The pros and cons of hair extensions

Mar 04, 2008 12:00 PM by Aly Walansky

Posted in Beauty & Style / Splurges & Beauty Indulgences / Luxury & Spa

Extending
Your Look

Celebrities like Lindsay Lohan, Kate Beckinsale, Jessica Simpson, Miley Cyrus, Victoria Beckham and countless others regularly surprise the world with new and different hairstyles -- changing color, style and even the length of their hair -- over the course of just a couple days. How do they do it?

Woman with hair extensions

This magic is made possible with the help of hair extensions and a talented stylist.

Getting the look you always wanted

A lot of us have realized that our inner hottie has longer, thicker hair than we were actually graced with. (Consider it the follicle version of penis-envy.) My own muse has wavy hip-length locks... yet the universe taunts with me hair that, while cute, barely brushes my shoulders.

And that's why hair extensions are so popular -- and not just in Hollywood! Girls the world 'round just love to realize that it is possible to take your current look and give it a lift and have any style you desire... well, for a few months, anyhow.

Hair extensions: The basics

"I've always wanted super-long and sexy hair," says Jackie Saril of Squeakywheel Promotions, who realized that extensions were the only way she was going to get the length she desired. Her dream came true with extensions done by Tasso Megaris in Plainview, New York. "Why should celebrities and strippers have all the fun?" she laughs.

Facts about hair extensions

Extensions don't only to add length. You can choose to add volume instead (or in addition to length), which is perfect for fine, limp or thinning hair.
Turn that bob into a mane! If your existing hair is at little as 3 inches long, you can get extensions, although the extent of your transformation may be limited if your hair is very short.
Extensions can be braided in, glued in, woven in, or -- if you only need a follicular boost for a special event -- clipped in.
You can also add highlights or color -- with shades ranging from mild to wild -- to your hair with the use of extensions.
The process isn't painful, so it shouldn't hurt a bit.

What do hair extensions cost?

The bad news: Hair extensions aren't cheap. Depending on how much you get, how you get them attached and the type/grade of hair you use, the cost can range from the hundreds to the thousands of dollars -- and that's not including maintenance every six to eight weeks. You will also need to make an investment of time, usually four to six hours, for the initial setup.

The specialist who will apply your extensions may be called a hair designer, an extensionist, or simply a hairdresser. No matter what title he or she uses, be sure they are experienced -- and have photos to prove it. Also make sure you understand how they will be removed, and how damage to your natural hair will be minimized. (Several stars -- including Kate Beckinsale and Victoria Beckham -- have had problems with bald spots after their extensions were taken out.)

Celebrities with hair extensions
Just a few of the many stars with hair extensions: Miley Cyrus, Carrie Underwood, Lindsay Lohan

What to look for

"A hairstyle can make or break your look," says stylist Cesare Safieh.

Safieh cautions there are some important questions to ask when selecting extensions:

What are the extensions made from -- are they synthetic or 100%-natural human hair? (Human hair is more expensive than synthetic counterparts.)
How will the extensions be applied and removed?
Can you choose from a variety of weights?

Safieh is a fan of a method of extensions known as Thermo Plastique, which involves a relatively gentle process that can be removed without damage to your hair. (He also adds that the micro bonding points are barely visible.) He says older methods, especially glue, are damaging. "Tracks (sewing) can be too heavy, and metal clips wear out and are hard to brush through."

"[The goal with] extensions is to have the most natural look you can achieve," says Tony Promiscuo, owner of Atlanta's Godiva Salon, who notes that while synthetic types are most plentiful, human hair is superior in its viability. (In addition, synthetic hair cannot typically be heated, so styling options are limited -- meaning forget the blow dryer and curling iron.)

What else to look for in hair extensions

"Individual strands allow a customized, more natural, look," says celebrity hairstylist and salon owner Philip Pelusi of New York City's Tela salon. "You can play with the color or length, and fill in spots that need it more than others -- it's a more accurate way to get the desired look."

