Hair Extension FAQs
Let's start out being upfront and clear. Hair extensions are not for everyone and require a significant investment of care, time, and money. With the air cleared, the art of extensions is a meticulous service that is customized for each and every client and provides every client a unique look of incredible volume and length that matches their existing natural hair.
Below you will find the most common questions asked by both new and veteran hair extension clients and will help you hopefully feel better educated whether hair extensions are right for you, along with ensuring you are taking the best of care of your hair extensions once you do have them on you. This is not an all-inclusive list so if there is something here that you have further questions on feel free to reach out to me.
Below you will find the most common questions asked by both new and veteran hair extension clients and will help you hopefully feel better educated whether hair extensions are right for you, along with ensuring you are taking the best of care of your hair extensions once you do have them on you. This is not an all-inclusive list so if there is something here that you have further questions on feel free to reach out to me.
What are hair extensions?
Hair extensions are strands of hair that attach to your natural hair to extend hair length. Hair extensions can be used in a variety of ways as it essentially increases the amount of hair that the hair stylist can work with.
Hair extensions can be used to enhance natural hair length, add volume, create highlights without using chemical color, add fashion shades without commitment, and allow for frequent hairstyle changes. Hair extensions can also help hide sudden hair loss due to medical factors, stress, or medications, and best of all they can act as a huge boost to your hair confidence.
Hair extensions can be used to enhance natural hair length, add volume, create highlights without using chemical color, add fashion shades without commitment, and allow for frequent hairstyle changes. Hair extensions can also help hide sudden hair loss due to medical factors, stress, or medications, and best of all they can act as a huge boost to your hair confidence.
Are hair extensions safe?
In my experience the Bellami hair extensions we use are high quality and have never posed an issue in terms of safety. All hair extension application methods are marketed as being safe, but in my 10+ years of experience, I have found that certain application methods can cause some serious damage; they have very little room for error and lots of room for major hair loss if done incorrectly. This is why it is important to find a professional stylist that has had significant experience doing extensions and that each service needs to be customized based on each client's natural hair strength, density, scalp condition, lifestyle, and more.
What application method(s) do you use?
Hand tied wefts/natural beaded rows are my preferred method of performing hair extension application and where my expertise lies. The wefted method of hair extensions is the oldest method by far, and over the years has been perfected. There have been innovations that have come into place and is still very much a popular method used for hair extensions today.
What brand of hair extensions do you use?
I use Bellami hair extensions - Bellami Hair - for all of my applications due to the consistency and high quality. When you come in for a consultation I spend time color matching what you will need and based on your needs a custom order is placed with the vendor. Please keep in mind that we do not stock or keep any inventory on hand and there may be shipping delays before I receive the hair. I also require an upfront payment for your hair extensions before an order is placed with the vendor.
Can i purchase my own extensions?
Unfortunately no, because I cannot guarantee the integrity of any other hair extension manufacturer. I only work with and custom order Bellami hair extensions. This is based on the multiple years of doing research, education, certification, and experience, thus I only work with hair extensions that I can personally vouch for. The end goal is to make sure I provide the best possible experience and exceed your expectations.
What is the ideal length of natural hair for hair extensions application?
I recommend that your hair is at least 12 inches, more than enough to cover the bonds and create a seamless look. This is also dependent on your hair density, the thinner the hair density then the longer we would want your natural hair to be.
Can i blowdry, curl, or flat iron my extensions?
Yes, definitely! Bellami hair extensions can be blow dried, curled and flat ironed with proper hot styling tools and approved hair care products.
If i can not blow dry and style my hair extensions will that be an issue?
No worries, hair extensions can always be left to air dry without any problems! The only thing to watch for is that you MUST make sure the bonds and the roots are never left damp for long periods of time, and never allow the roots and bonds to become tangled. This will cause damage and shorten the wear of your extensions.
If you prefer perfectly styled hair, I can always teach you how to style with your new hair extensions. Simply schedule an appointment for a blow dry, bring the brushes and tools you have (or we can use the tools I have), and we will go through styling step-by-step with you until you feel comfortable. You can also of course always schedule regular blowouts with me and leave the heavy lifting for me to take care of!
If you prefer perfectly styled hair, I can always teach you how to style with your new hair extensions. Simply schedule an appointment for a blow dry, bring the brushes and tools you have (or we can use the tools I have), and we will go through styling step-by-step with you until you feel comfortable. You can also of course always schedule regular blowouts with me and leave the heavy lifting for me to take care of!
Can I swim or workout with extensions?
