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Hair Affair: A Guide to Semi-Permanent Extensions

semi-permanent-hair-extensions-machine-weft-clip-ins-lacirema-dubai-salon-review-oFor those who can’t part with their extensions (including yours truly), the summer months can pose as a beauty dilemma; no one wants to go to the pool or beach only to discover a stray extension float by. Although we want long, thick hair, reminiscent of the Alamuddin sisters’ tresses, we could do without the hassle of backcombing and clipping multiple extensions into our heads day in, day out.

I recently discovered a hair salon in Dubai that specializes in hair extensions: L’Acirema hair salon in the DIFC towers. A new player to the hair game, this salon from New York offers a range of different services catering to customers from all over the GCC. After examining my hair, America Harris, the CEO of L’Acirema, suggested a more permanent answer to clip-ins: machine weft extensions.

The Review:

Semi-permanent extensions are more stable than clip-ins, so you can style them with confidence. According to Harris, machine weft extensions are the safest option for those with fine hair and who are looking for something a little more lasting. These extensions allow your hair to “rest” as they bear the brunt of all the heat damage. Unlike tape or glue extensions, these don’t cause any pulling or hair loss, especially when you sleep. Methods that involve directly attaching the extensions to your hair (such as fusion bond extensions), if done wrong, have to be cut out.

After impulsively chopping off my hair almost two years ago, I have been sporting clip-in hair extensions while I wait for my locks to grow back. Excited to join the masses of long-haired females, I chose my desired hair length (a staggering 20”) and texture. Although my natural hair is curly, I opted for straight extensions since I hardly ever wear my locks naturally. The stylist then colored the extensions to match my hair; I have ombré tresses, so the stylist had to bleach the ends of the extensions before dying them. This is a crucial point; if hair extensions are lighter or darker than your natural locks, they will look extremely faux.

Once the extensions were ready, the stylist parted my hair and took a section to braid it into a row. She then braided another section just above the first row. When she was finished braiding, I had four rows of tightly woven braids on my head. Using a thread, she then sewed the hair extensions into the braid. The entire process took 45 minutes and the extensions are expected to last up to a month based on the texture of my hair.

My new hair fell perfectly down my back, just below my waist—a sight I haven’t seen since childhood. Although I have four rows of hair extensions secured to my head, they are completely undetectable and the color of the extensions blends seamlessly with my natural hair color. My hair hasn’t shed or tangled, which used to be the case with clip-ins. However, when the humidity causes my hair to slightly frizz, my extensions remain pin straight, exposing the hair façade—this is the same issue that I faced with my clip-ins.

Caring For Your Extensions

Treat your extensions as you would treat your own hair. This includes washing and conditioning them regularly, as well as protecting them from heat when using styling tools. It’s important that your hair extensions are always moisturized in order to prevent them from drying out and tangling, so that they last longer and can be reused. A dose of leave-in conditioner can go a long way in the overall maintenance of the extensions. Since the hair is 100% new, it can be colored as desired—however, it’s recommended that you do not bleach your extensions more than once.

Removal

After a month, braids tend to loosen up and cause your extensions to hang, making your head feel heavy and your hair look unnatural. When this happens, go to your nearest hair salon where the hairdresser will cut the thread, remove your extensions, and wash your hair. It is recommended that you allow your hair to breathe for at least a month before you reapply the extensions.

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