Hair Extensions - Everything You Need To Know

Love long thick hair, but can never seem to achieve it naturally? Maybe you like to colour your hair often, or maybe like me you get notions to get a chop...and instantly miss it all. If you're thinking of buying hair extensions but you don't know where to start take a little read of this and you'll at least have a little more information to make your decision. I've had possibly ever type of extensions possible so I think a good place to start it my past experiences.

Types of Hair Extensions.

There are so many different types of extensions, it can actually be a bit daunting to decide which ones to choose. The first ever set I purchased were clip-ins when I was about 15 or 16. I was obsessed with long hair and clip-ins are such a good way to achieve gorgeous hair quickly. The only issue I had with clip-ins personally was I usually wore them going out (when I got a bit older obviously) and taking them out after a few drinks they would end up so tangled. Often they would reek of alcohol, and personally I feel it's a bigger task to wash and dry clip-in extensions than bonded ones.

This was my second set - I got highlights mixed in with this set

For these reasons for my next set I purchased Hairspray Spanish bonded extensions next. I got mine installed in Grow UnLTD, Waterford. I have nothing but compliments for this brand, some people opt for the Russian style as they are meant to be a higher quality, but the Spanish worked perfectly for me. I honestly could not feel a thing the whole time I had them, besides the original night. But after that, my hair felt weightless. I didn't find the bonded ones any hassle either, to me it was just like having normal hair. The only thing I had to do was make sure and have a loose plait in when I slept, which seems like more effort than it is, even coming home after being out I think I forgot once maybe twice max. Some people say their extensions knotted a bit, but honestly I didn't notice any different only brushing mine in the morning and evening, so once you make sure to brush all of it you should be fine!

How Long Do Hair Extensions Last?

When I originally went in for my first consultation the girls assured me I would get 3-4 months out of the set, with my free maintenance included. While 3-4 months sounded great, and I was already thrilled at that thought, I actually got about 3 months until I needed maintenance AND the full set lasted over 7 months! This was the case both times I got extensions. 7 months is absolutely crazy, I couldn't believe it, I actually miss mine so much just remembering how glamorous they were.

Do Extensions Damage Your Hair?

I didn't find any damage at all. When I got my first set in my hair was in a short bob, above shoulder length. After a year, my hair was down my back. You will notice, your hair will feel thinner for about a week, this is just because you're now short the hundred and whatever thick strands you had of extension hair too. For this reason they are just so addictive it's hard to get used to being 100% real again...I still don't like it, I'm thinking of saving up and getting a set, even just for thickness.

This was my natural hair after 2 sets of extensions

How Much Are Hair Extensions?

Let's get real, great hair doesn't exactly come cheap, but it is really worth it...once you have the discretionary income for it. Clip-ins usually are over €100. I have a "ponytail" currently from beautyworks, while I would rather clip ins for extra comfort I would still choose beautyworks just for how amazing they look. My ponytail was about €70 at the time, I got it last year I think. Beautyworks clip-ins range from about €150 to about €270 dependable, but the quality is above everything else.

Bonded extensions are a bit more expensive, but they are my favourite and it's the type I recommend most. Both Hairspray and Beautyworks in my opinion are the best brands around for this. I paid €350 for my set, which is probably an average price.

Benefits of Hair Extensions

1. Length

For hair that doesn't seem to grow past "that" point. It can feel like years you've been trying to grow it out, but it just gets stuck. To me, extensions are the quick fix to the issue. No more waiting. This is especially useful if you're like me and make a cut, with instant regret.

2. Volume

I would love extensions just for some volume. The extra thickness will make you never want to be without them. Having thin hair can be even more frustrating than having short hair, there's so much less you can do to sort it. Having extensions for volume can still look natural too, for those who are worried about too much change. You can adapt them to suit the exact look you're striving for!

3. Change

Lastly, extensions are great even if you're just looking to change up your look a little without anything more permanent. You can change so much more and it reduces the risk entirely. For example if you wanted to lighten up your colour but were afraid to try highlights. Having lighter tones mixed throughout when applying will give the same effect as highlights, I decided to go this route the second time mine were applied. Win win, you can get the look you're dying for without the commitment.

4. Simple

Doing your hair becomes so much easier. Extensions curl better and hold longer than natural hair, well definitely mine anyway! Maybe it's because they always look better, that there's less stress. The only thing that takes extra time is washing and drying, but I try leave mine dry as naturally as possible anyway.

Thanks so much for reading,

Feel free to comment on your experiences and recommendations too,

Char

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