It’s important to understand that just like your original hair – extensions require education, home care and maintenance; and a flexible budget. It’s not as simple as going to your favourite salon to get your locks cut, styled or coloured. You’ll first need to know about texture, hue, and hair extension application methods.

There is a risk of damage with every kind of semi-permanent extension method; just as with any other alteration to your natural hair; perms, extensive colouring, and devices like curling irons, to name a few. Common installation errors include placing the extensions too close to the hair line and not matching the extension’s density to balance your own; thereby putting too much stress on the roots. Professional hair extension specialists do not make those mistakes.

While the quality of synthetic hair is slowly improving, it still does not come close to real Remy human hair; in appearance, feel and lasting luster; so blending with natural hair is an issue. The other challenges with using synthetic hair extensions are that hot tools will melt, and finding an imitation product that will match your hair’s texture is difficult. The old adage is always true; you get what you pay for.

A reputable extension specialist will recommend that you have at least 3 inches of your own hair; for both aesthetic and functional reasons.

There is a significant difference in the quality, durability, and yes price of natural extension options. At the bottom end of the price scale is Chinese human hair While it is a cheaper alternative, these extensions have a shorter use life span; due in part to the chemical treating that is required to compensate for its thick and coarse texture; as a result the hair dull. Also, the hair follicle is often damaged with all of this processing, so silicone coating is used to boost shine. While it looks great walking out the shop, the coating does not last beyond a few days of regular shampoo treatments, and your beautiful new look becomes dry and easily tangled. The highest priced extension sources are European human hair European hair has none of the same challenges as with Chinese hair. No chemicals or extra pre-treatments are necessary to maintain the fine, healthy shine inherent in this natural hair. The combination of price and more cost-effective alternatives makes this choice less popular than Indian or Remy human hair. The high quality, long lasting, and cost-effective choice – Indian human hair (Remy) The key to long lasting, healthy, and beautiful extensions is in maintaining the pristine condition and nature of the source hair; just as it is with your own. With Indian Remy hair product, the cuticle is retains its virgin condition, and does not undergo any ‘stripping’ as with lesser quality options. As a result, the hair’s silky soft texture is maintained because it all flows in the same direction. It is durable enough for styling and long lasting. The industry’s top extension specialists only work with Remy and European hair.

If you have very fine hair, consider micro link hair extensions as the safest, most comfortable and discreet method for building body and length. This method is gentle on hair yet still long lasting. It is a light weight, more discreet method than other more obtrusive techniques cannot provide to fine, thin hair. As with everyone, your hair is unique, special, and one of a kind. A free consultation is always recommended before deciding upon any extension method.

Wavy or medium-textured hair is best suited to Hot Fusion hair extensions. Strands of hair are attached at the tip with a keratin protein bond, and then fused to the natural hair using a gentle heat wand. This method is commonly used for naturally thicker hair, since the bond may show through fine hair. As with everyone, your hair is unique, special, and one of a kind. A free consultation is always recommended before deciding upon any extension method.

In the same vain as thick hair, some installers prefer woven-in hair extensions for curly hair. Again, the weight of this heavier, thicker extension tends to pull on the scalp; often causing noticeable discomfort and irritation; and possibly damage at the root of your natural hair. I-LOC extensions – which use tiny light-weight micro rings as fasteners – are a popular and effective choice for those with overly curly hair. As with everyone, your hair is unique, special and one of a kind. A free consultation is always recommended before deciding upon any extension method.

Just like any other professional, Hair Extension Specialists should be open to any questions you want to ask. Do your research, be thorough, and find someone you can trust with your hair; someone you enjoy interacting with; and someone who listens intently to your needs. Their personal attentive and responsive approach should make you feel comfortable not pressured while making a decision. And while everyone wants a deal, price in most cases will reflect the quality of the product and skill of the specialist. So be careful with deep discounting installers. Remember, it’s a service experience that you should enjoy!

YES - MOISTURIZE OFTEN! Apply moisturizer at the very least once a day. If you are not using a specially formulated shampoo for extensions, then you can use an eye dropper and moisturizer; the key is to get the moisturizing agents to penetrate both your own natural hair and the extensions underneath, and at the surface. Extension stylists to the stars recommend using oils that coat and penetrate the hair shaft like Argan Oil.

STAY AWAY FROM SULFATES! Your scalp naturally produces the oils that it needs; sulfates in some shampoos will remove them. Choose your shampoo carefully.

TAKE YOUR VITAMINS! The purpose of hair extensions is to give you that full-bodied, long healthy look, while you grow out your own hair. Taking vitamins will support a healthy natural grow from the inside; those especially useful are: biotin, vitamin A, folic acid and vitamin E.

WITH WET HAIR, BE EXTRA CAREFUL Always hand-dry your hair before using a comb or brush for styling; being extra mindful of the extensions – especially avoid yanking or tugging. Before sleep time, tie a loose braid to avoid matting or tangling overnight.

USE A WIDE-TOOTHED COMB Proper care should avoid most knots and tangles it will sometimes happen, always using a wide toothed comb will kept them to a minimum and be your best solution. Never yank or pull with any grooming tools.

SHAMPOO AND CONDITION WITH SPECIAL MOISTURIZING PRODUCTS DESIGNED FOR EXTENSIONS OR DRY HAIR Your new hair needs extra special TLC; after all it is an investment in the new you. To extend the life of your extensions, keep the use of hot tools to a minimum after shampooing

CHECK FOR DAMAGE CONTROL AND KEEP UP THE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE. It is recommended that you visit your extension specialist once a month for adjustments, maintenance, and monitoring of the changing conditions of your natural hair and extensions. If your hair grows excessively quickly, once every three weeks may be advised. Don’t forget that extensions can protect your natural hair while it grows out, but they should not be relied upon as a permanent solution. As with most things, the more you take care of your natural and extension hair, follow proper home care and maintenance schedules, the better you will look and feel!