Thread: Hair Extensions (Layered)

Hi, I was just wondering if anyone has tried hair extensions? I am thinking of getting some but i want them for volume not for long hair (my hair is very long but it is fine and thin).

I want to have lots of chunky layers put into my hair with a big chunky fringe but i'm not sure if you can cut hair extensions into layers. I'm assuming you put the extensions in first and then have the layered cut! But i'm thinking my hair will look really weird with the layers in when my natural layers grow out.

I intend on getting this done at the hairderssers a couple of months from now but i just wanted to know if anyone has had any experience with hair extensions and can advise me on if they last long, if the stay in place and how to keep them in good shape.

I know sometimes hairdressers can say all the right things you want to hear so you buy the extensions, so i would really appreciate honest advice and experience before i spend my money on them.

Sorry for the long post xx

Hiya, im a hairdresser and i also do extensions. There are two main types of extensions.....
1. wefts of hair.....these are stips of hair that are glued onto your own hair (sometimes ''not correctly'' onto your scalp) they do not provide much volume as they are quite flat, dont last long..about 2 weeks dependant on what type of glue is used. on a plus side they are cheap.
2. single keratin bonded....these are small strands of hair that are glued onto your own hair, you usually have around 100 strands attached. they can be used to add colour, length and volume. these will need to be taken out after around 4 months to avoid bald spots caused by tension. these are quite pricy and can range from £200 to £1500.

Regardless of what type of extensions are used your stylist should cut the hair after it has been 'installed' , you should not be able to tell that you are wearing extensions if they are cut correctly and the hair is matched up to your hair type.
Speak to a few different extensionists in your area, you will probably find the one who tells you the faults about hair extensions is the most trustworthy...eg..yes its normal for some to fall out, yes you need to use special extension shampoos, conditioners, brushes and follow an aftercare programme...having them checked and maintained every 4-6 weeks.
some stylists tell clients YES! to everything just to get them in the chair...i know i have worked with someone like this. I hope this info helps, anything else i can help with just ask.

Hi Glad All Over , thank you so much for the information . I looked into getting the extensions that you glue to or braid into your hair but i know the tension will be really bad for my hair as its thin at the parting area and i dont want my hair to thin all over my head.

What i was thinking of was the 'Clip-in Extensions'. Thats why i was abit confused about when to put them in, before or after i have my hair cut. Like i mentioned before, i just want them for volume all through and round my head with my natural layers. But i have no idea how that will work with the extenions.

Am i making sense?

I have found a 1 piece extension on the internet which is already layered and kinda shows how i want my hair (this is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGQqtn43H_s) What do you think? Would i be better off with these?

But i want more volume and i want it cut in the style i want. I think i would have to get a 3 pieces of hair extensions and fit 1 round the back and 1 on each side of my head and then have the layered cut (or have 2 1 piece extensions that go round my head and have them cut when i cut my natural hair into layers). But i dont know if i will have to put them in the exact same position everytime i clip them in.

I know i'm rambling on and its all really confusing (i know i'm confused, lol) but i really hate my thin flat hair and i am seriously considering the extensions. I would appreciate your feedback xx

Hiya, that hair on the link you gave looks really good, the only criticisms would be that it might not match your natural hair texture, also because its not human hair you wouldnt be able to change the style of it eg...straighten it.
Clip in hair extensions usually come cut into pieces with the clips attached, or on one long weft (about 4 foot wide is enough for a whole head)where you have to sew the clips on yourself. As for cutting them into your natural hair, i usually just heavily texturize the ends of the natural hair (without the extensions clipped in) so that they blend with the real hair, i cant really give much more advice without seeing your hair, lol. if your hair is cut to blend with the extensions then you wouldnt have to clip them in in the exact place each time. hope this helps
Ps: have you ever tried hair thickening products, that plump each hair up?

Hi, thanks for your reply. I think i will look into the 4 foot wide hair extensions but i might only need volume on one side, lol. I will take your advice about cuting the hair to blend in with the extensions and mention it to my hairdresser. Do you know the cost of human clip in hair extensions?

I want to have chocolate brown extensions becuase i'm going to die my hair that colour. Or it might look nice if the extensions were a shade lighter than chocolate brown so i have different shades in my hair.

