Hair Extensions Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some answers to the commonly asked questions about Hair Extensions. Click the question to be taken to the answer
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What type of hair extensions should I have?
How much will hair extensions cost?
I have my hair coloured to cover my mousey coloured roots will I be able to continue with colour?
How long do hair extensions last?
Will hair extensions ruin or damage my hair?
How do I look after hair extensions?
How long will it take to have my hair extensions fitted?
What do you use to attach the hair extensions to my hair?
Can I swim, sauna and visit the gym while wearing hair extensions?
OK I am convinced I want hair extensions now, what do I do next?
How do hair extensions attach?
How do I know what colour to go for?
How long do hair extensions last?
Can I wash them normally, or are there special shampoos to buy?
Will hair extensions damage my hair or head in the long term?
What type of glue do you use for hair extensions and is it safe?
Can I brush my hair extensions normally and is there a special brush to use?
Can I use electrical appliances on my hair extensions?
Where does the hair extension hair come from?
What is the longest length of hair extensions I can get?
Can I cut my hair extensions myself?
Do hair extensions add volume or length?
How long does my hair have to be?
How long will my hair extensions take to apply?
Is it preferable for me to use a hair extension salon or a mobile hair extension technician?
How much do hair extensions cost?
Can I buy the hair extensions myself and take them to the salon to have them fitted?
Do I have to be over 18 to have hair extensions?
Can I catch nits from hair extensions?
What advice can you give if I catch nits from my children whilst wearing my hair extensions?
Can I have hair extensions if my hair is really greasy?
Can I use normal styling products?
Can I sleep normally whilst wearing hair extensions?
How many different colour hair extensions are available?
If I have very thin fine hair can I still wear hair extensions?
I have recently had cancer and lost all my hair as a result of chemo, is there any form of hair extensions I can have?
How are hair extensions removed and will this cause damage to my own hair?
What happens if the hair extensions fall out after a short period of time?
If it all goes wrong and there is a major issue when they are being fitted what happens?
Is it safe to use a mobile hair extension technician and how do I know they are insured?

1. What type of hair extensions should I have?: - That is for you and your hair extension technician to decide at your consultation appointment.
2. How much will hair extensions cost?: - Again that will be decided at your hair extension consultation. The criteria will be type of Hair extension system used. Type of hair used, colour, density, length of hair and time taken by your hair extension technician.
3. I have my hair coloured to cover my mousey coloured roots will I be able to continue with colour?: - Yes as long as you return to your hair extension salon, they will be able to advise and perform this service with the proper care required for hair extensions.
4. How long do hair extensions last?: - Once your hair extensions have been applied approximately 3-4 months looking good, with the hot glue bonded system. However your hair extension technician will be able to advise you regarding a maintenance plan whereby with some hair extension systems you may return to the salon at regular intervals for hair extension maintenance. Other hair extension systems will vary in longevity and your hair extension technician will advise you.
5. Will hair extensions ruin or damage my hair?: - No, as long as you treat your hair with respect and follow your hair extension technicians after care advice.
6. How do I look after hair extensions?: - Please see the aftercare on this website. However it will be your hair extension technician's responsibility to educate you thoroughly in your particular after care program. You should be competent and confident in this care and attention before you leave your hair extension salon.
7. How long will it take to have my hair extensions fitted?: - It all depends on the density and length of your current hair style and then the length and style you wish for your hair extensions to be gained.
8. What do you use to attach the hair extensions to my hair?: - It all depends on which hair extension system is used. All these Questions will become clearer at your hair extension consultation.
9. Can I swim, sauna and visit the gym while wearing hair extensions?: - Yes you can but as mentioned before, all hair extension systems will differ in their aftercare management. Your hair extension technician will advise you on this care.
10. OK I am convinced I want hair extensions now, what do I do next?: - Fill in the form above and we will refer you to a reputable salon.
11. How do hair extensions attach?: - There are many hair extension systems available on the market today, each hair extension system will be attached in different ways, or even similar ways but different bonding products used. To receive an accurate, personal answer for yourself ask your hair extension technician.
12. How do I know what colour to go for?: - This question is very personal to yourself. Your choice would be : Your hair extension technician would ask at your consultation if you would like to match your hair extensions to your existing colour. Or if you would like to change your current hair colour and then match the hair extensions to the new colour of your choice. A little tip for you here is to remember, when adding hair extensions, you are gaining volume and length, the chosen colour will be intensified by this. So unless you want to be really bold and obvious it is perhaps advisable to choose slightly more subtle colours than perhaps if you were simply having colour and not hair extensions as well.
