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Artificial hair integrations

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Artificial hair integrations are cosmetic treatments designed to modify a person's appearance. They are commonly called hair extensions, hair weaves, or fake hair. These methods add length, volume, or new colors to natural hair. People can achieve these changes without using damaging chemicals. Many different groups use these tools for various reasons. Black women and Orthodox Jewish women commonly wear them. People experiencing medical conditions or side effects from medical treatments also use them.

18-inch remy weave
18-inch remy weave

There are several ways to attach these pieces to natural hair. One common method is the track and sew technique. In this process, a stylist braids the natural hair into cornrows. These braids serve as the foundation for the new hair. The stylist then uses a blunt-ended needle to sew wefts, or hair pieces, onto the braids. The needle may be straight or curved. Stylists choose thread colors that match the hair being integrated. Another method involves using special bonding glue. This can be used to attach wefts directly to the hair.

Stylists also use specific techniques to make extensions look natural. One such method is called the "invisible part." This technique hides any evidence of the attachment. It makes the hair appear as if it is growing directly from the scalp. This can be done through both sew-in and glue methods. Some extensions use a lace front to conceal the attachment point.

Lace closure
Lace closure

A lace or closure is a section of netting used to close a weave. This allows for a long-lasting look that mimics natural hair growth.

Different materials are used to create these hairpieces. Human hair is a very popular choice for weaves and wigs. Most human hair weaves originate in Asian countries like Vietnam, India, and China. Synthetic fibers are another option made from various materials. These fibers do not contain human hair and are often less expensive. They can come in wefts or single strands called bulk hair. Some synthetic fibers, like Kanekalon, were developed by the Japanese Kaneka Corporation in the 1950s.

Another synthetic fiber, Futura, can withstand heat up to 400 °F.

Human hair is a massive global industry. It generates hundreds of millions of dollars every year. In some Asian countries, it is a growing export economy. For example, the hair industry in India grows by 10 to 30 percent annually. India, Singapore, and Pakistan are the largest exporters of human hair. China, North Korea, and Indonesia are the top exporters of wigs. The United States, China, and Nigeria are the largest importers of manufactured human hair pieces.

Young Woman (Adriana) at Tourist Office - Cachoeira - Bahia - Brazil
Young Woman (Adriana) at Tourist Office - Cachoeira - Bahia - Brazil

In India, the source of hair is often deeply connected to religion. A large amount of hair is collected from Hindu temples. People shave their hair there to honor the god Venkateswara Swamy, also known as Balaji. This hair is highly valued because it is "virgin" or untreated. It is often very long and is cleaned for international use. However, this practice has faced some controversy. In 2004 and 2017, Israeli rabbis banned the use of this tonsured hair for Jewish women's wigs. They stated that hair from a non-Jewish religious ritual was unacceptable for observing modesty rules.

While hair integrations can be beautiful, they must be used with care. If hair is braided with too much tension, it can cause damage. This can lead to hair loss along the hairline or above the ears. This specific type of permanent hair loss is known as traction alopecia. It can also cause hair to break or split at the ends.

18-inch remy weave
18-inch remy weave

Using glue can also present risks. Some people experience headaches, dermatitis, or bald spots from glue. Because of these risks, manufacturers often recommend a patch test before full application.

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File:18-inch remy weave.jpg
18-inch remy weave.jpg
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File:Closure of netting weave process.JPG
Closure of netting weave process.JPG
File:Lace closure.jpg
Lace closure.jpg
File:Young Woman (Adriana) at Tourist Office - Cachoeira - Bahia - Brazil.JPG
Young Woman (Adriana) at Tourist Office -...
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