Category: Blog

Synthetic hair

Synthetic hair is made of a wide array of different synthetic fibers. Synthetic hair, just like human hair, comes in weave (weft) and single strands (bulk) for braids. Synthetic hair does not last as long as human hair because it gets quickly damaged by friction and heat. The quality of hair varies greatly. Depending on quality, it may never look like human hair, as it can be stiff and move differently than human hair. Synthetic hair is much less expensive than human hair. Heating appliances such as curling irons and straightening combs generally should never be used on most types of synthetic hair. There are some newer versions of synthetic hair that are more resistant, human-like hair that can be heat processed allowing for heat styling.

Human hair

With human hair the hair shaft is made up of dead, hard protein, called keratin, in three layers. The inner layer is called the medulla and may not be present. The next layer is the cortex and the outer layer is the cuticle. The cortex makes up the majority of the hair shaft. The cuticle is formed by tightly packed scales in an overlapping structure similar to roof shingles. Most hair-conditioning products attempt to affect the cuticle. There are pigment cells that are distributed throughout the cortex, giving the hair its characteristic color. The cuticle is a hard shingle-like layer of overlapping cells, some five to twelve deep, formed from dead cells that form scales which give the hair shaft strength and protect the inner structure of the hair. The hair cuticle is the first line of defense against all forms of damage; it acts as a protective barrier for the softer inner structures, including the medulla and cortex.

The cuticle is responsible for much of the mechanical strength of the hair fiber. A healthy cuticle is more than just a protective layer, as the cuticle also controls the water content of the fiber. Much of the shine that makes healthy hair so attractive is due to the cuticle. In the hair industry, the only way to obtain the very best hair (with cuticle intact and facing the same direction) is to use the services of “hair collectors,” who cut the hair directly from people’s heads, and bundle it as ponytails. This hair is called virgin cuticle hair, or just cuticle hair. Most human hair used for weaves and wigs is obtained from Asia (perhaps most often China, India, and Korea).

Hair extensions and weaving can offer many wonderful benefits, including giving hair a more voluptuous, healthy “Big” look. For many individuals hair extensions offer a great alternative to thinning hair and hair loss. However, temporary hair extensions like clip-on extensions can fall out easily, must be removed before bathing, sleeping or swimming, and can be blown off in the wind. Make sure you have a professional apply them for best results. When hair extensions are woven into existing hair they offer a more permanent solution for thinning hair and hair loss. See Hair Care Instructions

Remy weft hair extensions are among the highest-quality hair weaves on the market. There are two types of wefts: Machine-Weft and Hand-tied Weft.

Hand-tied wefts are thinner and more flexible than machine-tied wefts. The weft is flatter and allows the Remy hair extensions to lay closer to the head giving a more natural look. As the hair underneath grows the flexibility of hand-tied wefts helps to keep the weft from sticking out from the undergrowth. Machine wefts are easier to use and can be located in most hair supply stores.

They are the most common type used. With Remi hair extensions the hair doesn’t shed like its less-expensive counterparts. The hair is also easier to manage, with fewer tangles. When it comes to attaching the Remy weft extension, the process is the same as any other weave: The easiest and quickest method to attach your hair extension is to use weave bond.

Closures- used to close a weave

The most recent development in weave extensions are lace front closures. Lace fronts 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 called hand tied, giving the hair a more natural and authentic continuity than typical extensions. The extension units can be woven in or attached to a person’s hairline with special adhesives. To ensure a proper fit, head measurements are taken into account with this type of weave. A lace frontal is best placed by a professional since more advanced weaving and hair extensions are used. This method is commonly used by women around the world because it makes it possible to have access to a certain part of their scalp and at the same time giving a natural and attractive look.

