You know how new shoes feel super stiff and awkward at first? But after wearing them for a bit, they get more comfortable, like they were made for your feet. Extensions are kind of the same way.
If you just got new extensions, those long luscious locks might not look or feel perfect right away. And that's totally normal! The new hair needs some time to adjust to being on your head.
So if your new extensions seem a little off right now, don't stress! Let Roxy Hair explain how long it usually takes for them to settle in and some tips to help speed up that process.[
Key Takeaways
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When you first get hair extensions, they won't feel totally natural right away. They need some time to settle in and adjust to being on your head. This is called the "settling period."
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Usually it takes 2-4 weeks for the extensions to start feeling really comfortable and looking seamless, like they're your own hair.
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In those first few days, your scalp might feel a bit tender or itchy. The extensions might seem stiff or tangle easily too. That's all normal at first.
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After a couple weeks or so, that discomfort should go away as the extensions chill out and blend in better with your natural hair.
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How long it takes can depend on the type of extensions you got, how they were installed, your hair texture, and if you're taking proper care of them.
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During that settling time, be really gentle when brushing or styling to avoid damaging the new hair.
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Use good extension-friendly products, and don't overdo the heat styling at first either.
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With a little patience and the right care routine, those gorgeous new locks will soon look and feel like your own hair.
What Are Hair Extensions?
Hair extensions are basically just extra hair pieces that you can add onto your own hair. They can be made of real human hair or synthetic/fake hair. The cool thing is, extensions allow you to get longer, thicker, or different colored hair right away without having to wait for your actual hair to grow out.
There are different types of extension hair and ways to attach them:
Clip-in extensions are super easy - they just clip onto your hair wherever you want more length or volume. You can pop them in and take them out whenever.
Tape-in extensions use little sticky strips to attach the extra hair to your natural hair. They last a few weeks before needing to be re-taped.
Sew-in or weave extensions get braided into your existing hair. They are very versatile for creating different hairstyles.
Fusion extensions get attached strand-by-strand to your hair using a keratin (protein) bond. They last the longest at several months.
Micro-link or bead extensions attach using small beads instead of keratin. They last around 6-8 weeks.
The Installation Process in Own Hair
How you put those hair extension depends on what kind you get. But here's the basic rundown for the most popular types:
Clip-in extensions are the easiest type to install. First, you'll want to section your hair using a bristle brush. Then take the clip-in hair piece and open up the clips. To remove the extensions, start at the bottom sections and work your way up. Clip the extensions off close to your roots. Once you've clipped out all the wefts, blend them with your natural hair by styling everything together.
For tape-in extensions, make sure to start with clean, completely dry hair that you've parted into small sections. Take an extension weft and peel off the protective cover on the tape. Slip a thin section of your natural hair under this weft near the roots, then press firmly so the tape adheres. Now take another weft and sandwich that section of your hair between the two extension pieces, pressing again to create a tight bond. Keep repeating this process, section by section, making sure to distribute the wefts evenly until your whole head is covered.
Sew-in extensions or weaves require some braiding first. Start from the bottom and make neat rows of braids going across your head. Then, take the hair extensions and use a curved needle and thread to sew them onto the braids. Go slowly and make sure each extension is sewn on tightly so it won't come loose. Work your way up, sewing the extensions neatly row by row onto the braided hair.
The Settling Period
When you first get hair extensions, your head needs some time to get used to having all that extra hair. This is called the "settling period" and it usually takes a couple of weeks before everything feels totally normal. Here's what you can expect:
The First Few Days
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Your scalp might feel a little sore or itchy at first as it adjusts to the weight and pressure of the extensions. Don't worry, this is completely normal and just means your hair is getting used to the change.
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Sleeping might feel a bit weird too, especially if you sleep on your back. Try switching to your side for a few nights until you get used to it.
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The hair around where the extensions are attached might seem stiff or tangled. No need to stress, it's all part of the process and will settle down soon.
The First Couple Weeks
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As those first few days pass, the discomfort should go away and you'll start getting the hang of styling your new longer locks.
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You might see some shedding of your natural hair like in mid lengths that got caught up when they installed the extensions. That's normal, it doesn't mean the extensions are falling out.
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You might need to go back for a little tune-up appointment or further advice so your stylist or hair suppliers can tighten any loose extensions and make sure everything is blending nicely.
After 2-3 Weeks
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Your hair extensions should blend in seamlessly with your natural hair. They'll feel really comfortable and natural.
