Patent Publication Number: US-10314356-B2

Title: Methods for attaching hair extensions to natural hair of a user

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/317,810, which was filed on Dec. 29, 2008 and is incorporated herein by this reference as if fully set forth herein. U.S. application Ser. No. 12/317,810 is a continuation-in-part of International Application No. PCT/US2006/036890, now expired, which was filed on Sep. 23, 2006 and is also incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein. U.S. application Ser. No. 12/317,810 further claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/010,411, which was filed on Jan. 8, 2008 and is incorporated herein by this reference as if fully set forth herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to hair enhancement techniques and more particularly to methods for attaching hair extensions to users&#39; natural hair. 
     Description of Related Art 
     Hair extensions have been used in the hair styling industry for many years. Users and stylists have made use of products to enhance the length of a user&#39;s hair or to add body or bulk to thinning hair. Many of the products on the market are made from synthetic hair, but these products up until now have not been able to be heat-styled with a blow dryer, flat iron, or hot rollers. Prior synthetic products would melt when a heat source was used. 
     To facilitate attachment to users&#39; hair, some existing hair extension products use clip-on extensions. These clip-on extensions are available for the home or professional market. Clip-on extensions are not semi-permanent, must be re-applied daily, can damage natural hair, can fall out unexpectedly and are only feasible if the user&#39;s hair is thick enough to cover the clip. 
     Many other hair extension products on the market require the use of a liquid adhesive to secure the extensions to users&#39; hair. This generally prevents the average consumer from installing their own extensions. Sewn in extensions, braided style extensions and heat applied extensions can be as damaging to natural hair as liquid adhesive applied with latex glue. 
     Some hair extension products on the market permit the use of adhesive tape to secure the extensions to a user&#39;s hair but require the tape portion to be applied to the user&#39;s hair first and then the hair extensions to be placed on the already applied tape portion. Such an application process is difficult for the average consumer and can result in poorly attached extensions. 
     Other background methods use pre-tipped hair, which must be tediously applied, uses chemicals and heat for application and removal, and can cause significant damage to natural hair. 
     SUMMARY 
     Generally, the disclosed embodiments relate to methods for attaching one or more hair extensions to a user&#39;s natural hair. According to one exemplary method, natural hair of the user is parted, horizontally or otherwise, to form a part. A first hair extension is attached to natural hair of the user above the part (preferably, but not necessarily, at the part line or just above). The first hair extension includes a section of hair and an adhesive tape, and the section of hair is affixed together at one end. The adhesive tape is attached to one side of the section of hair proximate the affixed-together end. The adhesive tape may be double-sided or single-sided. Where the adhesive tape is double-sided, a first side of the tape is attached to a first side of the section of hair, and a second side of the tape is outward-facing and used to attach the first extension&#39;s section of hair to natural hair of the user above the part. The outward-facing side of the adhesive tape may be covered with a removable liner to prevent the tape from sticking to other objects and potentially losing some or all of its tackiness. The liner may be removed at the time the first hair extension is installed. Where the adhesive tape is single-sided, the non-sticky side of the adhesive tape may be attached to the first side of the section of hair using a liquid adhesive or another double-sided adhesive tape, and the sticky, outward-facing side of the tape may be used to attach the first extension&#39;s section of hair to natural hair of the user above the part. Again, the outward-facing side of the adhesive tape may be covered with a removable liner to insure the tape retains its tackiness until the time the hair extension is installed. 
     After the first hair extension has been attached to natural hair of the user above the part, the first hair extension and the user&#39;s attached natural hair are lowered. The user&#39;s hair attached to the first extension will typically be a very thin layer of hair. A comb, such as a rat tail comb, may be used to clear away extraneous hair that was lowered during lowering of the first extension, but is either not attached to the first extension or not securely attached to the first extension. A second hair extension is then positioned above the lowered first hair extension and attached user&#39;s hair. The second hair extension includes a section of hair and an adhesive tape, and the section of hair is affixed together at one end. The adhesive tape of the second extension is attached to one side of the section of hair proximate the affixed-together end of the section of hair. The adhesive tape, the manner in which it is attached to the second extension&#39;s section of hair, and the optional use of a removable liner may be as discussed above with respect to the adhesive tape of the first extension. The second extension is positioned above the first extension such that the adhesive tapes of the two extension are substantially aligned across a width of the first extension (and alternatively across a width of the second extension, where the two extensions are about the same width). The adhesive tape of the second extension is attached to the user&#39;s natural hair which is already attached to the adhesive tape of the lowered first extension such that the user&#39;s hair is sandwiched between the two adhesive tapes and, therefore, the two extensions. 
     According to another exemplary hair extension attachment method, natural hair of the user is parted, horizontally or otherwise, to form a part. First adhesive tape on one side of a hair extension is attached to natural hair of the user below the part (preferably, but not necessarily, at the part line or just below), where the hair extension includes a section of hair and the first adhesive tape. The hair extension&#39;s section of hair is affixed together at one end and the first adhesive tape is attached to one side of the section of hair proximate the affixed-together end of the section of hair. The adhesive tape may be double-sided or single-sided. Where the adhesive tape is double-sided, a first side of the tape is attached to a first side of the section of hair, and a second side of the tape is outward-facing and used to attach the extension&#39;s section of hair to natural hair of the user below the part. The outward-facing side of the adhesive tape may be covered with a removable liner to prevent the tape from sticking to other objects and potentially losing some or all of its tackiness. The liner may be removed at the time the hair extension is installed. Where the adhesive tape is single-sided, the non-sticky side of the adhesive tape may be attached to the first side of the section of hair using a liquid adhesive or another double-sided adhesive tape, and the sticky, outward-facing side of the tape may be used to attach the extension&#39;s section of hair to natural hair of the user below the part. Again, the outward-facing side of the adhesive tape may be covered with a removable liner to insure the tape retains its tackiness until the time the hair extension is installed. 
     After the hair extension has been attached to natural hair of the user below the part, natural hair of the user from above the part is lowered and attached to the hair extension using a second adhesive tape. The second adhesive tape may be pre-attached to the extension&#39;s section of hair on the opposite side of the extension, thereby forming part of the extension, or the second tape may be attached to the extension at the time of installation. The second adhesive tape, the manner in which it is attached to the extension&#39;s section of hair, and the optional use of a removable liner may be as discussed above with respect to the first adhesive tape forming part of the extension. Additionally, a third adhesive tape is attached to natural hair of the user that is attached to the first adhesive tape such that the third adhesive tape is positioned below or beneath the first adhesive tape and natural hair of the user is sandwiched or sealed between the third adhesive tape and the first adhesive tape. The third adhesive tape may be applied as a matter of course or may be limited to situations in which additional hold for the extension is determined to be necessary based on the user&#39;s lifestyle and/or the type, texture, and/or condition of the user&#39;s hair. The third adhesive tape is preferably single-sided, but may be double-sided if necessary to provide additional hold to the user&#39;s hair below the tape. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 1  shows a side view of one embodiment of the human or synthetic fiber hair extension affixed to a user&#39;s head. 
