Whether your hair needs a little length, a splash of color or some more thickness, there are a number of salons on the Gulf Coast that can help give your locks some TLC. And there are lots of options for you to choose from when it comes to extensions: taped in, glued, clipped in, etc. Or, you can choose a halo of hair, which is worn like a headband on the crown to give the appearance of thicker hair.
Cicely Melvin, salon manager at Polished Blowout and Beauty Bar in Gulfport, offers some information on various hair extension options. One key point she stresses is when ordering any kind of extension, make sure it is 100 percent human hair so you are able to use heat styling tools. If synthetic, the extension/halo will be damaged. Melvin also recommends talking to a professional before considering any of these services.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HAIR EXTENSIONS AND A HAIR HALO?
Melvin: Tape in hair extensions stay in your hair while you shampoo, blow dry and style. You would go back to the salon to have them moved up every 4 to 8 weeks depending on how fast your hair grows. Halo hair extensions will be put in and taken out each day. It’s very easy to do yourself at home. Your stylist can color match you to be sure you are wearing the correct color. Tape in hair extensions are also offered in fun colors so you can get that strand of bright pink hair without having to actually color your own hair.
WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR TRENDS WHEN IT COMES TO EXTENSIONS AND HALOS?
Melvin: Not all people use hair extensions for length like you would think. Quite a few people actually use the extensions to make their hair appear thicker.
HOW ARE EXTENSIONS BENEFICIAL? HOW IS A HALO BENEFICIAL?
Melvin: Tape in extensions are great if you want to have that long beautiful thick hair at all times, but are more costly in the end because you have to go back to the salon every month or so to have them moved up. Halo hair extensions are great for people who only want to wear their long/thick hair for special occasions and are also completely damage free to your hair. With halo extensions, you will only pay one price for the extension and only requires trips to the salon for shampooing.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF HAVING EXTENSIONS OR A HALO ADDED? HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
Melvin: With either extension, it is important to make a trip to the salon for a consultation and to get color matched. When ordering online, there is no guarantee you are ordering the correct length and color for your hair. After your consultation, extensions will be ordered for you. Tape in extensions can take an hour or two to be put in, while a halo extension takes under 60 seconds.
HOW LONG DO HAIR EXTENSIONS AND HAIR HALOS LAST?
Melvin: Either hair extension can last six months or it could last for years. It depends how often you are wearing it and how you take care of it. The extensions do not produce natural oils like you get from your scalp, so it is important to always use a heat protector on your extension before applying any kind of heat. This will help it last longer. (Keep in mind that you should also always use a heat protector on your own hair as well.)
ARE EXTENSIONS AND/OR A HALO ONLY FOR LONG HAIR?
Melvin: No. People with short hair can have hair extensions too, however, it will take a little more work to make it blend if you have a pixie cut. Extensions are recommended for hair that is almost to your shoulders…at least past your ears.
WHAT IS THE PRICE RANGE FOR HAIR EXTENSIONS AND HALOS?
Melvin: Prices vary according to length, color and how much hair is needed, so it could be $200 or it could be $600.
IF YOU HAVE EXTENSIONS OR A HALO, HOW DO YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR HAIR?
Melvin: This really depends on what kind of extensions you have and your hair. This is something that should be discussed with your hair stylist.
Polished Blowout and Beauty Bar is a full service salon offering a wide range of services. For more info, call (228) 206-5465 or visit polishedblowoutandbeautybar.com.