling products, then blow dried straight by a wonderful woman who would be doing one half of my head while the hair extension expert did the other.

The hair extension expert showed me the hair he planned on using and explained how the hair extension attachment method works. The hairs are grouped in little pieces of about 50 hairs a section, and attached close to the scalp.

He asked me how I usually styled my hair, and where I parted my hair so that he could assess how best to attach them so they would be hidden well. I told him I usually let my natural part (straight down the middle) go its own way and that I very rarely styled my hair in any type of updo.

He parted my hair down the middle, brushed it, then handed me the hair so I could see how nice it was, and to make sure I was pleased with the quality. I was, so we began.

The hair extension expert and his assistant sectioned my hair on each side and began the attachment process. They took small sections of about 50 hairs and attached the extension to these sections with a special device used to bond the hair extension to my own hair.

It did not hurt at all. He assured me that the bonding process DID NOT harm my own hair in any way. I was glad to hear this since my main motivation in getting the extensions is to cover up my own multi-length hair while I grow it out.

We took a break about two and a half hours into the session to grab coffee and stretch our legs. I looked rather comical walking around with half a head of long hair and short hair on top.

After we resumed, the hair extension expert and his assistant took stock of their progress and discussed how best to proceed. It was decided that since my own hair is so thick, they could continue to place extensions far up on my scalp and they would still be well hidden.

By doing this, they explained, it would help make it look more natural because I would have less blending to do with my own very short hair.

Another two hours of hair-adding later, they began to finish up my extensions. They added a few 'half pieces' around the top - pieces that are half the thickness to help blend in the line of where my own hair stopped and the extensions began.

This completed, he turned me around and... Wow! I had hair! Long hair! NICE hair!

He had me stand up and asked me how I would like it cut and/or styled.

I explained that I wanted to keep most of the length, so he cut a diagonal line across the front of the hair to add a little depth. Then a few well placed layers were added to help blend in the extensions, I received a good brushing, and then I was done.

In just four and a half hours I had hair that would normally take around two years - or more - to grow naturally.

I was very pleased with the work. I found that the hair extension expert and his assisnt were very interested in my hair. Their chief concern was my happiness with the outcome.

All during the process they instructed me on the care and feeding of my new hair. They also instructed me in the maintenance of my hair extensions which would be required if I wanted to continue to keep them after this set was removed.

I would absolutely recommend that anyone thinking about extensions, if you can afford it and you can get to Dallas, go there and have it done.

My only wish is that it didn't take so long! It took around 4 hours to do my entire head working from the bottom up, but of course with my thick hair I couldn't expect it to go quickly.

When I got home everyone at work couldn't believe how natural they looked, and I actually had to point out where the attachments were!

Some people thought it was rather weird that I would want some unknown person's hair on my head ("You don't know where that hair has been!" they cried) but I don't even think about it. In my mind it is just as much my hair as if it grew on its own.

Natural Dead Sea Products glow the Hair

Most products used on the skin of the Dead Sea are also a part of the skin and scalp are found useful for. And because the nature of the Dead Sea minerals, it does not irritate sensitive skin, what assurance is applied to any hair type. The discovery of the Dead Sea products in a much more focused on the skin can benefit. But we talk about hair care, Dead Sea of Spa products may be of great help. It is also the head of the Dead Sea minerals, natural, healthy glow can be restored will be found out. Dead in the head by applying the product, using the method of nature, do it.

Every day we are always exposed to a lot of pollution, so we created different chemical products and dangerous, we cannot put the life of the head. They can be shiny hair you notice that it will not last long. No staining of cellophane or greater. You can see that if you want naturally beautiful hair, naturally with the help of it. This negatively affects you a lot closer to what the goal will bring additional. Why Cosmetics Dead Sea products are very helpful for human health because of the Dead Sea salt contains about 10% of the sodium Beauty and the remainder is composed of minerals essential for health. When these minerals are extracted several benefits if we’re going there to get into the skin care products. Dead Sea products also their natural source, solar radiation, oxygen-rich atmosphere, and some geological phenomenon is useful because of the unique blend.

