Hi there Chicky,

If you like looking young but your hair is making you look old, and you’ve done everything from shampoos, to supplements, but still have thinning, slow growing hair, don’t despair; you can still achieve a young head of hair thanks to extensions. They’re a quick and effective way to give your hair the length, volume, or both you can’t get on your own. The best part: no one will know it’s not your natural hair. In fact, new released statistics found that almost 90% of women who wear them, keep it a secret…and so can you.

I recently wrote a blog post on how to age proof your hair, because for women, hair is an important factor in how we feel about ourselves; it can even determine what kind of day we have. Good hair makes us look younger and feel better; bad hair days equal bad mood days. That’s just the reality, even if it seems vain.  And if you’re a mid-ager, chances are you’re having more bad hair days than you used to (45% of women over 40 experience hair thinning). But you don’t have to live with hair that makes you unhappy, even if it means wearing someone else’s hair. Here’s how….

Salon extensions

If you don’t want to bother with clipping extensions in on your own for a special occasion, or you want your hair to look longer or fuller all of the time, then the salon route is for you.

Types: There are a number of different ways that hair stylists use to attach hair extensions. Some of these salon extensions are glued, taped, clipped, or sewn into the natural hair. Your hair stylist will determine which one works best for you, depending on your needs and your hair type.

Care: Human hair extensions can be treated just like real hair, but more gently.  Once the extensions are in, you can cut, color, and style as you would your natural hair. A special brush made just for extensions is recommended so you don’t damage the new hair or the bond. Use a gentle shampoo, like a sulfate-free shampoo, and a light conditioner to avoid tangles and to keep the hair nourished. That’s it. Once in, they will feel like your natural hair, unless you run your fingers through it.

Lifespan: Good hair extensions can last up to three or four months, depending on how fast your hair grows. You then go back to your salon, have the extensions taken out and replaced. It’s a little high maintenance, but these days, so are we, right?

Price: This is the con. Salon extensions can run you anywhere between a few hundred dollars to about $1,000 or more. It depends on the type of hair, type of application, and the specific salon. If you can afford it and don’t mind sitting at the salon for 3 or more hours, go for it.

Fillers

Fillers are strands of hair extensions that are bonded to a tiny sections of your own hair using a keratin glue. Instead of having these extensions all over, they are used to fill in areas where you need it the most. These won’t give you a dramatic effect; they enhance your natural hair.

Care: There’s very little you need to do to. Don’t use hair oils on the extension attachments. Use sulfate-free shampoo and light conditioner, and don’t comb or brush through the bonds.

Lifespan: Fillers last 3 to 4 months. Again, depending on how fast your hair grows.

Price: Since fillers are only used in certain areas, they will be less expensive than a full head of extensions.  Again, it depends on the type of hair and your specific salon. They also take less time to put in than a full head. Duh.

At-home clip on extensions

Since you’ll be doing this on your own, and won’t have the guidance from a professional, here’s a little bit more information.

I’ve used clip-on extensions for about 4 years; I call them my party hair. I don’t wear them every day, just for special occasions — which means most weekends. My set came with about 7 pieces, but I usually wear only two; I find that’s enough for me — for now. For variety, I cut two pieces the same length as my hair — for when I want only added volume — and I have two pieces that are about 3 to 4 inches longer, for when I want both extra length and volume.  If you want to see what my hair looks like with three pieces on in motion, check out my latest Instagram post; I’m wearing two long pieces and one that’s the same length as my hair (same as photo above).

Types: There are two types of hair extensions: synthetic and human hair. Make sure they’re high quality human hair for the most natural results. Extensions made from human hair can be dyed a darker color, can be washed, and can be styled with hot tools. They can also be worn out in the sun safely. I’ve worn mine to the beach and have even gone in the water with them.

Weight: Extensions come in different weights. Make sure they are not heavier than your own hair because they can break or damage your hair.

Price: Synthetic hair extensions are less expensive than human hair, but they don’t look as natural, or last as long. They also can’t be styled with hot tools and are sensitive to the sun.

Life-span:  Human hair extensions can last for a year or more, depending on how well you take care of them, and how often you wear them. Like I mentioned, I’ve had mine for about 4 years, which is way too long. I just ordered a new set while writing this post. The set I currently have is from Sally Beauty . I don’t remember the brand, and when I looked on the website, I couldn’t find them. I do know they are human hair. I just ordered the new set from Luxy Hair. They look to be better quality than my current set. When I get them I’ll post something on Instagram.

Color: They recommend that you go with a lighter shade of extensions if they don’t have your exact shade.  You can take them to your salon and have them matched.  I did this with mine and even had them bleached when I had Ombre color on my hair.  You’re not supposed to bleach them, but honestly, they were fine. If you have highlights, go with a shade that matches your lightest highlight and take them to your hair colorists to add low lights.

Care: You don’t need to wash extensions that often since they don’t get the oils from your scalp. You can wash your them about every 20 wears or when they have a build-up of product.  Wash them as you would your own hair but use sulfate-free shampoo and your regular conditioner. I wash mine in the sink and then lay them flat on a clean towel to dry. You can also use a hydrating mask every time you wash them and leave it on the extensions for a few hours or overnight. This will keep them looking healthy.

Products: You can use any hair product you use on your own hair as long as it’s alcohol free.

Price: Varies according to the quality. The set I bought from Sally Beauty cost $140 and were pretty good quality. The set I just ordered from Luxy were $150.

How to: They are super easy to clip in once you get the hang of it; it takes practice though. The first time I put mine in, one side came loose and I didn’t notice until I walked into the bathroom and the attendant pointed it out to me…oops. Now I’m a pro; I can clip them in without a mirror, in the car, while walking, wherever. I linked a video (here) so you can see how easy it is to clip on. That’s how I learned after my first failed attempt.

So in a nutshell, most hair extensions are comfortable to wear, look seamless, and are easy to style. They add volume, length, or both, and they will help you look and feel younger. The only downside is obviously the cost, and for salon extensions, the time. In my opinion, they are definitely #FOYworthy (Fountain of youth worthy, remember?). If you are pursuing a youthful look, these are definitely for you, Chicky.

I hope this information helped. As always, if you have anything you’d like to share about a post, please do.

xoxo,

V