Let's Talk : Do I NEED Hair Extensions

First & foremost don’t rule them out. I know I know “ you don’t need them” or “you’ll never wear them”- we’ve heard it. Did you realize though that 60-70% of the inspo images out there on Pinterest & other social media involves hair extensions? That’s right- the vast majority! And when taken care of they literally last for decades. Now I’m not saying they’re a MUST & we’d personally never advise if you truly didn’t need them but here are some things to keep in mind.

Some styles are an automatic need for almost the entire population (basally 90% of you). Those are the long, full, cascading styles. These styles require a lot of length but then the more detail & fullness increases that requirement. Hair that is to someone’s stomach will be sucked up to their chest so imagine that proportionality to your own hair.

Other styles it may be recommended to get more fullness or length. For example when creating a half up style & only using the hair on their head you’re going to use a portion of thier hair for the half up & the other for the half down. Depending on the texture & density either the top could look flat or the down part could look skimpy. Extensions can make sure it all looks full.

For full upstyles there are a lot of “hacks” to create hidden volume with fillers, teasing etc to where you’d think that maybe extensions would never be needed. Never say never even though these are the styles that are most promising to not need extensions. However if your hair is low density all around extensions can add density. If your hair is too short for a filler something like Easy Updo Extensions can create a bun shape while designed to be seen.

If you’d like to add more dimension (highlights/lowlights ) but don’t want to chemically color your then extensions could be an option. You simply get them in 1-2 shades lighter or darker (depending how dramatic you want it) to create the contrast.

Finally one area that a lot of individuals struggle with is volume on top of their head but that’s why there’s a topper. Now toppers get a bad rap because of society’s association with toupee but if Kim K wore one I think we can all agree they aren’t just for balding men. This will create more fullness & volume on the top of your head & other extensions literally can work there.

So do any of these apply to you? Not sure? That’s ok. Have an honest conversation with your stylist & realistic expectations. There’s nothing wrong with trying a style first without extensions but if it’s not as full, long, detailed or dimensional as the photo or what you’d like don’t automatically blame the stylist. Discuss your options. I think of designing a hairstyle as a collaborative effort as we navigate from point A to point B. Not everyone is going to take the same route & some routes aren’t made for you. That’s ok! Have the discussion to see what route will get you where you want to go.

Have questions about extensions ? Just ask!