Thanks again for all your advice, i really appreciate it xx

ps i wanted to post a pic of my hair but i dont know how to

Hiya, im not sure how you would post a pic, im a newbie here, lol. It would be easier if you could find a shop to buy the hair from, and then you can hold the colour up to your own hair, im not sure if you can return hair ordered online if its not the right shade. For a full head weft of 18" extensions it costs about £40-£60 but i imagine prices will vary around the country. Either way, make sure you buy 100% Human Remy/Reme hair. This hair still has its cuticle intact and will last you alot longer than cheaper ones. Good Luck

Originally Posted by Glad_All_Over

Hiya, im not sure how you would post a pic, im a newbie here, lol. It would be easier if you could find a shop to buy the hair from, and then you can hold the colour up to your own hair, im not sure if you can return hair ordered online if its not the right shade. For a full head weft of 18" extensions it costs about £40-£60 but i imagine prices will vary around the country. Either way, make sure you buy 100% Human Remy/Reme hair. This hair still has its cuticle intact and will last you alot longer than cheaper ones. Good Luck

Hey hun, thanks for your reply . I had the perfect pic of my hair to post but nevermind, lol. I plan on buying my extensions from a shop or the hairdressers, not the internet (i dont trust the internet). I'm going to get my hair trimmed, then died chocolate brown and then buy the extensions and have my hair cut with lots of layers.

I have taken note of the extensions you have mentioned and will be sure to get them.

Thanks again for answering my questions and i really appreictae your advice . When i do finally get my hair done with my extensions i will figure out how to post a pic on here so you can see the final product, lol (although it wont be untill september to december time).

xx

Hi Maybe Baby, I have got the Babyliss hair extensions (Clip ins) they sell them on boots and on www.justbeautifully.co.uk. The hair is not human hair but it is really shiny (better than human hair) and I get complimented all the time on my hair, it gives it so much more volume. Its worth a try before having them glued in

Originally Posted by Shell_Wigan

Hi Maybe Baby, I have got the Babyliss hair extensions (Clip ins) they sell them on boots and on www.justbeautifully.co.uk. The hair is not human hair but it is really shiny (better than human hair) and I get complimented all the time on my hair, it gives it so much more volume. Its worth a try before having them glued in

Hey hun, thanks for your reply . I will have a look at the extensions you mentioned. I would prefer human hair because i like to wave, curl and straighten my hair. But it might be good to try the Babyliss hair extensions for awhile to see how they look and feel and to see if they stay in place. I like the fact they give volume, i really need it, lol,

Thanks again for your reply xx

I do mine wavy and straight and curled. You can use up to 180 degrees on them. They are alot better condition than the human hair which I have had from Selfridges in the past and are a fraction of the cost xx

My clip in extensions are by American Dream and came from sally's hair and beauty supplies. The shop assistant matched them perfectly to my hair and they are lovely quality, human hair. They were £30 for one pack BUT were 3 for 2 so I got the 3 packs I needed for £60. I am using them for my wedding initially but I plan to keep them to use as and when I want them. My friend who works in Sally's has used them many a time on her hairdressing clients and finds them very successful. Perhaps look up Sallys hair and beauty online and see if there is one near you as they do great bargains. x

I had hair extensions (glued not clipped) last year and would NEVER do it again, it was painful, uncomfortable and the hair was curly when wet (mine isn't) and i swear it took hours to dry. i could shower in the morning say 7am and by 7pm if left it STILL wasn't dry! Even with a hairdryer it took over 2 hours to get dry!

x

Hi lovely ladies, thank you so much for your advice and for sharing your experiences.

Shell_Wigan: I went into boots today and found the clip in hair extensions you mentioned but i didnt really like them. The texture of the hair was not very nice but they extensions were scattered everywhere and i couldnt even find any to match my hair colour . I'll try to find some in a bigger store and see if they're any different.

Debbie: Thanks so much for the info on the brand of hair extensions and the stockist. I dont really know where to start when it comes to brands so i'm planning on by starting with my hairdresser and then sampling a few other brands before i decide. The extensions you mentioned are really affordable too, so i will look into them.

Natalie: I'm so sorry to hear about your bad experience. I would be too afraid to get extensions glued/sewn/braided into my hair because i'd probably end up going bald, lol. I hope your hair is in good condition after that bad experience.

Thanks again for all your replies. I'll let you know which extensions i decide to have xx

Individual strands of hair are lifted from the head at different angles from the natural growth pattern and then cut to a specific length, Short hair transforms to luxurious below-the-shoulder length hair,Long hair becomes layered, thick and full.

Let me know if u r still interested as I had an excellent set for my wedding- so natural and thick! £70 normally £130 x real hair too