         FIG. 2  shows a more detailed side view one of the hair extension embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  shows an exaggerated end view of the hair extension embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  shows an exaggerated end view of the hair extension embodiment of  FIG. 1  as attached to a user&#39;s head. 
         FIG. 5  shows an exaggerated end view of another embodiment of a human or synthetic fiber hair extension. 
         FIG. 6  shows an exaggerated side view of the hair extension of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  shows an exaggerated view of another embodiment of a human or synthetic fiber hair extension with the addition of a third tape for use in thicker natural hair applications. 
         FIG. 8  shows an exaggerated end view of the hair extension embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  shows an exaggerated view of another embodiment of a human or synthetic fiber hair extension with a netted backing affixed to the hair and located between first and second tapes. 
         FIG. 10  show an exaggerated end view of the embodiment of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  shows an exaggerated alternative end view of the embodiment of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  shows an exaggerated front view of a hair extension with which a user can use glue or adhesive to make the extension weft-less. 
         FIG. 13  shows an exaggerated end view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  shows an exaggerated end view of an alternative embodiment of  FIG. 13  having one glue or adhesive application to make the extension weft-less. 
         FIG. 15  shows an exaggerated side view of the fixed ends of two extensions combined. 
         FIG. 16  shows an exaggerated front view of another embodiment using a polymer such as liquid polyurethane or liquid PU to hold the hair in the hair extension with a single piece of tape for bonding to the users head. 
         FIG. 17  shows an exaggerated end view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  shows an exaggerated alternative embodiment of a hair extension with rounded liquid PU corners. 
         FIG. 19  shows an exaggerated view of another embodiment of tape on the weft or weft-less. 
         FIG. 20  shows an exaggerated view of an assembly of hair and the tape shown in  FIG. 19  to create a hair extension. 
         FIG. 21  shows an exaggerated end view of another embodiment of a hair extension attached to human hair. 
         FIG. 22  shows an exaggerated end view of another embodiment of two hair extensions attached to human hair. 
         FIG. 23  shows an exaggerated end view of another embodiment of two hair extensions attached to human hair. 
         FIG. 24  shows a flow chart of various methods of applying extensions to different types of hair. 
         FIG. 25  shows a flow chart of various methods of applying extensions to different types of hair. 
         FIGS. 26A-26B  illustrate, in exaggerated format, an additional alternative process for attaching hair extensions, such as the extensions generally illustrated in  FIGS. 16-17 , to natural hair of a user. 
         FIG. 27  is a flow diagram of steps performed by a hair extension installer (e.g., a user or a stylist) to attach hair extensions to natural hair of a user according to the process illustrated in  FIGS. 26A-26B . 
         FIGS. 28A-28C  illustrate, in exaggerated format, yet another alternative process for attaching a hair extension, such as that generally illustrated in  FIG. 17 , to natural hair of a user. 
         FIG. 29  is a flow diagram of steps performed by a hair extension installer to attach a hair extension to natural hair of a user according to the process illustrated in  FIGS. 28A-28C . 
     
    
    
     Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures have been exaggerated alone or relative to other elements to help improve the understanding of the various disclosed embodiments. 
     DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     In this document, relational terms, such as “first” and “second,” “top” and “bottom,” “front” and “rear,” and the like are used solely to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship or order between such entities or elements. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “contains,” “containing,” “has,” “having,” and/or any other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive and non-exhaustive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, includes, contains, or has a list of elements, characteristics, or features does not include only those elements, characteristics, or features but may include other elements, characteristics, or features not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. The term “plurality of” as used in connection with any object or action means two or more of such object or action. A claim element proceeded by the article “a” or “an” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element. 
     Referring to the drawings in detail wherein like elements are indicated by like numerals, there is shown in  FIG. 1  one embodiment of a human or synthetic fiber hair extension  12  affixed to a user&#39;s head. The hair extension  12  has a fixed end  16  which is attached to the user&#39;s hair along a part line. The hair extension  12  has a free end  14  in which hair  18  hangs freely at a user desired length. A preferred length of the hair is approximately 18 to 20 inches long. Obviously the hair extensions  12  can be cut or styled if a shorter length is desired. 
     Hair  18  is preferably manufactured from a polyester, one that is capable of being styled with a blow drier, flat iron, hot rollers, or other heat appliances and behaves much like natural hair. Hair  18  can also be a human or synthetic blend. 
       FIG. 2  shows a detailed view of the fixed end  16 . A hair weft  34  is attached to the second tape  22  along a mid-line  28 . The hair  18  is secured between the second tape  22  and the first tape  20 , not shown. A preferred length of the first and second tapes  20 ,  22  and width of the hair extension  12  is approximately 1.5 to 4 inches. A preferred width of the first and second tapes  20 ,  22  is ¾″ wide, but other widths may be functional. Obviously the length of hair  18  can be cut depending upon the user&#39;s preference. The first tape  20  and the second tape  22  should be of a thickness that is relatively thin such that it is relatively pliable and soft and cannot be felt by the wearer. 
     The first and second tapes  20 ,  22  can also have “tabs” (not shown) to ease the removal of the first and second covers  24 ,  26 . The tabs can be extended backing so that the user can grasp the covers  24 ,  26  easier to remove them. Alternatively, the covers  24 ,  26  can be scored such that the user can fold the tapes  20 ,  22  to ease the removal of the covers  24 ,  26 . 
       FIG. 3  shows an end view of the fixed end  16 . Here it can be seen that the hair  18  is secured between the first tape  20  and the second tape  22  at the mid-line  28 . The mid-line  28  is about halfway between the top and bottom edges of the first tape  20  and second tape  22 . The first tape  20  is a piece of double sided tape. To assemble the hair extension  12  requires the removal of a cover or liner (not shown) from one side of the first tape  20  and securing the hair  18  at the mid-line  28 . A cover or liner (not shown) is removed from one side of the second tape  22  and the exposed side is secured to the hair  18  and in a corresponding location to the first tape  20 . 
     A preferred width of the first and second tape is approximately ¾ inches wide. Obviously other widths may be functional, but it has been determined that a width of ¾ inches provides the best extended retention ability while still being able to be hidden in the user&#39;s natural hair. 
