TECHNIQUES COMPARED
An overview of hair extension methods currently in common use
PRINCIPLE
Extensions are attached to your own hair near the scalp, resulting in longer or thicker hair, or a combination of the two, depending on the length of the extensions. Individual methods differ from each other in the composition of the extensions and the way in which they are attached.
LIMITATIONS
Bald patches on the crown cannot be eliminated using these methods. However, treatments combining hair integration, hairpieces and hair extensions are possible.
| BELLARGO Method | Adhesive/Bonding Method/Ultrasound | Metal sleeves | Artificial hair | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Composition | Untreated cut hair of European origin, in a range of natural colours | Pre-treated natural European or Indian hair | Natural Indian hair | Artificial fibres |
| Attachment | Tiny soft colour-matched plastic sleeves are used to attach extensions using gentle heat | Bonding: Adhesive strips are attached to the end of the extensions. The strips are heated and bonded to your own hair using a heating appliance Ultrasound: Attached as above. The adhesive strips are heated using ultrasound |
Extensions are attached near the scalp using a metal sleeve, which is then crimped using tongs | Artificial fibres are gathered together in bunches and attached near the scalp using a thermo-connector |
| Removal | By warming the sleeves, extensions can easily be removed and immediately re-attached | Adhesive dissolved using remover (solvent) | Metal sleeves uncrimped using tongs | Adhesive dissolved using solvent |
| Maintenance | Depending on the hair's natural growth rate, extensions must be detached and re-attached closer to the scalp every 10 to 12 weeks approx. | Depending on daily hair loss rate, extensions need to be checked by the hairdresser every 6 weeks approx. and the dead hair removed | Depending on the hair's natural growth rate, extensions must be detached and re-attached closer to the scalp every 10 to 12 weeks approx. | Depending on the hair's natural growth rate, extensions must be detached and re-attached closer to the scalp every 10 to 12 weeks approx. |
| Advantages | Gentle heat treatment protects and revitalises own hair. The same extension strands can be re-used for years with no loss of length. 12 month guarantee | Initially low number of attachments | Strands partially reusable | Low cost |
| Disadvantages | None | Bonding: Strain placed on hair by adhesive and solvent. Extensions need to be replaced or reglued every 4 months Ultraschall: Application of heat places unknown degree of strain on the bond |
Strain placed on own hair by sharp-edged metal sleeves; hair crushed when the bond is loosened with tongs | Strain placed on own hair by adhesive and solvent. Fibres can only be used once |
| Patent | Entire process patented | Partial patent on adhesives |
Source: H. R. Gäng, Recherche zur Vorlage bei Dermatologischer Klinik München, Prof. Kind