So you want your hair to look fabulous and glamorous, and your friend told you that you should try hair extensions. But where do you start? Allow me to answer your questions and give you some understanding and clarity so you can make the best choice for your hair. 

What are hair extensions?

If you have thin hair, short hair, or just want more hair, you can buy hair extensions to apply to your own natural hair to create thicker, longer or fuller hair. Hair extensions come in many different styles: clip-ins, halos, tape-ins, weaves, pre-bonded, fusion, etc.

What style do I buy? 

For the occasional wear, I recommend clip-ins or halo extensions. Both are easy to install, easy to remove, and will not damage your natural hair. The clip-ins are separate wefts of hair that have clips sewn on, and can be placed where you need more fullness or length. The halo has a few wefts of hair sewn together, with clips underneath, and has a thin, transparent wire that is customized to fit your head. 

Human hair or synthetic?

100% human hair extensions can be treated just like your own hair, they’re easy to work with, and will blend the best. They will also last a lot longer than synthetic hair extensions. Synthetic hair extensions can look like natural hair but they don’t feel like that, or move like that. They are made out of various, synthetic, blended fibers and they sometimes feel wiry or coarse. You can’t color the hair as most dyes would damage synthetic hair and you can’t use your hot tools on them, as they will melt. They also won’t blend well with your natural hair. 

How do I choose the correct color?

Hair extensions can usually not be returned so make sure you buy a color that will blend well with your natural hair. Check the color in daylight, in the shade, not in bright sunlight. Stand by the window or ask the store owner if you can look outside. I always recommend going with slightly cooler tones, rather than warm tones as I find that if the color isn’t an exact match, a cool tone will still blend and look good when it is clipped in. 

Do they need cutting?

You will usually need to trim the hair extensions to match the length of your hair, if you plan on wearing your hair down. If you bought them for an updo, consult with your stylist beforehand.

How do I maintain them?

Take care of human hair extensions just like you would take care of your hair. Shampoo and condition them and then let them air dry. Brush them gently in between wears to keep them looking better for longer.

How do I apply them?

Decide where you want to place the extensions. Use a tail comb to neatly section the hair on top away from where you’re going to place them and clip that section up. Use the tail comb to tease the hair before clipping the extensions in. If the extensions feel secure, you can brush down the hair on top of them to conceal them and you’re all set! 

Where can I purchase them?

• Brooklyn: Face Facts, Shani, 917-741-6569

• North Jersey: Euro Length Wig Repair, Rina, 973-704-6266

Do your research before purchasing online or from any store, for that matter. Remember, this is a purchase like any other so treat it like an important decision!

I can’t wait to see photos of you rocking your luscious locks! Leave a comment below if this was helpful!