FAQ SERIES 1 - EXTENSION BASICS

Welcome to the FAQ series! I've compiled a handful of posts to answer questions I frequently hear about hair extensions. Some of it you might already know, but I can almost guarantee you'll learn something new from these posts. 

Have a question you want me to answer? Drop it in the comments and I'll add it to my posts!  

I have fine hair. Can I still wear hair extensions?

Absolutely! Fine hair most commonly ranges in many different densities or "thickness" and there are many ways to accommodate fine hair in extension wear.

Most people of European descent will have fine hair. However, something that often goes overlooked is the *degree* of fine hair. Meaning, just how fine the hair is, and where it may be especially fine throughout your head - is what actually matters the most. 

Hair with finer density needs extra precaution in extension wear because many extension applications can be too heavy for of the varying degrees of density throughout the whole head.

Fine does not mean "thin" - thinning hair is a whole different ball game. The term fine simply refers to the thickness of each hair strand - you can still have fine hair even if you have a whole lot of it!

I have fine hair with medium-fine density myself, and my extensions have a completely custom application because of where my hair changes in density throughout yomy head. It's basically the only method of extension my hair can handle without causing damage to my natural hair. 

I am more than happy to share ALL of my extension wear experiences with you as I've literally worn just about every single kind there is.

How do I know which extensions will work best for me?

Your natural hair will determine what will work best for your hair. It is SO important to find someone that is experienced, because not all extension methods are created equal and not every method will work for every hair type.

An experienced operator will be able to recommend a method that will work for your hair and be able to tell you exactly why that is.

Again, not all methods of extensions are compatible with every hair type.

Your natural texture and density, current hair length and condition, and overall goals with your hair will determine which extension method will work best for you.

I heard hair extensions rip your hair out.

This problem unfortunately comes from an inexperienced operator applying extensions and advising care to their clients. Someone who doesn't know the difference between the methods and why each method works differently will believe that there is a one-size fits all for hair extensions, or may offer a singular type of hair extensions  

This is simply not the case at all.

Damage to natural hair from extensions is a result from poor application, a method that is too heavy for the wearer, and from extensions that are applied to close to the scalp alongside poorly advised care methods and product usage at home  

I tried tape-in extensions before and they hurt.

No extensions should ever cause pain. A certain degree of sensitivity is normal for most people, but prolonged sensitivity means something needs to be altered.

A full head of hair extensions often covers at least 1/3 of the head, during which many small sections of hair are manipulated during the application.

For clients that are sensitive and are aware of this sensitivity, I recommend taking an ibuprofen or otherwise beforehand and perhaps for the first couple days after initial application, especially for first time wearers of permanent extensions. This is mostly precautionary, but if you know you are sensitive I would rather stay on the comfortable side for the first few days. 

I watched SOMEONE on YouTube  that wore fusion extensions and IT ripped their hair out.

Unfortunately, this is one of the most common things I hear in regards to extension wear.

There are so many types of "fusion" bonds out there. Most of them are glue and wax based, which are not compatible with the structure of natural human hair.

Most often, these particular methods of hair extension applications are applied with a heating device along with a dipping glue, petroleum, or wax-based melting attachment. 

Another unfortunate aspect of this extension method is the lack of training on the operator. The problem with this is not per say the *method* of application, however.

Many times this method of extension is glued to the natural hair haphazardly - without consideration or knowledge of proper sectioning and incorporation of natural hair with the extension attachment. 

Lots of tiny pieces of hair means that lots of damage can occur if the operator is not properly trained.

Sectioning of each individual section is so important that it can make or break your entire experience with extension wear.

I don't want to get too technical but when strand by strand extensions are applied with incorrect sectioning, it puts too much tension and stress on the natural hair, causing the natural hair to break.

Similarly, these methods are often applied WAY too close to the scalp, in sections that are haphazard and inconsistent, immediately causing stress and tension on the natural hair; which causes pain, itching and experience general discomfort when wearing them.

I hope this information has given you a little insight and keep checking back for the next in my FAQ series! I will be linking to all posts for FAQ as they are added. Love you and happy extension wear!