Bang Bang!

I tried bangs/fringe for the first time! I was soooo nervous trying this out,but I urgently needed change in my life.

I love it!It's just going to take some getting used to.

METHODS of applying hair extensions

TYPES OF HAIR EXTENSIONS

There are many techniques to weaving hair. The most common way is to sew it onto very small conrows or the stylist can use a heating appliance to fuse the hair segment onto very small sections of hair. 

Bonding

Bonding is a popular temporary weaving method and a great way to add volume or vibrant streaks of color to your natural hair. Tracks of hair are glued to the roots of your own hair with a special adhesive. To prevent damage to your natural hair, tracks shouldn't be left for any longer than a week or two. Bonding may also refer to the attachment of toupees (and custom wigs)with a medical grade adhesive. There are 2 types of bond: soft bond which dries in the consistency of rubber glue and hard bond which dries to the consistency of crazy glue. Hard bond is only recommended for the small number of people for which soft bond does not hold properly. These permanent bond attachments generally last 4–6 weeks before a maintenance appointment is necessary. 

Tracking

In tracking, natural tresses are first braided around the head in concentric circles. The braids are sewn down, then extensions are sewn to the braids. Eight to fifteen tracks are needed for a full head. Care for this style as you would your natural hair, washing at least once a week.To sew the weave hair, the stylist must first braid the hair into cornrows. The hair may also be braided into a zig-zag shape to make things easier and quicker. The wearer may leave out a section of hair if she or he wants a part or half the hair weaved. So the hair won't appear lumpy, the hair is sewn horizontally across the head from one side to the other, starting from the bottom. If the hair is to have a parting, it is recommended that a weft of hair be glued as close as possible to a part in the hair that separates the braids and the hair that the wearer left out. After those steps are finished, the wearer can have the weave hair cut or styled however she or he wants, with her or his own hair blending in.

Fusion

The fusion method delivers one of the most versatile and most natural-looking weaves on the market. With this technique, a machine similar to a hot glue gun is used to adhere human hair extensions to individual strands of one's natural hair (about the same size as a micro braid) for a truly authentic look. With a fusion weave, you can wash your hair every week and use products like gels and mousse to style. This is one of the most time-consuming (8 to 16 hours) and expensive methods (prices range from about $800 to $1,800).To use a heating appliance, individual strands of hair are used. Hair is sectioned out as if the client were getting skinny individual braids. The appliance is heated to the correct temperature. The stylist attaches a section of the human hair to the client's sectioned hair. Depending on the style, a half head of fused hair could take about 20 sections. A full head could use about 50 sections. It is recommended that a trained and certified stylist use this technique because of potential hair loss and possible burning of the skin by the appliance.Recently, cold-fusion extensions made of 100% human hair (no yak-hair dilution) have been introduced. These hair extensions do not require any heating elements, as the intense heat used to apply traditional hair extensions may damage them.

NoBraidsNoGlue

NoBraidsNoGlue is two pieces of thread are integrated into the natural tresses. Then the commercial hair is integrated into thread with two pieces of thread. It is based on "suspension bridge engineering": trusses and bridges are made with the thread. There is little damage with this technique because the stress is diffused throughout the foundation. This also means large sections of hair loss can easily be covered. It takes 45 minutes to 1 hour for a full head. Care for this style as you would your natural hair, washing at least every 7-14 days. Because there are no braids there are no lumps. The hair is sewn horizontally starting from the bottom. After these basic steps are finished, the wearer can pull the hair into a ponytail because all of his natural hair is out and blended in.

Netting

Netting is a technique which involves braiding natural tresses under a thin, breathable net that serves as a flat surface onto which stylists can weave extensions. Netting provides more flexibility than track placement because the stylist is not limited to sewing extensions to a braid. This style can last for up to three months if properly maintained. To care for your hair, wash it once a week and invest in a hooded hair dryer or heated cap for at-home maintenance. "You want to make sure your hair is completely dry so it will not mildew under the net at all.

Tree braiding

n tree braiding, the artificial hair is incorporated into the client's natural hair with the use of a basic cornrow. The best hair length to use is 24 inch hair. The client's hair is parted from the front of the head to the nape of the neck. The artificial hair is added at the beginning of the braid by folding it in half to create a cornrow with a knot in the front. The stylist braids 2-4 strokes, then pulls out a piece of the artificial hair, then braids an additional 2-4 strokes and pulls out another piece of artificial hair. This pattern continues until all the artificial hair is pulled out. The stylist then adds additional artificial hair into the braid and continues the above pattern until it reaches the back. Then the stylist ties the end with a rubber band, or sews it down with weaving needle and string. 

Clip-in and clip-on hair extensions

This technique is the least permanent and can be very effective without the disadvantages such as traction alopecia associated with glue extensions. The hair weft has small toupee clips sewn onto them. Usually a set of clip-in extensions averages eight strips of human hair in varying widths from two inches to eight inches. Usually starting at the nape of the neck, the hair is sectioned neatly, then the weft is placed onto this section with the clips open and facing the scalp. Each clip is snapped into place. It can be useful to lightly backcomb each section for a more secure grip. This is repeated until each clip-in weft is in place. Clip-ins can be worn all day and all night, but they must be removed before sleeping. Some people wear clip-ins just for night life, while others wear them every day to work. This shows the versatility of this type of hair extension. Natural hair extensions can be removed, which makes it easier to style them.