Dead Sea minerals, vitamins and aromatic oils, just as you would like to use the bath in the Dead Sea products, but it’s fun and rich. Then you use one, you can find again in the head with a glow and then apply them as general hair health extenders, you do not need to change consciousness. This is the benefit of the Dead Sea; natural beauty is a natural way to achieve. Dead Sea Mud and Dead Sea bath salts activate the glow of the head can help are two of the Dead Sea products. By applying to the scalp, strengthen hair roots and hair would fall would be reduced. It is also in the treatment of dandruff and oily hair will help. It is four times more for Premier Dead Sea Products other than cosmetics brand to different products to prove more effective. Dead Sea products for hair care oils, conditioners, serums, masks, creams and shampoos can be purchased in repairs. Because these products smell like honey, do not worry aloe Vera, avocado and desirable, and other common ingredients to produce the smell.

Risks Of Dyeing Your Hair, Why Chemicals are Harmful

Often it is observed that colorful hair speaks more about beauty. Now it becomes a trend and people are dyeing their hair to make the hair colorful and different. Dyeing hair with natural products is beneficial for health while the same with dyeing chemicals are harmful. Researches have found that dyeing hair with chemicals can be the cause of cancer.

What is hair dyer?

Hair dyer is a soluble chemical product that is used for staining as well as coloring hair. There are two types of hair dyer available in the market. It is said that hair dyer made of natural ingredients are less hypoallergenic than those, which are made of chemicals. Therefore, think twice before buying a hair dyer from the market.

Lead is a high toxic metallic element and very harmful for human body. In the chemical and paint industry lead is used in the production system. Lead acetate is used in most leading hair dyers. This lead acetate is very harmful for any internal use and that is why ‘Caution’ or ‘Warning’ label is written on the packet of hair dyeing product.

How hair dyers affect your health?

Scalp is the most sensitive part of the human body. Since the base of hair is the scalp, therefore, you may have the risk of allergic reaction. Scalp is a part, where the blood supply of our body is high. Most hair dyers have carcinogenic components and we people, who are using these chemicals for coloring our hair, are at high risk.

Hair dyers made of natural ingredients may cause allergic reactions too. It is found that women have sensitive skin than men and women use hair dyer more frequently them men. You may even get terrific allergic reaction by using hair dyers that are using less natural ingredients. It is always safe to apply any hair dyer under medical supervision.

Use hair dyer with great care

While dyeing your hair it is important to take some necessary safety measures. You can follow them even when you are applying dyer on your hair at home.
• It is better to apply hair dyer for a few minutes. The time that is necessary to leave your hair with dyer is sufficient to dye your hair. If you leave your hair with dyer, longer than the necessary time period then you may get some skin problems.
• Don’t forget to wear gloves while applying dyer on the hair. This will protect the skin of your hands.
• After applying hair dyer it is important to wash your hair with water. Gently move your fingers on the scalp and remove dyers from there.
• Hair dyers are made of chemicals. If you mix different hair dyers then there may exist the possibility of chemical reaction. So, it is not a good idea to mix different hair dyers at the same time.
• Finally, all the packets of hair dyers carry ‘Caution’ label and the directions of applying dyer on the hair. Try to follow the directions very carefully and it is better if you apply these hair dyers under medical supervision. This will lower the risk of allergic reactions.

Dyeing your hair may cause Cancer

Researches and studies are going on regarding this issue and the outcome is quite interesting. Some health professionals are saying that frequent use of hair dyers may increase the risk of having cancer. Not only the person who is applying hair dyer on his/her hair, but hair professionals or hair stylists are also at the risk.

According to the research work, it is found that the risk of having cancer is more among hair professionals than normal people. Scientists are also researching on the issue of correlation between use of hair dyer and getting breast cancer. Due to high exposure of chemicals, female hair stylists/professionals are getting affected by breast cancer.

