All About Hair Extension Adhesives

What type of hair adhesive do I use? We get asked this question often. There are so many types of hair adhesives to choose from that it can be confusing. So we decided to compile a list for those of you who may have the same question.

Hair Glue:

Ultra Hold

A waterproof, non-yellowing glue with a brush applicator. It is available in a 0.5 oz and 3.4 oz bottle.

Type of removers: C-22 Solvent, Lace Release.

Type of extensions used: Lace Frontal Hairpieces, Thin-Skin Hair Closures, Swiss-Lace Closures.

Average Hold Time: 4 weeks

Secure Glue

A clear silicone bonding adhesive with a brush applicator. 0.5 oz bottle

Type of removers: Pure Adhesive Remover, Pure Citrus Remover.
Type of extensions used: Seamless Hair, Lace Frontal Hairpieces, Thin-Skin Closures, Swiss-Lace Closures.

Average Hold Time: 10 days

Liquid Gold Bond Glue

An oil resistant glue dries clear. It is available in a 2 oz bottle with a squeeze applicator and a 1 oz bottle with a brush applicator.

Type of removers: Liquid Gold Remover

Type of extensions used: Seamless Hair, Machine Weft Hair Extensions, Hand-Tied Weft Hair Extensions

Average Hold Time: 20 days

Hair Tape:

Super Tape

This double sided tape gives a shiny finish. It is available in a 1/2" x 3 yard roll.

Type of removers: Pure Adhesive Remover, Pure Citrus Remover

Type of extensions used: Seamless Hair, Machine Weft, Hand-Tied Weft, Lace Frontals, Thin-Skin closures, Swiss Lace Closures.

Average Hold Time: 30 days

True Blue Tape

This double sided tape gives a clear matte finish. It is available in a 1/2" x 3 yard roll.

Type of removers: Pure Adhesive Remover, Pure Citrus Remover

Type of extensions used: Seamless Hair, Machine Weft, Hand-Tied Weft, Lace Frontals, Thin-Skin Closures, Swiss Lace Closures.

Average Hold Time: 30 days

Air-Flex Bonding Strip

This double sided tape is transparent and is breathable. It is available in individual strips and in a 10 strip pack.

Type of removers: Pure Adhesive Remover, Pure Citrus Remover

Type of extensions used: Machine Weft, Hand-Tied Weft, Thin-Skin Closures, Swiss-Lace Closures

Average Hold Time: 30 days

Air-Flex Bonding Mini Strips

This double sided tape is transparent and is breathable. 3/4" x 1.5" wide. 36 per pack.

Type of removers: Pure Adhesive Remover, Pure Citrus Remover

Type of extensions used: Lace Frontals, Thin Skin Closures, Swiss Lace Closures

Average Hold Time: 30 days

Air-Flex Bond (Roll)

This double sided tape is transparent and breathable. 3/4" x 5 yard roll.

Type of removers: Pure Adhesive Remover, Pure Citrus Remover

Type of extensions used: Machine Weft, Hand Tied Weft, Lace Frontals, Thin-Skin Closures, Swiss-Lace Closures

Average Hold Time: 30 days

We hope this information provides some help in determining what type of adhesive is right for you.

How to Choose a Hair Stylist

•  Word of mouth referrals are the best way to find a hairstylist. Ask for referrals from friends, family, co-workers, or even strangers that have a fabulous hairstyle you like. Ask for names of hair stylist or salons they recommend as well as one's that should be avoided. You should know, that just because a hairstyle looks great on someone else, that doesn't necessarily mean it will look great on you.
  
• Verify that the hairstylist is licensed. Hair stylist are required to display their license in their place of business.
  
• Choose a hair stylist that has a good reputation.
• Choose a hair stylist that specializes in your hair type. There are many hair styles and many hair stylists. For example, some hair stylist specialize in hair extensions, or curly hair, while others specialize in African American hair. There are also hair stylist that specialize in a broad range of hair styles, and hair types, regardless of gender.   
• Choose a hair stylist that is skilled in the areas that you are seeking. Ask the hair stylist about their expertise in hair extensions, cutting, color or whatever service you desire.
• It is also important to ask the hair stylist for their prices, before getting your hair done.
• Click here for our hair stylist/salon directory. 
  