Lace extensions

The most recent development in weaving extensions is lace extensions. Lace extensions are made from a nylon mesh material formed into a cap that is then hand-ventilated by knotting single strands of hair into the tiny openings of the cap form, giving the hair a more natural, realistic flow than conventional extensions, and creating a lighter, more breathable cap. These extension units can be woven in or attached to the hairline with special adhesives. To ensure a proper fit, head measurements are taken into account with this type of weave.

Micro Braiding

This is a very popular style if one is looking for a long look without having actual hair strands. The hair is separated into small sections; then, using hair-braiding weave, the hair is weaved within the synthetic hair, creating a braid. This process takes about 3–15 hours, depending on the stylist. This hair can be washed every 12–14 days and can last up to 6 months with maintenance. Anyone who intends to endure several hours of braiding and many months with this hair style should consider that this style can damage the hair if it is not healthy. Making sure that the hair is conditioned and moisturized prior to braiding is essential. Also take note that this is not the best style if one has brittle hair.

Different types of hair extensions

TYPES OF HAIR

Virgin Hair:

Virgin hair is hair that has never been processed or treated with ANY kind of chemicals. The hair is in its natural state with its cuticles running in the same direction and in tact. You can bleach, dye and process Virgin hair just as you would your own.

Remy (Virgin)  Hair:

Remy hair is hair that has all the cuticles running in the same direction. Remy hair differs from Virgin hair mainly in that it has been CHEMICALLY processed for color or texture, but the cuticle still remains in tact so the hair will not tangle.

TYPES OF VIRGIN HAIR:

Indian:

It's the most versatile and readily available on the market. The hairs density is very fine. It's naturally airy, light and bouncy and can easily be curled and styled. Indian hair moves effortlessly with minimal products. It also blends well with most hair textures. This hair texture can be found ranging from silky to lightly coarse.This hair will swell and become frizzy in humid weather and in foggy conditions. Anti-frizz products are highly suggested.Brazilian:Brazilian Hair is the most sought after texture on the market right now. This hair is used diversely because of its softness, durability and density (thickness). This texture is easiest to blend with most ethnicities from some Caucasian textures to African American relaxed textures. Brazilian hair is extremely luxurious and very soft with a lot of body and natural shine. Its luster is low to medium.Because of the density of Brazilian hair, you may not want to use as many bundles as you would normally use with other textures to create a full look. Due to its natural density, with this hair, less is more. Also because of its density, it is less likely to frizz than other hair types like Malaysian or Indian Hair. Brazilian hair will also hold curls longer than Indian or Malaysian textures. This hair is extremely versatile. It’s amazing!

Peruvian:

Peruvian Hair is the ultimate multi-purpose hair! It's extremely soft and ultimately feather light! You can have up to five bundles of a Peruvian hair installed yet still maintain a feathery light, maintainable style. This hair is coarser in texture than Indian or Brazilian hair and its luster is low to medium. It blends very well with African-American relaxed hair textures and medium Caucasian hair textures. This hair is Luxurious and another one of our favorites.Malaysian:Malaysian Hair is a highly sought after texture and a very popular option among celebrities. Malaysian hair has an extremely luxurious feel and is sleek and shiny, but not excessively shiny. Its luster is low to medium-similar to Brazilian hair. This hair hold curls extremely well without the use of products. It  is generally very dark brown; close to black with some bundles may having lighter ends. This hair blends very well with most hair types including African American. It does not swell or frizz in humid conditions making it low maintenance. This hair is amazing-you will love it!

A cold day in Spring

A shoot styled by me on a cold day in Spring! Thank you Leshna Naidoo for agreeing to pose with me on this 1.

You never go wrong with a beanie (DC AFRICA),Jeans (Truworths),A classic leather jacket (Forever 21-USA) and black gloves (Forever21-USA).Thats more than enough to keep you warm (^^,).

And ofcourse theres the wine.JUST ONE GLASS if you into that.lol.(^^,)

Braids

I tried braiding my hair today for the first time! I've got to admit - this is what I love about wearing my natural hair. Its so much fun playing around with it.

Xoxoxo

I Love New York- Durban Style ♥

My favourite trends this spring / summer

The era we're living in sees us going back to trends that were there before some of us were even born.Its a great time for fashion!

These are some of my favourite trends this spring/summer:

1)MONOCHROME-
Im sure most of you have been hearing this word being thrown around.Its simply putting together two contrasting colours.Simply black and white.This trend looks good in just about any style.

2) GLADIATORS- Gladiator sandals have made a come back.They made an appearance in 2009/2010 and decided they weren't done just yet in 2013.
They are perfect for summer.

3) WHITE TUXEDO JACKET - The love I have for these! Although  you may not wear it in the scorching heat, you can throw it over on those cool nights out.

4) SPLIT FRONT SKIRT- This looks great whether its a pencil skirt or maxi skirt. I remember this trend in those music videos from way back. When TLC and Destiny's child was still hot (^^,)

5) Lastly-
BRAIDS! You can do this look with your natural hair and extensions. It can be rocked whether you dress up or down.If you arent a fan of hair in your face especially in the summer , this look is for you.