Hair Extensions: Would You? Should You? Could You?

Hair extensions are a big deal these days, and it seems that everyone, from A-list celebrities to stay-at-home moms are using them to add a little glamour to their locks. In the past, there’s no denying that hair extensions had something of a bad reputation, but these days they have come a long way – not just regarding how they look, but also with regards to comfort and longevity.

But let’s face it, hair extensions are certainly not for everyone. There are a few rules you need to consider before you invest what can be a significant amount of money. So, let’s take a closer look at everything you need to know.

Lifestyle considerations

First of all, think carefully about your current lifestyle before investing in hair extensions. There is a huge range of choices out there, from simple clip-ins through to more durable tape in hair extensions that last for up to 8 weeks. FInally, there are keratin extensions, which can last for three months.

Unsurprisingly, your lifestyle will put particular demands on your extensions in certain scenarios. For example, if you go for the tape in option and work in an incredibly warm environment, or do hot yoga 2-3 times a week, the chances are the tape will melt. Then again, if you change your hair color often, the tape might be the better option as you can’t recolor the keratin extensions. And if you just want extensions for a one-off event, there’s little point in spending a fortune of either of these treatments – just plump for a clip-in alternative instead.

Your hair color

If you have a particularly unique hair color, you may not find the perfect match when it comes to your extensions. And let’s not beat around the bush – it needs to be perfect. The slightest difference in shade can be incredibly noticeable, and make your extensions visible. And given that most women have a number of different colors running naturally through their hair, it can often be tough to find a perfect match.

So, unless you can find the right shade – or find a vendor that can create it for you – hair extensions might be a no-go.

Your free time

Make no mistake about it, hair extensions need a lot of tender, loving care. Believe it or not, hair extensions suffer from all kinds of things that your real hair does, from splitting ends through to looking damaged and dry. Without proper care and attention – even with the clip-in options – your investment will soon start looking drab, lifeless and messy, which isn’t really the point, right?

To prevent these issues, make sure you take it easy when it comes to heat styling – including the hot setting on your blow dryer. Instead, consider getting some thermal protection spray and make sure you are deep-conditioning your hair on a weekly basis. Regarding clip-in extensions, make sure you are washing them every now and again – somewhere between 6-8 uses should suffice.

OK, so there you have it – the pros and cons of hair extensions. Do you wear them, or do you prefer the natural look? Let me know in the comments section below!

Happy Styling!

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