Hair Extension Application Methods

There are many different ways to apply hair extensions and just as many hair extension types. Below we have compiled a list.

Weaving

When weaving your hair in, the hair is sewn with hair weaving thread onto tracks on your head. The tracks are made with your own hair and it is braiding into cornrows against your scalp. 

Type of hair extensions: machine weft hair or hand tied weft hair

Adhesive needed: n/a

Items needed: weaving thread and weaving needle

How much hair needed?: 1.5-2 packs, depending on the length and fullness desired

How long does this method last?: 3 months

Braiding

With this process, the hair extensions are braided into your own hair, using a variety of braiding methods such as tree braids, braid weave, individual braids, cornrow braids and french braids

Type of hair extensions: bulk hair (hair without the weft)

Type of adhesive: n/a

Items needed:  n/a

How much hair needed?: 1.5-2 packs, depending on the length and fullness desired

How long does this method last?: 3 months

Bonding

This process involves bonding hair adhesive onto the hair extensions and then applying them onto the root of your own hair.

Type of hair extensions: machine weft hair, hand tied weft hair, or seamless hair

Type of adhesive: hair glue or hair tape

Items needed:  n/a

How much hair needed?: 1-1.5 packs, depending on the length and fullness desired

How long does this method last?: A few days to one month, depending on the hair adhesive used.

Clip In

Hence the word clip on, you basically clip on hair extensions at the root of your own hair. To clip on, you first snap open the clips attached to the hair extensions, slid them onto the sectioned hair, and then snap shut. The hold should be snug and comfortable and you should be able to tug at them without the extensions sliding down. If not, take it out and reapply.  

Type of hair extensions: clip on hair extensions. 

Type of adhesive: n/a

Items needed:  n/a

How much hair needed?: 1-1.5 packs, depending on the fullness desired

How long does this method last?: Lasts a day, but can be taken out and re-applied.

Strand by Strand

This unique process involves applying pre-tipped hair that consists of a small group of hair to form a strand. These strands held together with a either polymer bond for hot fusion or keratin shoe string shaped bond for cold fusion.

Type of hair extensions: u-tip hair for hot fusion or i-tip hair for cold fusion

Type of adhesive: n/a

Items needed for u-tip: u-tip hair, fusion iron, hair shield, finger protector

Items needed for i-tip: i-tip hair, pliers, metal pulling tool, hair shield, and micro links

How much hair needed?: 200-300 strands, depending on the fullness desired

How long does this method last?: 6 months

  

Beginner's Guide to Hair Extensions

So you're interested in hair extensions, but don't know where to start. Below are a few Do's and Dont's for newbies.

Do- Buy premium human hair extensions, if you want your hair extensions to last. It may be more expensive, but it is well worth the cost. Remy is the best of the best in regards to hair extensions. This grade of human hair will maintain its quality well under everyday styling. The reason for this has everything to do with cuticle alignment. Remy hair has all of its cuticles aligned in the same direction from root to end. This makes the hair less prone to tangling and matting and is much more durable.

Don't- Expect inexpensive hair extensions not to tangle, mat, or shed. Cheaper human hair extensions are simply placed on the weft with no regard to the cuticle placement.

Do- Choose hair extensions and application techniques based on how long you want to wear the hair extensions.

Don't- Purchase synthetic hair.

Do- Use salon quality products on your hair extensions. We recommend a sulfate free moisturizing shampoo, with PH no higher than 7, as well a moisturizing conditioner.

Don't- Use styling products contain alcohol, as it can cause the hair to dry.

Do- Use heat styling tools in moderation. Heat is your hair extensions’ biggest enemy. The more you use on it, the shorter the life span of your hair. We cannot guarantee that the hair will remain silky if you use the blow dry, flat iron, or curling iron frequently.

Don't- Sleep with your hair wet, as it will create matting and tangling.