How To Get Rid Of Dandruff and Itching Dandruffs

Dandruff is the common skin problem that we face in our daily life. With dandruff your hairs loose their beauty and can even become a nightmare for you. Healthy hairs make you attractive while hairs with dandruff can spoil your personality. So be cautious about your looks and get rid of unwanted ‘flakes’ – get rid of dandruff.

What are these dandruffs?

Dandruffs are nothing but flakes. In general, there are two types of dandruffs – dry and oily. White flakes and itching effects on the scalp is the result of dry dandruff. Oily dandruff, on the other hand, will make your hair sticky with yellow flakes. In worst case, a bad smell may come from your dandruff-affected hair.

There are several reasons behind the dandruff. These are:
• Poor diet
• Excessive tension and stress
• Infected scalp
• Hormonal imbalances
• Dry weather
• Too much use of different hair cosmetics without proper guidance of a skin specialist or a beautician

It has been found that adults and adolescents are affected by dandruff more than children. This is due to the disturbance of androgen hormone and daily tension.

Get rid of dandruff

Using anti-dandruff shampoo while washing your hair is the easiest way to make your hair dandruff free. But regular use of shampoo, without taking the guidance of a hair/skin specialist can harm the original beauty of your hair. Therefore, if you are caught by dandruff, first go to a skin specialist to identify the root of the problem.

Proper diet takes a great role to remove dandruff. Taking more animal fat and unsaturated vegetable oils can harm your scalp. For that you may need to sacrifice some of your favorite dishes. Get a diet chart from a skin specialist and make sure you are not consuming chocolate, iodized salt, and nuts and foods, which are high in calories.

Balanced intake of Vitamin A, E and B Complex is important for long and healthy hair. Include green vegetables, chicken, fish and milk in your diet chart, and you will get these vitamins in proper quantity. Drink sufficient water, since it takes good care of your skin.

Dandruff is the dead cell of our scalp and this happens due to the disturbance of blood circulation in the scalp. Go for ‘Yoga’ therapy or massage, for it will help circulating blood in the scalp. It is also important to brush your hair gently - on a regular basis.

Researches have found that use of herbal shampoo on every other day is very effective to reduce oily dandruff. Like oily dandruff, dry dandruff also needs extensive care. To remove them massage your hair with the oil prescribed by the skin specialist. Move your fingertips gently on the scalp and leave for few minutes before washing your hair.

Try cosmetic therapy at your home to remove dandruff

In this fast moving world it may not be possible get hair therapy in every week. Time is a big factor for busy people who are suffering form dandruff. Some cosmetic treatments, which can be done at home, can work like magic for them. Even others can also try these to make their hair attractive and dandruff free.

If you are suffering from oily flakes, rinse your hair with vinegar. For this, you have to follow some easy steps:
• Fill a mug with fresh water
• Mix two tablespoons of malt Vinegar in it
• Use shampoo in your hair that is prescribed by a skin specialist
• Rinse your hair with Vinegar mixed water
• Dry your hair with a clean towel

On the other hand, if you are suffering from dry and white flakes, use oil massage. Following are the steps to take oil massage:
• Make a mixture of hot Castor oil (1 teaspoon), Coconut oil (1 teaspoon) and Mole oil (1 teaspoon)
• Massage gently with the mixture on your scalp
• Keep the hair for about 30 minutes
• Wash your hair with a prescribed shampoo
• Dry your hair with a clean towel

Long Hairstyles for Girls to look sexy

A lot of options are available there, when it comes to haircut styles and ideas for girls. All of these hairstyles cannot be practiced while you are in school though, due to the dress code rules of schools. However, there are a few easy school hairstyles for girls that school going teenagers as well as younger girls can try. The key is to find the best hairstyle that will suit with the school uniform as well as your overall surrounding. Length is the most determining factor for selecting the best school hairstyle for girls. But then how much length of your hair, that you want to maintain, is totally dependent of the sort of school activities that you do. For instance, if you are into sports, then you would like to opt for short or medium hairstyles, otherwise you can opt for long hairstyles as well. The following part of the article deals with the same and acquaints you with some cute hairstyles for school going girls.

