5 Rules To Know Before You Get Hair Extensions
At this point, we’ve all probably thought about hair extensions. Full, shiny, glorious locks, cascading down our backs and over our shoulders. The kind of hair that you are born with— or the kind of hair you can get by putting in hair extensions. Hair extensions have been around forever and is by no means a new or trendy fashion accessory. They likely are not going out of style anytime soon, so you can feel good about buying in on this trend.
If you’ve never done extensions before, there are 5 rules you must know, and be ready to follow, before you get hair extensions.
Hair Extension #1: Consider Your Lifestyle
When you decide to get hair extensions, there are different kinds to choose from:
- Clip-in hair extensions— put in and take out yourself every time you wear them
- Bonded extensions—attached by a stylist using heat or other means for a more permanent hair extension
- Weaves (or sewn in extensions)— your own hair is braided up and then the hair extensions are sewn in
- Tape in extensions— a medical-grade double-sided tape adheres the extensions directly onto your hair.
Each kind of extension has different maintenance needs, costs, life spans, and looks. So what does this mean for your lifestyle?
Clip in hair extensions are put in and taken out daily. If you like to wear your hair up, don’t want to mess with styling your hair every day, or work out a great deal, clip in hair extensions might be for you. Bonded, weave, or tape in, are all put in and taken out by a stylist and last in measurements of weeks, not just the day. These kinds of hair extensions are best if you have a look you want for longer, and can style your hair almost daily.
Hair extension Rule #2: Quality is Queen
There are all different types of hair extensions in every price range you can imagine. You might be very tempted by the cheaper products that are on the market. Unfortunately, this just isn’t going to give you the gorgeous flowing locks you’re seeking. Synthetic hair is cheaper, but it is often very glossy and won’t naturally blend well with your hair.
Remy hair is the best kind of hair; all of the strands are facing the same way, from root to tip, therefore it tangles less and lasts longer. Virgin hair means it has never been treated with any chemicals, also making it less prone to tangles and increasing its lifespan.
Though Virgin Remy hair is more expensive, it is worth it. Not only will you get the look you want to achieve, but it will outlast any other type of hair.
Hair Extension Rule #3: Maintenance
If you decide to get bonded, weaved, or taped hair extensions you’ll not only have the expense of buying the wefts (what the different pieces of hair are called), but you’ll also have a stylist put them in and take them out.
It is important that you go to a stylist who is trained and experienced in putting hair extensions in, cutting and coloring them, as well as touching them up after so many weeks. It is not advisable that when your hair extensions start to grow out to take them out yourself. If you do not have a professional do it you risk damaging your hair.
Bonded hair extensions last three to five months, weave and taped-in hair extensions last six to eight weeks. For the latter two, you will have to see your stylist at the end to get the hair extensions reapplied, but you can probably reuse the same extensions. Bonded hair extensions can also sometimes be reusable. Depending on the type of tape, bonding, or weave, you may have to see your stylist every three to four weeks for a touch-up.
Hair Extension Rule #4: Products Are Important
You will absolutely have to use specific products, and they’re probably not products you are already using. Hair extensions must be washed with sulfate-free, non-stripping shampoo. It is also advisable to use extra moisturizing conditioner to keep your hair extensions looking natural.
Using other hair products, like hair masks or leave-in conditioning sprays, is also a good idea. Make sure you ask your stylist for advice on what products to use as well as checking to see if your specific hair extensions have specific products that must be used or avoided.
The brush you use can be important, too. You must be very careful to keep your hair extensions tangle free. Wet brushes can be very helpful because they won’t tug on your hair extensions to pull the tangles out.
Hair Extension Rule #5: Commitment
The golden rule for hair extensions is commitment. If you think you are not going to be able to give your hair the required amount of time necessary to take care of your hair extensions, it’s smart to start with clip-in hair extensions.
Clip-in hair extensions also need to be cared for, but not quite as much as the other varieties. You only need to wash them every 6-8 wears. You do not wash them while you are wearing them, so you only need special shampoo and conditioner for the clip in hair extensions, not for everyday use.
If you think you are ready for bonded or weave hair extensions, realize that you will not be able to slack off at any time on your hair routines. You’ll need to wash and dry your hair regularly, never going to bed with a wet head. You also need to commit to styling your hair every day, as most extensions don’t allow for throwing your hair up in a ponytail without them being noticeable.
Now that you know the most important rules to hair extensions, do you think you’re ready to take the plunge? Will it be clip ins, or are you ready for bonded hair extensions? The best thing you can do before you decide to get hair extensions is research and compare. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Bio: Author Mariam Kathet is a blogger and infopreneur who writes on various topics, including hair extensions. At present, she works on behalf of Perfect Locks.