13. How long do hair extensions last?: - This answer really depends on your personal hair life cycle. I.E. Your turnover of hair growth and shed. Generally the finer the hair the faster the life cycle of your hair. Which means for fine hair the bonded method of hair extensions would be approx. 3 months looking good, then it is advisable to have the hair extensions removed and then re applied. For thicker hair the lifecycle is normally longer and the hair bedded into the follicle is also stronger enabling the longevity of hair extensions being a minimum of 3 months and perhaps up to 4 or 5 months looking good. This type of hair can endure several services/maintenances before removing the hair extensions and then re applying.
14. Can I wash them normally, or are there special shampoos to buy?: - When washing hair extensions, firstly give your hair a thorough brush supporting the joins with your hand, then starting at the ends of the extensions and moving up to the roots. Ideally wash your hair extensions in the shower keeping the lengths of the hair extensions down at all times. Massage the scalp whilst stroking the lengths of the hair. Never rub the hair as this may cause matting. Always condition the lengths of your hair and the hair extensions, ensuring conditioner is NEVER applied to your scalp with or without hair extensions. Applying conditioner to the scalp stores up future problems for the health of your scalp and subsequently your hair. Depending on the type of hair extension hair used will determine the wet line (shampoo and conditioner) used. This will be advised by your hair extension technician and must be adhered to strictly. Using the wrong products can either irreparably wreck the hair or break the bonds or joins down. So it is extremely important to follow the aftercare advise given by your hair extension technician.
15. Will hair extensions damage my hair or head in the long term?: - If hair extensions are fitted correctly by a qualified experienced technician and of course your own hair and scalp are healthy there is absolutely no reason for damage, as long as your aftercare is adhered to, and that you always support the bonds /joins whilst brushing and minimise all risk of matting. A good tip before your hair extension application is to ask your hair extension technician to see some of their work, check that they do not overload your hair, i.e. Adding to much of the hair extension hair into your own receiving hair. Should this be done traction alopecia can possible result.
16. What type of glue do you use for hair extensions and is it safe?: - As with the many types of hair extension systems available, there are many different ways of fixing hair extensions in, therefore there are many different types of adhesives for the purpose. Ask your hair extension technician and if appropriate have a skin test performed to ensure that you are not sensitive or allergic to the chosen adhesive. Example, some type of wefts use a rubber based glue allowing a small amount of movement in the hair ensuring no traction. Hot glue or bonded methods of hair extensions use a polymer based glue which is low in toxins and is heated to a degree which the hair can withstand without causing damage.
17. Can I brush my hair extensions normally and is there a special brush to use?: - When brushing your hair extensions, always support the bonds/joins with your hand. As for a "special" brush, your hair extension technician will advise you during your aftercare education. However an excellent brush for hair extensions is called the "Tangle Teezer" this brush is brilliant and retails around £10.00.
18. Can I use electrical appliances on my hair extensions?: - Your hair extension technician will advise you in this matter, however generally a cool setting in your hair dryer must be used. Straightening irons with a thermostat are advisable so extreme heat is not applied to your hair extensions. Heated rollers may also be used. Another tip is to use the recommended heat protection for your particular hair extensions, remember your hair extension hair will not grow, so if you over heat/burn your hair extensions, this will not be possible to repair. Minimum heat where possible is suggested.
19. Where does the hair extension hair come from?: - There are many different types of hair that is used for hair extensions. Depending on the results required to achieve will depend on where the hair is sourced. Perhaps you would care to re visit "Types of hair used for hair extensions" on the FAQ page where this issue is dealt with in detail.
20. What is the longest length of hair extensions I can get?: - Whatever length of hair can be grown and the donor prepared to cut off. The most common lengths used are 16-18 inch, this length of hair extensions comes well below the bust. 24-30 inch in European hair is also available at a premium price. Even longer hair is readily available in Asian hair, this type and length of hair extension hair is much more affordable.
21. Can I cut my hair extensions myself?: - This is not advisable. The cutting and blending of hair extensions is of the utmost importance for a natural finish. The cutting technique used is highly skilful and if not executed properly can leave well applied hair extensions looking like they are ill fitted and shout to the world that you are wearing "bad hair extensions".