     Attached to the other side of the first tape  20  is first cover or liner  24 . Attached to the other side of second tape  22  is second cover or liner  26 . The covers  24 ,  26  are removed and discarded to attach the hair extension  12  to the user&#39;s hair. 
     The hair  18  can show a first color  46  on the first side  30  and a second color  48  on the second side  32 . This would allow a user to secure the hair extension  12  with either the first side  30  or second side  32  for view depending on the effect that was desired. The first and second sides  30 ,  32  of the extension&#39;s hair  18  can be corresponding colors or much different colors. This provides more options for the user. It may be desirable to have a color that matches the user&#39;s hair or one that is slightly different to achieve a different look or a color that is much different than the user&#39;s hair color. 
     First tape  20  can also correspond to the first color  46  of the hair  18  on the first side  30 . Likewise, second tape  22  can correspond to the second color  48  of the hair  18  on the second side  32 . The matching of the tapes  20 ,  22  to the sides  30 ,  32  of the hair  18  helps to hide the fixed end  16  of the hair extension  12  when attached to the natural hair  13  of the user. 
     In one embodiment, the first tape  20  corresponds to the color of the hair  18  first side  30  and second tape  22  corresponds to the color of the hair  18  second side  32 . Alternative embodiments have the first tape  20  and second tape  22  made from a clear double sided tape which also aids to hide the fixed end  16  of the hair extension  12 . 
       FIG. 4  is an exaggerated view of the fixed end  16  of the hair extension  12  attached to a user&#39;s natural hair  13 . To attach the hair extension  12 , the user should shampoo first with a clarifying shampoo that removes oils and other residue that may adversely affect the attachment of the hair extensions  12 . Once the hair is dried, the user makes a part line in the natural hair  13  and secures the natural hair  13  with, for example, a hair clip  11 , such as shown in  FIG. 1 . The user than removes the first cover or liner  24  and places the first tape  20  onto the user&#39;s hair  13  below the part line. The second cover or liner  26  is then removed and discarded, and the user&#39;s hair that had been retained by the hair clip  11  is released to fall naturally over the second tape  22 . After the hair falls naturally onto the second tape  22  it can be pressed to the fixed end  16  of the hair extension  12  and the hair extension  12  is then secured to the user&#39;s natural hair  13 . 
       FIG. 5  shows another embodiment of the human or synthetic fiber hair extensions  12  where the sewn end or weft  34  is placed above the first and second tapes,  20 ,  22  and then cut off at the cut line  36  along with a small length of human or synthetic fiber hair. This allows the use of the human or synthetic fiber hair extensions  12  in places on a user&#39;s head that may be more visible. This embodiment may also be more useful in hiding hair extensions  12  on the side of a user&#39;s head because the weft  34  is not present. 
       FIG. 6  shows a side view of the alternative embodiment in  FIG. 5  of the hair extension  12  where the weft or sewn end  34  extends beyond the first and second tapes  20 ,  22  and the weft  34  and small portion of human or synthetic fiber hair is cut off at the cut line  36 , providing better concealment of the human or synthetic fiber hair extensions  12  in the user&#39;s natural hair  13 . 
     To remove the hair extension  12 , it is suggested that the user begin with the hair extension highest on the head. The natural hair is parted and the upper hair is clipped up. The solvent (not shown) is then sprayed onto the second tape  22  and the first tape  20  or both above and below the human or synthetic fiber hair extensions  12 . The solvent is then rubbed into the adhesive on the tapes  20 ,  22  and the hair extension  12  lifted with a rat tail comb. The natural hair is then removed from the second tape  22 . The natural hair attached to the first tape  20  is likewise gently removed and the hair extension  12  removed from the user&#39;s head. Clarifying shampoo can then be used to wash the natural hair to remove the solvent and prepare the natural hair for re-application of the hair extensions  12 , if desired. 
     A replacement hair extension  12  (not shown) can have its hair sewn end or weft  34  placed on the mid-line  28  of a new first tape  20 , after removal of its cover or liner (not shown), and a new second tape  22 , after its cover or liner (not shown) is removed, and the sewn end  34  is then secured to the new second tape  22  at the mid-line  28 . Replacement first and second tapes  20 ,  22  can be used to replace or enhance attachment of the hair extensions  12 . 
       FIG. 7  shows another embodiment of hair extension  12 . This embodiment can be useful for users that have thick natural hair  13 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , a third tape  40  is affixed to the natural hair  13  at a part line. This third tape  40  has a cover (not shown) that is removed and the third tape  40  is attached to the natural hair  13 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . A second cover (not shown) is removed and the hair extension  12  is affixed to the third tape  40 . The first cover (not shown) of first tape  20  of hair extension  12  is removed and hair extension  12  is placed or secured to the third tape  40 . The second cover (not shown) of second tape  22  of hair extension  12  is removed and the natural hair  13  above the part line is secured to second tape  22 . 
     This approach works well with users who have thick hair and provides additional securing of the hair extension  12  to a user&#39;s natural hair  13 . 
       FIG. 9  shows another embodiment of hair extension  12  secured to a user&#39;s natural hair  13 .  FIG. 10  shows an exaggerated end view of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the hair  18  is secured to a netted backing  38 . The netted backing  38  and hair  18  are then sandwiched between first tape  20  and second tape  22 . This netted backing  38  helps secure the hair  18 . This embodiment of hair extension  12  is attached to the natural hair  13  as has been previously described. 
       FIG. 11  shows an alternative to the embodiments shown and disclosed in  FIGS. 9 and 10 .  FIG. 11  shows an exaggerated end view of a hair extension  12  best used on individuals with thinning hair. In this embodiment, there is shown a first tape  20  affixed to a netted backing  38 , which in turn is affixed to hair  18 . This embodiment eliminates the use of second tape  22  which may become visible in users with thinning hair, especially those with thinning hair on top of the head. This method can also be beneficial for attaching hair extensions to the bang area of the head. 
       FIGS. 19 and 20  show another embodiment of a third tape  61  for use in forming a hair extension  12 . Third tape  61  has a third cover  63  on one side and a fourth cover  65  on an opposite side and is generally a wider double-sided tape. 
     This wider tape  61  can be scored in the center such that the user can remove fourth cover  65  (shown in hidden line) and fold third tape  61  along a center line  67  to affix third tape  61  to the extension&#39;s section of hair  18 . The third cover  63  can then be removed and the hair extension  12  can be installed as has been previously disclosed. 
