Are hair extensions even worth it? If this is a thought you've had at any point in your quest for great hair, you're not alone. It's a question that has crossed the mind of almost everyone who has looked at their options to increase the volume and appearance of their hair. And it's a valid question! As you probably know already, choosing to enhance your look with extensions isn't purely aesthetics, but it also includes some practical considerations of upkeep and cost. In the world of hair care, we've seen enough to know that even the smallest details can make an impact on the overall happiness one has with their hair.
We at Foxy Hair® are often asked if hair extensions are worth it. I mean, we get it... luxury Remy hair extensions aren't cheap. We're firm believers in that you get what you pay for. So, we've created this guide where we dive into the reality behind hair extensions, examining the benefits and anything else you need to know - without the fluff or hard sell. From lifestyles to budgets and more, let's see if hair extensions are the secret ingredient to your style dreams... or an investment better spent on something else.
Key Takeaways
-
When it comes to choosing hair extensions, it's all about you! Your style preferences, lifestyle demands, and budget constraints all play a part in what kind of hair extensions will work for you. Initial cost and maintenance expenses are also significant factors for many and should most definitely be taken into consideration when looking at your options. Basically, we just want to see you hair-happy for the long term.
-
Choosing the right hair extensions for your hair type is so important for optimal blending and styling. This means that you should look for certain extensions that are recommended for fine, thin, or thick hair so that you can achieve your desired volume and length immediately, without all the back and forth.
-
It's well worth taking the time to become familiar with how to properly maintain your hair extensions. Gentle handling, correct washing and conditioning, and the use of natural oils will all go a long way in avoiding hair damage or loss.
Evaluating the Worth of Hair Extensions
If you're thinking about using hair extensions but don't know where to begin, a good place to start is thinking about what your lifestyle looks like. What are your personal preferences? And what about your budget considerations? Ultimately, choosing great hair extensions is all about finding that perfect match—one that helps you reach your hair goals while giving you the confidence and accessibility to maintain it so that you can wear it as often, or as little, as you like.
Keep in mind that hair extensions are not a one-size-fits-all solution. With so many varieties and types of extensions out there, defining your hair goals is key to making a good selection. Are you aiming for more volume and length, or perhaps a temporary style change? Having a clear direction or goal for your hair will help to narrow down the choices and eventually find the right extensions for you.
Your individual style preference is a (if not the) significant factor in selecting hair extensions. If you prefer a more natural look, we recommend choosing extensions that offer seamless blending. While this may be a little more costly, trust us, it'll be worth it. The desired outcome of your entire look should also heavily influence your choice of hair extensions. If you're looking to make a bold fashion statement, then you might choose an extension set that offers dramatic volume. On the other hand, if you want to enhance your natural hair discreetly, you would probably choose hair extensions with slightly less volume.
Lifestyle
Everyone wants to make their everyday life easier, and hair extensions are no exception. When it comes to choosing hair extensions, you'll want to think about which type will work for you in your daily lifestyle and routine without causing a hassle. Take the time to think about the activities you do in your day-to-day, as they will influence the type of care and maintenance required to keep your extensions’ appearance and longevity up to par.
For example, if you have a hectic schedule filled with work or family responsibilities, it's a good idea to think about the time commitment required for maintaining your hair extensions and scheduling regular salon appointments. Basically, it’s all about finding a balance that works for your life without compromising your look and preferences.
Budget
The cost of hair extensions truly varies, so deciding if hair extensions are worth the investment really will depend on your individual preferences. From DIY options like clip-ins to professional methods like tape-in, fusion, microlink, and weave-in, the price range can span from $200 to $1,000. The type of hair used can also significantly influence how much you will pay, with human Remy hair or virgin hair being the highest quality in hair extensions. Foxy Hair® specialises in ethically sourced extensions that made from 100% Remy Hair, so you know that the extensions you get from us are gonna look amazing. Oh, and don't forget about the desired length and thickness of the extensions too! Ultimately, getting to know your unique hair goals is the best way to know if hair extensions are worth it for you.
