Celebrity Hair Trends: The key to long locks

Gwyneth Paltrow, Beyoncé, Lindsey Lohan... all superstars with super lengthy locks to match. It seems long hair is the universal sign of youth and sensuality, and it's one of the year's hottest accessories.

Just like any popular accessory, those with cash to spare can buy the look. From local salons to retailers selling celebrity product lines, a bevy of beauty brands are hawking hair down to there.

For those who just can't seem to grow long, or aren't willing to wait, hair extensions are available. In fact, one popular hair extensions brand, Great Lengths, is made of 100 percent human hair. Applied by certified stylists, the Great Lengths system pre-bonds hair using a protein polymer.

This process protects extensions against elements such as water, heat and sun.

Hair extensions are growing rapidly in popularity around here, according to Mary Lynn Pearson, co-owner of the Salon & Spa at Mystic Hair. To keep up with the demand, Mystic employs two Great Lengths trained and certified hair extension experts. And with hair extensions costing $200 to $2,000, Pearson has a few tips.

"The most important thing is communication with the stylist. That's the only way to get what you want," she says. "Some people want hair extensions for length, some people want them for volume, and others want extensions to help with thinning hair."

To ensure Mystic's clients know what they're paying for, and how to care for that investment, Pearson and her staff offer complimentary and mandatory consultations. Post-care instructions include using a special soft-bristle brush and shampoo.

Following these extension mandates is a crucial step, Pearson says: "When you buy a $300 suit, you don't throw it in the washing machine."

Commitment-phobes have no fear. A new celebrity-inspired collection of clip-in hair extensions encourages long hair flings. HairDo Clip-in Extensions, designed by star stylist Ken Paves and Jessica Simpson, are available in either 100 percent human hair or synthetic fiber. For ease of use, HairDo clip-ins consists of one multilevel piece instead of several separate strands, meaning even a do-it-yourselfer can deal. HairDo's human hair clip-in extensions retail for $500, while the synthetic extensions are $65-$100.

Hair-ess Paris Hilton is reportedly the spokesperson for Dream Catcher's Hair Extensions, a stylist-applied line of human hair extensions. Dream Catcher's extensions can last six months when properly applied and cared for, meaning Paris' new 'do is perfectly pokey-proof.