A Blonde's Guide to Hair Extensions

There are several things you should consider when you are deciding whether or not blonde extensions are right for you. If you already have natural blonde hair, it will be easier to blend in and maintain blonde extensions. Adding blonde extensions can still be a bit tricky, however. Your hair extension professional at Sunny's Hair & Wigs can work with you to find a blend of different color strands to make a close match to your natural look. 

Adding Extensions to Dyed Hair

If your natural hair is dyed blonde, adding extensions can be even more complicated. For great results, have your hair colored before adding extensions. Then, match the extensions to your newly colored hair. As your hair grows, usually you will need to visit your hair extension specialist every six to eight weeks to have your extensions moved up. This is a good time to take them out and touch up your hair color. 

Extension Methods

Just as with any color hair extension, there are several methods of adding extensions to your hair. This includes the easiest and most common method, clip-in hair extensions. These extensions clip into the underside of the hair. Because they are not actually woven or glued into the hair, they cause the least amount of damage. 

Another method involves micro-rings, which involve looping your natural hair into the ring to create a natural look. This can take two to four hours for a full set. You can also have your hair extensions attached by the fusion or glue-in method. This will probably give you the most natural-looking results, but you should only have this done by a professional. It must also be completely redone every few months, and can be an expensive extension method. There can also be damage done to the natural hair in the process. 

Last but not least is the sewn-in weft option. These are sections of hair that are sewn into your natural hair. This method can be costly and time-consuming, but it can give good results.

How to Decide Which is Right for You

Discuss which method will be right for your hair color, lifestyle and texture with your Sunny's Hair & Wigs hair extension specialist. Achieving that bleached-blonde beach babe look can take some work and a bit of research on your part. Also, make sure that you take the proper precautions to keep your new extensions looking fabulous, as well as to keep your own hair healthy. For best results, use human hair extensions. 

Tips on Swimming in the Ocean with Indian Hair

You watch the waves lapping at the white sandy shore and your friends playing in the ocean. Don’t you wish that you could swim and play in the beautiful blue ocean? But you don’t believe that you can without damaging your Indian hair extensions. Don’t be ridiculous! Of course you can swim in the ocean instead of sit by yourself on a beach towel. Just remember the following guidelines to protect your gorgeous Indian hair extensions.

Before Entering Salt Water

Before you start swimming, saturate your hair with fresh water. Hair can only absorb so much water. You can also wear a bathing cap to protect your hair if you expect to be in the water for an extended period. Braiding your hair can diminish tangling and is recommended. It is also a good idea to thoroughly coat your hair with a quality conditioner. One that offers UV protections is the best choice.

During Your Dip in the Ocean

Try to limit the time that your hair is exposed to salt water. It is best to not stay in the water longer than two hours. Extended exposure can soften glue.

After You Swim

Immediately rinse your hair with fresh water. Do not brush out wet hair. Apply a UV protective conditioner to protect your hair. Once your hair has dried, carefully comb out with a wide-toothed detangling comb. 

These tips are great for beaded, sewn-in or glued-in Indian hair extensions. If you are wearing clip-in extensions, it is best if you remove them before swimming. These tips apply to swimming in both the ocean and chlorinated pools. If you are careful and take the proper precautions to protect your beautiful Indian hair extensions, than you should not hesitate to enjoy the water this summer. Not caring for your locks can leave them dry, brittle and prone to damage. So, go ahead, jump in! The water’s great.

Hollywood's Secret to Amazing Hair Finally Revealed: U-part Wigs Made with Indian Hair

Are you sometimes jealous of the amazing hairstyles you see on your favorite celebrities? Would it surprise you to find out that many times they get that great look by using Indian hair U-part wigs? A U-part wig takes advantage of your own natural part to give you a natural and amazing new look.

Have you ever wondered how the Hollywood leading ladies can change their hairstyles day to day? How does Beyonce change her hairstyle so often? Well, one way is by using U-part wigs. Even Tyra Banks and Naomi Campbell as well as others in the limelight have been known to secretly trust U-part wigs to quickly change their look.

This style of wig is designed to be U-shaped so that your own hair can be incorporated into the small opening. Using Indian hair allows the wig to look more natural looking and virtually undetectable. It blends well with your natural hairline. There are many varieties of styles, colors, and textures available in U-part wigs that can be closely matched to your own hair color and texture. Human hair U-part wigs are easy to care for and can be flat ironed to straighten or set in rollers for more curl. These wigs are a great alternative to human hair extensions.

By using your own natural part the wig will be more comfortable and natural looking. You can style the Indian human hair U-part wig in many ways including putting it up in a ponytail for a casual day strolling around town or an up-do for that special occasion. With proper application, a U-part wig will not damage your hair and can add less stress to your hair than hair extensions.

Another great benefit to wearing a U-part wig is that you can continue to enjoy normal activities such as swimming, boating, bicycling, jogging, and more.

