What to Know Before Investing in Hair Extensions
Hair extensions are trending now more than ever. With all of the different brands and salons out there to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start and what to look for in an extension method or a new stylist!
Too often we see new clients who had a bad experience somewhere else or with a different method, so we wrote this in an effort to help pre-educate anyone considering hair extensions on which questions to ask to ensure you get what you pay for, and most importantly to ensure that your hair won’t be damaged in the process!
Which methods do you offer?
Out of all the extension methods on the market today, IBE and NBR are our favorites. After years of learning and wearing different methods, we found that hand-tied extensions are the most natural feeling & looking, super comfortable, least damaging, you can swim, work out, wear your hair up without your extensions showing, and highly customizable! What’s not to love??
2. Are you extension-focused?
It’s easy to find a stylist who offers extensions in addition to a whole array of other services, but If you can find a stylist or salon that specializes in luxury extensions, your chances of having a great experience will sky rocket because they are practicing that particular skill set day in and day out vs. every once in a while.
3. What type of hair do you use?
The type of hair that is used in your install will make the biggest difference in price, quality, and the overall look and life of your extensions! There are so many different brands and types of wefts out there. Make sure to ask your stylist about the quality of the hair, if it’s hand tied or machine tied, and if it’s a human / synthetic blend or 100% human hair.
Normally, hand-tied hair is much more natural looking and lighter weight, which creates a much more comfortable experience and helps to minimize damage to your natural hair. Some machine tied hair can feel bulky and heavy, and can result in damage to your natural hair. So make sure to learn more about the quality of the hair that your stylist will be using!
If they use a human/synthetic blend, the price point will typically be lower (it should be, because their cost of hair is going to be much lower) but the trade off is that it won’t last you as long. Synthetically blended hair tends to tangle easily and can feel rough to the touch after just a few washes. A high quality hair line will look more natural, it will last longer, and will give you an overall elevated hair extension experience.
If you want to dive even deeper into hair quality, here are a few other questions you can ask:
Is it remy quality?
Remy hair is the most sought-after hair in the professional market. “Remy” means the hair is all facing the same direction. This prevents matting and tangling, as each strand remains flowing in its natural direction.
Is it cuticle intact?
The cuticle is the outermost part of the hair shaft and has overlapping scale-like layers that are essential to strengthening and protecting the hair. We respect the cuticle! Many brands claim to have Remy hair but the cuticles have been stripped and glazed over, leaving the illusion of soft hair that will wear down shortly after it is installed.
Is it double drawn?
Double drawn means it will be thick and full from root to ends vs. feeling full at the root but thin at the ends.
We hope these tips help you on your journey to finding a high quality hair extension experience! If you have any more questions about hair extensions or our process of Installs at our salon, click the link HERE to book a free consultation to get all your questions answered!
XOXO, She Bangin’ Salon