5 ways to get a TERRIBLE set of extensions

5 ways to get a TERRIBLE set of extensions

Hair extensions are big business.  They're a great way of adding length and thickness and give a beautiful, glamorous look.  At least that's the theory.  I make a good living here in Newbury from rescuing a horrible set of extensions.  Sometimes it's a stylist being sloppy, sometimes a client.  Here are 5 ways you can stop yours being the next set I fix!

1.  Colour match
I've seen it so many times.  The shade ring comes out, the client gets a slightly glazed look and starts stroking beautiful rich chestnuts or shiny ash blondes.  Two rules here: match the colour at the ends, not the root and most importantly: match the colour it IS, not what you wish it WAS!

2.  Length
It's tempting when you're paying hundreds of pounds for extensions to pay the extra few pounds for the longest hair possible (usually 20" or 22").  Remember though: the longer you go the harder the extensions will be to blend, they will need more aftercare and maintenance and they may place more strain on your hair and scalp.  I recommend a maximum length of 14" - 18" for beginners.

3.  Aftercare
You know that long list of instructions?  And the piece of paper you signed to say you'd follow them?  It's not just your hairdresser covering themselves, it really is the tried and tested way of keeping your extensions looking their very best for as long as possible.  Ignore aftercare and your extensions will look like a bad wig very quickly.

4.  Maintenance
Your stylist will make it clear as part of the initial consultation how often they expect to see you for maintenance.  Don't scrimp: good maintenance gives your stylist the chance to correct any problems and extends the lifespan of your new extensions.

5.  When they're done, they're done!
Your stylist will give you a lifespan for a set of extensions (usually 2-6 months depending on application method and hair quality).  Good maintenance and aftercare will help but by the end of this lifespan they extensions may have started to shed, you'll have dropped bonds and they may start to look tired.  If you haven't followed your maintenance schedule they'll also be stringy, tangled and too far from the scalp.  Take 'em out but please don't try to remove them yourself.

Phil xxx

phil@bravohair.com
Bravo Hairdressing, Newbury, Berkshire