Do- Use a super looper brush. It works great at detangling hair extensions, hairpieces, and wigs.

Don't- Apply conditioner directly to the bonded area.

Do- Use a deep conditioning treatment every two weeks, more or less, depending on what styling methods you apply to your hair.

Don't- Hesitate to contact us with with any questions or concerns. We sell the finest 100% Human Hair extensions contact us to place your order. Our email address is info@sultryhair.com and our toll free number is (877) 278-5879.

Best and Worse Cities for Your Hair

Where you live impacts your hair. Totalbeauty.com has compiled a list of which cities have the best and worst conditions for hair, based on several factors such as: humidity, pollution, rainfall, average wind speeds, sun, water hardness, and hair salons per capita. Check out the list below, to see where your city falls.

Best Hair Cities:

1. Santa Barbara, California

2. Honolulu, Hawaii

3. San Diego, California

4. Anchorage, Alaska

5. San Francisco, California

6. NYC, New York

7. Miami, Florida

8. Los Angeles, California

9. Denver, Colorado

10. Boston, Massachusetts

11. Chicago, Illinois

Worst Hair Cities:

1. Corpus Christi, Texas

2. Olympia, Washington

3. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

4. Las Vegas, Nevada

5. Phoenix, Arizona

6. Pensacola, Florida

7. Fresno, California

8. Houston, Texas

9. Tucson, Arizona

10. New Orleans, Louisiana

11. Cincinnati, Ohio

12. Albuquerque, New Mexico

13. Eugene, Oregon

Miss Sultry Hair July

We would like to thank everyone for their entries and encourage you to re-enter if you were not selected. After an overwhelming response, we are excited to introduce our Miss Sultry Hair July. To read her story and see her before and after pictures, click here. You too can enter for a chance to win a $50 Sultry Hair gift certificate. One winner is chosen per month.  Tara is wearing our 10" Indian curly hair.

Video Beauty Contest

Sultry Hair is offering Sultry Hair gift certificates to the top three video entries per month. For a chance to win, submit a short video of yourself applying, and/or wearing, and reviewing the hair extensions. Click here for contest details. The prices are:

Grand Prize- $100 gift certificate

Second Place- $75 gift certificate

Third Place- $50 gift certificate

Remy Hair Versus Non-Remy Hair Extensions

If you want your hair extensions to last, you must buy premium human hair extensions. It may be more expensive, but it is well worth the cost. Remy is the best of best in regards to hair extensions. This grade of human hair will maintain well under everyday styling. The reason for this has everything to do with cuticle alignment. Cheaper human hair extensions are simply placed on the weft with no regard to the cuticle placement. On the other hand, remy hair has all it's cuticles aligned in the same direction from root to end. This makes the hair less prone to tangling and matting and is more durable.

Hand Tied Weft Versus Machine Weft

A hair weft is the horizontal attachment base that the strands of hair are sewn into. There are two types of hair wefts available on the market, machine and hand tied. The difference between hand tied weft and machine weft is that hand tied wefts are done by hand and are much thinner than machine wefts. Hand tied wefts lay flat against your scalp to give you a more natural look and significantly reduce bulkiness. Hand tied wefts come in pieces of about 24" long; you get about five pieces per pack more or less, depending on the length of the hair. The hand tied wefts must be reinforced before cutting and must be sewn around the weft, not through the weft. You can do this either with a glue (nail or fabric glue works great) or by sewing the weft down before cutting. Machine wefts are done by machine and have a thicker weft. They do not need to be reinforced or secured before cutting and you can sew through the weft.

Human Hair Versus Synthetic Hair Extensions

There are two types of hair extensions: synthetic and human hair. The pros and cons are listed below.

Synthetic Hair Pros and Cons:

Pros

• It is cheaper than human hair.
• It comes in many colors and textures.
• It can be attached several different ways: with glue, tape, or it can be sewn in.
  

Cons

• It looks and feels fake. Artificial or fake hair cannot match the silky shine or luster of human hair.
• It is limited in styling- Synthetic hair will melt when exposed to high temperatures of styling products, such as a curling iron or flat iron.
• It cannot be colored.
• It cannot be reused. You wear it once and threw it away.