Yes, absolutely! As long as you follow proper maintenance instructions, you can absolutely participate in physical activities in and out of the water. In general make sure your hair is up in a ponytail, bun, or braid if possible. Rinse out your hair after any activity to remove any sweat/oils/dirt to prevent any slipping or damage to the bonds.
can i go to bed with my hair wet?
You should make sure that your extensions are completely dry before going to bed at night. If your hair is wet when you go to sleep, tangles may occur.
I have curly hair, can i still get extensions?
Yes, you can absolutely get extensions as curly hair extensions do exist! Luxury hair extensions come in an endless array of textures, colors, lengths, ombre, rooted and so much more — and all of the colors and lengths can be custom designed to match any curl pattern.
can hair extensions be colored?
The best quality hair extensions can be colored and typically to prepare your extensions I will prep/color them in advance of your application appointment to match your natural hair color as much as possible.
Can i wear my hair up or in a ponytail?
When hair extensions are applied properly you can absolutely wear your hair in a ponytail and even a high bun with no evidence of the extensions showing.
how often should i wash my hair at home?
After your application appointment and depending on the method of extensions used, I recommend waiting 24 to 48 hours before washing your hair at home. We do not recommend washing your hair everyday (surprisingly in general for a woman, washing your hair everyday isn't recommended actually), and the ideal time frame should be every 2 to 4 days, or if your hair feels oily or dirty.
can i use any hair brush with hair extensions?
Certain hair tools are bad for your hair extensions - I highly recommend using wide tooth combs and special brushes such as a loop brush created specifically for extensions. A regular brush may not give the same type of results and inferior quality brushes can actually damage your extensions. Always begin brushing your hair from the bottom, carefully working your way upward.
what hair products can be used on my extensions?
Since hair extensions do not get consistent nourishment from the scalp like natural hair, it is important to choose the right products to keep your extensions looking and feeling luxurious. We recommend to at least choose alcohol-free and sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners, as these ingredients can dry the hair out, leading to matting or tangling. Another recommendation is to use high quality products specifically formulated for dry and damaged hair, as they will help keep the strands healthy and nourished.
If your not sure if what you have at home will work with your extensions feel free to reach out and ask me since every set of extensions is unique.
If your not sure if what you have at home will work with your extensions feel free to reach out and ask me since every set of extensions is unique.
how long do extensions last?
Hair extensions can last up to 3 months, sometimes a little longer, depending on a variety of factors; what method of hair extension application is, the thickness of your own natural hair, the health of your own hair, how much you sweat/workout, how oily your hair gets, how often you wash your hair, how much you style it, and how fast your hair grows.
my hair extensions are shedding, what now?
It is normal for hair extensions to shed, just like your natural hair. You won’t notice a difference in your gorgeous look!
how long is the initial application appointment?
The average timing for a full head application for length and volume with me is about 2 to 3 hours. Book an appointment with me here.
what are the costs for hair extensions?
Bellami Hair Extensions will typically range from $600 - $1500, but it all depends on length, number of rows, and ultimately on what you are looking to do!
An initial application service with me typically starts out at $350+, but this also depends on the complexity of the service. A "move up" service is also the same price as an initial application service as this requires the time to remove and re-install your existing extensions.
An initial application service with me typically starts out at $350+, but this also depends on the complexity of the service. A "move up" service is also the same price as an initial application service as this requires the time to remove and re-install your existing extensions.
my hair extensions seem to be too low or I want to remove them?
If your hair extensions are feeling a little low please reach out to me, there is a good chance your hair has grown out and it is ready for you to come in for a "move up" appointment, which requires the removal and move up of your extensions so its closer to your roots. This service is the same as an initial application service and requires time and expertise to complete. Book an appointment online here.
If you would like to remove your hair extensions, please contact me and schedule your appointment online here, I typically do not charge for removal of your hair extensions for clients who came to me for the original application but this may be dependent on the state of your extensions when I go to remove them.
If you would like to remove your hair extensions, please contact me and schedule your appointment online here, I typically do not charge for removal of your hair extensions for clients who came to me for the original application but this may be dependent on the state of your extensions when I go to remove them.
can i remove my own hair extensions?
I can't say enough that I strongly don't recommend ever doing this, leave this to a professional unless you want to potentially tear out your own natural hair. Removing your own hair extensions can cause severe damage to your own hair.
Even if you had your extensions applied at another salon and are not getting a new set from us, we would be more than happy to schedule a removal for you and make sure your hair is looking its best post-extensions. Book an appointment here.
Even if you had your extensions applied at another salon and are not getting a new set from us, we would be more than happy to schedule a removal for you and make sure your hair is looking its best post-extensions. Book an appointment here.
how do I book an appointment?
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