The Essentials
Before you commit.
Who extensions suit, what the appointment involves, daily care, and the honest pros and cons.
Are extensions right for you?
Most people with healthy hair of a few inches can wear extensions. The question is which method, how much hair, and whether your hair can carry it.
Good candidates
- 3–4 inches of hair or moreEnough to hide attachments. Shorter hair can work with nano rings and a skilled blend.
- Healthy, intact hairYour hair anchors every attachment; strong strands hold safely.
- Growing out a cut or wanting volumeLength, fuller ends or colour without bleaching your own hair.
- Ready for maintenanceA move-up or refit every 6–12 weeks, plus small routine changes.
- A special eventClip-ins, halos or a short tape application suit weddings and shoots.
Wait, or take care
- Active shedding or hair lossPostpartum shedding, thinning or alopecia: see a dermatologist or trichologist first. A topper or halo is gentler.
- Sensitive or irritated scalpPsoriasis or dermatitis needs scalp access and low tension. Ask about removable options.
- Over-processed or breaking hairRecent bleach or chemical straightening can leave strands too weak for a bond. Repair first.
- Very fine, sparse hairAvoid heavy wefts; use smaller attachments spaced further apart.
- Adhesive allergyAsk for a patch test of tape adhesive or bond material first.
The appointment
From consultation to your first move-up.
- ConsultationDensity, texture, scalp and lifestyle assessed; method, amount and colour match chosen in natural light; price quoted.
- Ordering & colourHair is ordered or custom-blended, sometimes pre-toned to match.
- PrepArrive with clean, dry hair washed with clarifying shampoo; no conditioner, oil or product.
- ApplicationAbout an hour for tape-ins, several hours for strand-by-strand bonds.
- Cut & blendExtensions are cut into your hair so the ends graduate naturally.
- First 48 hoursNo washing, heat, swimming or heavy sweating while bonds set.
- Follow-upA check after a week or two, then move-ups on your method’s schedule.
Aftercare
A few daily habits protect your hair and the extensions.
Wash
- Sulfate-free shampooTwo or three times a week, not daily.
- Condition the ends onlyKeep conditioner and oils off tapes and bonds.
- Wash uprightIn the shower, head tilted back, never upside-down.
Dry & style
- Never sleep on wet hairDry roots and attachments fully; damp bonds mat.
- Heat protectantKeep heat off tapes and bonds; irons at 300–350°F.
- Loop or soft brushHold at the root, work up from the ends, 2–3 times a day.
Night, gym & holiday
- Braid for sleepA loose braid and a silk or satin pillowcase.
- Chlorine and saltWet with fresh water, add leave-in, braid, rinse after.
- Colour by a stylistRoot touch-ups are fine, done professionally.
Benefits & drawbacks
Benefits
- Instant length and densityMonths or years of growth in one appointment.
- Colour without commitmentHighlights or balayage without bleaching your own hair.
- Fills thinning or a grow-outFuller ends and an even length.
- Styling rangeCurls hold better; updos look fuller.
- Reusable hairTape-ins, wefts and some strands can be refitted several times.
Drawbacks
- Ongoing costBudget for hair, move-ups and replacement hair over the year.
- Time in the chairOne to several hours, plus maintenance every few weeks or months.
- Traction riskToo much weight, poor placement or missed maintenance can cause breakage.
- Routine changesGentler washing, thorough drying and braiding at night.
- Adjustment periodBonds and wefts can feel tight for the first few days.
FAQ
Will extensions damage my hair?
Applied and maintained properly, no. Damage comes from the wrong method, too much weight, attachments too close to the scalp, overdue maintenance, or removing them yourself. Choose a specialist trained in the method.
Is extension hair real human hair?
Yes. Professional systems use Remy human hair, with the cuticle intact and aligned to resist tangling. Synthetic hair is mostly limited to costume clip-ins and doesn't take heat the same way.
How much do extensions cost?
Every application is custom: price depends on method, length, amount of hair, colour work and the stylist. A consultation gives an accurate quote. At Patrick Evan Salon, tape-in reapplications are a flat rate.
What does “keratin bond” mean?
A keratin-based polymer pre-tipped on each strand. Heat softens it so it can be rolled around a small section of natural hair, where it sets.
How long do tape-ins last?
Typically 6 to 10 weeks between move-ups. Quality tape-in hair can be re-taped and reapplied up to about three times.
Can I curl, straighten or blow-dry them?
Yes, with a heat protectant and no heat directly on tapes or bonds. More heat means the hair needs replacing sooner.
Can I colour my roots with extensions in?
Yes, by a stylist, so colour stays off the tapes or bonds.
Can I take them out myself?
Please don't. Each method needs its own removal solution or tool; pulling or cutting them out can take your own hair with them.