22. Do hair extensions add volume or length?: - Hair extensions are an amazing cosmetic tool. We can have hair extensions fitted for a multitude of enhancements, in the form of volume or length or hi or lo lites and all three together. We are now lucky enough with all the different hair extension systems to have exactly the hair we have always dreamt of just when we want it.
23. How long does my hair have to be?: - The length of your own hair is dependant on your hair extension technician and the type of hair extensions to be applied to your hair, also the style you have chosen to achieve. You are there for advised to book a consultation to see if your hair meets with the criteria of your hair extension technician.
24. How long will my hair extensions take to apply?: - Again this answer is determined by which hair extension system chosen, the length and density required. Your hair extension technician will give you an estimate of time at your hair extension consultation.
25. Is it preferable for me to use a hair extension salon or a mobile hair extension technician?: - This has to be your choice. Which ever you decide to choose ensure there is adequate insurance cover, that you have been recommended or seen some of the work of whom ever you decide to use for your hair extensions. Also that you can trust the salon or mobile hair extension technician to follow up and put right any grievances that could possibly occur. So do some home work the cheapest is not necessarily the cheapest if things go wrong.
26. How much do hair extensions cost?: - This question is a bit like how long is a piece of string. Depending on whether you want a full head or partial head of hair extensions, depending on volume of hair and or hair length, type of hair extension system used and of course quality and type of hair to be used. At your hair extensions consultation your technician will advise you.
27. Can I buy the hair extensions myself and take them to the salon to have them fitted?: - This will depend on the Hair Salon, However if you have bought sub standard hair for your hair extensions or indeed hair that is root point mixed, the result would be a woolly matted mess on top of your head. Or hair extensions that in your inexperience may have fibre mixed in with the hair, the minute you apply heated appliances for styling the fibre is likely to shrivel up and be singed, not really a good look. There are many contradictions to not supplying your own hair and I fear most reputable hair extension technicians would not entertain this option as the technician could not have any confidence in this un known quantity. In short it is not advisable.
28. Do I have to be over 18 to have hair extensions?: - This is a personal question and that which your hair extension technician can only answer. However please ensure that at your hair extension consultation several hairs are pulled out from various parts of your head to ensure the root bulb is well bedded into the hair follicle, enabling the receiving hair to carry the extra weight of the hair extension hair, without causing traction. Normally the follicle is mature at this age but this test is advised.
29. Can I catch nits from hair extensions?: - Fortunatly this is very rare event. Most hair is checked by your hair technician before applying. However, the hair is rigorously processed and chemically cleansed at the manufacturing stage so any potential nits are dead. If the hair was highly infested unfortunately sometimes there are some dead eggs left. These will wash out soon after application and please note this does not in any way mean the quality of the hair is inferior.
31. What advice can you give if I catch nits from my children whilst wearing my hair extensions?: - This question depends on the current treatment for nits. If the treatment involves using a nit comb and conditioner then unfortunately this is not an option for a hair extension wearer, as you obviously cannot comb through at the join/bond area. If this is the case you have no option but to remove the hair extensions, throw them away and clear your own hair and scalp until you are free from the infestation. Sometimes you can still purchase the strong smelling chemical shampoo to use. This may eliminate the nits but may also wreck the hair beyond repair. It is perhaps worth a try, however it is really not a healthy option especially should you suffer from respiratory or asthmatic ailments. A tip for you is if nits are prevalent at your children's school when you are around your children or their friends keep your hair tied back.
32. Can I have hair extensions if my hair is really greasy?: - Yes you can, however if your scalp is extremely oily and treatments for this have not improved your situation, your options are to either shampoo daily, which is only sensible if using the mildest recommended shampoo. Bonded hair extensions require to be dried at the bonds with a cool drier. Allowing them to sit for long periods in an oily scalp will have the same effect as not drying the bonds at all, which will result in the bonds breaking down and the hair drastically shedding. In this situation the metal ring link hair extension system is probably your best option.
33. Can I use normal styling products?: - No. As this again may wreck certain types of hair also may result in the bonds breaking down. The products require testing by your hair extension technician or only use the products she has recommended for the aftercare of your hair extensions.
34. Can I sleep normally whilst wearing hair extensions?: - If you could sleep before, hair extensions ill not change your sleeping habits, after the first few days. At first laying your head on your pillow, you might experience a degree of discomfort this should not be pain. After a few days this situation should improve until there is no discomfort whatsoever. A tip here is to plait or loosely tie your hair back at bed time. This will minimise the risk of matting your hair extensions and stop you becoming to hot with hair all round your face and neck.