Human Hair Pros and Cons:

Pros

• It looks and feels real, because it's made from the real thing.
• It can be colored.
• You can use hot styling products, such as a curling iron or flat iron, to achieve any hair style desired.
• It does not tangle and matt excessively.
  
• It comes in many colors and textures.
• It is reusable. It can be reused for several installs, making it a worthwhile investment.
• It can be attached several different ways: with glue, tape, or it can be sewn in.

Cons

• The hair costs more, but it lasts longer.

And the winner is...
Let's face it, most of us do not want anyone to know we are wearing hair extensions. So for the most natural looking hair extensions, the real choice is human hair extensions.

Summer maintenance for your hair extensions

The warm weather activities are fun in the sun, but swimming in the ocean or pool, can wreck havoc on your hair extensions. To help keep your hair in great shape and ward off frizz and dryness, try these recommendations below:

1. If you're not already using one, we hightly recommend that you switch to a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Even if your hair isn't dry right now, sun, salt water, and chlorine sap moisture and make your hair dry and frizzy. Condition your hair extensions each time you shampoo and/or wet your hair.

2. Treat your hair extensions to a leave-in-conditioner. A leave-in-conditioner moisturizes your hair extensions continuously throughout the day. The bonus: These products usually contain sunscreen, which helps protect color-treated hair from the sun -- which can turn color brassy.

3. Use a deep conditioner, hot oil treatment or hair mask regularly. Once a week, give your hair extensions intensive repair time by applying a deep conditioning treatment. An even better idea is to apply your deep conditioning treatment before heading out into the sun. The sun's heat will allow the conditioner to better penetrate your hair.

• When swimming, it is recommended that you take the following precautions:
• Never wear a swimming cap. The friction may cause matting.
• Dry hair soaks up more salt water and chlorine than does already-wet hair; which, means dry hair incurs more damage after swimming. Use plain tap water to soak hair before you take the plunge.
• It is always good to brush your hair and put it into braids before swimming.This will avoid any unwanted tangles and matting.
• Immediately after showering undo braid, comb hair and let air-dry.
• Follow with shampooing and deep conditioning because sun, chlorine, and salt water can sap the moisture out of your hair extensions and make them dry.
• For more tips, see our hair extensions guide.

How Much Hair Will I Need?

How much hair will I need? We get asked this question a lot.  So we created a hair quantity guide. The amount of hair you need depends on a few things things: (1) the length of the hair, (2) the hair extension method used, and (3) the fullness you desire.

Full sew in weave:

1-1.5 pks= 10"-12"

1.5-2pks= 14"-16"

2-2.5 pks=18"-20"

2.5-3 pks-22"-26"

Bonding (with glue or tape):

1 pk- a full head application

1.5 packs- a fuller look with lots of body

Braiding: 

1-1.5 pks= 10"-16"

1.5-2 pks=18"-20"

2-2.5 pks=22"-26"

Strand by Strand:

2 pks (200 strands)- A natural look

3 pks (300 strands)- A full look

4 pks (400 strands)- A full look with lots of body

Customer Pictures

Click here to check out our customer pictures. Send us quality headshots (front or back) of you wearing our hair extensions. If your picture is selected, you will receive $10 off your next purchase. Email your original (large) picture to info@sultryhair.com.

Super Looper Hair Extension Brush

A super looper brush works great at brushing and detangling hair extensions, hairpieces, and wigs.

Sultry Hair in the press

A quote from the article about our clip on bangs, "Now bangs are back in full swing...clip on bang hair extensions...a great thing. You get to experiment with a different look." Click here to read the entire article. 

Sultry Hair Reviewed by Killer Start Ups

A quote from the article about our website, "the company is a well-established online retailer which specializes in high-quality products." Click here to read the entire article.

Shorter Lengths Available in Swiss Lace Closures

We have listened to your suggestions and now offer hair closures in shorter lengths.  For those of you who prefer a shorter hair style, we offer swiss lace closures in 12". Visit us at sultryhair.com for more details. 

