Hair Extensions

Posted on July 6, 2008
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by Marquetta Breslin

Hair extensions are a great way to get your hair longer, thicker, and fuller than you could simply by using styling products! Extensions have come a long way since they were first introduced. Now, people looking for a change have more options then they could have ever dreamed of. Today you’ll find new tools and chemicals, different methods for attaching the hair, and more style possibilities then ever before.

Even though extensions can be attached in many different ways, they are grouped into three basic categories: clip-in, bonded or sewn weft, and strand-by-strand. The first method, clip-in, is by far the easier one of the three because the extension hair is applied to a clip. This clip can be removed and added to the hair anytime the client wishes. Since these extensions are removable and are unaffected by hair growth, they will last the longest out of all the systems.

Weft extensions are applied in a track form, meaning that the extension hair is bonded on one side, and free-flowing on the other. A weft extension resembles a curtain before it’s attached. The weft is applied one at a time by either gluing or sewing.

The last and most time-consuming method for doing extensions is called ‘’strand-by-strand”. This name comes from the fact that the hair is applied in small sections consisting of fifty to several hundred individual strands. These small sections are attached using glues or polymers, clamping devices, or heat fusing methods. Even though they take longer to complete, strand-by-strand extensions are often less noticeable than other methods.

Strand-by-strand extensions can be added either with an adhesive substance or a clamping device. Some people prefer adhesive attachment because the extensions look more natural, while others prefer a clamping device, because it’s less damaging to your hair.

If you’re considering hair extensions, keep this in mind:

* There are close to 100 different names for extensions. They may refer to the type of hair used, the process used to attach the extensions, or the materials used during the process. If you’re not sure which type of extensions is right for you, just ask your salon professional.

* To extend the life of your extensions, make sure you wash and condition them on a regular basis. A good rule of thumb is every 2-3 days. To be certain, ask you stylist what he or she recommends for your weave.

* Human hair extensions blend better with your real hair, so it’s best to stick with human hair if you want a more natural look. But if you’re looking for crazy colors - like red, pink, orange, or blue - try synthetic hair. You’ll have a lot more choices.

* Extensions can be much heavier than your natural hair. If this idea bothers you, make sure to talk to your stylist about possibly adding fewer extensions.

* Some glues or adhesives used to attach extensions can cause allergic reactions, so make sure to let your stylist know about any allergies you have.

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Why You Should Have a Good Exhaust System

Posted on July 6, 2008
Filed Under Hobbies | Leave a Comment

by Ricardo d Argence

If your vehicle’s exhaust system needs replacing, a performance exhaust system could be a great option offering many advantages over a stock exhaust system. Let’s take a look at the pros of changing a stock exhaust and installing a performance exhaust system in a vehicle.

1. More Power. Installing a performance exhaust system can provide your car with more power. Additional horsepower is available by using catalyst based technology. How, precisely, does the cat-back system operate? A catback system utilizes extra wide exhaust pipes and low restriction mufflers, which allows for a reduction in exhaust back pressure by retaining vital emission components. The deeper throatier sound is another great advantage produced by the exhaust system. Since your vehicle’s engine is in essence an air pump, to help the engine pump and flow air with less disruption a catback system helps.

2. Better Fuel Economy. You will receive better fuel mileage from a performance exhaust system. As a performance exhaust system lets your engine run more efficiently thus using less fuel.

3. Long Lasting. A lot of the performance exhaust systems out there are designed to outlive your car. In some cases, you might be able to install a high end exhaust system that carries a guarantee of one million miles. Since the part is constructed with a particular grade of stainless steel — the same grade that is used to produce aircraft! While the parts are pricier, they’re very durable, often lasting to the end of the vehicle’s life.

4. Better Resale Value. Better parts on your vehicle will help maintain its value. Many models offer sporty versions that command a premium price compared to lower cost standard models.

With a Haynes or Chilton repair manual at your side you can replace your exhaust system yourself and save plenty of money on parts and labor. By installing a performance exhaust system yourself you likely will pay only slightly more for the system over a dealer installed stock system, thereby maximizing the gains you will realize in electing to go with the performance exhaust system over the stock exhaust system.

Upgrading an exhaust system is often overlooked, even though it influences a car’s performance. The benefits of a good exhaust system include noise reduction and filtration of harmful gases that could pollute the environment. Another vital feature of the exhaust system is its ability to aid in an engines ability to harness more power by eliminating unnecessary gases.

The exhaust system is made from several components. To insure maximum compatibility as well as high performance, it’s recommended that you buy all the auto parts from the same manufacturer. If you buy an exhaust set you will probably have a good chance of being aware of the 3 most important components.

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