A Deeper Dive into Extensions

If you’ve made it to this page, then you’re probably pretty serious about making your hair extension dream come true. 

I’m about to tell you everything you’ve ever wanted to know about hair extensions! Grab a beverage, settle in, and read on to know exactly what to expect, starting from day one. It’s kind of a lot of information, but I swear it’s simpler than it might seem! Here are the top questions I receive from clients:

• WHAT TYPE OF EXTENSIONS DO YOU USE?

• HOW MUCH WILL MY EXTENSIONS COST?

• WHAT KIND OF MAINTENANCE CAN I EXPECT AFTER THE INITIAL  APPLICATION?

• WHAT IS THE DAILY WEAR LIKE? WILL I EVER LOSE SOME OF THE EXTENSIONS?

• WILL WEARING EXTENSIONS DAMAGE MY HAIR? IS THE PROCESS SAFE?

• HOW ARE THE EXTENSIONS REMOVED?

• CAN I CONTINUE TO COLOR OR RELAX MY HAIR WITH EXTENSIONS IN?

• IF I HAVE THINNING HAIR ON MY CROWN OR PART, WILL EXTENSIONS WORK FOR THAT AREA?

• WHAT HAPPENS DURING OUR CONSULTATION?

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Read below to learn more:

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WHAT TYPE OF EXTENSIONS DO YOU USE?

I’m certified in both single-strand, hand-tied weft and tape-in extension application methods.

• Single strands and wefts are applied with small copper tubes (locs, locks, micro rings/links, I-tips, etc).

• For tape-ins, I use Dreamcatcher, Short2Long and Hairtalk (Hotheads).

• Each method has pros and cons, which we’ll discuss in our consultation. When they’re properly applied, are completely concealed and practically undetectable. Sometimes the best solution is a hybrid of 2-3 methods!

• All the hair I use is 100% full cuticle human hair. (Brands are Dreamcatcher, Hairdreams, Short2Long, Hair and Compounds, Hairtalk and Klix).

HOW MUCH WILL MY EXTENSIONS COST?

• It depends on where we start and where you want to go… each client is different.  Prices will vary, depending on method, length, texture, and amount needed. But, here’s a guideline to start with:

• FULL SET: A full set of single strand extensions (length & volume) to start at $1350.  If your own hair is really short and you want to go to a long style, more extensions will be necessary.  Thinner hair doesn't require as many extensions as thicker hair to create length.

• PARTIAL SET: A partial set (volume or fullness only - 50 strands) would start around $450.  Adding a little thickness with wefts starts at $600 (2 wefts including application and blending cut). A full set of wefts (4-5) averages about $1200- $1500 (including application and cut). Tape-ins vary by manufacturer, size and length.

WHAT KIND OF MAINTENANCE CAN I EXPECT AFTER THE INITIAL  APPLICATION?

Hair extensions do require commitment to maintenance.  The cost of maintenance appointments will vary depending on the method, the number of extensions, and how well they have been cared for.  Maintenance for single strand extensions averages $225-$450 for maintenance every 6-8 weeks.  Weft maintenance will be necessary after about 8 weeks and averages about $75-$150. Tape-ins need to be adjusted about every 5 week and runs about $150.

WHAT IS THE DAILY WEAR LIKE? WILL I EVER LOSE SOME OF THE EXTENSIONS?

If you wear single strand extensions, you might lose 5-10 strands between maintenance appointments.  Usually, clients will save them and I will reapply them at the next appointment.  If you have very fine, silky hair, you’ll find more slippage than if you have thicker, coarser hair.  If you go longer between maintenance appointments, you’ll likely experience more extension loss and damage to your own hair.

Single strand extension hair should last 9-12 months on average with proper care.  You may need to add strands after about 6 months to keep the hair looking thick.  Wefts should last 4 months with proper care. The locks on the wefts will become weak and break after about 3 maintenance appointments and need to be replaced. Some clients have 2 sets of wefts so they can alternate between sets while the locks are being replaced.

WILL WEARING EXTENSIONS DAMAGE MY HAIR? IS THE PROCESS SAFE?

These methods are very safe if properly applied.  In my professional opinion, wearing any extensions will of course result in more hair damage than if you didn’t wear extensions at all.

Damage can be minimized with proper application and care, but I believe that an extension wearer will have more breakage than someone who doesn't wear extensions at all, especially depending on the  condition or nature of their hair. It is up to you to decide if some amount of breakage is an acceptable side-effect of wearing your extensions.

HOW ARE THE EXTENSIONS REMOVED?

Click HERE to see a brief video featuring the lock removal process.

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CAN I CONTINUE TO COLOR OR RELAX MY HAIR WITH EXTENSIONS?

Yes, you can color your hair, however the hair in the extensions is not colored. Only the hair on the crown and around the face is colored/highlighted.  And if you use relaxers, extensions must be completely removed beforehand.

IF I HAVE THINNING HAIR ON MY CROWN OR PART, WILL EXTENSIONS WORK FOR THAT AREA?

Unfortunately no, since they are visible on the top of the head/crown. However, I can recommend colored keratin hair fibers as a camouflage for this area and many people find this to be a great solution that they can do as needed at home. Look online for XFusion, Nanogen, and Toppik to try it out.

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WHAT HAPPENS DURING OUR CONSULTATION?

1. We’ll determine the most appropriate method for your desired look and budget.

2. We’ll select hair colors.

3. If you’re ready to take the plunge, you’ll place a deposit. I require a 50% non-refundable deposit, to order your hair and confirm your application booking.

4. We’ll book your application within 1 month of your consultation. The estimate provided at consultation appointment is valid for 30 days.

5. Consultations are a non-refundable $75, which is applied to your application cost if you schedule the application within one month of your consultation.

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So . . . now that you basically have a PhD in hair extensions,  let's get you the flowy locks of your dreams!

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BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION

I work from my private studio in Southeast Central Austin.

I'm booking appointments during these times/days:

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Monday - Thursday Afternoons 

Friday as early as 12 Noon

Due to family obligations, I'm not available on Saturdays

and Sundays.

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Click below to email me and schedule your consultation. 

Hope to see you soon!

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