Lets face it girls, we always want what we don't have!

The obsession with long and luscious locks has been a constant craze throughout history and across many cultures. Whether it be the modesty of the early twentieth century, the conservative expectation of many religions and the oh so vivacious and glamorous Hollywood, there is no doubt that in many past era's long hair has epitomized the notion of beauty.

In the modern day, hair extensions are considered the express lane for instant glamour and transformation. Paired with the constant development of technology, hair extensions are becoming more affordable, accessible and relievable each season.

Jade Hollis is a senior hair stylist at Atlantis Hair Salon in Paddington Sydney. Atlantis Hair Salon is a totally organic and chemical free salon. Using water based and ammonia free products including O&M, Atlantis pride themselves on their efforts to accommodate the everyday person with professionalism and flare.

Kate was able to meet with Jade inside the Atlantis salon to get the low down on the do's and don'ts of hair extensions, what to look out for and her own pick for the best quality hair extensions out.

Jade's tips for your luscious locks:

• Your Research.
  There are so many brands of hair available that offer different methods of attaching the extensions. Jade says; "Really know what you want when you go into the salon and don't let them persuade you with something else."
  
  
• Make an appointment for a consultation.
  While it seems quite obvious, many salons do not offer consultations for hair extensions. A consultation is the time that you sit down with your appointed stylist and arrange the length, colour, thickness of your desired extensions and are given a quote of price. You must always view a sample of the extensions before the procedure and ask any questions that you may have. A consultation does not only give you the customer time to think about what is ahead, but also time for the salon to accommodate your expectations, to order and adjust the hair accordingly.
  
  
• Avoid hair extensions that involve thick glue, excessive heat and weaving.
  While these represent a large component of extension styles on the market they can stress the hair, allowing it to break, fall out and fade.
  
  
• Make sure the hair offered to you is real hair.
  "If the extensions are made out of synthetic hair they will not style, resist the activity of hair dryers and straighteners or imitate natural hair."

• Sleep with wet hair.
  Sleeping with wet hair is major no-no when it comes to maintaining your hair extensions. It will only cause matting and knotting which ultimately may cost money to fix.
  
  
• Leave your hair out when swimming in chlorine or salt water.
  Best solution is to keep it in a plait.
  
  
• Try to perform DIY maintenance by yourself.
  As silly as it sounds, many girls do take it upon themselves to fix problems they have with their extensions. Remember pro's are pro's, so leave it up to them.
  
  

• Use a moisturizing treatment once a week on hair extensions.
  
  
• Use a soft bristle brush to comb your extensions each day.
  "By brushing your hair in soft gentle strokes from top to tip, you will prevent matting and tangling."
  
  
• Have your hair extensions fixed and maintained every 6-8 weeks.
  "Just like real hair, you loose up to 100 strands of hair a day. The extensions will decrease in size and thickness."
  
  

Myth:

• The more hair you have, the less extensions you need.
  For a well balanced, appropriate and natural look, you need to match the amount of extensions to the thickness of your hair.
  
  
• To always opt for a cheaper price.
  Jade says, "Some salons will bargain you into getting a cheaper price in the short term, when you will end up over time having to pay more than what is required for maintenance."
  
  

So whether it be for a special occasion or something that you have worked long and hard for, be sure to take in Jades advice as well as her pick for quality hair extensions;

Amore Hair Extensions

Used by Atlantis Hair Salon stylists themselves, Amore Hair extensions are the worlds most sophisticated and undetectable hair extensions on the market.

As its method of attachment; Amore use micro-cylinders that expertly link the extensions to the existing hair, avoiding any contact with glues, waxes and weaves.

Amore hair extensions are made from (Remi) human hair from India and parts of Europe which are completely reusable and so easy to maintain.

Check out these gorgeous transformations below.

For more information on Atlantis Hair Salon and the amazing treatments they offer, head to their website at www.atlantishair.com