More about the trend towards long hair again, whether real or fake...

Friday, July 22, 2005

Growth spurt: Clip-on hairpieces provide long hair in a snap

Temporary hair extensions are geared toward women who aren't ready to commit to a semi-permanent process

For the past six or seven months, Claudia Carucci says the popularity of long hair has been on the rise.

"Everyone wants it," the owner of Zoe Salon in New Dorp said, blaming celebrity trends and makeover shows as the reasons behind the rush for flowing manes.

But Ms. Carucci, who constantly fields requests for the process, says women should consider a few facts before taking the plunge.

"A lot of people see Paris Hilton and think it's easy to walk around with a full set of long extensions," the stylist said. "But what they don't understand is that she [Hilton] probably gets touch-ups every two weeks. She has the time and she certainly has the money."

So Ms. Carruci's salon has adopted a system of clip-on extensions for women who aren't ready to commit to the semi-permanent process being offered by a number of other shops.

"The big advantage is that there is absolutely no damage to the hair," the salon owner said. "There's no glue or hot seal, so it's easy on and easy off. The client can take home the hair and actually put it in themselves. In the morning, you put them in. You take them out before you go to bed."

At an initial consultation appointment, clients are fitted with either one or two sets of hair pieces, which are crafted from human hair and equipped with a set of locking clip-like combs at the base. The hair comes in sections, called wefts, and can be highlighted, braided or shampooed.

"A set runs anywhere from $240 to $280," Ms. Carucci said, detailing how the cost includes an initial styling. "Every set comes with instructions so the client will know how to recreate the look at home."

The pieces can also be cut and incorporated into the client's short or medium length hairstyle.

"It makes hair really full," Ms. Carucci added.

And the stylist says Staten Island women are inquiring about the service regularly.

"It's not a lot of money and it's very convenient," Ms. Carucci concluded. "We have requests all the time. For special occasions, everyday affairs, you name it. Women just seem to be obsessed with having long hair."

Jessica Jones is the fashion editor for the Staten Island Advance. She may be reached via e-mail at [email protected]