35. How many different colour hair extensions are available?: - The colour spectrum for hair extensions is endless. Ranging from primary colours to pastels to black right through the universal colour charts to the palest blonde. So, different types of hair offer extreme ranges of colours. If you cannot buy a particular colour the skilled hair extension technician will be able to make most colours from a very few, with skilful blending.
36. If I have very thin fine hair can I still wear hair extensions?: - Yes you can. However be very discerning to whom you engage to fit your hair extensions. Either get recommendations or see some of the hair extension technicians work. Ensure you have a very thorough consultation with an extensive scalp pull test. This is to ensure your fine hair is healthy and well bedded into the hair follicle, allowing the hair to take the extra weight of the hair extensions, making sure that no more hair extension hair is applied than that of your receiving hair, minimising any risk of traction alopecia. Hair extensions applied meticulously should not cause any problems. Sometimes it is recommended for fine hair clients to receive weekly treatments at the time of shampooing to keep the scalp healthy ensuring healthy hair growth.
37. I have recently had cancer and lost all my hair as a result of chemo, is there any form of hair extensions I can have?: - Yes there is but your hair and your highly sensitive state requires very specialist treatment. You really need to visit a hair loss specialist, who engages regularly in your type of situation.
38. How are hair extensions removed and will this cause damage to my own hair?: - Hair extension removal is dependant on which type of hair extensions you currently wear. If you are wearing the wefted hair extensions that are applied with a rubber based glue, then there is a solvent available that is applied to the base of the weft, left on for 10 minutes or so then gently eased out causing no discomfort or damage to your own hair. If you are wearing the metal ring link hair extension system, the rings are squeezed with pliers to open them, then the hair is eased from the ring, again no discomfort is experienced. If you are wearing the hot glue bonded hair extensions, a small amount of acetone is applied to the bond, the bond is then squeezed, the hair extension hair is then removed and the hair detangled. Acetone is often the solvent used here. It is a spirit therefore evaporates leaving no residue on the hair. If the hair extensions have been in too long and allowed to tangle at the roots, this removal can cause a small degree of discomfort. However if the hair extensions are removed before this time there will be no discomfort to endure. Therefore be advised by your hair extension technician and follow her regular check ups and maintenance program for you.
39. What happens if the hair extensions fall out after a short period of time?: - Then you need to visit or contact your hair extension technician at once. Your aftercare requires examining, perhaps just once you may have used the wrong shampoo or styling product, too much heat on the hair drier or not drying the bonds properly, there are many reasons for this scenario to occur and your hair extension technician will be able to source the problem.
40. If it all goes wrong and there is a major issue when they are being fitted what happens?: - Before you are at this stage you should have gone to a reputable hair extension salon or experienced hair extension technician, that has been recommended to you. You would have had your consultation. You should have had all your questions answered, given a price and be confident in what you and your hair extension technician have discussed. If at this point you are not happy or not feeling completely confident with your hair extension technician do not book your appointment for fitting and do not part with any money for a deposit. If you are happy and confident proceed. At the appointment for your hair extensions to be fitted, you may feel a little nervous regarding your new look but you should not feel apprehensive regarding your hair extension technicians skill. If you do stop before you start and ask for reassurance continue to ask questions until you feel confident. If you have the feeling that things are going wrong ask to quietly have a word with the manager and discuss your concerns. If you received a professional consultation one would not expect this issue to arise. Once your hair extensions are fitted, cut and completed, if you are not happy take this up at once with the manager. Between you, you should be able to resolve any issues you may have. If you are happy, pay and leave the salon content, and problems show themselves later, phone the salon at once to give them the opportunity to put things right.
41. Is it safe to use a mobile hair extension technician and how do I know they are insured?: - If you are in a salon the current public liabilities insurance must be on display. If you are engaging a mobile hair extension technician ask to see their insurance policy before you embark on hair extensions or for that matter any chemical treatment. Do not part with any money until you are confident to book your hair extension appointment. Ask to see some of the hair extension technicians work. Ask to see a sample of the hair to be applied. Once you feel confident and happy to book your hair extension appointment you will probably be asked to pay a deposit to either order your hair and to secure your appointment. This is normal for mobile technicians and salons to proceed. In short use your gut instinct, hair extensions can be very expensive therefore use an educated decision before you proceed i.e. Do some research!

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