Hair extensions might be the easiest way to make you look younger

If you are suffering from hair loss, rest assured, you are not alone. This cosmetic problem affects more than 50% of women during their lifetime. “Stress, hormonal imbalances, disease, medications, aging, genetics, [and] more can trigger hair loss,” says Great Lengths expert and stylist Lyndsay Maderis. “Heat damage, chemical and environmental damage, or hairstyles that pull can also create thinning.”

Hair loss and general thinning can be difficult to reverse (but not impossible!). That said, there is an easy way to get longer, thicker hair while you wait for those biotin supplements to kick in: hair extensions.

If you’re unfamiliar with extensions, don’t worry. Here we detail everything there is to know about these magical beauty products, from the different options available to all the best maintenance tips.

What are hair extensions?

“Extensions are strands of hair, synthetic or real, that can be attached to your own hair,” Maderis explains. These extensions help add length and volume to your locks, giving you a naturally fuller look.

Real human hair, which is used in all Great Lengths hair extensions, is considered superior to synthetic extensions. Not only do they look and feel more natural, they can also be styled with heat tools (synthetic hair will melt under too much heat), and they can be professionally colored or permed.

According to Maderis, there are also many different attachment methods. “There are temporary options like clips and halos, [and] more permanent solutions like tapes, stitching and fusing,” she says. “Extensions can be added to fill only the necessary areas or to fill everything.” During your consultation, your stylist will help you determine which extensions are best suited to your needs.

Who is a good candidate for hair extensions?

Good news: If you have healthy hair, you’re probably a good candidate for extensions. There are, however, a few exceptions. First of all, those with hair less than 5cm long will not be able to use extensions. Additionally, those with excessively brittle hair and those with certain medical conditions may not be able to try the procedure either.

What is the process of getting hair extensions?

It is important to seek out a professional who specializes in hair extensions rather than buying or applying them yourself. A consultation with a professional who specializes in hair extensions will provide you with the information you need to determine which method and type of extensions would work best for your hair type, condition, lifestyle and desired result. Also be sure to ask the cosmetologist what kind of training and certification they have, as well as review examples of their extension work to make sure it is well suited for the desired result.

How to maintain your hair extensions?

Once you’ve invested in hair extensions, you’ll want to take good care of them to ensure the longevity of your investment. Since Great Lengths hair extensions are made from human hair, your maintenance routine will mimic what you already do for your own hair.

That said, there are a few things to note: you can wash your hair less frequently, your extensions should always be completely dry after washing, and you’ll likely need to brush your hair more often than usual.

Do hair extensions offer other cosmetic benefits?

Since hair naturally thins with age, adding hair extensions can actually make you look younger. “By restoring the volume, you instantly bring back [a youthful appearance]— faster than Botox! Maderis said.

Additionally, hair loss and thinning hair is often a shocking experience that can have a major impact on self-esteem, so many women who add extensions to their routine report a boost in confidence. Talk about a win-win.

The bottom line

Ultimately, hair extensions can dramatically change your appearance. Whether you’re craving longer locks or just want the same volume you had years ago, hair extensions are an easy way to instantly achieve the look you want. If you want to try them out yourself, you can find Great Lengths certified stylists by zip code on their stylist finder on the Great Lengths website.