There are a lot of questions surrounding the long & short-term use of hair extensions. Hair extensions should not damage your natural hair, as long as you and your stylist follow certain protocols. Below we will outline a few rules of thumb to keep your extensions long, beautiful and selfie-ready, while protecting your natural hair from long-term damage!
Find a Qualified & Experienced Hair Stylist
Seek out a professional stylist who you trust, because applying extensions is a complicated, nuanced, and in-depth process. Installation involves several hours of working with specialized, hot tools, going back-and-forth on the hair, and an attention to detail that will determine the end result of your hair extensions.
It’s important that you rely on a qualified hair stylists to remove your extensions, as well. Taking them out yourself can cause damage—the bond needs to be dissolved professionally in order to remove them without damaging your natural hair.
Quality Matters: Choose Your Type
When you decide to invest in hair extensions, you should consult with your stylist to figure out which type is best for your hair, and most likely to achieve your desired look. At Fisher, we offer a free consultation to those who are interested in hair extensions—we’ll assess your hair, its health, its volume, how it curls, color…everything! We encourage you to ask questions, because our professionals are here to help and we want you to be educated about the salon service you’re about to receive.
There are different types of hair extensions, each with varying quality, which are installed using various methods. From clip-ins to fusion, 100% human hair to synthetic hair extensions, each has its advantages and drawbacks. At Fisher Experience, we only offer keratin fusion extensions in which case the keratin actually improves the health of your hair. Tape-in extensions can cause split ends, while wefts could leave you with a large, empty gap if one falls out.
We also only use 100% Remy human hair, which promises that the hair cuticle is facing the same direction as that of your natural hair. It never, ever touches the floor, helping to prevent frizz, knots and “puff.” It is the absolute best quality hair extension you can get.
When the quality of your hair extensions is low, however, you may be at more of a risk for slippage and hair damage, especially with fusion/bonded extensions. Remember, if you want your hair extensions to last for a long time, do not skimp on quality. Like with anything, you get what you pay for. At Fisher Experience, you can use hair extensions to add a pop of color or disguise breakage for around $350, while a full head of mermaid-like flowing hair can cost up to $2,000.
To learn more about the different types of hair extensions, read our blog, The 411 on Hair Extensions.
Proper Care of Extensions
After your extensions are put in, it is very important that you follow a proper care routine. The last thing you want is to end up with matting, slippage, or tangling, which can be a difficult to repair. Here are a few general tips to keep your extensions flowing and fabulous. Note: your stylist will also provide you with specific hair extension care instructions to follow:
- 1. Washing: Rule of thumb, keep you scalp and hair clean! Do you best to avoid putting conditioner directly on the bondage points. Ask you professional hairstylist for the products that are best for your extensions. We recommend using a sulfate-free shampoo.
- 2. Brushing: Try and brush your extensions 3-4 times a day to prevent tangling. Who wants to end up with a big knot in their hair? It wastes your time and can be quite painful to release…especially for wavy and curly-haired extensions!
- 3. Avoid salt and chlorinated water: These elements may be damaging to your hair extensions, as well as to your natural hair. They can compromise the length of time your extensions last for. If you do decide to take a dip, make sure you rinse immediately afterwards.
- 4. Ask your salon professional for product recommendations, as all hair extensions are different.
Understand Your Hair & Its Current State of Health
High quality hair extensions, applied properly, should not damage your hair, but it is still paramount to understand your own hair. This is where the free consultation with Fisher Experience comes in handy. Your stylist will help you figure out which type of hair extensions are best for your hair type and condition, and get you as close as possible to your desired style. Whether you’re trying to cover up breakage, disguise a bad haircut, or just take your look in a whole new direction, our stylists can help you determine the best course of action.
So, are you ready to increase your length, volume, or give your style a little spice? Then, go for it! We are here to answer any questions and address any concerns you may have regarding hair extensions. Request your complimentary hair extension consultation today by completing the form below!