Human Hair Extensions
Material Info
As you may have guessed, Human Hair Extensions are in fact made from human hair! In the beauty world there are all types of install options when it comes to human hair - taped in, sewn in, clip in and much more!
Here at Lunalockshop we buy 100g wefts of human hair and crochet it into dreadlock extension sets.
Pros
- Texture - Being Human Hair the extensions will be as close to the same texture of your own dreadlocks as possible. This will ensure a more smooth seamless feeling when running your hands along the dreadlocks.
- Weight - Compared to a synthetic option, human hair usually is lighter in weight for the person wearing it.
- Dying - Human Hair can be dyed.
- Styling - Human Hair extensions will curl / straighten with ease. They are very easy to change the style of.
- Density - Human hair extensions are quite soft and pliable which means they are typically easier to bend into buns and other dreadlock styles.
- Ends - Due to how smooth Human Hair extensions are, you can have a very long loose hair tail on the end of your dreadlock that can be brushed, straightened, curled, etc. This is a great way to have the ease of dreadlock but no the harshness of blunted ends.
Cons
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Price - Human Hair is an expensive material for the loctician to buy and we have to still crochet it into individual extensions, this results in a more expensive extension option. On average a human hair extension costs between $10 - $20 each on the market today.
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Deterioration - Human Hair is a natural fibre which means it deteriorates relatively quickly. Human Hair Dreadlock Extensions are likely going to last 12-24 months depending on the colour. Over time the hair will get more susceptible to breakage and will get more brittle. This is usually a sign to swap over to a fresh extension set!
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Colour impacts quality - All Human Hair extensions are sold at the highest possible quality to ensure your satisfaction. However some colours actually last longer than others due to the original chemical treatments when making the extensions and also exposure to the elements. All blonde human hair to purchase has been extremely chemically treated to achieve its colour and texture. It has to be chemically lightened to achieve the blonde and then it has to be treated so it still feels smooth and healthy. Because of this, blonde / light colour human hair extensions will deteriorate more quickly than the darker colours.
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Fading Colours - All human hair extensions have been dyed by the manufacturer to achieve the colour it's being sold as. Over time with shampooing and sun exposure your human hair extensions will likely change colour / fade.
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Extension Joins - When Human Hair extensions are attached they need to be treated gently while the joins are maturing. Human Hair extensions are very suspecitible to falling out from time to time due to the extension join thinning out. This is from washing, slipping/falling, getting loose, having a hair tie in the same spot etc. Human hair extensions will attach to your dreadlocks but they do take more care than synthetic.
Synthetic Extension Fibre
Material Info
Almost all synthetic dreadlock extensions found on the market to purchase right now are made from a fibre called Kanekalon. This is a man-made hair-type fibre widely used in the protective hairstyle community due to its durability and resistance to fading.
Below you will find a pros and cons break down of the kanekalon fibre which I hope helps you to make a decision.
Pros
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Cost - Kanekalon will be one of the most affordable extensions you will purchase. On average they're half the price of Human Hair Extensions.
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Colour Durability - Due to the material type and the dye type used, these extensions do not fade! The colour is life long lasting.
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Colour Changes - There is an intense amount of colour options in the Kanekalon Fibre, and due to it being so affordable you can change around the colour of your sets easier and without breaking the bank! Ordering a new extension set and booking in a swap over is all it takes to have a new colour, length etc!
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Durability - Synthetic Dreadlock Extensions that have been made out of the Kanekalon fibre are always going to be heat treated before sale. The fibre sets in place with heat. Therefore by heating the synthetic dreadlock extensions we are locking in the shape of them. This means they will hardly change overtime.
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Deterioration - Synthetic Extensions don't deteriorate and fall apart overtime like Human Hair does. The fibre is very strong and doesn't snap easily. If anything I find that I replace more synthetic extensions just for a freshen up than I do because of deterioration.
- Extension Joins - Due to the texture of the Kanekalon Fibre, synthetic extensions typically attach much more securely with little need for repair or adjustment.
- Weight - Synthetic Extension are more heavy than human hair because the fibre is thicker. My clients typically get used to the weight but it is definitely something to consider. The wet weight is also heavier than Human Hair Extensions.
- Ends - Kanekalon Fibre can be quite course and suseptitble to knotting up. Due to this Lunalockshop doesn't recommend loose ends longer than a hand length. Any longer will result in messy, knotty looking ends way too quickly and they're very hard to maintain. Shorter ends stay neat and are recommended.
- Texture - Kanekalon Fibre is thicker as mentioned, which means it tends to feel a bit more course than Human Hair does. This is something most my clients tend to get used to but it is a consideration that has to be made.
- Allergic or Chemical reaction - Kanekalon fibre is treated by the manufacturer before it arrives to your loctician. The treatment is necessary but it also alters the PH of the Kanekalon which can cause irritation and rash to your skin. All locticians should be retreating the Kanekalon fibre before selling it as dreadlock extensions to you. However if you opt for synthetic extensions and it results in a red itchy rash than all you need to do is soak your entire dreadlock set + scalp in apple cider vinegar or citric acid to balance the PH. If this process does not ease your irritation it might be likely that you're allergic to the Kanekalon fibre.
I don't think there are any right or wrong answers when it comes to choosing extensions as they both have highlight pros and cons. I believe it comes down to what is important to you!
Pro Tip - The shorter your locks are when the extensions are installed the more care they will need to stay in place. Having dreadlocks the length of your hand is the best length for extensions. Anything less will absolutely attach and look awesome but they will require more maintenance appointments to stay neat and tight.
If you're looking at a more affordable option with less care needed - Synthetic Fibre is going to be your best options.
If you're wanting softer feeling dreadlocks or maybe long loose ends - Human Hair Extensions are going to make you feel the most comfortable.
If you're still undecided than don't hesitate to contact your potential loctician and get some help!