Hair extensions are as hot as ever right now.  We get a lot of questions from customers about how the process works for permanent hair extensions, as opposed to clip-in.  Below are a few of our most commonly asked questions from our customers.  Do you have any questions about hair extensions?  Let us know!  We’d love to hear from you!

Q:  Are hair extensions painful?

A:  If applied correctly by a trained professional, there should be NEVER be any pain or discomfort associated with the hair extensions.  A slight awkwardness can be expected on the first night or two of sleeping on hair extensions, but this is due to the new feeling of the attachment. It is also an adjustment to suddenly have long hair, and have to deal with hair around the face while sleeping.  If pain, irritation, or discomfort occurs after having hair extensions put in, consult another professional to remove or adjust the hair, or possibly to redo the application.

Q: Who is a good candidate for hair extensions?

A: Almost anyone can wear hair extensions.  There are, however, a few cases in which it might be advised against, or one method of application may be better than another.  For example, someone suffering with Alopecia would not be considered a good candidate, as well as those taking certain medications, or with genetic disorders causing loss of their natural hair.  You should always schedule a consultation with a professional before having hair extensions applied.

Q: Will people be able to notice that I am wearing hair extensions?

A: It is important to choose a style and color that matches your own natural hair when choosing hair extensions.  When properly put in by a licensed trained professional hair extension stylist, the end result will be very natural. 

Oh, the temptation to try something new! It’s human nature to want to see if the grass is really greener on the other side. Do blondes have more fun? Will I look sultry and seductive as a brunette? This insatiable curiosity poses quite the hazard for fellow hair extension wearers. If you want to change your hair color two weeks into having new hair extensions, my advice to you is to WAIT.

Many people are under the assumption that, since the hair extensions are made of 100% human hair, that they should be able to color them as they would their own hair. The problem with this idea is that the extensions have undergone a tremendous transformation from their virgin states. The hair must go through a rigorous chemical process of stripping the virgin color, and processing it several times in order to get it to the color that is purchased in stores.

I’ve received many e-mails and phone calls from people that were absolutely devastated when their hair extensions did not turn out the color they had anticipated. Quality human hair extensions aren’t exactly cheap, and it can be very costly to replace them. To be honest, there are people out there that have had successes and did not end up with calico hair. If hair extensions absolutely must be colored, a professional stylist should be the one to process the extensions. A strand test should be conducted with a 1”-2” piece of weft hair to determine if the hair is truly viable. It will always be easier to color lighter hair extensions to a darker shade, than it would be to lighten darker hair extensions.

The best advice I can give, however, is to be sure to purchase hair extensions in the same shade as your own hair. This will save a lot of time, money, and possibly a few tears.

Thinking about getting permanent hair extensions? Don’t know where to start? My advice is, start with a professional stylist. As a matter of fact, you should “interview” a few stylists to make sure you pick the right one. Hair extensions are a commitment so it’s best to do your homework.

The right stylist will take care of you and your natural hair. They should also know how to apply and take care of the extensions in a way that helps you achieve and maintain the look you want.

Here are a few suggestions on questions you should ask:

• Is my hair healthy enough for permanent extensions? (It’s thin, thick, color treated, etc.)
• Will my oily/dry scalp and hair affect the extensions staying in?
• What type of application is best for my hair? Keratin? Fusion Links?
• Based on my own hair type and length, how may strands will it take to give me highlights/low lights/length/volume?
• Will my active life (i.e. working out, swimming, etc) affect how long my extensions last?
• How often should I wash the extensions? How do I wash them?
• Will they tangle? What kind of brush should I use?
• How often should I come in to have them checked?
• What guarantee do you (the stylist) offer on the application method?
• What products should I use that will keep my extensions, my own hair and scalp looking good and healthy?
• Can I use heating appliances on my hair? How do I use heated appliances so they don’t damage my extensions?
• What do I do at night? Is it ok to go to bed with wet hair? What will happen if I do?

I know it sounds like a lot to think about, but it’s important to shop around for the best stylist who will take care of you before, during and long after your extension service.

-Kathy