Miss June Sultry Hair

We are excited to introduce our first Miss Sultry Hair.  To read her story and see her picture, click here. You too can enter for a chance be Miss Sultry Hair of the Month and win a $50 Sultry Hair gift certificate. One winner is chosen at the end of each month. Click here for contest info.  Customer is wearing our 18" clip on hair extensions in color #1b.

Lower Shipping Rates

We are also excited to announce, new lower prices on all our shipping options. We offer ground, 3 day, 2 day, and overnight shipping.

New & Improved Policy: Free shipping

We are proud to announce our newest policy.  Free ground shipping anywhere in the US, on order of $300 or more. 

New site Design

Out with the old in with the new! We're excited to announce, our new site design. We have stepped things up a few notches with lots of new features and upgrades that will make your shopping experiences more personalized and user friendly.

Hair Extensions Popular Since Early 1900's

Hair extensions date back to the early 1900's and have since increased in popularity.

First Time Customer Special

$10 off all orders of $50 or more, for all first time customers.  To receive $10 off, call or email us for the coupon code.  Valid now through 06/30.   

Sultry Hair Reviewed by Fashionalities

A quote from the article, "Sultry Hair  is an online store that not only offers these great pieces for all hair colors and styles, but the prices are AMAZING!  I only believe in using human hair and that is exactly what they offer". Click here to read the full article. 

Hair Extensions Care & Maintenance Guide

Shampoo/ Conditioner

• Wash your hair at least once a week.
• Wash your hair extensions with a moisturizing shampoo that is no higher than PH 7
• Condition your hair with a moisturizing conditioner.
• Brush and detangle hair before applying shampoo.
• Wash your hair in a downward motion, working shampoo from the top down in one motion. When washing your hair, don`t pile the hair on top of your head
• This creates tangles. Instead gently shampoo the hair in one direction only.
• Follow with the conditioner in the same manner.
• Do not use a volumizing shampoo or conditioner.
• This will cause the hair to mat and tangle, instead using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner is recommended.
• If the hair feels dry or heavy with build up, wash it with a clarifying shampoo.
• Do not apply conditioner directly to the bond area.

Deep Condition 

• To keep you hair in tip top shape, use a simple deep conditioner or hot oil treatment in your hair about every two weeks or once a month when needed. More or less, depending on what styling methods you apply to your hair.

Brushing 

• Always keep your extension tangle free.
• Brush gently and avoid any excess root tension.
• Always brush hair from the bottom up, small sections at a time. The more careful you treat your extension the longer it will last. Support your attachment when brushing or combing your hair.
• A super looper brush works great at detangling hair extensions, hairpieces, and wigs.

Styling

• An advantage of 100% human hair is you can style it like you normally would your own hair. You can brush, comb, blow dry, curl with curling iron, straighten with a flat iron and style it any way you want.
• It is best to use styling products that are alcohol free.

Sleep

• It is always good to brush your hair and put it into braids or tied up in a bun before going to sleep. This will avoid any unwanted tangles.
• Do not sleep with your hair wet, as this will create matting and tangling.

Swimming/Sauna

• It is not recommended that you swim with extension hair. However if you do, the following precautions are recommended.
• Never wear a swimming cap or anything that covers your hair, the friction may cause matting.
• It is always good to brush your hair and put it into braids before swimming or wading in any type of water (fresh or salt water). This will avoid any unwanted tangles and matting.
• Try to keep head above water, do not swim under water, no diving.
• Immediately after showering undo braid, comb hair and let air-dry.
• Follow with appropriate shampooing and conditioning.

Other tips

• Although the hair extensions are made with 100% human hair, it is not receiving nutrients from the scalp like your own hair. Heat is your hair extensions’ biggest enemy. The more you use on it, the shorter the life span of your hair. We cannot guarantee that the hair will remain silky if you use the blow dry, flat iron, or curling iron frequently.
  
• Never leave your extensions in over three months. The root hair needs to be brushed out completely to avoid tangling and dreading.

