Mondays with Mindy: Hair Extensions

Think your hair is too short, fine, or thin for a certain wedding day look? Think again! Hair extensions are an easy and affordable solution for any of these issues. Most celebrities use extensions for both fullness and extra length. Here's what to look for when purchasing hair extensions:

1. 100% Human Hair!! I cannot stress this enough. With human hair, you can literally treat the extensions just like your own hair. You can color, shampoo and condition, curl, straighten, comb, and brush human hair extensions. Also, these are the better option because they resemble the texture of your real hair. With other types of extensions, such as synthetic, the hair will melt if it comes near a curling iron. Think Barbie hair! Synthetic hair is super shiny so they typically stand out and can look "fake". They are also not made to be colored.

2. Clip-in or Weft? Either are fine choices when being pinned into a hairstyle. Weft or "track" are the same as the clip-ins, except they don't have the clips attached to them. Because of this, they are usually cheaper. But if the clips are already sewn on, the extensions typically have more staying power and you can use them over and over again after the wedding!

 Here is a photo of how clip-in extensions are pinned into a section of hair

3. Color.  When searching for extensions, try to match the extensions to your current hair color as closely as possible. Just don't go darker! That way, they can either look like slightly highlighted strands OR if you plan to take them into your salon to have them colored or highlighted, the process will be much easier.

4. Length. How much longer do you need your hair? Are you looking for actual length or is volume and fullness what you're after? Keep in mind the length will shrink once curled, just like your own hair. Also, remember, the closer the extensions are to your natural length, the more realistic they will look!

This is a great reference tool that shows you where each length of extensions will typically fall.

A photo of yours truly when I had a short bob and added extensions more for fullness than length.

5. Price. Even though your extensions are being used for the most important day of your life, you don't need to break the bank! Good quality clip-in extensions should be within the $80 to $200 range. Brands such as, HairDo by Jessica Simpson are really nice, but you are paying for the name. Keep in mind, you pay more for multi-colored extensions, as well as length. The great thing about clip-in extensions versus more permanent ways of attaching them, is they can be used when you want. If you're going out for a special occasion and you want a different look, pop the extensions in for some wow factor. Also, you can plan on spending upwards of thousands of dollars for non-clip-in extensions!!

Once you purchase your extensions, be sure to bring them in during your wedding trial run appointment with your hair stylist. This way you can get a visual of your wedding day look and get any recommendations your stylist may have on how to care for your extensions and whether they need to be colored for a better match!

Happy pinning! XOXO Mindy