       FIGS. 12 and 13  show exaggerated front and end views of another hair extension  12 . This embodiment shows one method of creating a weft-less extension  12 . To create a weft-less extension, the user places a bead of adhesive  41  just below the fixed end  16  of the extension and allows the adhesive  41  to dry. The extension  12  is then flipped over and a second bead of adhesive  41  is applied to a corresponding location on the opposite side of the extension  12  and allowed to dry. A first tape  20  and a second tape  22  are then applied over the adhesive  41 , one tape on each side. The user can then cut the hair  18  along cut line  36  thus removing the weft  34  from the extension  12 . The removal of the weft  34  allows the extension  12  to be used in thinning hair. 
       FIG. 14  shows an alternative embodiment to that shown in  FIG. 13 .  FIG. 14  also shows the removal of the weft  34  from the extension  12 , but in this embodiment, only one bead of adhesive  41  is used on one side of the hair  18 . The first tape  20  and the second tape  22  are still used as has been previously described to affix the extension  12  to the user&#39;s hair. 
       FIG. 15  shows an exaggerated end view of two extensions creating a double extension  50 . This double extension  50  may be used for users who have thicker hair or wish to greatly enhance their natural hair.  FIG. 15  shows a first extension  12  attached to a second extension  12 ′. First extension  12  and second extension  12 ′ may be coordinating colors or any color combination that a user may choose. To affix first extension  12  to second extension  12 ′ requires the user to remove the second cover  26  (not shown) from second tape  22  and the first cover  24 ′ (not shown) from first tape  20 ′. The weft  34 ′ of second extension  12 ′ should be placed above the weft  34  of first extension  12  and the second tape  22  and the first tape  20 ′ secured to one another. This double extension  50  is then ready to be applied to a user&#39;s head as has been previously described. 
     The liquid PU used in these embodiments is a new form of attachment different than that used in the background art. 
     The background art polyurethane “skin wefts” are mainstream in the hair extension market. They are known as “seamless” in the industry. They are quite different from the embodiments disclosed herein as the embodiments disclosed herein are a brand new form of Liquid Polyurethane (PU) extension. 
     Background PU skin wefts are denser, heavier, thicker, solid, and the hair is vented into the side of the polyurethane, creating hair on the front side of the extension and “returns” on the back side of the extensions. The background art PU skin wefts, create a solid ridge in the hair which can be felt by the wearer, and by others who may feel the head of the wearer. They also add more weight to the extension, which may cause more tension to the wearer&#39;s natural hair, and in some cases may cause a condition called “tension alopecia” or baldness in spots, caused by the weight and tension from the hair extension applied to the wearer&#39;s natural hair. 
     The disclosed liquid PU extensions herein are extremely light weight, paper thin, soft and flexible. The embodiments disclosed are essentially weightless and, when applied correctly, will create virtually no tension on the wearer&#39;s natural hair. In addition, there are several different attachment methods that may be used when installing the extensions to lessen the possibility of damage to the natural hair of the user/wearer. Because the present embodiments may be constructed to be paper thin, soft, flexible, and extremely comfortable, they can barely be felt by the wearer or by others. This is a major breakthrough in the hair extension industry. 
     In the present embodiments, the hair is attached directly into the liquid PU attachment, and therefor has no “returns” on the back side of the attachment as does the background art. 
     One major problem with background art hair extensions is that they can be clearly felt by the wearer, and by others who may feel the wear&#39;s hair. One may feel ridges, lumps, bumps, plastic or metal nubs, thick tracks, or comb clips in the hair. The weight of these background art extensions and the application methods employed by these various types of background art systems, causes them to be less esthetically desirable and much more damaging to the wearer&#39;s natural hair. 
     Background art skin weft extensions come on long strips and need to be cut to fit each application. The present embodiments may be packaged in 3″ wide or 1½″ wide strips, pre-taped, stacked one above the other, and attached to both sides of a plastic card. The card can have a notch at the top to hang the card from a hook provided with the package. Each strip is simply peeled off the card, the liner is removed, and the extension is attached to the hair. Each card comes enclosed in a package which has complete application directions printed inside with corresponding photographs explaining the installation of these extensions. 
     The present embodiments disclose liquid PU extensions that are 1½″ to 3″ wide and include approximately ¼″ liquid PU strips, with rounded corners and no shine to moderate shine, with tape applied to one side. The hair in the present embodiments can be a solid color, highlighted colors, or piano stripe colors, and can be applied in any of these various color combinations. 
     Additional embodiments can include extensions that are 1½″ to 3″ wide and include ¼″ to ½″ liquid PU strips with rounded corners, and have tapes applied to both sides of the extensions. Hair in these embodiments can likewise be a solid color, highlighted colors, piano stripe colors or “reversible colors,” or have one color on one side of the extension and a different or corresponding color on the opposite side of the extension as has been discussed above. 
       FIGS. 21 and 22  show another embodiment and attachment method for hair extensions  12  and  12 ′. In  FIG. 21 , the hair  13  is parted at part P 1  and lifted and retained. The first tape cover  24  (not shown) is removed and hair extension  12  is firmly pressed with first tape  20  below part P 1  to natural hair  13 ′. Hair extension  12  and natural hair  13 ′ are then lifted up forming part P 2 . Part P 2  is then cleared of any stray natural hair  13  leaving a clean part P 2 . This allows hair extension  12 ′ to be adhered with first tape  20 ′ to natural hair  13 ′ and aligned end to end with hair extension  12 . The two extensions  12  and  12 ′ are then pressed together firmly. The hair extensions  12  and  12 ′ together with natural hair  13 ,  13 ′ and hair  18  are then lowered providing a sandwich like attachment of extensions  12  and  12 ′. 
     These embodiments can likewise have the polymer or liquid PU  55  and first tapes  20 ,  20 ′ colored to match or co-ordinate with the hair  18  of the extensions  12  and  12 ′. Likewise, the corners of the fixed end  16  can have rounded corners  57  to lessen the chance of feeling the extension  12  or  12 ′ when installed. The liquid PU  55  can be manufactured having no shine to moderate shine to hide better in the user&#39;s natural hair  13  and  13 ′. 
     It should be understood that the converse to the method of hair extensions installation disclosed in  FIGS. 21, 22  is also anticipated. This method could be reversed wherein extension  12  is installed as has been discussed and instead of pulling extension  12  up, the natural hair  13  above the installed extension  12  is lowered and a part (not shown) made above natural hair  13  wherein extension  12 ′ is affixed in the manner shown in  FIG. 22  on top of extension  12  creating the dual extension  12 ,  12 ′ sandwich method of installation. 