Cheap hair wefts

The most popular and commonly used form of hair is known as premium hair. It extension hair is sold in the majority of beauty supply stores worldwide. We at Mari Ari do not sell this hair because you get what you pay for.  The roots and tips of hairs are interwoven in premium hair which causes tangling. This is due to the opposing cuticle layers catching onto one another. However; as it is the most inexpensive type of hair, and is commonly used for temporary solutions. We believe at Mair Ari Hair Supply we should only sell the best quality hair extensions on the market.

Hair loss from telegenic effluvium is often confusing, because the stressful event that triggered the loss occurred 3-4 months before the loss of hair.
Frequently the person losing hair has recovered from the event, and then they start shedding their hair in clumps! The condition is usually temporary, and new hairs soon grow back. Within a few more months the normal random cycle of hair follicle growth and rest resumes.

Delayed Shedding

Telogen effluvium is when a sudden severe stress causes noticeable shedding of hair after the stressful event. The hair loss is always delayed, usually 3-4 months and sometimes 5 or 6 months after the stressful event. The event can be a physical stress such as a heart attack, a sever illness with a high fever,
a sudden weight change, or a major surgical procedure.

Sudden severe emotional with a high fever, a sudden weight change, or a major surgical procedure. Sudden severe emotional stress can also trigger telegenic effluvium, including the death of a loved one, a divorce, or a job termination.

All Together Now:(Transition to Resting Phase)

In telegenic effluvium, the sudden stressful event causes a high proportion of hair follicles to halt their growth phase prematurely, and to begin a transition to the resting phase at the same time. 3-4 months after the stressful event, a high proportion of follicles shed their hairs all at about the same time, as they prepare for a new cycle of growth.

Randomly Distributed Hair Loss

Usually telegenic effluvium results in random hair loss from all over the scalp. Often the effect is not noticeable to others, although seeing the increased quantities of shed hairs is disturbing to their owner. Treatment for telegenic effluvium includes waiting for the new hairs to grown in, styling to give a fuller look, and counseling to address the stressful event, if appropriate.

Hair Loss after Childbirth

Childbirth, termination of pregnancy, a discontinuation of birth control pills, can also be severe stressful events and can trigger telegenic effluvium
primarily because of hormone level changes. During pregnancy, a higher proportion of hair follicles continues growing hairs, and do not enter the resting stage.

Some pregnant women notice that during their pregnancy their hair seems fuller than before, and this pleasant effect is because more of their hair follicles are growing hairs.

Shortly before childbirth however, the hair follicles that had delayed entering the resting stage over several months during pregnancy begin to make the transition to the resting stage all at the same time. As a result, within a few months of childbirth, however, some women will experience increased shedding of hair, sometimes in alarming amounts.

Hair Loss from Other Pregnancy Terminations

In addition to childbirth, other forms of pregnancy termination, including miscarriages and abortions, can also result in telegenic effluvium, if a high proportion of the women’s hair follicles had begun to postpone entering the resting stage during pregnancy.

Most birth control pills work in part by adding hormones to fool a women’s reproductive system into thinking it is already pregnant. The hormones added can affect hair growth. In some cases, discontinuation of birth control pills can trigger telegenic effluvium, similar to that suffered after childbirth.

Micro graft Hair Shedding

Telogen effluvium also usually affects newly transplanted hair follicles in micro graft procedures. Surgery is a sudden shock to the individual hair follicles. The newly transplanted hair follicles make a transition to the resting stage shortly after they are transplanted, and 3-4 months later begin to grow new hairs.

Hormones are specialized proteins excreted by various glands in the body to regulate bodily function. Hormonal production irregularities  can affect body functions, including the function of hair follicles, and result in hair loss. Usually hormone-related irregularities have multiple symptoms, and are reversible with proper treatment. If you suspect you have a hormone-related irregularity that is causing hair loss, schedule a consultation with a medical doctor.

Over-active Thyroid

Thyroid gland irregularities include excessive thyroid hormone production, which results in a condition called hyperthyroidism usually have coarse lifeless hairs, that are also easily extracted, along with many other symptoms.

