The Ultimate Guide to Keratin Hair Extensions

Although I currently have relatively long and thick hair, I lacked the volume and shine that my hair once had, which led me to a new form of extensions – keratin hair extensions. And it turns out they’re not new at all: Celebrity stylists have been using keratin hair extensions for years. Curious? Same. That’s why I called in the experts and found two celebrity stylists who have been attaching keratin hair extensions on our favorite stressed out celebrities for decades. Read on to know the details of keratin hair extensions and if I ended up taking the plunge.

What are Keratin Hair Extensions?

“Keratin hair extensions are individual strands of extensions that are glued to your hair with adhesive or microbeads,” explains Rita Hazan, celebrity hairstylist, colorist and owner of Rita Hazan Salon At New York. They are usually made of real human hair which is usually processed for color. And although keratin hair extensions have only recently entered the public lexicon, the truth is, they’ve been around for eons.

The individual extensions are strategically placed in rows so that they always remain covered by your natural hair. (Yes, even if you’re wearing an elaborate bun or ponytail.)

Depending on your color and texture, some salons will have swatches on hand for the stylist to use for you on the same day, but often salons will ask you to come first so they can order the exact type of hair. extension they will need to match your hair.

Keratin Hair Extensions Compared To Traditional Hair Extensions

While there can be tons of different types of hair extensions on the market, keratin hair extensions are the only ones real the permanent ones.

“The other perms were silicone hair extensions, which, it turns out, aren’t ideal for your hair,” explains Ryan trygstad, celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of Mark & ​​Ryan Lounge At New York. Now, keratin hair extensions are the go-to for movie premieres and red carpets – they’re so common, in fact, that you probably don’t even know your favorite celebrity is wearing them.

Like the types of temporary extensions including tape and clip in extensions, you can air dry, straighten, curl and style keratin hair extensions with heat just like you would with your own hair. (You should absolutely avoid letting them get tangled or “pulled” on them, as the extensions are secured with ties. But other than that, you can style them as usual.)

[Ed note: the above photo features tape-in extensions, but you can get the same result with keratin hair extensions.]

The benefits of keratin hair extensions

Keratin hair extensions are a must-have for celebrity hairstylists for a reason.

“Keratin hair extensions are the least of all evils for your hair, and they require little maintenance,” says Hazan. “They are extremely natural when done correctly and perfect for someone who wants longer, thicker hair.”

Trygstad, whose famous clients include Julianne Moore and Naomi Watts, claims that keratin hair extensions can “literally bring your hair back from the dead.” Whether a client has put their hair to the test or they just haven’t been able to achieve the kind of style they want, keratin hair extensions work like magic.

“You can create something this person could never have had before, or you can put their hair back where it was before you destroyed it,” he says.

The disadvantages of keratin hair extensions

In rare cases, keratin hair extensions can leave your hair looking worse than before.

“Keratin hair extensions can potentially damage your hair,” says Hazan. “Especially if you leave it on for too long, and if you never let your hair breathe and grow without the weight of long extensions.”

They usually last between 3 and 5 months, depending on how you take care of them. They may even start to fall off or come loose, in which case it might be time to go to the salon. (They could potentially last longer than that – Trygstad says “the slower your hair grows and the less you do, the longer the extensions last.) You need to get them removed at a salon – stylists will use special solutions to soak ’em , and tools — so not try for yourself.

In the worst-case scenario, tension alopecia can occur, which is when your hair falls out after the increased tension caused by extensions.

Who is a candidate for keratin hair extensions?

Anybody. Since keratin hair extensions can be ultra-personalized and personalized to match your specific and unique texture, they can work for all hair types. Sure, some people might want to avoid them – we’ll talk about that later – but otherwise it’s a go.

“Extensions are now available in many textures to suit any wave pattern, which is why they look so natural,” says Trygstad. “With dense hair, you may need to add a little more strands to match the texture, whereas with finer hair texture, a little goes a long way because most people just want it. length and a little thick. ”

Having said that, Trygstad tells you to do need at least 4 inches of hair to work with in order to get them. And they may not be for you if you don’t treat your hair well normally.

“If you’re tough on your hair, walk away,” Trygstad says. “If you injure your hair, you will injure the extensions and just cause more damage to your hair all around.”

Although they are low maintenance, you still need to keep them from getting tangled and tangled, which is why it is always a good idea to get a special extension brush, like this one. in Beauty Shen. If that doesn’t sound like something you want to commit to, you might want to reconsider.

The cost

Since keratin hair extensions are pretty much the highest quality extensions you can get, they certainly don’t come cheap.

Depending on the desired result, they can cost anywhere from $ 500 (a “half head” for additional volume and fullness) to $ 3,000 for a full head of extensions. (Sometimes even more than that.)

Again, it depends on what you want, where you are going, and how thick your natural texture is.

Takeaway meals

While I haven’t had keratin extensions this time around, I certainly won’t rule them out in the future, as the older and more my hair gets damaged, the more likely I will want to “bring my hair back.” hair of the dead, “in the words of Trygstad.

The are some drawbacks, but overall keratin hair extensions are an amazing way to get length, volume, and fullness that you could never get on your own. (It doesn’t matter how many thickening and lengthening shampoos you buy, because trust me, I’ve tried them all.) They are relatively safe, gentle on your hair, and look more natural than any other type of extension. on the market.

So, if you have wanted to give your hair a boost, whether it is because of stress or boredom, keratin hair extensions might be just what you are looking for. And your favorites on the red carpet would be absoutely approve.