     Another embodiment is shown in  FIG. 23 .  FIG. 23  shows two hair extensions  12 ,  12 ′ attached to a user&#39;s natural hair  13 ,  13 ′. In this embodiment, a part P 1  is made and the first cover  24  (not shown) is peeled from first tape  20  and hair extension  12  is attached to the user&#39;s natural hair  13 . Extension  12  and hair  13 ′ are then lifted to form part P 2 . P 2  is then cleared of any hair  13 ′ leaving a clean part P 2  creating a good surface for the attachment of hair extension  12 ′. Extension  12 ′ is installed end to end matching hair extension  12  with natural hair  13  between the first tapes  20 ,  20 ′. Extensions  12  and  12 ′ are pressed together firmly. 
     First part P 1  is made again and second tape  24  with cover  26  is secured to extension  12 . Second cover  26  (not shown) is peeled off and hair  13 ′ is allowed to drop onto second tape  22  where it is pressed firmly to second tape  22  and secured. 
     This embodiment uses two extensions  12 ′ and  12 , and hair extension  12  uses two tapes  20 ,  22  to secure it to hair extension  12 ′ and natural hair  13 ,  13 ′. This embodiment essentially has one extension with tape on one side and a second extension with tapes on two sides. 
     It should be understood that hair extensions  12  and  12 ′ can be removed and the tapes  20 ,  22 ,  20 ′ can be replaced. This allows the extensions  12  and  12 ′ to be removed and re-applied. These replacement tapes  20 ,  22 ,  20 ′ likewise can be color matching to the polymer  55  or liquid PU and the hair  18 , or the replacement tapes  20 ,  22 ,  20 ′ may be clear and provided in rolls. As has been previously discussed, these extensions  12  disclosed herein can have a single color hair  18 , or the hair  18  may be multi-colored, piano stripe colors, highlighted, have one color on one side and another color on the other side, or be a blended color. 
     These hair extension embodiments can have a width of approximately 1½″ to 3″ and include polymer  55  that is approximately ¼″ to ½″ wide. 
       FIG. 16  shows an exaggerated front view of another embodiment of the hair extension  12 . In this embodiment, the hair  18  is fixed into a receiver (not shown) and a polymer  55 , by way of example only, liquid polyurethane or liquid PU, is poured onto the hair  18  retaining the hair in the polymer  55  for attachment to the user. This embodiment of hair extension  12  has rounded corners  57  on each of the ends of the fixed end  16 . The polymer  55  and first tape  20  can match the color of the hair  18  or can be clear. This embodiment of hair extension  12  uses a single tape first tape  20  and first cover  24 . One preferred width of this hair extension  12  is approximately 1½″ to 3″ and having a polymer height of approximately ¼″ with no shine to moderate shine on the surface of the liquid PU or polymer  55 . The low shine or no shine liquid PU or polymer  55  can help hide the extensions  12  in the user&#39;s natural hair  13 . The second tape  22  can be added to the extension  12  once it has been attached to the natural hair  13 . Second tape  22  is applied to the polymer  55  or liquid PU, second cover  26  is removed, and the natural hair  13  is dropped and secured to second tape  22  and pressed together firmly. 
     Separate tapes or additional tapes can be provided with this embodiment and the others disclosed in this application. These supplemental tapes can be used to enhance the securement of single extension  12  to the user. These supplemental tapes can also be used if the extensions  12  are removed and then re-attached. 
       FIG. 17  shows an exaggerated end view of the embodiment in  FIG. 16 . It can be seen that the hair  18  is retained within polymer  55 , to which is attached first tape  20  with first cover  24  or liner. The first cover  24  is removed and the first tape  20  is used to attach the hair extension  12  to the user&#39;s natural hair as has been previously described. The polymer  55  is relatively soft, paper thin, pliable, and has rounded corners  57  so that the wearer can barely feel or not feel at all the hair extension  12  when attached. The polymer  55  is also exposed on both sides of the hair  18  as illustrated in  FIG. 17 . The height of the polymer  55  in this embodiment can be approximately ¼″. This attachment  12  is and feels completely seamless and has been designed so that the wearer will not feel the attachment in their head. It is lighter and causes less stress to the natural hair  13 , and no one will feel the extension being worn as it feels like nothing at all is in the natural hair  13 . 
     Second tape  22  (not shown) with second cover  26  could be added to the polymer  55  or liquid PU to the side opposite first tape  20  and first cover  24  as has been described above. 
       FIG. 18  shows an alternative embodiment of hair extension  12  with rounded corners  57  and weft-less hair  18 . These rounded corners  57  lessen the chances of snagging hair implements or the user feeling the hair extensions  12  when installed. Obviously, rounded corners can be used with the other embodiments disclosed in this application. In this embodiment, the polymer  55  or liquid PU and tapes  20 ,  22  can be colored the same or corresponding color to the hair  18 . This extension  12  can be attached to the natural hair  13  with the first tape  20  as has been previously described. The second cover  26  from the second tape  22  can then be removed and the natural hair  13  above the part can be lowered and affixed to second tape  22 . This embodiment likewise can be manufactured with a polymer height of approximately ¼″ to ½″ and an extension width of approximately 1½″ to 3″. 
     This embodiment of hair extension  12  is extremely thin, has no weft, and has rounded corners. As a result, this hair extension  12  embodiment is soft, pliable and there is virtually no shedding from the extension  12 . 
       FIG. 24  shows various methods for attaching hair extensions  70  to a user&#39;s head.  FIG. 24  specifically shows variations of the “sandwich” method. Three variations are shown in  FIG. 24 . The “A” method can be used for persons having medium or thick hair. In this method, two extensions  70  having pre-applied adhesive on one side of each extension are affixed to the user&#39;s natural hair  13 , in essence sandwiching the user&#39;s natural hair  13 . 
     The “B” method can be used on thin, fine or medium natural hair and utilizes two extensions  70  with pre-applied adhesive. This method can also be beneficial for use where the hair parts, near a cowlick, or with shorter layered hair. The natural hair  13  is sandwiched in between with the addition of adhesive  41  on the second side of one extension  70  for adhering to another section of the user&#39;s natural hair  13 . 
     The “C” method can be used for users that need additional support or hold and involve two extensions  70  with pre-applied adhesive on a first side. The addition of adhesive  41  to the second side of each extension  70  is used for affixing additional sections of the user&#39;s natural hair  13 . This essentially sandwiches the user&#39;s natural hair  13  between two extensions  70  with pre-applied adhesive on a first side of the extension and additional adhesive  41  applied to the second side of each extension  70 . 
       FIG. 25  shows another flow chart showing various methods of hair attachment that can be used for various permutations of desired hair and hair types.  FIG. 25  shows a variation to the methods shown in  FIG. 24 . 
     The methods shown in  FIG. 25  use a single extension  70  with adhesive pre-applied to a first side  30  with the addition of either a narrow adhesive  72  or a wide adhesive  74  applied to the second side  32 . 
     The “D” method shows an extension  70  and natural hair  13  attached to the first side  30  of extension  70 . The second side  32  of extension  70  has a narrow adhesive  72  applied and then a second piece of natural hair  13 ″. This method can be used for users who have very fine, thin damaged, brittle hair or for application high on the users head. 
     Method “E” can be used for a wide variety of hair, but is especially beneficial to those having very oily hair that may benefit from the additional hold of the wide adhesive  74 . 
     The extension first side  30  is affixed to the user&#39;s natural hair  13  and a wide adhesive  74  is attached to the second side  32  of extension  70  where a second strip of natural hair  13 ″ is then attached. 
     Method “F” can be applied to users who require additional support or hold. Method “F” is applied where the natural hair  13  is affixed to the pre-applied adhesive on the first side  30  of extension  70 . The other side of this natural hair  13  is applied a narrow adhesive  72  and an additional strip of natural hair  13 ′ is then applied to the other side of a narrow adhesive  72 . 
     The second side  32  of extension  70  has a wide adhesive  74  applied to which another strip of natural hair  13 ″ is affixed. 
     Additional alternative methods for attaching one or more hair extensions to a user&#39;s natural hair are illustrated in  FIGS. 26-29 .  FIGS. 26A-B  and  27  illustrate alternative methods for creating the attachment configurations discussed above with respect to Methods “A” through “C” of  FIG. 24 .  FIGS. 28A-C  and  29  illustrate a method for providing additional hair extension support when Method “D” of  FIG. 25  is used as the base method of attachment. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 26A-B  and  27 , a hair extension installer (e.g., the user/wearer, a stylist, or anyone else assisting the user with installation of the user&#39;s hair extensions  12 ,  12 ′) may produce the hair extension attachment configuration shown for Method “A” of  FIG. 24  by reversing the order in which the attachment process takes place. For example, instead of first parting the user&#39;s hair to form part P 1  as shown in  FIG. 21 , the installer may part ( 2703 ) the user&#39;s hair to first form a part P, which would be at the position of part P 2  as shown in  FIG. 22 . The formed part may be horizontal or at an angle relative to horizontal, as desired by the user and/or the installer. Extraneous hair  13 ′,  13 ″ from above and/or below part P may be cleared using a comb, such as a rat tail comb, to leave a clean part P. The installer may retain the user&#39;s hair  13 ,  13 ′ above part P by clipping it together with a hair clip  11 , such as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     After the user&#39;s hair has been parted, the installer attaches ( 2705 ) one side of hair extension  12 ′ to the user&#39;s natural hair  13 ′ above part P. A double-sided adhesive tape  20 ′ is preferably pre-attached to one side of the hair extension&#39;s section of hair  18 ′, proximate the affixed-together end of the hair extension  12 ′, thereby forming part of the hair extension  12 ′. Alternatively, the adhesive tape  20 ′ may be a separate component and attached to the hair extension&#39;s section of hair  18 ′ by the installer at or about the time of installation to effectively form a new extension. With the tape  20 ′ applied, the installer firmly presses the exposed side of the tape  20 ′ against the natural hair  13 ′ of the user to attach the extension  12 ′. The installer may use a comb, such as a rat tail comb, to assist with pressing the hair  13 ′ onto the tape&#39;s adhesive. The adhesive tape  20 ′ may be clear or colored, as so desired by the user. If the tape  20 ′ is colored, the color may be chosen so as to generally match the color of the user&#39;s natural hair  13 ′, to generally match the color of the hair extension&#39;s section of hair  18 ′, or to make a fashion statement as desired by the user. 
     According to a more preferable embodiment, the hair extension&#39;s hair  18 ′ is affixed together at one end using a solidified liquid polymer  55  that holds the hair  18  of the extension  12 ′ together and is exposed on both sides of the extension  12 ′ to provide surfaces upon which to apply adhesive or adhesive tape  20 ′,  22 ′, as discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 16-22 . Similar to the adhesive tape  20 ′, the polymer  55  may be colored to match the user&#39;s hair color, the extension&#39;s hair color, or the user&#39;s fashion desires. The adhesive tape  20 ′ may be attached to the exposed polymer  55  on the applicable side of the extension  12 ′. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the adhesive tape  20 ′ may be covered by a removable liner  24  on each side of the tape  20 ′. The liner  24  on one side of the tape  20 ′ may be removed to allow the tape  20 ′ to be attached to the polymer  55 , or the affixed-together end of the section of hair  18 ′, on the side of the extension  12 ′ to be attached to the user&#39;s hair  13 ′. Alternatively, the tape  20 ′ may be pre-attached to the polymer  55  during manufacturing of the hair extension  12 ′ and the extension  12 ′ may include a removable liner  24  over the exposed side of the tape  20 ′ to prevent the tape  20 ′ from sticking to unintended objects or materials and potentially losing its tackiness. Although shown in extremely exaggerated form in  FIGS. 26A-B  and  28 A-C, the adhesive tapes  20 ,  20 ′,  22 ,  22 ′ and the polymer  55 , when included, may be very thin, such as on the order of 1/16 inches or less, to maximize comfort for the user/wearer. 
     After the hair extension  12 ′ has been attached to the user&#39;s hair  13 ′ above part P, the installer lowers ( 2707 ) the hair extension  12 ′ and the user&#39;s attached hair  13 ′. Lowering of the hair extension  12 ′ may naturally form another part (e.g., such as part P 1  in  FIG. 22 ) between the user&#39;s hair  13 ′ that is attached to the adhesive  20 ′ and the user&#39;s remaining hair  13 . Extraneous hair  13 ,  13 ′ that lowers with the extension  12 ′ and/or is not attached securely to adhesive tape  20 ′ may be cleared using a comb. 
