It's simple to say that in Hollywood, faux hair is hot. Jessica Simpson made it look flawless as Daisy Duke in The Dukes of Hazzard, while Britney Spears has been known to lengthen her strands while performing in the limelight. So, the mygtmagazine.com whizkids became curious about the Santa Monica Boulevard hype...is it really two turntables and a microphone?

     "In order to successfully extend hair it should be at least three inches long," Maureen Fielding of Focus 2 Hair Designers in Vancouver, British Columbia tells us. "If hair is any shorter, you may not be able to achieve a longer look, extensions will not attach properly, and hair will appear very thin." Unless you're opting to add just quazi-extensions to bring out an above-the-ear trim, Fielding suggests that the minimum length stay at three inches.

    Before you decide to jump in head first, you're probably wondering whether or not hair extensions will do any damage to you or your existing hair. Not likely, explains Wendy O'Connor, Canadian distributor of Great Lengths extensions. "They are gentle, safe and will most likely not damage your hair." In some cases, depending on its user, hair extensions may cause headaches from the extra weight, as well as cause split ends if used for an extensive amount of time.

    Which is why they're great for special occasions: "I had heard that they were easy to use, so when prom came up, I decided to give them a try," Jennifer of Virginia coveys to us. "I loved the temporary look, and although it was a slight difference, my prom pictures turned out beautifully!"

    In placing extensions in your hair, many experts recommend seeking out professional help from stylists. These beauticians can also advise you on how much extra hair is safe for your head. It is also warned that if you end up doing it yourself, it may cause an uneven overall length or possibly damage your hair. After the work has been completed for your new 'do, keep these tips in mind:

>>>The faux hair should be washed and treated in the same manner as your natural hair. Therefore, the extensions will wear out with normal wash and wear. The idea is offered that using high quality and gentle hair care products expand the lifeline of your extensions.

>>>Extensions can become extremely pricey. Be sure to research and compare different costs, and overall, ask yourself if it's really worth it.

>>>Before adding on the extra hair, keep your own length neat. A week or so prior to receiving the push, steer clear from styling products and heat, (like your hairdryers and crimpers), and possibly use a hot oil treatment.

     And, a wonder tip from yours truly -- get creative! Most extensions are pretty durable, so you can dye, braid, crimp, and go crazy with them. As always, see your favorite stylist. He / she can give you the lowdown on what the good, bad, and ugly are for the added length. We know you're ready to eliminate bad hair days...for good!