Natural hair extensions have come a long way! What once use to be slim pickings over synthetic coil patterns or hair prone to matting has now become a challenge of keeping up with supply and demand due to the wide selection of extension curl patterns now offered for most natural curl types. But if you’re new to the world of natural hair extensions or just don’t understand the hype, keep reading, and we’ll help you learn everything you need to know about natural hair extensions:
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Everything You Need To Know About Natural Extensions
Why Natural Hair Extensions Are Dope:
One word, versatility! Natural hair extensions are now offered in coil patterns ranging from loose wavy to kinky curly (or if your down with natural hair terms, 3B-4C). Most 100% virgin natural hair extensions can be purchased in the form of machine wefts, wigs, closures, and clip-ins. Happily allowing natural girls the ability to finally experiment with various hair lengths, volume, curl patterns, and color choices all without the commitment of altering their natural curl pattern. Not to mention, the freedom to still rock a fierce natural protective style like twist-outs, bantu-knots, buns, etc.
How Natural Hair Extensions Are Installed:
Most natural hair extensions are installed using a professional sew-in method. Therefore, to prevent hair damage and breakage we always suggest visiting a professional hairstylists that specializes in natural hair care versus choosing to install yourself. During the sew-in method, your natural hair is braided into a intricate braid-pattern, and then the weft of the extensions are sewn onto the braids to create a flawless blend. This installation method takes between 3-5 hours depending on your desired finished hairstyle and costs anywhere between $200-$1000 based on the expertise of your stylists.
Installation Process for Natural Hair Extensions
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If you’re looking for a more DIY approach wigs and clip-in extensions are the best choice because they allow for you to install and remove your extensions as needed with minimal effort.
Natural Hair Extension Maintenance & Upkeep:
Most sew-in installations last approximately 12 weeks before they need to be removed or refreshed, so upkeep is very minimal if you properly care for your hair extensions as you would your own hair with regular cleansing, conditioning, moisturizing, and wrapping your hair at night with a silk scarf or satin bonnet.
Most importantly with any protective style, it’s very critical to thoroughly cleanse your scalp and hair while wearing natural hair extensions to maintain healthy hair. First, we suggest cleansing your scalp and hair every 7-14 days with DE Strengthening Therapy Cleansing Sulfate Free Shampoo to rid the hair and scalp of product build-up and impurities. Follow up with DE Natural Curl Cleanser and Natural Almond & Avocado Leave-In Conditioner for added moisture and easy detangling.
Furthermore, because natural hair extensions crave moisture like real hair, be prepared to hydrate your curly extensions frequently with water or a lightweight curl refresher like our Coconut & Monoi Hair Coconut Water Curl Refresher. But, when it comes to product on natural extensions, less is always best to avoid tangling or matting.
Natural Extension Costs:
Until recently, the quality of natural hair extensions were made very poorly and usually resulted in a tangled or matted mess that looked the complete opposite of natural. So now that you can actually find natural hair extensions that are 100% unprocessed, manageable, and soft to the touch…they don’t come cheaply. Expect wefted hair to costs between $150-$350. Wigs $500-$1000. Clip-Ins: $105-$300.
5 Popular Natural Extension Brands Curly Girls Live For:
While there are hundreds of thousands of hair extension companies now offering natural hair textures, here are 5 of the most popular brands that have natural girls buzzing due to quality, versatility, but most importantly integrity!
Heat Free Movement Extensions.
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1. Heat Free Movement: Match and blends perfectly with a variety of natural curl patterns and hair types ranging from 3B-4C.
2. ONYC Hair: Offers the most beautiful curl patterns ranging from everywhere from looser curl patterns to luscious kinky curls.
3. Private Stock Hair Collection: Fully customized natural hair texture options for wefted hair, wigs, clips, and closures.
4. Echelon: Enhanced Collection, made from the highest grade of 100% organic Indian hair, these luxurious locks are hand-picked with the utmost care, ensuring exceptional durability and effortless maintenance.
5. Kurly Klips: Curly textured clip-in hair extensions to further empower women in their personal hair care journeys.
All In All:
If you’re looking to change up your coils then natural hair extensions may be for you! Do your research on quality hair brands, find a trusted hair professional, and be sure to care for your new curls as you would your own for the best results