Just as with any human hair product, you should evaluate your purchase for quality. If you are not familiar with Indian human hair extensions and wigs, consult a professional. Human hair U-part wigs are generally less expensive than human hair extensions. If you would like to create a great new look for yourself, a U-part wig is a wonderful choice.

Understanding the Difference Between Indian and Brazilian Hair

When choosing between Indian or Brazilian human hair extensions it helps to know the differences and the advantages and disadvantages of each. When choosing human hair extensions it is helpful to understand the benefits of the different types and to be able to identify quality hair.

Both Indian and Brazilian hair are popular for hair extensions and wigs. One of the problems with buying hair is determining the quality. If you do not know how to pick quality hair it is best, ask a professional. Hair trading is not overseen by the FDA, so there are no regulations in place to insure quality. Your salon professionals should be able to advise you on what type of hair best suits your needs.

Indian Hair

Demand is highest for Indian hair extensions due to its quality, softness, length, and textures. It is most often the choice for human hair extensions and wigs. There are two types of Indian hair that are being marketed.

The first is Indian Remy hair, such as the brand IndiRemi. This type of hair is flexible and easy to work with. It also holds up well to color processing. There are various choices of differing quality available, so it is important to learn how to choose quality hair extensions.

The other Indian hair is Indian Virgin hair, which has not been treated or processed. Often, women offer their hair to Indian temples as part of religious ceremonies, and the temple then sells the hair to be made into extensions and wigs.  Virgin hair extensions are best suited to Caucasians but can be rare and expensive.

Brazilian Hair

Brazilian hair is known for reacting well to humidity with much less frizz. Brazilian hair has a heavier density than most other hair types. It is available in silky straight, curly, or wavy texture. Brazilian hair is easy to maintain and flexible due to its light texture. Brazilian hair has a tighter curl than the Indian hair and can be difficult to flat iron.

Both Indian and Brazilian hair blend well with African-American hair. With the growing popularity of hair extensions, demand for human hair has increased. Human hair of any type is preferable over synthetic hair. Brazilian and Indian hair are two great choices that can give good results.

Surviving Spring Break with Hair Extensions

It's been a long winter and I know we are all counting the days until our Spring Break Getaways.  As spring quickly transitions into Summer I thought I would give a few tips on how to preserve your hair extensions while swimming in either the ocean or pool.

This video is one of my favorite videos to explain how to protect your hair extensions from the damage of salt water and chlorine while still enjoying yourself. No one wants to be "that girl" who sits idly by because she has done the beauty calculus of swimming  (The amount of damage incurred to cute hair style / perceived value of fun of swimming * how long it will take to style my hair when I am done with swimming = Is it worth it)

So if videos aren't your thing (no judgements) here is a brief synopsis of my tips:

1. Before you decide to go swimming saturate your hair extensions with fresh water.  Hair can only absorb so much water so it is best to use fresh water first before swimming.
2. Coat your hair extensions with an extremely thick conditioner. We like conditioners that have a lot of mineral oil or petroleum in them (the opposite of what we normally suggest) because it will block out the chlorine or salt water and seal in the fresh water.  We recommend Silicon Mix Conditioner 
3.  Braid your hair extensions into one tight braid so that you won't agitate the hair too much while you are swimming and to avoid post swimming tangles.   I know that we all have dreams of rising out of the water with our flowing hair and you can do that if you want...but just be prepared for about 20 minutes of post swimming detangling (Trust!)
4.  As soon as you are done swimming rinse your hair with fresh water again and re-coat with the conditioner until you are able to properly wash your hair.
5. If you will be doing a lot of swimming day after day on the final day use a chelating shampoo or a swimmers shampoo (slightly diluted with water) to remove any buildup of chlorine.

In the video I am wearing 2 packs of Natural Wave Indian Hair in 22" and 18" towards the front for natural layers.

Hydrate, Hydrate!

We all love fun in the sun, but it can wreak havoc on our tresses.  A day at the beach or pool is great, but when you’re left with dry brittle hair no one is happy.  The secret to reversing the damage: steaming!  Better than regular deep conditioning, steaming allows for deeper penetration of moisture into the hair. 

You will not need a plastic cap like you normally do under a hooded dryer. By sitting under the steamer with your hair uncovered, you allow the steam to fully hydrate your hair. When steaming at home be sure to cover your shoulders with a towel and also a roll of cotton to go around your edges to catch the "drippies."

To have your own personal steam experience:

Tap water

Your favorite oil and DC

Professional Steamer

20 minutes of free time :)

Summer Hair: Go Big or Go Home!

One of our favorite brands of hair for the summer is Bohyme Brazilian Wave.  It has developed a cult following among our natural Sunny’s Girls because it blends so seamlessly w/ their curls.  Unlike the Virgin Indian Natural Curl, Brazilian Wave responds well to gel, mousse, leave-in conditioners, and other styling aids.  So if you love to turn heads when you walk in a room (and we know you do), then this hair is for you!

Here is a great video with tips on how to take care of your Brazilian Wave once it is installed: