All about hair extensions for your wedding

Hair extensions are the not-so-secret ingredient of just about any good bridal hair look. If you’re blessed with lots of volume but your hair is shorter than you dreamed it would be for your big day, you might want to add hair extensions for length. On the other hand, if you have the length you want but not the volume, extensions are a total game-changer. Whether you wear your hair up or down, the extensions hold their shape perfectly, meaning your hair will always look great when you hit the dance floor at the after-party.

Whatever your hair situation, there are some key things you need to know about the world of extensions before you walk down the aisle. Here, we break down everything you need to know about wedding hair extensions with help from trusted hair experts Amanda Scott, Sky Kim, and Giancarlo Carollo.

Who should (and shouldn’t) get wedding hair extensions?

If you want to wear extensions for your wedding, booking a consultation with a hair extension specialist is the best way to find out if extensions are a good option for you. They will want to check the health and condition of your hair and scalp. Most people with healthy hair are good candidates for hair extensions, but if you have any of the following, it may not be the best fit:

• Very short hair (think: pixie): it will be difficult to blend the extensions without making them choppy.
• Very thick and long hair: You probably don’t need extensions!
• Fine and very brittle hair: The application of extensions could further damage the hair.
• Very frizzy and textured hair: It can be difficult to find hair that matches perfectly. That’s not to say it’s not possible, it may take more tries until you find the right hair.
• Poor condition of the scalp (excessive loss or loss of hair)

When to get hair extensions

Book a hair extension consultation as soon as you commit so you can create a plan with your stylist and figure out what’s best for your hair, the look you want to achieve, and your budget. “A lot of girls start working out or start a pre-wedding skincare routine when they know they’re getting married, and starting a hair regimen should also be a top priority,” Scott says.

“If you want a more permanent type of extension, like the Klix or the tape, I recommend getting them at least two months before the wedding,” says Scott. “Then about a week before the wedding, come either to get a fresh set up or to make sure everything is 100% ready. This is a great time to make sure the placement and feel [are] OK, and that leaves time to take care of any last-minute adjustments.”

Types of Hair Extensions

clips

“I usually recommend clip-in extensions for my brides if you’ve never had extensions before because it’s not a big commitment and you get beautiful hair for your special day,” Kim offers. There are a wide range of clip options, but they can all be inserted and removed quickly and fairly easily. They provide instant satisfaction and, thanks to seamless removal, require almost no upkeep or upkeep. Plus, they’re usually much more affordable than committing to more permanent extensions options.

tape ins

Adhesive strips are another good alternative for brides. They are attached to the scalp with a strong adhesive, with your natural hair sandwiched between the extensions. They are generally quite easy to put in place and generally do not damage the hair when done correctly. “They’re usually single-use – one application is about two to three months – but you don’t have to commit to wearing long-term extensions if you don’t want to, but you don’t have to worry about adding extensions in. daytime or having a bulky/heavy feeling that can sometimes happen with clip-in extensions,” says Scott, who enjoys working with Easihair Pro Tape-In Extensions, as well as brands like Perfect. Locks, Short2Long and The Hair Shop for curly and wavy hair extension options.

Micro links

There are few types of micro link extensions, but essentially, “they are small individual strands attached with a bead,” Kim explains. “I use the I-tip method, which [are] extensions with keratin bonds in thin and long shapes, hence the name I-tip. They last about a month and a half, but this will vary depending on your hair texture and the condition of your scalp. It’s a little gentler on the hair because there’s no heat used to hold the hair together. It’s also pretty easy to put on and take off because all you have to do is tighten and loosen the bead,” Kim continues.

Bonding to keratin

Keratin bonds are a great option for brides who want extra hair beyond walking down the aisle (think: wedding night, honeymoon, etc.), but you have to be prepared to invest some time and money.

Similar to micro bonds, these extensions “are just small individual strands infused with the keratin bonds with heat applied by a machine,” says Kim, who specializes in both micro bonds and micro bond hair extensions. keratin bond. “They last a bit longer than micro-links – up to three to five months (if properly cared for).” But, she warns: you have to be very gentle with your hair and pay extra TLC for it to last and not cause damage to your hair!

pearl weft

A beaded weft extension, made by brands like Klix, is attached to your hair with silicone-lined micro ties meant to protect both your hair and scalp. “Klix or other bead weft methods are great because of installation time and salon maintenance appointments. They are quick to install and even quicker to assemble and adjust because they don’t have need to be completely removed at each appointment, which saves a lot of time,” says Scott, who has used Klix on his clients for years. Klix requires no glue or heat to apply and can last up to six months when cared for properly.

cost of hair extensions

The price of hair extensions can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including your location (if you’re in Los Angeles or New York they’ll likely cost more than if you’re in Wichita, Kansas), the type and quality of hair extensions you use, and the stylist you work with. During your consultation appointment, you should ask about hair extension costs (clips will be cheaper than a more permanent option like Klix or Keratin Bond methods), installations, maintenance, maintenance (many salons will charge extra for a standard blowout if you have extensions) and all other fees, so there are no surprises when it’s time to hand over your credit card. The salon may not be able to give you exact prices until you have the hair extensions fitted, but they should at least be able to give you an idea of ​​what to expect.

For the hair itself, the cost of clip-in extensions ranges from $50 to $1,000, and tape or bead wefts range from $100 to $15,000, depending on the length and amount of hair needed, depending on Scott. For hair installation, prices can start around $400 and go up to over $2,500 for a full hair.

The cost of upkeep will depend on how much you want to spend on a good brush, hair care products, and upkeep. There might also be a fee for withdrawal, so don’t assume this is an add-on and find out beforehand.

Coloring

When it comes to extensions, one of the biggest challenges can be making sure they match your natural hair. Consult with your colorist and stylist together and give everyone plenty of time to perfect the look.

“Depending on the type of extensions you want for your wedding day (tape-ins, ties, beads, wefts, etc.), the colorist and stylist will decide whether to color the hair before the extensions are installed or after” , explains Carollo. “We will then choose the right color(s) to blend perfectly with your hair color. It is very important that the root color of your extensions matches your hairline. For example, if you are a brunette with balayage highlights, extensions will need that same gradient from dark at the roots to lighter at the ends.

recommended products

The right brush is absolutely essential when it comes to extensions. Scott suggests a classic wet brush for brushing when wet, or the Denman for brushing and detangling when hair is dry. If you’re willing to shell out a bit more, Kim suggests a Mason Pearson brush to detangle and keep hair silky smooth.

To get rid of tangles (which inevitably happen when you live the #extensionlife) and help soften hair, Scott suggests Milbon Knoteur 2-in-1 Treatment.

“Hair masks are very important if you have very highlighted hair and extensions,” adds Carollo. “Olaplex is a fan favorite. Putting a little leave-in conditioner on the ends of your hair will keep the extensions from looking brittle. Avoid putting it on at the roots, as you don’t want to invite greasy products to loosen wefts/ties.”

For styling oils, Kim likes Kerastase Resistance Serum, Dae Prickly Pear Oil, and Virtue Leave-in Conditioner.