Cool Hairstyles for Girls with Long Hair

Long hair can be quite difficult to maintain and you need to take good care of your hair. Simple long and straight hair might look very boring and hence, you need to add some bangs and layers to your hair. If you have fine hair, then you are very lucky since with this hair texture you can have almost any type of haircut and long hairstyle. If you have oval shaped face then have straight bangs on your forehead. This gives a very teeny look to your face and such hair can be styled in various ways.

A pony with those bangs falling on the eyes looks quite trendy. You can even have such cool hairstyles for girls, with bangs on your forehead, part them sideways and remaining hair tied in braid hairstyle. Long hair has a lot of scope to have various layers and hence you can have a nice layered haircut. One of the most popular layered hairstyles for long hair is a blunt that turns towards the face. Such hair should be parted exactly in the middle with the hair turning inwards.

Read more on all-hairstyles.com

Cool Hairstyles for Girls with Short Hair

When it comes to choosing a hairstyle for short hair, bob cuts are the most popular choice. These short haircuts look very cute, specially on curly hair. Moreover, they are easy to maintain and do not need special styling. If you want some funky and messy short hairstyle, then go for short pixie haircuts, that give a toothed edge to your hair. Another funky and trendy hairstyle for short hair is a Mohawk hairstyle. With this punk hairstyle you hair is styled to bring all the hair at the top of your head. This typical pop hairstyle is a good option for teenagers who want to make a unique style statement. Any short haircut can be styled with beautiful hair clips. You can part your hair sideways or in the middle and secure your hair with a hair clip or a hair band.

I Want Long Hair - NOW As told to Karen Shelton

Introduction

Ever since my hair all broke off about 5 months ago (we won't go into WHY it broke off) I have been considering hair extensions. (Before photo to the side)

I knew at that time that my hair was too short for them (it broke off about 1/4" from my scalp) but of course all that meant was I had plenty of time to research and think about hair extensions as an option for me.

While I waited for my hair to grow long enough (most hair extension professionals won't attach them until hair is at least 4-5" long) I looked on the net for more information. The HairBoutique.com site by far had the most information, with articles on the different types of hair and the different methods of attachment. They also offer many different opinions from many different experts who don't necessarily agree.

I chose to go with real human hair, because it looked the most real, and to have the hair extension expert recommended by HairBoutique.com in Dallas do the actual work.

My total cost was around $1,600.00. I realize that might be very expensive to some, but this is my hair I was thinking about. I wasn't going to skimp, and of course I had 5 months or so to save up for it :). After coming to a decision about those points, what I wanted was personal accounts. What did it feel like to have extensions? Could I brush my hair, wash my hair, sleep with them comfortably?

Alas, there are few places that have the answers to these types of questions.

So, before I relate my own experience of the actual attachment, I will address a few issues relating to hair extensions that others might be interested in.

Can I brush them?

Of course you can. I recommend using any soft bristle brush. In fact, I personally brush it thoroughly at least twice a day to prevent tangles and help distribute the scalp oils along the extensions to keep the hair shiny.

Basically, you can brush the hair, sleep on the hair, pull it up in a ponytail or a bun, anything you can do with hair that grew out of your head.

How long does my hair have to be?

My hair varied from 3-4" all over my head when I had mine attached, and this seemed plenty long. My hair is very thick, so I was lucky that they were able to attach additional extensions very far up on the crown of my head, which looks even more natural, as if it grew that way. If you are unsure, visit the extension artist you plan to use or send pictures, and they will tell you whether your hair is ripe for extensions.

Do I need to use special shampoos?

I was advised to avoid Redken CAT shampoo. For some reason this brand deteriorates the attachment bond that keeps the extension on the hair. All other shampoos were declared fit for use. I was told to add conditioner to the ends of the extensions, then comb through any tangles gently, follow with a shampoo on the scalp letting the suds rinse through the ends, then end with conditioner before a final rinse. My hair still feels great so far.

Do they start falling out?