In addition to the initial costs, there is also the annual maintenance expenses for hair extensions. Depending on the type of extensions you choose, this can range from $1,750 to $2,825 for semi-permanent options, while non-permanent options like clip-ins and halo extensions can cost between $375 and $725. Keep in mind that the value you get from hair extensions may change along with your hair goals and your level of satisfaction in particular times of your life, so what worked well for you two years ago may be different than what you want today.
The Best Hair Extensions for Different Hair Types
One of the most common misconceptions that people have about hair extensions is that they are a one-size-fits-all solution. This couldn’t be further from the truth. If you leave with anything today, let it be this: there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all hair extension. Choosing hair extensions that work for you is completely dependant on your hair type - be it fine, thin, or thick - and we'll never stop talking about the importance of this when it comes to real and long lasting hair satisfaction. Other factors such as weight, placement, and blending techniques will also impact the type of extensions that will work best for you.
If you are looking to achieve long, thick hair, then we recommend tape or clip-in extensions made from real human hair, although hair extensions in general can add volume, thickness, and length for those with thin hair. But what about those with different hair types? Let’s take a deeper look into the world of extensions and how they can work for different hair types.
Fine Hair
Thanks to the diversity and quality of hair extensions these days, having fine or thin hair doesn’t mean you can’t have gorgeous, voluminous locks. In fact, many people use hair extensions to enhance the volume and fullness of fine hair, often outperforming traditional volumizing products.
Halo extensions are a popular type of extension that offers different thickness levels. This works to finely tune the volume for various hairstyles, and is particularly useful for individuals with fine hair. However, clip-in extensions can be tricky for those with fine hair, where if your hair is too short or fine, the clips might be visible and the hair might not look as natural as you’d like. If you're unsure about whether halo extensions could work for you, we recommend speaking to a trusted hair dresser for a professional take on this matter.
Thin Hair
Quality extensions can make a big difference for people with thin hair. They add volume, making the hair look fuller and more vibrant.
Halo hair extensions in particular are ideal for thin hair as they:
-
Add fullness while being gentle on natural strands to prevent damage
-
Blend seamlessly with your natural hair’s density
-
Have graded thickness for authenticity
This being said, not all halo extensions are created the same, so when selecting hair extensions for thin hair, make sure to choose types that meet these criteria.
Real ProGrade Remy quality hair extensions are also suitable for thin hair thanks to their ability to endure heat styling and maintain a soft texture, offering a realistic length and density. For example, the extensions we offer at Foxy Hair® are perfect for thin hair as each strand is consistently thick from root to tip for a natural feel. As you can imagine, a great hair extension will not only improve the appearance of thin hair by making it look thicker and full, but it can also enhance your confidence and expand your styling options. Hello, new world of possibilities!
Thick Hair
Even those with thick hair love the volume and length that hair extensions can bring. For those blessed with thick hair, we recommend double weft full head extensions as they provide double the fullness of classic full head sets.
Ultra-Volume full head sets are also ideal for those with thick hair who are looking for additional volume and length, being the thickest sets available that blend well with thick hair. Another great option is the Supreme Quad Weft, a one-piece extension that's suitable for average to thick hair. Hair wefts in general can be used in different ways to quickly add significant volume and length.
Achieving Your Dream Hair with Extensions
Picture this. You wake up one morning, and the first thing you see is your gorgeous hair. It's thick, it's voluminous - t's the hair you’ve always dreamed of. You gaze at your long and luscious hair and feel a surge of joy and happiness as you know you've finally found the right match in your new hair extensions.
Sounds like a dream come true, right? We've said it before and we'll say it again: achieving your dream hair with extensions goes beyond just selecting the right type or color. It requires an understanding of extensions and the way they work, including how to build instant length and volume, how to create versatile styles, and how to seamlessly match and blend colors for a natural appearance.