Hair Closure FAQ's

How are hair closures applied? Closures are attached to the horseshoe section of your head from just behind your hairline to the top center of the head. Closures can be applied many ways.

1. The most popular method used to attach a closure is by sewing it into your hair. This is done by attaching it to cornrow braids along the perimeter.
2. You can also bond the closure onto your head, by using hair tape or hair glue.
3. Since our closures are lace frontal closures you can also sew the back of the closure into your head and glue the front lace base part using hair tape or hair glue.
4. You can also add clips to the closure and clip it on.

How can I style the closure?

Since our closures are freestyle closures, this allows for styling freedom and you can style your hair any way you choose. This includes a part down the middle, a side part, and no part with all your hair pulled back. The hair closures just like our hair extensions can be curled, flat ironed etc to achieve any hair style you want.

How many packs of hair will I need with a closure?

How much hair you will need with a closure depends on how long the hair extensions are and how full you prefer your hair.

10"-12"- One pack is enough, unless you like it full. Then you will need 1.5 packs.*

14"-26"- Two packs are enough, unless you like it full.Then you will need 2.5-3 packs.*

*Our hair is sold by the pack.

What is the difference between the swiss lace and thin skin closure?

The difference between swiss lace and thin skin closure is that the swiss lace closure is made with a transparent nylon lace material that has many tines holes; which allows for ventilation. The swiss lace closure is best used when used for sewing and not bonding. The thin skin closure is made of a non-transparent polyurethane material that resembles a scalp and gives the appearance that hair is growing from the scalp. Thin skin closure can also accommodate any kind of attachment whether it is bonding with glue or tape, or sewing. They are both very durable and natural looking.

What is the difference between hand tied and machine weft?

The difference between hand tied weft and machine weft is that hand tied wefts are done by hand and are much thinner than machine wefts. Hand tied weft lay flat against your scalp to give you a more natural look and significantly reduce bulkiness. Hand tied wefts come in pieces of about 24" long, you get about five pieces per pack more or less, depending on the length of the hair. The hand tied wefts must be reinforced before cutting and must be sewn around the weft, not through the weft. You can do this either with a glue (nail or fabric glue works great) or by sewing the weft down before cutting. Machine wefts done by machine and have a thicker weft. They do not need to be reinforced or secured before cutting and you can sewn through the weft.

What is the Best Way to Cut/Sew Wefts?

Hand tied wefts should never be cut before securing. If it is cut without securing the weft, it may shed. If it is cut, we recommend that you seal it with a hair sealer or glue (nail glue or fabric glue). Also, one should never sew through top of the weft and it is recommended you sew around the weft.
With machine wefts, you can cut where desired. We cannot stress how important this information is, the main reason for wefts shedding is because the weft is not cut or sewn properly.

10% Off Sale Ends Tonight

Be sure to take advantage of our 10% off sale;which, ends tonight at midnight. Visit our us at twitter.com/sultryhair to get the coupon code.  

New Item: Indian Body Wave Hair Extensions

We are excited to introduce our new item, Indian Body Wave.  This hair is so soft and has lots of volume and body. It has a nice "S" wave texture, that you will be sure to love.  Click here to view more pictures and details.   

Save 10% off all orders. Valid today until 05/22/09 at midnight. Visit us at http://twitter.com/sultryhair to get the coupon code. Follow us on twitter to be in the know of up to the minute site news, updates and sales.

New Item: Deep Curly Hair Closure

We have listened to your suggestions. We are glad to announce that we now carry a deep curly hair closure in swiss lace base. It is available in 16" and 18". Click here for more details.

It is designed with a swiss lace base to enhance the finished look of your weave. Part your hair any way you choose with ease and confidence. It is most commonly attached onto a cornrow base by securing around the perimeter.

• Base type: Transparent Swiss lace base
  
• Lace front closure
  
• Made with 100% human hair
  
• Dimensions: 4 1/2" x 3"
  
• Color: #1b- Off black
  
• Freestyle parting: Can be parted anyway you choose