Hair extensions are a great way of adding length and thickness to your hair. However, depending on which method and hair type you opt for, extensions can cost a lot of money and take a good few hours to attach. The aftercare and maintenance of your new hairstyle can also take up a good proportion of your time. Therefore, you need to understand the basic details of what is involved in getting hair extensions before going through with having them fitted.

Firstly, why do you want hair extensions? Are you bored with waiting for your hair to grow naturally or have you had a really bad hair cut and want to disguise it while it grows back? Perhaps you want longer or thicker hair for a special occasion such as a wedding or a birthday? The reason behind why you want hair extensions can affect the sort of extensions that are best suited to your needs.

If you are looking to dramatically increase the length of your hair, you need to be aware that long hair takes time. Most people with naturally long hair will tell you that extra time is needed for shampooing, conditioning, brushing and styling. If you are someone that doesn’t like spending a lot of time on their hair then you might want to reconsider having extensions. If you go ahead with extensions and fail to look after them you run the risk of damaging your own hair and looking tangled and matted.

Before having hair extensions you need to seriously think how far your budget can stretch. Good quality extensions do not come cheap and you should be prepared to pay a bit extra to get the most natural looking extensions possible. If you scrimp on the quality of the hair then it could tangle and become dry after just a few washes. Attaching extensions can also take a long time, you could be sat in the chair for anything from 1 hour to 4!

As well as the initial cost, the cost of maintenance and aftercare of your new hair style needs to be considered. Most hair extension methods require you to purchase and use special shampoos and conditioners to enhance the longevity of your extensions. You also need to attend regular maintenance appointments to make sure that the bonds are still in place.

You also need to consider the current condition of your natural hair before going ahead with hair extensions. If your hair is damaged, breaking or thinning then you might want to avoid extensions as they could make the problem worse. Your stylist should assess your suitability during the consultation stage.

Being aware of all the issues that are associated with hair extensions is a great way to ensure that you are fully prepared to have them fitted. Once you’ve had your extensions fitted you will wonder how you ever survived without them! You can style them however you like and don’t have to wait forever for your hair to grow!