Ultimately, hair extensions are more than just hair. It's about looking great and feeling confident with an unforgettable 'do. If this is the vibe you're after, we at Foxy Hair® have got you covered, where each and every hair extension we sell is premium quality from root to tip. The result? That you get to enjoy silky, soft, and luscious locks all day long.
Instant Length and Volume
One of the most significant advantages of hair extensions is the instant transformation they provide. If you’ve ever wished for Rapunzel-like locks, extensions can make that dream come true instantly. Thanks to the length they add to short hair, wearing extensions can be the ultimate power move that allows for an immediate transformation in hair length, while turning some heads in the process.
Extensions also offer immediate volume to thin or fine hair. A great way to do this is to stack wefts on top of each other, which can create some serious volume and help you to achieve a full-bodied mane. So, whether you’re looking for a temporary transformation for a special occasion or a longer-term solution, you can bet that hair extensions will provide that instant boost of length and volume you desire.
Versatility in Styling
While many people love the volume and length that hair extensions can offer, they are equally loved for the versatility they can offer as well. Hair extensions allow individuals to experiment with different hairstyles, colors, and lengths without permanent alteration to their natural hair – and who wouldn't love that!
Some uses for extensions include:
-
Classic styles such as vintage waves
-
Casual textured waves
-
Topknots and high buns
-
High ponytails
-
Upswept styles
Halo hair extensions are great for styling purposes, as they provide the flexibility to style the hair in different ways thanks to their clipless design and removable wire. Clip in extensions like a Remy Hair ponytail can also work amazing for easy updos and formal occasions alike.
Color Matching and Blending
If there's one thing you need to know to get a great head of hair, it's that art of a natural-looking hair extension lies in a seamless blend. While seamless blending wasn't as much of a thing in the past, luckily most hair extensions today are designed to blend seamlessly with natural hair, matching both your color and texture for an indistinguishable appearance. Expert blending is a priority for us at Foxy Hair® where each of our hair extensions are made by hand, expertly blended strand by strand by experienced technicians and colored by experts.
If you need some help with creating a seamless look, try styling your hair extensions with curls or waves. This is an excellent and effective way to hide the transition between your natural hair and extensions, creating that natural look you're after. Clip-in extensions are another great method to add length, volume, and color without inflicting the damage commonly associated with chemically dyeing natural hair.
P.S. Did you know that Foxy Hair® offers a color matching service to help you find the perfect shade of extensions for your hair?
Good Maintenance and Care for Hair Extensions
Just like a well-oiled machine, hair extensions require regular maintenance and care to keep them looking their best—kinda like your own hair! This includes everything from the way you handle them to how you wash, condition, and even the oils you use.
While incorporating hair extensions into your daily routine should be a hassle-free process, thinking about your daily activities can go a long way towards your extensions’ appearance and longevity, as they will influence the type of care and maintenance required to preserve them.
Gentle Handling
Just as with your natural hair, extensions require gentle handling to maintain their condition. We recommend using a wide-tooth comb for detangling hair extensions, especially when wet, and carefully untangle the hair with your hands before brushing to ease the process.
In general, use a regular brushing technique where you start from the ends and move upwards, as this can prevent tangling or matting. Also, avoid pulling or tugging on hair extensions to prevent potential damage. And when blow-drying, use a heat protection spray and a cool setting, starting from the roots to the ends to prevent damage and frizz.
Washing and Conditioning
What you don't hear as often when it comes to caring for extensions is that the process of washing and conditioning hair extensions is more of an art than a science. They should be washed approximately two to three times per week to remove any buildup without the risk of overwashing. And before you get them wet, make sure to brush them out to minimize any tangles and knots.
Here are the steps you should take when washing hair extensions:
-
Use lukewarm water and a sulfate-free shampoo.
-
Handle the extensions gently to avoid damage, especially near the bonds or clips.
-
Apply conditioner from the middle to the ends of the extensions, avoiding the roots and bonds.
-
Leave the conditioner on for 5 to 10 minutes before thoroughly rinsing.
