Top Tips to know before you get hair extensions
Have you ever had hair extensions before? Whether you’ve had them yourself or you’ve seen them on someone else, you probably know that they’re a fun way to change your look up and help you achieve the hair you’ve been dreaming about. But for first-timers, it can seem intimidating. There are a lot of things to consider before you make any decisions.
That’s why we are breaking down the top tips we wish we knew before we went in for our first appointment. You can use this advice to avoid making mistakes and get it right the first time. So, if you’re ready, let’s get this list started!
1. It's All About the Stylist
The fundamentals of a successful installation start with the hair stylist. Your stylist should be able to make recommendations on what the best option is for your hair. That’s because every head of hair is unique and has different needs. The technique that works for one person can cause long-term damage in another. Ideally, your stylist should suggest a method that gives you zero damage.
If you’re someone who has thin hair, or not much hair at all, the installation process will require some specialization. This is the most difficult hair to add extensions to, so you’ll need to have a stylist who understands what to do. That’s one of the reasons we at SD Hair Extensions chose to specialize in more difficult hair types in order to cater to more clientele. If you have a hair stylist that you trust, you don’t need to worry about everything else as much.
2. It's Also All About the Hair
There are two basic types of hair: human and synthetic. While synthetic hair can be good for people who want a non-committal trial of a hair style on a budget, the quality is inferior to human hair. You’ll have trouble styling it or blending it in with your natural hair. It also gets damaged easily, so whatever money you save initially will probably end up evening out over the long-run. For the best quality, choose virgin (or unprocessed) human hair.
3. You have multiple installation methods to choose from
Fusion, or bonding, hair extensions work differently from other methods. Instead of wefts, or strips, of hair extension being added to your hair, this method uses individual strands. This results in extensions that integrate better with your natural hair and are easier to style. It lasts for months, and it’s also the most expensive option.
Tape-in
As the name suggests, this method uses double-sided tape to apply the extensions directly onto your natural hair. These extensions can be used multiple times and are in the mid-price range. They have the least longevity, however. You’ll have to come in for an installation every month or two.
Weaving
For weaving hair extensions, your entire head needs to be braided into rows. Once that is done, the hair is woven into the braids. This is the budget-friendly pick of the group and can last several months. However, because your natural hair isn’t being used at all, you may need more hair for this look than you would for others.
Micro Rings
This is a more permanent option for adding in hair extensions. For this method, extensions are added to your natural hair using micro-sized copper rings. They can last several months before you need to go back to the salon for tightening4. You need to do upkeep after you leave the salon
While hair extensions can make your life easier, they are not a style that requires no upkeep. If you want to keep your hair healthy, undamaged, and looking beautiful, that means you need to be checking in with your stylist every few months. While a stylist can give you a rough gauge of how long the installation will last, this can vary from person-to-person. Proactively checking in is essential.
When caring for your hair at home, be sure to treat it gently - especially as more time passes. You want to avoid pulling on the extensions too hard or putting hair products on them that can loosen the hold, such as oil-based products.
It may seem like there’s a lot of information to take in here, but having these basic tips in your back pocket will make you more informed when you’re ready to take the plunge. Come visit us at SD Hair Extensions for a consultation that will factor in your individual needs and our skills as experienced stylists. We can’t wait to have you!