Under-active Thyroid

An under-active thyroid gland results in a thyroid hormone deficiency, called hypothyroidism. Those with hypothyroidism usually have coarse lifeless hairs that are also easily extracted, along with many other symptoms.

Menopause

Some women who are genetically pre-disposed to have pattern hair loss are protected from the effects of androgen hormones by the counter-balancing
effect of their estrogen hormones. After menopause their estrogen hormone levels decline and they may begin to lose hair. Hormone replacement therapy for menopausal women is designed to compensate for reduced estrogen levels, and help restore the emotional and physical condition of the patient to the pre-menopause states. It may also slow or stop hair loss triggered by menopause.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy is a controversial treatment for menopause, with possible links to both increasing the risk of some cancers, possibly reducing the risk of certain heart diseases, in addition to having a highly disputed effectiveness at treating various postmenopausal conditions.

Broken Hair shafts are a type of hair loss caused by damage to the hair itself, (the “hair shaft”). Improper or excessive hair styling, aggressive grooming techniques, and exposure to too much swimming pool chlorine and sunlight are common causes of hair shaft breakage. Rough treatment of the hair can result in hair loss.

Safe When Used As Directed…

Hair styling chemicals can damage hair shafts if used incorrectly. Hair dyes, colorings, bleaches, relaxer (straightener), permanent wave solutions (curling chemicals) are all generally safe for hair when used as directed. Incorrect use application of these products too frequently, and leaving solutions on the hair or scalp too long.

Excessive Heat

Hair styling often involves the use of heat on the hair shaft. Excessive heat from curling irons and blow dryers can cause hair shafts to become weak and brittle and prone to breakage.

Combing Long Wet Hair

Aggressive grooming and personal hygiene such as vigorous shampooing, scalp massage, and rough towel-drying of the hair can break hair shafts. Combing long wet hair with fine-toothed combs can cause shaft breakage. Excessive shampooing can result in dry, brittle hair that is prone to breakage.

Chlorine and Sunlight

Repeated exposure to both swimming pool chlorine and sunlight will weaken hair shafts. Covering your hair with a swimming cap is a good way to avoid chlorine in pools, and shampoo and conditioner products are designed specifically to neutralize the effects of swimming pool chlorine. Covering your hair with a hat or towel when in the sun helps to avoid exposure to excessive sunlight.

Anagen Effluvium is the sudden loss of hair as a result of powerful chemicals or radiation suddenly halting the hair growth cycle. There is no 3-4 month transition to a resting stage, as with telegenic effluvium. Anagen effluvium is most commonly experienced after chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatment for cancer. Within just 1-3 weeks after treatment, some or all of a patient’s hair falls out, often in uneven patches.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are intended to kill the rapidly dividing cells that characterize cancer.

A common side effect of chemotherapy is the destruction or injury of other reproducing cells, including those in the hair follicle that grow hair. The result is the shutdown of the hair follicle and shedding of the hair. Some hair follicles may produce thinner and weaker hair shafts, rather than shut down. As the hair grows out, these weakened shafts may break off, further contributing to anlagen effluvium hair loss.

Delicate New Hairs

Anagen effluvium is usually a temporary condition, although regrowth following chemo or radiation therapy may take 6-12 months. The new hair that first grows in may be colorless or lighter than the normal hair, and it also may be thinner and more easily broken. These delicate new hairs are very susceptible to damage from styling treatments and chemicals.

Harsh permanent hair dyes, bleach, permanent wave curling solutions, and excessive heat from curling irons and blow dryers should all be avoided. The new hairs should be shampooed infrequently, and only with a mild shampoo, followed by a conditioner. If the hair is to be colored, mild semi-permanent dyes should be used. Eventually the hair follicles recover, and new hair grows in
with normal thickness, strength, and color.

Hairpiece Prescription

It helps to plan for the hair loss effects of radiation or chemotherapy in advance. Cancer treatment patients are advised to assume they will lose all their scalp hair.

