The dangers of DIY extensions

MILWAUKEE- Long, short, straight, curly, colored. Hair has definitely become an accessory, and educator and Vici Capilli stylist Robin Anderson is ready to give you a new look.

10.0pt;font-family:\"Microsoft Sans Serif\",\"sans-serif\"\">\"You're seeing your day to day clients. you're seeing celebrities, you're seeing your housewives, and you're seeing your soccer moms.\"

10.0pt;font-family:\"Microsoft Sans Serif\",\"sans-serif\"\">All with a little extra attached to their scalp...hair weave. The exotic natural extensions are a hot commodity, but the quick fix can have a dark side when the wrong person is on the other side of the comb.

10.0pt;font-family:\"Microsoft Sans Serif\",\"sans-serif\"\">Social media has given way to kitchen “do-it-yourselfers,” cutting corners by watching YouTube instructional videos and the results can be tragic. Dart Salon Master Stylist Shelley Jackson has seen it all.

10.0pt;font-family:\"Microsoft Sans Serif\",\"sans-serif\"\">\"I've come, encountered people where their hair actually smells,\" Jackson said.

10.0pt;font-family:\"Microsoft Sans Serif\",\"sans-serif\"\">Pictures are surfacing online of women with molded hair and fungus after improperly washing. Jackson warns about not learning the process.

10.0pt;font-family:\"Microsoft Sans Serif\",\"sans-serif\"\">\"If you don't keep it clean, you can have, you know, the outside elements coming in there and things can just start growing.\"

10.0pt;font-family:\"Microsoft Sans Serif\",\"sans-serif\"\">Bald spots, open wounds, and blinding headaches can also happen from too much tension on the scalp, and lead to sores.

10.0pt;font-family:\"Microsoft Sans Serif\",\"sans-serif\"\">\"It's crusted, sometimes the perimeter of the sore, there might be puss coming out,\" Jackson said,

10.0pt;font-family:\"Microsoft Sans Serif\",\"sans-serif\"\">It's not only how it's done, it's where you're getting it from. Hair is now being sold on social media and the streets. Anderson says only use extensions that a licensed professional has vetted.

10.0pt;font-family:\"Microsoft Sans Serif\",\"sans-serif\"\">\"They're going to know the do's and don’ts on dealing with different chemicals. They're going to know how to really customize your color versus buying a box color, they're going to know how to take care of your hair, and they’re going to know what products to use.\"

10.0pt;font-family:\"Microsoft Sans Serif\",\"sans-serif\"\">And don't think you can take the chance with your scalp. One bad weave can ruin you forever.

10.0pt;font-family:\"Microsoft Sans Serif\",\"sans-serif\"\">\"You can cause permanent damage,\" Anderson said.

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10.0pt;font-family:\"Microsoft Sans Serif\",\"sans-serif\"\">Here are a few tips when deciding to get extensions.

1. 10.0pt;font-family:\"Microsoft Sans Serif\",\"sans-serif\"\">Talk to your stylist first. They can help decide whether your hair is healthy enough to add the extensions.


2. Find a reputable vendor to buy hair, or just use your stylist. 


3. Refrain from doing too much at one time. A perm, color, and extensions all at once could leave you bald. 


4. Choose wisely when looking for a stylist, some do not have experience with adding hair. Ask for pictures if necessary.


5. Make sure to receive proper follow-up care and instructions.

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10.0pt;font-family:\"Microsoft Sans Serif\",\"sans-serif\"\">This is how you know something has gone wrong:

1. Burning, itching, or bleeding. This should not happen and could be a reaction to the hair or chemicals.


2. Extreme headaches. This is a sign the extensions are too tight.


3. Slipping or falling out of the extensions. That means they were not installed correctly.


4. Hair that smells.


5. mso-fareast-font-family:\"Microsoft Sans Serif\"\"> Red bumps around the perimeter of your head. Also a sign they are too tight.

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