Let's Talk About Hair Extensions

If you've ever wondered about hair extensions today is your lucky day! Katie and I are teaming up today to share all about our experiences with fake hair (well, it's real hair—just not OUR real hair). We realize hair extensions are not for everyone. I chose to get my first pair when I was growing my hair out five years ago. I had a great experience with them as they helped me bridge the gap while I was growing my hair. My hair grows very slowly. It's taken my seven years to get the length that I have now.The very first time I tried hair extensions I tried the glue on kind. My friend, Vanessa, did them for me at home. This was not a good experience. Showering with fake hair glued to my scalp kinda grossed me out. They did not stay adhered for very long. Within a week I pulled them out (ouch!) and began searching for other options. 

Next, I tried clips (pictured above). My clip on extensions were a much better experience! Because they clip on and off I never had to shower with them or wear them to bed (SO. MUCH. BETTER.) My first pair lasted for a long time. Since I had shoulder length hair at that time I had my extensions layered to look more natural. During this phase my hair looked more natural in curls than straight. I wore it in low ponytails and pigtails often and I liked how they looked with hats.These photos are from last year. (ish?) In the first photo you can see how long my hair was without extensions. It was pretty long at this point but I still wanted a little extra length. This time I had my extensions dyed and cut by my stylist. I loved them, but some time last year I decided that my hair was already long enough, and I really didn't need them anymore. 

Q + A Time:

How/where did you get your first pair of extensions? 

Elsie: I bought my first extensions at Sally's. I bought %100 human hair in the closest match I could find to my current hair color (just never darker). I have always dyed my hair and my extensions to match. This, obviously, works best if you don't change your hair color often. I have sewn in my own clips in the past. It's easy and saves a little money. You can also buy them with the clips already attached.

Katie: Ebay. I feel kind of weird saying that I buy my hair off of Ebay, but if you know what you are looking for, it's a really affordable place to get hair extensions. I search for "human hair extensions" in a color that matches my natural hair color (dark blonde). 

What kind of extensions do you use? 

Elsie: I have only had good experiences with clip in extensions, so that's what I recommend. You can buy them from a lot of places, but I always recommend having your stylist dye and cut them with your hair to get the most natural look possible! 

Katie:  I also use clip-in extensions. My dear friend/hairstylist recommended the clip-in extensions, and I trust her so that's what I use. 

How do you get the color to match? 

Elsie: I always take my new extensions to my stylist and have them dye them along with my hair. 

Katie: Buying extensions in my natural hair color and having my stylist color them helps ensure that the extensions are almost the perfect matching shade of red. I once tried buying a set that looked close to my red and when they arrived they were completely different and not at all wearable.  Now I always use this process.

How do you care for your extensions? 

Elsie: Extensions can get heat damage, just like natural hair. Because of this it's important to not overstyle them and to always use a heat protection spray. I wore mine curly and straight. I would usually curl or straighten them before putting them on. When they were straight I didn't have to style them every time I wore them. I would just quickly comb them before putting them on. 

Katie: Because red changes drastically over the course of a month, I typically wash and condition them once a week so they stay close to my most current red.  I use a special shampoo and conditioner for color treated hair and let them air dry.

Random tips and tricks:

Elsie: Unless your hair is platinum blonde or jet black you probably will need to dye your extensions. Color matching is nearly impossible when you are shopping online or at a local shop with limited choices. As your hair grows out you may need to replace your extensions of get them re-trimmed to look natural with your longer hair. 

I highly recommend working with your stylist, even with clip on extensions. They will be able to give you advice and help make your extensions look more natural, which is always the goal. If you choose to do them at home I recommend using an all over hair color on both your natural hair and extensions and having them cut when they are clipped on with your hair. 

Katie: If you are buying extensions (especially online), make sure you are getting "real" (human) hair.  Synthetic extensions will melt if you try to curl or straighten them!Here is an example of how clip on extensions look before you put them on. The pieces in the middle can be wider, and the pieces on the sides should be about 1-2 inches across. This photo also represents how the extensions will look once they are clipped onto your head. You will clip them on the bottom of your scalp, under your hair. 

Depending on how thick your hair is you may need more extensions. The thicker your natural hair is, the more fake hair you will need. 

Here is an example of how to put them on:Make sure that the longer pieces are attached flush to your head, without too much of a gap. Try to attach them as low on your scalp as you can. This will help them to stay hidden and also to appear longer under your real hair. :)

Let us know if you have any other questions about extensions! There is some trial and error to DIYing your perfect pair, but we hope that this information gives you a good starting point if you are considering investing in a pair! xoxo. Elsie + Katie 

Comments

[lauren]

i've been growing out my hair for 7 years, and it's at my shoulders. it was chin length when i started growing. my hair just doesn't grow and it's annoying. extensions are my best friend.

i've had them all. bonded, keratin extensions (like great lengths or cinderella hair) will fall out incredibly easily if you have fine, thin hair. you'll be too afraid to brush them vigorously enough to undo tangles and they'll end up matting. the upkeep isn't worth it, and neither is seeing hundreds of dollars of hair in your garbage can :(

the BEST extensions (if you can afford them) are hot heads. they attach to your hair with a piece of "tape" which is attached to the hair. they lay flat and stay in perfectly. once they've grown out (a month or so) all you have to do is use a solvent to remove them and a stylist can "re-tape" them close to your scalp. the hair can be "re-taped" up to 3 times. the hair is incredibly good quality (100% human remy hair). the only drawback is that they're REALLY pricey. the hair alone without markup is around 350 for two packs of hair.

another note about extensions: be very careful what you use on them. use absolutely NOTHING with alcohol or sulfates. the only products I will use on my extensions are Kevin Murphy shampoo/conditioner and argan oil/moroccan oil. protect your investment and invest in good products! otherwise, you'll have dried out, matted, and gross hair.