Some patients will choose to have a custom hairpiece made in advance, which may take 6-12 weeks. Some health insurance plans will cover the full cost of a hairpiece, especially if a medical doctor writes a prescription for one.

Shaved Head Look

Some cancer treatment patients choose to shave their heads immediately after treatment to control their appearance and to avoid the embarrassment of shedding clumps of hair. Many men find that having a totally bald head looks healthier than having a look of patchy hair loss. A shaved head also allows the use of hairpieces which may be secured with a secured with a vacuum-fit base or the use of very mild temporary adhesives.

All hair sheds at the end of their growth cycle, so some degree of hair loss is normal. If you have excessive hair loss, it makes sense to first understand the possible causes. To better understand why this happens, we recommend that you also review the Hair Loss section.

There is a range of types of hair loss described in this section. Understanding the causes behind losing your hair can help you to make the best choice for your treatment.

There are many possible causes of hair loss, however most times it is normal, and part of each person’s genetic program. All of the following hair falling causes are explained in greater detail in this section:

Cause of 95% of all Hair Loss

Androgen tic alopecia is the scientific name for the genetic predisposition in both men and women for pattern baldness or pattern hair loss. Androgen tic alopecia is the cause of over 95% of all pattern hair losing, including baldness in men and thinning hair in women. Pattern hair loss occurs in somewhat predictable stages, and is relentlessly progressive. That means that those with pattern hair loss will, if they live long enough, eventually progress from the early stages of loss to the advanced stages.

We all suffer loss of hair; some people just arrive at the advance stages of hair losing sooner than others. Studies have shown that pattern hair loss is increasingly evident and advanced as people age.

Patchy Hair Loss

Alopecia aerate is an immune system disorder which causes hair follicles to stop producing hairs. Sudden losses of hair from small patches on the head are a common symptom. Advanced forms of the disorder include alopecia totalis, where all hair on the head is lost, and alopecia universals, which
results in the absence of all body hair.

Hair Pulling

Traction alopecia is the loss of hair from constant pulling, often the result of tightly braided hair styles.

Delayed Loss From Stress

Telogen effluvium is a slowing of new hair growth resulting from sudden severe stress, followed by delayed shedding of hair. The stress induces a high proportion of follicles to enter the resting stage, and a few months after the stressful event all of the resting follicles begin to shed hairs at about the same time.

Sudden Hair Loss

Anagen effluvium is the sudden loss of growing hairs as a result of
Chemicals or radiation. Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy halt the growth phase of hair follicles, and result in sudden shedding of hair. Some medications can also cause to lose hair as a side effect.

Broken Hairs

Hair shaft breakage is when part of a hair breaks off, but the growing end remains in the follicle and continues to grow. Hair shaft breakage results
in thinner hair, and can be caused by excessive styling, chemicals, sun, and chlorine in swimming pools.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Nutritional deficiencies are rarely a cause of hair loss. In rare cases certain nutritional deficiencies can cause weak hair shafts that tend to break off.

Other Hair Loss Causes

Certain chronic Illnesses can result in losing hair. Hormone-related irregularities can include losing hair among other symptoms. Skin infections can result in some loss of hair. Trauma such as burns and injury to hair follicles can cause permanent hair loss.

Excessive Combing or Brushing

This will ultimately break off hair and cause premature thinning of the Extension hair.

Unattended Matting and Tangling

Left uncorrected, excessive matting and tangling that is then removed forcefully will tighten the matted hair and tear out the hair.

Friction

From pillows or overly aggressive shampooing will break off the hair and thin and tear out the hair.

Shampooing of artificial hair integrations can be as easy as shampooing real hair, with some considerations. For instance, many manufacturers suggest using a mild shampoo, or even a wig shampoo.

Directions included with the integrations may indicate what type of shampoo to use; the methods of brushing, combing and drying that are most advisable; and what heat setting to use when drying the hair, or if it is even advisable to do so.

