GREAT LENGTHS OF HAIR NOW EASILY ACHIEVABLE

Jane D. had long wanted the wet, curly look, but she didn't have the hair for it.

Her hair was fine, thin, a bit short, and she "just couldn't do a thing with it."

Unfortunately, not all persons are born with the hair they'd like to have.

But, now they can have it -- 100 percent human hair, available in more than 24 different shades -- said Kim Talley, a hair stylist at Special Effects, a full-service styling salon at 2532 William.

Talley, who has attended numerous beauty symposiums and conferences, recently attended a two-day hair extension class, sponsored by Great Lengths Hair Extension, to become certified to do hair extensions -- the bonding of natural hair strips into existing hair for more length and thickness.

The hair is carefully selected to blend into the textures of the person's hair.

"The end result of the hair extension process is a natural full head of hair," said Talley. "It will leave no seams or knots, and there's no hint that every hair on your head is not your own."

There are some advantages, and some disadvantages, to hair extension.

The advantages of the Great Lengths process are two-fold, said Talley. It gives hair more volume and length. And it affords more styling options.

People with hair extensions can wash and brush their hair as they would their own with special equipment, said Talley. "And the hair won't restrict most of your normal activities."

People with extensions can swim, surf, ski, whatever. And, the extension can be removed at any time.

The hair can be cared for by the person receiving the extensions. It can be combed from the point it is attached to the hair. "This is human hair," said Talley. "The person can change the color, cut it, or perm it if she so desires."

Hair extensions last from five to seven months. And, additional strips can be added.

One disadvantage is that at bedtime, the hair should be put into a big, loose braid, to keep it from tangling.

Once the process is completed, patrons return to the salon after about three weeks for a maintenance check-up. The hairdresser will check the bonds to ensure they are securely fastened.

"You can expect to lose a few strands," said Talley. "This is normal."

Another check is necessary at 16 weeks to see if it's time to either remove or replace the extensions.

Cost depends on whether a person needs a few strands, or a lot of strands, and can range up to $1,000.

It takes from 20 minutes to four hours to apply extensions, depending on how many will be needed. The extensions range in length from 12, 16 and 24 inches.

Extensions are not recommended for people losing hair due to medications or baldness. Hair extension technology is not hair replacement technology.

The process of the "Great Lengths" hair extension system was developed in 1991 in London, when David Gold discovered the method of thickening thin and fine hair in what he called "a very simple way."

The Gold process set off a hair revolution in 1991. For the first time, he could offer hair extensions and hair thickening all in one system.

Gold's system uses only 100 percent high quality human hair to add additional strands to the customer's own hair. The strands range in lengths and thickness.

Today top hairdressers in Great Britain, France, Italy, Sweden, Australia, China, The United States and other nations are offering Gold's Great Lengths processing.

Other companies offer a choice of human hair or synthetic, usually fine strands of nylon.

The application process differs between real hair and synthetics. With real hair, a polymer tip is added to each strand of hair. Using a special machine it is adhered to the natural hair. With synthetics, the nylon strands are melted around the natural hair.

The polymer tip methods does not harm the natural hair, said Talley.

Want to know more about hair extension techniques?

Read on:

Q What is the biggest single advantage of hair extensions?

A Instant volume, length and thickness of hair.

Q How long do the extensions last?

A Usually three to six months.

Q What will it cost me?

A $200 to $1,000.

Q Will extensions limit my activities?

A No. With real human hair extension, you can swim, ski, and do the things you normally do.

Q How long does it take to get the extensions?

A From 20 minutes to four hours.

Q Who applies the extensions?

A A certified extensionist.

Q Can I color or perm my hair with extensions?

A Yes. Extensions can be permed prior to being applied, or after.

Q Can I remove the extensions?

A The extensions should be removed by an extensionist to prevent damage to the natural hair.