Next page: What to avoid in hair extensions...

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Comments

Comments on "The pros and cons of hair extensions"

I want extensions but want them to look natural and want get right ones u got fine ish hair just but longer than shoulder length .

Ok so I have thinning hair....I am a 25 year old female and the density of my hair has almost halved in the last 5-6 years! when I tie my hair in a pony its not too noticeable but if it is sunny outside everybody points out the fact that my scalp is burning! Its getting to the stage where my hair consumes most of my thoughts throughout the day and has me very depressed. I was hoping if anyone could give me any advice on what would be my best option? I was thinking of getting those keratin bonded extensions -think its fairly new and that they use like a tongs that is heated or a new one that's cool that attaches hair to your own and apparently causes "minimal damage" but I am so petrified that I would end up almost completely bald as a result!! Please help!

Omg DON'T GET EXTENSIONS GUYS I PAID ALOT TO GET KARETIN HAIR EXTENSIONS AND DON'T GET ME WRONG THEY LOOKED GREAT BUT AFTER 3 months I TOOK THEM OFF AND OMG IT DAMAGED MY HAIR SI BAD!!!!!!!!!!!!I. IT'S BAD ENOUGH MY HAIR WAS THIN BUT THIS REALLY MADE MY HAIR GROSS THIN I CRIED AND CRIED I FREAKN WILL NEVER DO IT AGIAN!!!!!!! ;(

I had fine hair and also decided I wanted long thick hair, so I took the plunge 4months ago and had bonded Remy hair extensions it. I have to say I read review after review and consulted a local mobile technician several times prior to having them in. They were great, long awaited look I always wanted especially in the morning I just brushed them and off to work I would go. I recently had them removed and my hair feels fine again, is that because I was so used to having thick hair, or do you lose some of your own hair when having them removed? I am thinking of having them re done..Does anyone have any comments?

Do not get the glue-in ones if you want extensions as a solution to thin hair! I spent hundreds on getting them done and after just 2 weeks got them taken out as I could feel the strain they were having on my hair. After just 2 weeks my hair is noticably even thinner than it was before. I think if you have thick hair it's fine but if your hair is fine like mine then fusion extensions are sadly not the solution :( saying that I've never had problems with clip-ins I just find them a hassle and the concept a bit strange (as do lots of guys!)

Hi everyone, I am an extensionist who has fitted all types of systems. Just a few tips on what to ask when you are visiting an extensionist. Make sure that they give a full free consultation. Any extensionist worth their salt will provide this service for you. Make sure that they ask about your health. Some medical conditions and certain drugs can cause hair loss. As I said earlier, I have fitted all hair extension systems and it all depends on your hair type as to which system you should have. Have you tried shrinkies? This is a hot fusion method that is safer than fusion bonds> It uses a small plastic tube that slides on the hair. The tube is then heated and the extension is place in the tube. The tube shrinks and traps the extension to your hair. These are really easy to remove and shouldn't cause damage to your hair. Please don't have fusion bonds as they can cause real damage. I have a salon in the Mansfield area Notts. I also have a "clinic" where I remove extensions for people and correct poor extensions. If you would post a comment about any problems or questions please do so, I will be happy to help. Lucinda xxxxxx

i think that they are graet

I started off with clip in hair extensions... Annoying to put in as I wore them all time.. I then tried glue in hair extensions but I would recommend!! It ruins your hair badly... Lose your own hair... And for one.. You put loads of conditioner on to get the glue to slide out And half the time it doesn't work so your sat in bath for 2hours getting the glue out -_- .. Today... I've had my 22" hair extensions weaves in... They see more natural nd real... Hurts head a little as they have to put right small French plats into your hair... But in total should last 2months... So I shall see if they're any good ;-) x

I just started getting hair extensions in October. They took away 10 years of my face and gave me a complete different look. I have waivy straight hair and first got hispanic hair which is great for curl but takes a lot of work. I just go them replaced with straight wavy and is so beautiful. Make sure you get your hair from a reputable place that can match it before your hairstylist puts it on. The secoond time I got them tighten I colored my roots before, it seemed to damage some of the thread use to tighten them. If you have loose curly hair, straight waivy is the way to go. It's beautiful.