You can  treat most human hair extensions the same way you treat real hair, albeit more gently. Human hair extensions usually are heavily processed, use a a mild shampoo  to achieve uniform color and texture, along with a light conditioner to reduce tangling. To reduce or prevent matting and excessive tangling, use cool water when shampooing. Having to remove snarls and tangles loosens the foundation of the integrations and further damages the hair.

When styling artificial hair, use the same care as when shampooing it. When buying your hair extensions, chose a texture that match the style You are looking for, this will reduce unnecessary styling. Using heat to straighten curly hair, or to curl straight hair, damages it. The more damage the hair sustains, the shorter the lifespan of the artificial hair.

Here you will find some general information about Wigs and Hair Extensions and, the definition of some common terms that are used to describe them.

Color

Manufacturers of artificial hair use a standard scale to classify the hair by color. The lower the number is on the package, generally, the darker the color. 1 usually denotes darkest black. These colors vary greatly from one manufacturer to another, and certain specialty hair suppliers also create their own signature patterns and colors. The highest the number the lightest color, this is white or a very light colored blond.

Texture

Textures of artificial hair vary from very straight to extremely curly, or kinky. Each brand have their own lines of curl patterns, synthetic hair offers an endless possibility of patters, some examples of packaged textures include:

• Silky Straight – Straight and smooth, East Asian like hair.
• Yaki – Straight, usually mimicking the texture of relaxed Afro-Caribbean hair.
• European – Straight European hair; less straight than Asian hair. May have a tiny amount of wave.
• Deep Wave – While generally not a true ‘wave’, it can be made to look like spiral curls.
• Loose Deep Wave or Romance Wave – Looser version of the deep wave, softer, more romantic curls.
• Jheri Curl (sometimes colloquially known as ‘nappy tracks’) – Usually sold in very short lengths, it is often used to recreate the full ‘afro’ look.
• Wet and Wavy, also known as Spanish Wave or Indian Wave – Usually made of human, and is either naturally curly or permanently waved to appear so. Characterized as having soft, natural-looking curls that revert back to a curly state when wet.

Quality of Wigs and Hair Extensions

The quality of the hair is often specified.

• Virgin hair: This is hair is not colored or processed in any way. The “virgin hair” is collected by tying off the hair to maintain the direction of the cuticle and then cut. After the hair is cut and collected; it is sold in bulk form and then used to create several products such as weft, pre-bonded, wigs…
• Remy is a term used when all of the hair is human plus when ‘close to’ all of the strands (e.g. in one weft) are strictly organized with the roots in one direction and the tip to the opposite end. Remy hair in general lasts much longer than non-Remy and tends to stay shiny and “tangle free” longer. This is based on the fact that every strand of hair is biologically keratinized skin cells organized in layers overlapping one another. However, this description is no longer accurate. The word “remy” is being abused in the market, and sometimes it is used to describe processed  hair.
• Single drawn is of a slightly lower quality than double-drawn hair. The hairs will have up to a 2″ difference in the tips; that is, some hairs will be up to 2″ shorter than their original lengths.
•  Double drawn indicates that the collected hair of a certain length has all of the shorter hairs in the bundle manually removed twice, hence the ‘double’ drawn. This means that hair extensions that are double drawn will have (nearly) as many hair strands at one end as the other and appear much thicker and not wispy at the ends. This process is very laborious, and therefore makes the extensions very expensive.

.There are two major types of hair extensions: real human hair extensions and artificial hair extensions also called synthetic hair. Real human hair extensions are preferred by most individuals, but it is also much more expensive than extensions made of synthetic hair. For both types there are five main types of application:

Clip-In extensions

these extensions have sown on hair clips at the weft for easy application and removal at home. All you have to do is attach the clips of each section to your existing hair for added volume, colors, length or thickness.

This snap on technique is the least permanent and can be very effective without the disadvantages such as traction alopecia associated with glue adhesive extensions. The hair weft has small toupee clips sewn onto them.