-
After washing, squeeze out excess water and air dry.
-
Use a micro-fibre towel to minimize tangles and speed up the drying process.
Use of Natural Oils
Similar to your skin's needs, your hair extensions will also require hydration to maintain their health and shine. We love using natural oils on hair extensions and recommend that you try this approach as well. Natural oils help to replenish the oils lost during the processing of your hair extensions and can seal the cuticles to prevent frizz, tangling, and breakage.
Hair oils like jojoba oil, argan oil, coconut oil, and others such as grapeseed and almond are all beneficial in nourishing and protecting hair extensions, keeping them hydrated and shiny.
Regular application of hair oils can:
-
Restore shine to extensions
-
Prevent and eliminate frizz
-
Provide instant absorption
-
Detangle without leaving an oily residue
Certain oils like argan oil are especially effective in providing these benefits and is known in the haircare world as a super oil.
Debunking Hair Extension Myths: Damage and Hair Loss
A widespread myth about hair extensions is that they lead to hair loss or damage. The truth on this matter? Properly applied and maintained hair extensions shouldn't cause any hair loss. In fact, daily natural hair shedding is normal and this can sometimes be mistaken for hair loss from extensions.
This being said, traction alopecia is a condition that can result from excessive use of hair extensions and tight hairstyles, but it is often reversible if addressed early. While this isn't likely, professional application and proper maintenance of hair extensions is key as it can protect hair follicles from damage and act as a shield against factors like over-processing and heat, promoting hair growth.
The Downsides of Hair Extensions
While there are many benefits to using hair extensions, there can be certain drawbacks. Here are the most common issues people experience:
-
Additional costs such as haircare products.
-
The application process can be time-consuming.
-
Clip-in extensions, if not attached correctly, can cause discomfort.
-
Semi-permanent extensions may lead to initial tightness or discomfort.
-
They can be heavy or uncomfortable, and adjusting to the extra weight can take time.
-
If not well-matched to the wearer’s natural hair, hair extensions can create an unnatural look and feel as they grow out or shift.
-
Certain hairstyles or updos may be challenging or impossible with some types of extensions, limiting styling options.
While an initial adaptation period is something that most people experience, keep in mind that once you’ve got the hang of hair extensions, the possibilities truly are endless!
Summary
Hair extensions can offer an incredible way to transform your look, experiment with new styles, and boost your confidence. Before you decide on a hair extension, take the time to really get to know your personal preferences, lifestyle, and budget, so that you can choose the right extensions for your hair type. After all, isn't the whole point to look and feel your best?
While there are some downsides, with proper application, maintenance, and care, hair extensions can be an incredible way to transform your day-to-day appearance and your overall beauty regime. And hey, from what we've heard, using quality hair extensions have literally changed people's lives.
Want to know more about your options? Check out our Foxy Hair® Clip In Hair Extensions. We just know you'll find the perfect match.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a downside to hair extensions?
Yes, there can be downsides to hair extensions. They require more time in the salon and improper installation or care can result in damage to your hair when the issue isn't taken care of.
How long does hair extensions last?
Hair extensions can last between four to eight weeks for glue and tape extensions, six to eight weeks for sew-in extensions, and up to four months for micro-link extensions, but may need repositioning every two or three months as hair grows.
Which hair extensions are best?
The best hair extensions depend on your needs and hair type. Clip-in extensions are recommended for occasional wear and easy installation, while tape extensions provide longer-lasting results without glue or heat. Sew-in, keratin bond, and micro ring extensions are great for curly and coily textures.
Are hair extensions damaging to natural hair?
Properly applied and maintained hair extensions should not cause hair loss or damage, but incorrect application, removal, or overuse can lead to scalp stress and thin or bald patches. Be mindful of proper care and maintenance to prevent potential damage.
Can I use any type of oil on my hair extensions?
Yes, you can use natural, organic, cold-pressed, and unrefined oils on your hair extensions for better retention of nutrients and antioxidants.
