It doesn't matter if you have short, thin, or even damaged hair. A new process keeps your real hair safe. Even hot Hollywood stars use these extensions for their movie roles and award show appearances.

This new trend in hair extensions is called Great Lengths. Several selective hair salons in Seattle are certified to do it for their clients.

Stylist Ericka Lee has 15 years of experience with hair extensions. She says this process is so much different from older techniques.

"Real hair is used, which means you can curl and treat it as your own hair," says Lee.

It's different because instead of hair extensions being sewn or braided in, a small keratin protein is warmed up and then bonded onto individual pieces of hair. Lee says that makes the extensions less bulky, free flowing, and Great Lengths acts like you own hair.

She also adds it's harder for people to even tell you are wearing extensions because the bond is the same color as your hair.

Seattle actress Manuela Horn gets the extensions put in for her job at Teatro Zin Zanni. Since the extensions are real hair, she says it's a huge plus because she can curl the hair, blow dry it, and treat it just like she would her own. She can also play around by adding in different colors whenever she wants.

Extensions are also a popular option for those with up coming special occasions, like prom or a wedding. "A lot of people come in just to get longer hair for their weddings," Lee says.

Men are turning onto this new trend, too. Many men are getting extensions to bulk up their hair.

The extensions last for about three months, or a bit longer if you take excellent care of them. It also depends on how fast your hair grows because the bond protein placed on your hair grows out with your real hair.

So how much can - or will - this set your wallet back? It all depends on what you want done. Highlights added in start at around $150.00. If you want an extreme hair makeover, that could set you back a couple hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. It's best to call a stylist and set up a consultation to find out what would work best for you.

For More Information:

Great Lengths

Hair Extensions By Ericka

Dyan Cristi Salon