Top questions about hair extensions
As an extension specialist I am often offering consultations to many guests considering hair extensions. So I thought I would drop some of the most common questions about extensions. As we have been told since grammar school there is no dumb questions. So here we go….
What do extension feel like and do they hurt?
At no time should hair extensions hurt when you are wearing them. Unless they are incorrectly installed. However, with many methods the first week or less you will have to get used to having something that feels strange on your head when you sleep. Many methods have loads of points of contact and those places will definitely take some getting used to. Which is why I love Invisible Beaded extensions! The beads that are installed on one to three rows are cushioned on all sides by the wefts of hair. So you do not directly feel them on your scalp. I personally only feel them the first week I get my extensions moved up then its smooth sailing for the 7-9 weeks I go until the next move up.
Do you have to change how you style your hair?
Yes and no, it totally depends on how long your hair is and how long the extension hair is. And how much hair was added. If you are going from shoulder length hair to past your shoulders we will need to add a good bit of hair to be able to layer in in and allow you to wear it straight. If you have super fine hair and only want to add one row for the first installation curling is the best way to keep your hair and allow the shorter hair to blend in.
Additionally if you have very short layers and fine hair you will have to ensure your hair is not easily blown to show the extensions. This can be taken care of simply with either hair spray or a styling cream to give your hair added support and weight.
Is it that much more work washing and drying?
You can totally let your hair air dry. However, there are a few difference with extensions than your natural hair. First you can not allow the top of the extensions to air dry. You must dry them with a blow dryer. This may only take a few minutes but it is very important. If water is left on the extensions it can cause your scalp to become wet for to long and create scalp issues or moisture to get trapped in or near the beads. We all know what happens when water builds up…mold…ick!
Once your hair is dry either from air drying or drying with the blow dryer and a brush now you can go DAYS without washing again. Day 1 if possible go smooth. Day 2 add curls and see just how long extension hair can hold those curls. Day 3 if your oily just do a wash on the top of your hair and leave the underneath or keep on going with some dry shampoo. Day 4 and 5 add some more curls where needed and keep it going. Not everyone loves going days between washing but it is totally possible with the right products and styling support.
Do I have to change my products?
Are you using professionally sourced shampoo & conditioner that is silicone and Lanolin free? Those are the 2 most important ingredients to look out for. I also have a blog post on ingredients to look out for in all your shampoos and conditioners on the blog to be sure to check those out as well. What is good for your scalp is good for the extensions.
As far as the main important products for increasing the life of your extensions…a great hair serum like Kevin.Murphy’s Young.Again.Oil needs to be used daily on the mids and ends of your extension hair. And a hair mask like Kevin.Murphy’s Hydrate.Me.Masque once or twice a month.
There are more questions I hear but those are the first questions that came to mind today for this post. But feel free to drop a comment below to ask me your questions.
