From long and sleek to voluminous and curly, hair extensions have been an essential part of the beauty industry for decades. With advancements in technology, new styles and materials, hair extensions have become the latest craze for today’s hair goals.
Ancient Wonders Wigs and Braids
From Egypt to Greece, these hairpieces were all the rage, offering a quick and easy way to transform one’s look. Fast forward to ancient Africa, where intricate braiding techniques allowed for the addition of extensions, enhancing both length and volume. These early methods laid the groundwork for the hair extension world for years yet to come.
Clip-Ins and Glue-Ins The Era of Experimentation
As time marched on, the 20th century brought forth new possibilities in the form of clip-in and glue-in hair extensions. Experimentation was the name of the game, with hair lovers attaching temporary extensions to achieve their dream hairstyles. While these methods offered temporary transformations, they often came with drawbacks – hair damage, discomfort, and the constant worry of slippage during a wild dance party.
2012-2014 The Rise of Ombre & Dip-Dye
Back in 2012, hair extensions focused on adding volume and length. But by 2014, ombre and dip-dye hair became all the rage. Celebrities like Jessica Alba and KoKo popularized the trend, and hair extensions manufacturers responded by offering more styles in different colours.
2015-2016 The Age of Tape-In Extensions
The mid-2010s saw a rise of tape-in extensions. They became popular due to their ease of use and durability. We saw remy hair, as an emerging trend for its high-quality properties and long-lasting shine.
2017-2018 Mane-Taming
In 2017, we entered an era of sleek, straight hair. The trend of minimalism in fashion, lifestyle, and hair extensions emerged in this era. The demand for high-quality hair increased and hair extensions became a top choice for people looking to smooth out their curls or frizz-prone hair. Flat tip extensions were introduced during this time to cater to this trend, providing longer-lasting, more natural-looking straight extensions.
2019-2021 Massive Volume and Fantasy Colours
The 2019-2021 period saw a move away from minimalistic trends into oversized styles with intense volume and fantasy colours. The hot trend was long, luscious locks with an emphasis on thickness. People wanted more dramatic hairstyles, with bright and bold fantasy colors, neon shades, and colorful prints. We also saw an increase with clip-in and synthetic hair extensions for people to experiment with different colours and styles without having to commit long-term.
Sew It Up Wefts and Weaves
The turn of the millennium introduced a game-changing technique – sew-in extensions. This method involved attaching wefts of hair to braided natural hair. But alas, this path to extension glory was not without its pitfalls. The strain on the scalp and potential for breakage left some hair enthusiasts asking for a gentler, more versatile alternative. This is, along with clip-ins, tape-in’s/glue-in’s, are why hair extensions come with the worry that no matter what… they are damaging. As the demand got louder for safer alternatives, we land ourselves in the present day.
Present Day Sustainable Hair Extensions
As the world moves towards sustainability and ethical products, we’re seeing more and more sustainable hair extension options. Buyers are demanding quality and transparency, and hair extensions manufacturers are responding to this call for change. We’re seeing more eco-friendly materials and packaging, including recycled plastic and renewable plant fibers. We’re also seeing an increase in ethically-sourced hair extensions from suppliers that operate fairly with the human hair providers, providing a fair wage and safe working conditions.
Nano Bead Method The Reign of Lightweight Wonder
Fast forward to the present day, where the Nano Bead Method has become a hero in the world of hair extensions. Picture tiny silicone-lined beads magically securing individual strands of hair, offering a lightweight and damage-free alternative to traditional methods. Say goodbye to the worries of discomfort and hair damage. The Nano Bead Method allows for seamless movement, creating a natural look and feel.
However, as with any hair extension method, proper application and maintenance are crucial. A poorly executed install can lead to slipping and discomfort, while neglecting proper care can result in tangling and breakage. It’s crucial to find a skilled stylist who knows their way around these tiny beads and to follow care instructions diligently to keep your extensions looking fabulous.
THIS IS HAIR BY RI 