[Chianne Hood]

I found this really interesting! I have relatively long hair as it is so I've never felt the need to get extensions but I've always been curious as to how they work!

http://thehonestfox.blogspot.com/

[Leah]

This post reminds me of Chris Rock's documentary, "Good Hair." It's about hair culture among African Americans and it's really insightful. I know this is sort of off topic, but it's interesting to know where "real human hair" comes from. - Leah, leahwise.com

[Et tu, tutu?]

This was a very interesting article! I have long hair so I've needed extensions, but it's cool to see how they work!

-Lindsey
http://ettu-tutu.blogspot.com

[birdredbird]

I have some extensions that I got put in by my stylist (I think he used the beads?) for my wedding. I still like them, and want to use them, but I was wondering about the clips...how do you attach them to the the extensions?

And I don't know if this a legit question or not since I don't yet have the clips, (maybe it's self-explanatory) but is it relatively obvious how they attach to the hair scalp?

[Elsie Larson]

Q: how do you attach them to the the extensions?
A: They are stitched to the top of the hair (where there are already stitches holding it all together) You can see the side with the clips on the photo where the extensions are laying down. In the photo where they are on Katie's head, that's the other side of them! :))
Hope that helps. They attach almost like barrettes. You can buy the clips alone at Sally's or online.

You may be able to attach clips to the extensions you already have. :) Definitely worth a try!

[Ren]

Extensions are fantastic!!!

Here in London you can get all manner of colours and curls (if you're so inclined) in every wig store along the high street. I definitely agree that buying 100% natural hair and attaching your own clips is the best, most economic way to thicken (what I need extensions for) or lengthen your hair.

Thanks for the inspiration - I'm going to buy some tomorrow :)

[Mary S]

I've always wanted to try extensions but can never find any that even come close to matching my hair. It is close to Katie's red when I'm in the sunlight but a much more muted red indoors. It is my natural color. I've thought about just picking up a color a little bit lighter to create a faux ombre look, what do you think?

[Catherine Denton]

I've always wondered about this. Thanks for all the how-tos and steps.
Catherine Denton

[Katie]

I have the hardest time growing out my hair. It grows pretty fast but ever few months I want a change. I have heard that extensions can be pretty pricey.

How much do the ones you recommend using cost Elsie/Katie? For your hair type how many clips do you buy? From what I hear it's something like $1000 dollars to get 100% human hair.

Thanks. I have been waiting for an article like this FOREVER! You are going to get a lot of traffic I think.

[Jaclyn C.]

This is awesome! I literally just bought my first pair of hair extensions and I love them! I am going to put them on for the second time today. Super easy to care for (washed them once already) and easy to put in.

Thanks for sharing your tips! It's good to know others wear "fake" hair. It made me feel weird at first, but I'm warming up to the idea. hehe.

[Nichole Woodman]

Thanks for the information! I hate the process of waiting for your hair to grow :/ I've never tried extensions.
Do you know where Katie got her yellow shirt (the one in the last photo)?

[Mary]

really interesting post! love your work!!!! <3 :)
Happy New year!

[Elise]

Can you only wear your hair down with the clip on extensions in, or can you still put them up in a top knot type look?

[chantilly]

this is such a cool article!! i've been toying with the idea of fake hair, too... only i got a couple of wigs instead of extensions :P getting used to them is weird... they look GREAT, but they feel a little uncomfortable after a few hours of wear. i'm thinking i just need to get used to them.

anyway... i'd like to look into extensions now as well! xx

[Jennifer]

Yours look so natural! My hair has always been long so I've never needed them but good to know there are good brands out there!

xo Jennifer

http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com

[Jennifer]

I never tried extensions before but I have some hair issues all the time. My hair has a few waves and looks really messy if I don't straighten it. But when it's straight it looks really thin so extensions might be an option for me to make it look a bit fuller. Thanks for your tips ;-)

[Denisa]

I like long hair style and I wire it too, but I didnt use clip in. You have so nice and healtjy hair. That is important for me. Have a great day.

http://www.fashiondenis.com/

[Ashleigh]

These are great tips - I never thought about buying them lighter and dying them with my hair to make sure that they match!

xx Ashleigh
www.ashflynn.blogspot.com

[Heather @ JustLove.ly]

Backcombing a little at the base of your scalp before you attach them will create a great hold for them to stay in longer (aka no slipping) it also makes a little strong point so the extensions dont pull on your hair and are instead just attached to a strong base!