Usually a set of clip-in extensions averages six to eight strips of real human hair in varying widths from two inches to eight inches. Each section have a couple of toupee clips  snapped into place. It can be helpful to lightly tease each section of hair in the area that the clip will apply to, for a more secure grip. This is repeated until each clip-in weft is in place.

The cost of Clip-in hair extensions usually goes from $100 to $400, depending on desired quality.

The clip in hair extensions usually come in a long strand of one contoured piece, this can be cut into multiple sections to create separate layers on your head. When you purchase the hair at a beauty supply store, you also have to purchase the clips and sew them on. After You sewn in the clips, then clip in the hair and visit a stylist, to help You to create a look that is natural.

Clip-in hair extensions make for a more temporary style, and are easily removed. Clip-ins can be worn all day and all night, however, they must be removed before sleeping, swimming, or bathing. Some people wear clip-ins extensions just for night life, while others wear them every day to work. This shows the versatility of this type of hair extension.

Weaves

Hair weave is a very general term used to describe human or artificial hair typically utilized for the integration with one’s natural hair.

Weaves can alter one’s appearance for long or short periods of time by adding further hair to one’s natural hair or by covering the natural hair all together with human or synthetic hairpieces (Wikipedia- Artificial Hair Integrations).

This type of hair extension is actually woven, sewn, or braided into the hair at the root. This application of weaving also provides added thickness, volume and length, but the tight technique can lead to further hair loss or damage to existing hair if not done right or maintain correctly.

Here at Mari Ari we only carry top quality Remy human hair. All of our weaving brands are the best on the market. We also carry our own line of Virgin hair extensions and a top notch Remy pure natural hair extension collection.

Bonding and Sealing Extensions

This is an approach to hair weave that lasts for a shorter period of time in comparison to sew-in weave. It involves the application of hair glue to a section of wefted hair then onto a person’s natural hair; To prevent damage to your natural hair during the bounding processes, use special hair adhesives .

This technique is commonly used and does not cause damage to the hair unless taken out without proper directions from a professional. It is advised that weave bonding be installed for up to 3 weeks because the glue begins to loosen up and lessens the attractiveness of the hair.

There are 2 types of bonds:

• Soft bond: This are flexible and comfortable to wear. They are made of latex, acrylic or silicon.
• Hard bond: This is the professional name for super glue.

Hard bond adhesives last longer than soft bond adhesives because it is not water based and therefore does not fall apart. Nonetheless, the hard bond adhesives are not as comfortable as the soft bond adhesive because they are rigid. These bond generally last 4 to 6 weeks before a maintenance appointment is necessary.

Wefts may also be bonded directly to the clients’ hair using special bonding glue. Take care of not  to bond the wefts directly to the scalp, as it can cause sensitivities in some clients. We recommend a patch test is, as per manufacturer’s directions.

Seamless “Skin Weft” Extensions

Seamless hair extensions are on a very flat, thin see through polyurethane skin weft. This system is completely seamless with no bumps. This hair comes already pre-taped, so it will save you time as you don’t need to add any tape! Just measure what you need, cut and easily apply.

Our seamless hair extensions system requires no adhesives on the scalp, no weaving, braiding, clips, bonding, chemicals or messy removal. You can wear your hair up or down. Ideal for adding length, volume or simply use the hair to add highlights without chemicals. Seamless hair extensions are the most natural appearing method and come in a wide selection of beautiful colors.

Individual Hair Strand Placement, or Strand by Strand Extensions

Individual hair strands are orchestrated continuously in this type of hair extension; just below the scalp, attaching to the individuals natural hair through a technique called “tying all over the scalp”. This technique also provides added thickness and volume and must be done by a professional stylist.

Strand by Strand hair extensions are a common hairstyling trick used to add volume and thickness to thinning hair. There are a variety of ways to apply strand by strand hair extensions; although depending on the technique and stylists. At Mari Ari we sale Keratin U-tip Hair extensions (Fusion), and I-Tip hair extensions (Hair Locks), both are strand by strand applications or methods.