i have the tapped in version. Never had so many compliments in my life- looks amazing cost 500.00 plus tip only took an hour. It has taken 10 years off may age never knew how much thin dry hair ages you. HOWEVER, scalp hurts, itches only slightly but feels too weighty for me. I have a sensitive scalp though. Praying i don't get bald spots and would be devastated. May take them out early from what i have read. if you have a tough head and have the $$$ so worth it.

I've had clip in's and they didn't do anything to my hair. the only problem I had was that my hair was very damaged at the ends so it was hard to blend my hair with the extensions. My sister had the braid in ones and when she took them out her hair was really thin and damaged, so I'd go with the clip in's.

I have been tossing around the idea of getting extensions for awhile now. My head was shaved for a surgery two years ago and it has taken forever to grow my hair back in . As it stands, I have very healthy shoulder length hair with no color on it. My fear is that extensions will ruin the good hair I have worked two years to have. I have fine hair though, so volume is an issue. I will NOT sacrifice the quality of my hair to correct this though. After reading these comments I am worried about trying any extensions.

I got the pre bonded hair extensions 8 weeks ago. I removed them last night to find my hair so badly damaged and thin I am devastated! Don't get them they completely ruin your hair! Clip in all the way guys Xx

As a hairstylist for 15+ years I have applied nearly all types of extensions. The sew in and beaded types are the most effective. Everyone's hair is different, a trained stylist should apply. Also, he/she should talk about expectations. Extensions are not a license to ignore your natural hair.

@Alina What Kind of hair do you have....Bleached?, or not colored?, very dry?..etc...Im thinking of getting the bead extensions but looking at this site makes me think twice!!

I was going to get the braided in ones, but would it really damage my hair? and how much would it cost if i wanted to get about 5 inches on? My hair is healthy and wavy/curly but I don't want to get clip ons, because i want them to be on for awhile. I also dont want to spend a lot of money on them. I am kinda changing my mind since i saw "Bald spots" my friend has had extensions, and never once had had them

I did the bead extentions about 2 1/2 months ago , I Loved them , I took them out last night , and had her trim my hair P.S. My hair is as short as it was when i put them in 2 months ago , I am returning today to get them back in again . My opinion on getting extentions is , When you take them out you will be disapointed in your hair because it is never going to look as full or long as the extentions did .

I have worn the metal tube system, the keratin bond and even the Great Lengths system -- they all were uncomfortable to sleep in and when I took them out my hair seemed so much thinner. I've also worn clip ins and they're the best. I invested in Virgin Russian hair wefts and sewed in my own clips. What's nice about that is the hair is fine and light, like my own, and I only wear them when I go out, so it's not in all the time, damaging my hair. I wore it long but after a whole day, I would get a headache. Now I just wear pieces on the side to fill out a bob hairstyle because I have thinning on the side of my hairline. When I don't wear them, it's like the same style, just not as much volume. Every few years I cut my hair into a cute pixie style and go without extensions for a whole year while I allow my hair to recover before growing it long enough again (about chin length) to wear extensions.

hey so i've been wanting extensions for a while now but i dont know which ones to get . i have thin straight-wavy'ish hair ... which ones would be best for me ?

Well hair is dead. How can something that is dead be healthy??? Personal preference try what u feel is best for ur lifestyle. 1. Wash your hair once a week. 2. Replace them every 3-6 months. Carefully brush your hair with a wide tooth comb. It's all about proper care. And chances are your hair was trashed before you got extensions your are just so used to wearing them when u get them removed u don't realize how processed your hair was. My hair is refried but my weave is my best friend. I've tried them all but I feel sew in is the best fit for me.

Revolving

The pros and cons of hair extensions

Extending
Your Look

Getting the look you always wanted