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You can style your hair however you want, using a hair dryer or whatever. The extensions won't look bulky or obvious.
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Just make sure to take good care of the extensions by washing, brushing, and maintaining them properly like your stylist showed you. That'll keep the extensions looking fresh and nice.
Factors Affecting the Settling Time
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Type of Hair Extensions
Clip-in extensions settle the fastest, taking just 1-2 days since they ain't even attached to your real hair. Then you got the tape-in extensions that settle pretty quick too, like 3-5 days, 'cause that tape they use to put 'em in is low-key. Now if you go for them sew-in extensions or weaves, that's when it gets a bit more extra, taking 5-7 days to settle 'cause they gotta braid and sew that ish into your scalp, putting hella tension on it. But if you really want to go all out, you get them fusion or keratin extensions which take the longest at 7-10 days to settle, 'cause they use that bonding process to make it more permanent and all that.
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Method of Installation
If you get your extensions put in by a professional stylist, they'll usually settle in nicer and quicker. The stylist knows just where to place them and how to get the tension right so you don't feel too much discomfort. But if you try installing them yourself at home, it might take longer for them to settle in completely. If you don't get the application just perfect, it could leave too much tension or cause irritation that makes the settling period a bit rougher.
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Hair Texture and Density
If you've got really fine hair, those extensions might feel a little uncomfortable at first. All that extra weight pulls more on your scalp, so it can take a bit longer for your head to get used to them. But if you've got thick, full hair, the extensions will probably settle in faster. That thicker hair can support the weight better, so there's less tension on your scalp.
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Maintenance and Care
The trick is how you brush and wash your hair with the extensions. Make sure to brush really gently and avoid pulling right at those spots where the extensions are attached. That'll cut down on irritation, so your head can get used to them faster. When you're washing, use a gentle shampoo and massage your scalp a little. That gets the blood flowing and helps your natural oils do their thing, so you won't be itching and scratching as much. That speeds things up too. And don't forget to deep condition regularly - keeping both your real hair and the extensions hydrated makes everything smoother and more manageable. All that helps your head settle into those new extensions way quicker.
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Sun bed Usage
Being out in the sun too much can really mess up your real hair and any extensions you have. It can make them super dry and crunchy. That can make it take longer for the extensions to settle in nicely, and it might even cause some breakage and hairfall.
Tips for a Smooth Transition
Here are some tips to help you adjust to your new hair extensions:
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Be super careful when brushing near where the extensions are attached. You don't want to pull or damage them.
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Use a brush with really soft bristles and a detangling spray. Gently brush out any knots without yanking or to avoid tug hair extensions.
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For the first week, keep your hair down and loose. Avoid tight hairstyles like ponytails or buns that could put too much pressure on the attachments.
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Ask your hairstylist to recommend special products made for taking care of extensions. Using the right products can help them last longer if you want to blow dry or style them.
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When washing hair, tilt your head back in the shower and let the water run over your hair from the top down. Gently massage your scalp and the extensions with a shampoo that doesn't have sulfates. Rinse really well.
Summary
Getting hair extensions is really exciting! But it might feel a little strange or different at first. Don't worry, that's totally normal. It usually takes a couple weeks for the extensions to settle in and start feeling like your own hair.
Just be patient and take really good care of your new extensions during this time. Follow all the instructions your stylist gave you for washing, brushing, and styling them. Before you know it, those beautiful new locks will blend right in with your natural hair and look amazing!
Exactly how long it takes can vary a bit depending on the type of extensions you got and how they were installed. But don't stress about that awkward phase at the start. Those gorgeous blended extensions are just around the corner!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it usually take for hair extensions to settle?
It usually takes around 2 to 4 weeks for hair extensions to fully settle in.
Will my hair extensions look weird or unnatural at first?
Yep, it's totally normal for extensions to look a little strange or unnatural when you first get them. Don't worry about that!
Can I style my hair extensions right away?
It's best to go easy on styling for the first little while. Avoid too much heat or excessive brushing for the first 1-2 weeks. Just gently brush and air dry your hair until the extensions settle in.
How can I help my hair extensions settle faster?
Taking really good care of your extensions can help them settle in more quickly. Things like gently brushing, using the right products, and avoiding too much heat styling.
Will my hair extensions feel uncomfortable at first?
Yep, it's totally normal for extensions to feel a little uncomfortable or tight when you first get them. Don't worry about that! It just means they need a little time to loosen up and blend in with your natural hair.