     After the attached extension  12 ′ and its attached hair  13 ′ have been lowered, the installer positions ( 2709 ) one side of a second hair extension  12  over or above the lowered extension  12 ′ and attached hair  13 ′ such that the adhesive tape  20 ′ of the lowered extension  12 ′ and an adhesive tape  22  of the second extension  12  are substantially aligned across a width of the lowered hair extension  12 ′ (and preferably across the substantially matching widths of both extensions  12 ,  12 ′). After the second extension  12  has been properly positioned, the installer attaches ( 2711 ) the second hair extension  12  to the user&#39;s hair  13 ′ attached to the first extension  12 ′ so as to sandwich the user&#39;s hair  13 ′ between the two hair extensions  12 ,  12 ′. Attachment of hair extension  12  to the user&#39;s hair  13 ′ may be performed in a manner similar to attachment of hair extension  12 ′ to the user&#39;s hair  13 ′ after part P was formed. For example, hair extension  12  may be pressed against the user&#39;s hair  13 ′ such that the extension&#39;s adhesive tape  22  proximate the affixed-together end of the extension&#39;s section of hair  18  attaches to the user&#39;s hair  13 ′. In a more preferable embodiment, the hair  18  and adhesive tape  22  of the second extension  12  are positioned ( 2709 ) to overlay the hair  12 ′ and adhesive tape  20 ′ of the first extension  12 ′ such that the two tapes  20 ′,  22  substantially align across their widths and lengths (e.g., align across 75% or more of their widths and lengths). The length of each adhesive tape  20 ′,  22  is approximately equal to the width of tape&#39;s respective extension  12 ′,  12 . In other words, hair extension  12  is preferably positioned to directly overlay hair extension  12 ′ to sandwich the user&#39;s hair  13 ′ between the two hair extensions  12 ,  12 ′. Once hair extension  12  and its adhesive tape  22  are properly positioned, the two adhesive tapes  20 ′,  22  are pressed firmly together to sandwich the user&#39;s hair  13 ′ between the two extensions  12 ,  12 ′. 
     Depending on the results of a hair extension installation analysis performed by the installer, one or more of the hair extensions  12 ,  12 ′ may benefit from additional hold. For example, as discussed above with regard to  FIGS. 24-25 , hair extensions installed in fine, thin, brittle, damaged, and/or oily hair may need extra hold to keep them installed for a desired amount of time. As a result, the hair extension installer may perform ( 2701 ) a hair extension installation analysis to determine whether additional hold may be necessary. To perform the analysis, the installer evaluates the type (e.g., straight, wavy, curly, kinky), condition (e.g., oily, dry, chemically dry (such as from coloring), dandruff, damaged, split ends, alopecia), and texture (e.g., fine, medium, thick) of the user&#39;s hair and the desired locations of hair extensions about the user&#39;s head, as well as gains an understanding of the user&#39;s lifestyle and general appearance preferences. For example, the installer may want to know whether the user sweats regularly (e.g., do to working out), is in the sun or a tanning booth regularly, is regularly exposed to any other conditions that may affect the attachment of the extensions  12 ,  12 ′ to the user&#39;s hair over time, or simply wants to insure that the extensions  12 ,  12 ′ remain practically invisible under all conditions. The hair extension installation analysis is shown as the first step of the flow diagram  2700  of  FIG. 27 ; however, such an analysis may occur at any time during or before the hair extension installation process. 
     When the installer determines ( 2713 ) that additional hold is recommended for the hair extensions  12 ,  12 ′, the installer may attach ( 2715 ) user hair  13  from above the sandwiched hair  13 ′ to the opposite or top side of hair extension  12  to provide the additional hold. To do so, the installer may apply or place a strip of adhesive, such as a liquid adhesive or, more preferably, double-sided adhesive tape  20 , onto the polymer  55  on the top side of the extension&#39;s section of hair  18 . Alternatively, where the extension  12  includes a pre-attached top side adhesive tape  20 , the installer may remove a liner  24  (if included) from the adhesive tape  20  to expose the tape&#39;s outer adhesive. After the top side adhesive (e.g., adhesive tape  20 ) has been applied or exposed, the installer lowers the user&#39;s hair  13  from above extension  12  onto the extension  12  and its section of hair  18 , and firmly presses the lowered hair  13  onto the top side adhesive of the extension  12  to secure the lowered hair  13  to the top side of the extension&#39;s section of hair  18 . The installer may use a comb or other instrument to assist with pressing the lowered hair  13  onto and into the top side adhesive. In this manner, the extension attachment configuration described with respect to step  2715  mirrors the configuration shown in  FIG. 24  as Method “B,” and the user&#39;s hair  13  above the sandwiched hair  13 ′ helps support the installed hair extensions  12 ,  12 ′. 
     When the installer determines ( 2717 ) that further hold is recommended for the hair extensions  12 ,  12 ′, the installer may attach ( 2719 ) the user&#39;s hair  13 ″ from below the part P (and below the sandwiched hair  13 ′) to a bottom side of the bottom extension&#39;s section of hair  18 ′. To accomplish this attachment, the installer may lift the hair sections  18 ,  18 ′ of the two hair extensions  12 ,  12 ′ together with the user&#39;s attached hair  13 ,  13 ′ and retain all the hair  13 ,  13 ′,  18 ,  18 ′ in an uplifted configuration using a hair clip  11  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 1 ). With the hair uplifted, the installer may apply or place a strip of adhesive, such as a liquid adhesive or a double-sided adhesive tape  22 ′, onto the polymer  55  on the bottom side of the extension  12 ′. Alternatively, where the extension  12 ′ includes a pre-attached bottom side adhesive tape  22 ′, the installer may remove a liner  24  (if included) from the bottom side adhesive tape  22 ′ to expose the tape&#39;s outer adhesive. After the bottom side adhesive (e.g., adhesive tape  22 ′) has been applied or exposed, the installer lowers the uplifted hair, including the bottom side hair extension  12 ′, onto the user&#39;s hair  13 ″ below part P, and firmly presses the bottom side adhesive onto the user&#39;s hair  13 ″ to attach or secure the user&#39;s hair  13 ″ to the bottom extension&#39;s section of hair  18 ′. In this manner, the extension attachment configuration described with respect to steps  2715  and  2719  mirrors the configuration shown in  FIG. 24  as Method “C” and the user&#39;s hair  13 ,  13 ″ above and below the sandwiched hair  13 ′ helps support the installed hair extensions  12 ,  12 ′. Alternatively, where the installer performs ( 2701 ) the hair extension installation analysis early during the installation process and determines ( 2713 ,  2717 ) that extra hold is recommended, the installer may attach the bottom side of the lower extension  12 ′ to the user&#39;s hair  13 ″ below the part P after attaching ( 2705 ) the top side of extension  12 ′ to the user&#39;s hair  13 ′ above the part P and lowering ( 2707 ) the extension  12 ′, with exposed adhesive, onto the user&#39;s hair  13 ″ below the part P. 