It is normal to lose a few of the attachments as time goes on. A mass exodus of extensions leaving your head signals a problem, usually stemming from improper care or your own hair being too short to have extensions in the first place. If most of your extensions are falling out in large chunks, visit your extension artist to identify the problem. From my own experience, I am able to tug on the extensions quite fiercely and they stay quite attached.

What is they best type of extensions to get?

This is strictly a personal choice. I chose to use the HairBoutique.com hair extension expert because of his reputation as recommended by HairBoutique.com I chose real hair because the look I was going for was a natural, grew-out-of-my-head look. Different methods and different types of hair result in different looks and are available in varying price ranges. Shop around, and do some research to help you decide what is best for what you are trying achieve.

"Let's do this!"

I got off the plane at 12 noon and my dad picked me up. We were on our way to the hair extensions studio (located off 635 in Dallas, normally about a 20 minute drive from DFW airport) when ACK! Traffic jam! I was terrified I was going to be late but everything worked out fine and I made it on time.

When I came in the hair extension expert was probably more excited than I was! He greeted my father and I with a large smile and bundled me off into the studio while my father (who is not really interested in hair, bless his heart) escaped to I know not where for the duration of my appointment.

First my hair was washed clean of conditioner and styling products, then blow dried straight by a wonderful woman who would be doing one half of my head while the hair extension expert did the other.

The hair extension expert showed me the hair he planned on using and explained how the hair extension attachment method works. The hairs are grouped in little pieces of about 50 hairs a section, and attached close to the scalp.

He asked me how I usually styled my hair, and where I parted my hair so that he could assess how best to attach them so they would be hidden well. I told him I usually let my natural part (straight down the middle) go its own way and that I very rarely styled my hair in any type of updo.

He parted my hair down the middle, brushed it, then handed me the hair so I could see how nice it was, and to make sure I was pleased with the quality. I was, so we began.

The hair extension expert and his assistant sectioned my hair on each side and began the attachment process. They took small sections of about 50 hairs and attached the extension to these sections with a special device used to bond the hair extension to my own hair.

It did not hurt at all. He assured me that the bonding process DID NOT harm my own hair in any way. I was glad to hear this since my main motivation in getting the extensions is to cover up my own multi-length hair while I grow it out.

We took a break about two and a half hours into the session to grab coffee and stretch our legs. I looked rather comical walking around with half a head of long hair and short hair on top.

After we resumed, the hair extension expert and his assistant took stock of their progress and discussed how best to proceed. It was decided that since my own hair is so thick, they could continue to place extensions far up on my scalp and they would still be well hidden.

By doing this, they explained, it would help make it look more natural because I would have less blending to do with my own very short hair.

Another two hours of hair-adding later, they began to finish up my extensions. They added a few 'half pieces' around the top - pieces that are half the thickness to help blend in the line of where my own hair stopped and the extensions began.

This completed, he turned me around and... Wow! I had hair! Long hair! NICE hair!

He had me stand up and asked me how I would like it cut and/or styled.

I explained that I wanted to keep most of the length, so he cut a diagonal line across the front of the hair to add a little depth. Then a few well placed layers were added to help blend in the extensions, I received a good brushing, and then I was done.

In just four and a half hours I had hair that would normally take around two years - or more - to grow naturally.

I was very pleased with the work. I found that the hair extension expert and his assisnt were very interested in my hair. Their chief concern was my happiness with the outcome.

All during the process they instructed me on the care and feeding of my new hair. They also instructed me in the maintenance of my hair extensions which would be required if I wanted to continue to keep them after this set was removed.

I would absolutely recommend that anyone thinking about extensions, if you can afford it and you can get to Dallas, go there and have it done.

My only wish is that it didn't take so long! It took around 4 hours to do my entire head working from the bottom up, but of course with my thick hair I couldn't expect it to go quickly.

When I got home everyone at work couldn't believe how natural they looked, and I actually had to point out where the attachments were!

Some people thought it was rather weird that I would want some unknown person's hair on my head ("You don't know where that hair has been!" they cried) but I don't even think about it. In my mind it is just as much my hair as if it grew on its own.