Hair extensions have the power to transform your hair: the short, choppy bob becomes the long, flowing ponytail; thin, lifeless strands become bouncy and full; and last-minute hairdos for parties become unforgettable snapshots. And yet, the hair extension result depends less on which of the many beautiful lengths of hair you choose and more on who puts it in your head.
Fashionable women don’t always want fuller hair, but extensions can be a styling accessory to match a particular outfit, texture, and lifestyle, and what you see in the mirror should look good!
Look for a Specialist Who Begins with You
An experienced extension specialist shouldn’t start out by presenting you with your options of the longest or fullest extensions. Instead, she’ll take into consideration the health and condition of your natural hair, including density, damage, texture, and your hair’s ability to support weight. She’ll also factor in what you normally do with your hair: someone who typically wears her hair pulled back needs a different strategy than someone who likes wearing her hair loose, curly, or blown-out straight with soft layering.
And most often, the best-looking hair extension application isn’t a thick sheet of added hair. It’s an extension placed thoughtfully and blended seamlessly into your hair with a little color dimension and custom cutting to integrate it into your existing layers.
Which Method Suits Your Lifestyle?
No extension application is a one-size-fits-all. Some methods look fuller, some give you a bit more length, and others require less maintenance, all depending on the extension and how fast your hair grows – see this link https://www.britannica.com/science/hair-anatomy for more.
Some questions to ask when deciding on an application method include:
- Will this application cause discomfort when I wear my hair up?
- How often will I need to come back for maintenance?
- Can I still workout, shower, and use hot tools as usual?
- How will the extensions be removed?
- Are there options to add or remove hair as needed?
The application itself should matter more than the latest trend. Be sure to schedule enough time during your consultation. At least 30 minutes should be devoted to discussing your goals, taking stock of your hair, and examining colors in natural light.
Color Match Begins the Illusion
Your extensions don’t need to be a perfect color match. In fact, a little color variation can create a more natural, dimensional look, especially when you work with a professional like A Better Cut Salon. Hair with a slight contrast often looks more natural than extensions that are all one shade.
A skilled extension artist knows where your color is darker at the root, lighter in the ends, and warmer near the face. This is especially true for those of you with multi-dimensional or highlighted hair. Extensions should be applied in such a way that they appear as part of your hair and are not distinct from it.
Don’t be afraid to bring in inspiration photos for your consultation; just keep in mind that sometimes a picture doesn’t tell the whole story. For example, the picture may look amazing in another girl’s hair but not translate well to your natural length, density, or preferred maintenance level.
It’s Not All About the Glam
A new extension application can look amazing in the salon chair, but the real test of any new style is how it feels every day. It should be comfortable, meaning no uncomfortable pulling, and lie nicely under your hair so you’re never constantly adjusting your hair after it’s been put up. Ask your stylist about how she deals with sensitive areas of your head, particularly the temples and the crown. Let her know if you’ve had any issues with shedding, irritation, or breakage from previous applications. Click this to learn more.
Make sure you have a good understanding of how to care for your extensions at home. The correct brushes, shampoo and conditioner, sleeping habits, and styling techniques should be clearly outlined by your stylist. However, you also need to consider if you’ll be able to keep up with all of this new care routine.
Pick a Style You Will Actually Love
Ultimately, you want a style that you love and want to wear. Do you want a look to last for the season, to add volume for daily styling, or to give you more options for hair styling? Make sure your choice is a good fit with the clothes you wear the most, ranging from your work clothes to your party clothes and your weekends off. Don’t get stuck picking something just because it looked cool in a magazine post or because you want to stand out.
And don’t just ask about the price of your initial visit. While quality hair can be reused, it all depends on the technique, how well you take care of it at home, and what state the wefts are in once they’re removed.
Your tech should be up front with you about the installation, move-up visits, removal, the price of replacement hair, and any recommended follow-up appointments before you commit.
Inquire if they maintain a copy of your formula, placement, and hair sequence. It helps ensure that you can replicate your current look at a future appointment, if desired.
Before You Book
Don’t let yourself be swayed by before and after photos alone. You want a hair extension application that suits your natural hair and hair care preferences, so make sure to have an honest consultation and ask about maintenance and removal options. Have a few inspiration pictures ready and make a list of your current hair care habits to bring along.
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