     In a further alternative embodiment where the installer determines, based on the hair extension installation analysis, that the attachment configuration of Method “C” of  FIG. 24  is recommended, the attachment process for the extensions  12 ,  12 ′ may be modified and somewhat reversed as discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 21-22 . According to this embodiment, part P is formed as discussed above, but instead of first attaching extension  12 ′ to the user&#39;s hair  13 ′ above the part P, the extension  12 ′ is attached to the user&#39;s hair  13 ″ below the part P using, for example, adhesive tape  22 ′. A thin strip of hair  13 ′ from above the part P is then lowered and pressed firmly onto the top side adhesive tape  20 ′ of extension  12 ′. Extension  12  is then attached to the top side of user&#39;s hair  13 ′ to sandwich the user&#39;s hair  13 ′ between the two hair extensions  12 ,  12 ′ as discussed above. Finally, the user&#39;s hair  13  from above the sandwiched hair  13 ′ is lowered and pressed firmly onto the adhesive (e.g., adhesive tape  20 ) on the top side of extension  12  to create the attachment configuration of Method “C” of  FIG. 24 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 28A-C  and  29 , a hair extension installer may attach a hair extension  12  to a user&#39;s natural hair generally according to Method “D” as shown in  FIG. 25  and described above, but with a special modification to provide additional hold for the hair extension  12 . According to this attachment embodiment, the installer parts ( 2903 ) the user&#39;s hair to form a part P and attaches ( 2905 ) the bottom side of a hair extension  12  to the user&#39;s hair  13 ′ below the part P, as shown in exemplary and exaggerated form in  FIG. 28A . Extraneous hair  13 ,  13 ′ from above and/or below part P may be cleared using a comb to leave a clean part P. The bottom side of the extension  12  includes an adhesive tape  20  (e.g., a double-sided adhesive tape) with one side attached to the bottom side of the extension&#39;s section of hair  18  and the other side being attachable to an object, such as the user&#39;s hair  13 ′ below the part P. The adhesive tape  20  may be applied by the installer to the extension&#39;s hair  18  or , more preferably, to an exposed portion of the polymer  55  affixing the extension&#39;s hair  18  together proximate one end of the extension  12 , as discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 26A-B  and  27 . Alternatively and more preferably, the adhesive tape  20  may be pre-attached to the extension&#39;s hair  18  or the exposed polymer  55  at the time the extension  12  is manufactured. In the latter case, a removable liner  24  may be included to cover the adhesive on the exposed side of the adhesive tape  20  until such time as the extension  12  is installed in the user&#39;s hair  13 . 
     After the bottom side of the extension  12  has been attached to the user&#39;s hair  13 ′ below the part P, the installer attaches ( 2907 ) the user&#39;s natural hair  13  from above the part P to the top side of the hair extension  12  using adhesive tape  22 . The installer may do so by attaching the user&#39;s hair  13  from above the part P to the adhesive tape  22  on the top side of the hair extension  12 , as shown in exemplary form in  FIG. 28B . Such attachment may occur by lowering the user&#39;s hair  13  above the part P onto the extension&#39;s top side adhesive tape  22  and pressing the user&#39;s hair  13  firmly onto the tape  22 . The installer may use a comb to assist with pressing the user&#39;s hair  13  onto the tape  22 . The top side adhesive tape  22  may be identical to the bottom side adhesive tape  20  and may be applied upon the extension&#39;s hair  18  or the exposed polymer  55 , as applicable, at the time of hair extension installation (e.g., before lowering the user&#39;s hair  13  onto the extension  12 ). Alternatively and more preferably, the top side adhesive tape  22  is pre-attached to the exposed polymer  55  or otherwise on the top side of the extension&#39;s hair  18  at the time of hair extension manufacture. In such a case, a removable liner  24  may be included to cover the adhesive on the exposed side of the adhesive tape  22  until such time as the extension  12  is installed in the user&#39;s hair  13 . 
     The attachment procedure reflected in steps  2903 - 2907  of  FIG. 29  and illustrated in  FIGS. 28A-B  results in the attachment configuration identified as Method “D” in  FIG. 25 . However, certain users may require additional hold for their hair extensions  12  due to a variety of factors, such as a user&#39;s lifestyle, the location of a hair extension about a user&#39;s head, and/or a type, condition, and/or texture of a user&#39;s hair. The additional hold can be provided by attaching ( 2911 ) another adhesive tape  280  beneath or below the bottom-side tape  20  of the extension  12  so as to secure or seal the user&#39;s hair  13 ′ between the two pieces of tape  20 ,  280 , as illustrated in  FIG. 28C . In this embodiment, the seal tape  280  is preferably single-sided (i.e., includes adhesive on only one side) and the adhesive side of the tape  280  is attached to the user&#39;s hair  13 ′ below the bottom adhesive tape  20  of the hair extension  12 . In an alternative embodiment, the seal tape  280  may be double-sided and also be attached to the user&#39;s hair  13 ″ below the hair  13 ′ being sealed. The seal tape  280  is preferably positioned directly below the bottom tape  20  of the extension  12  and aligned substantially end to end with the bottom tape  20  of the extension  12  across all or most of a width of the extension  12  (e.g., aligned across 75% or more of the extension&#39;s width). In other words, the seal tape  280  is preferably positioned to lay directly underneath the extension&#39;s bottom tape  20  to secure the user&#39;s hair  13 ′ between the two tapes  20 ,  280  when the two tapes  20 ,  280  are pressed firmly together. The seal tape  280  is preferably at least as wide as the bottom tape  20  of the extension  12  and may be wider for certain hair types, such as oily hair types, and/or user lifestyles (e.g., where a user regularly sweats). 
     The decision to use the seal tape  280  may be made by the installer based on performing ( 2901 ) a hair extension installation analysis as discussed above with regard to step  2701  of  FIG. 27 . Where, based on such an analysis, the installer determines ( 2909 ) that additional hold for the extension is recommended, the installer may attach ( 2911 ) the seal tape  280  as detailed above. As an example, oily hair types and user lifestyles involving regular sweating may benefit from use of the seal tape  280  to provide additional hold. The hair extension installation analysis is shown as the first step of the flow diagram  2900  of  FIG. 29 ; however, such an analysis may occur at any time during or before the hair extension installation process. 
     The foregoing disclosure describes various hair extension configurations and methods for installing hair extensions in a user&#39;s/wearer&#39;s hair based on the individual needs of the user, including based on the user&#39;s hair type, condition, and/or texture, the extension&#39;s location about the user&#39;s head, and/or the user&#39;s lifestyle. The disclosed methods provide processes for attaching hair extensions to a user&#39;s hair so as to provide the appropriate hold, while mitigating damage to the user&#39;s hair. 
     In the foregoing specification, the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. 
     Benefits, advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments of the present invention. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause or result in such benefits, advantages, or solutions to become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims and all legally-permissible equivalents of those claims and/or their constituent steps or elements as issued.