One of the biggest beauty trends of the last few years, thanks in part to successful hair extension Instagrammers and big-name bloggers and celebs, is thick and luscious mermaid hair. To achieve our ~long hair don’t care~ goals, many of us turned to clip-in extensions, which can be more of a headache (literally) than they’re worth. I would often wear my clip-ins for blog shoots or special occasions, but I was always curious about a more permanent option.
Just like lash extensions, which I love, the idea of getting precious minutes back in my morning routine sounded pretty tempting. Not to mention my wedding was coming up and I absolutely loved the idea of a little enhancement on my wedding day and the surrounding events. So when I heard that my go-to fairy hair godmothers at Smitten Salon had started offering the service, I knew it was finally time to give it a try.
The lovely Melia at Smitten Salon specializes in tape-in, i-tip, and one-step weft hair extensions. The type of extensions Melia applies depends on each client’s hair, and we ended up going with the one-step weft variation due to my medium-thick hair. The beaded track technique allows for fast application and a nice full look, and unlike fully sewing several pounds of hair to your scalp, these won’t lead to significant damage to your hair!
The Process
After discussing my options with my Smitten girls, I made an appointment for a consultation with Melia. All clients interested in getting extensions to receive a free consult appointment to discuss what they’re envisioning for their hair, as well as to color match. My goal was fuller hair with a little bit of extra length (my natural hair is only about 1-2 inches shorter), so we decided to order two packs of hair, knowing we may only use one, one and a half, or both packs. A couple weeks later I came in for my appointment, and we ended up only using one pack since I didn’t want a *huge* change in volume. The whole process only took about an hour, and then about 30 additional minutes for styling. This will all differ based on your hair type and your specific extensions goals.
Pain Level
For those of you who asked if the installation hurt, it actually wasn’t bad at all! But I don’t really have a sensitive scalp, so if you do, you might not appreciate the slight tugging and pressure close to your scalp. It definitely does get more tender as the day goes on, so Melia prescribes some ibuprofen and plenty of wine 😉 I wasn’t too bothered by it until bedtime, and at that point, tbh it was pretty uncomfy trying to go to sleep. The next day or two I felt a little sore, but honestly gazing at my gorgeous new locks basically made that feeling disappear. That, and the wine, of course.
Rates
As for the price, that also varies by type of extension and each client’s hair type. I will say it is definitely an investment and something you have to be committed to/save for, just like budgeting for lash extensions or Botox! If it’s helpful to have some kind of ballpark figure, the extensions start around $150 and the installation is an hourly rate determined at your consult appointment. All said and done, you’ll be looking at well over the cost of a full cut and color, in some cases at least double. Your extensions will need to be moved up every 8 to 10 weeks or so, but only at a fraction of the hourly rate. Installation and adjustment rates do not include gratuity for your stylist, so that will need to be factored in as well.
Caring for Extensions
Just like your real hair, your extensions can last you as long as you’re taking proper care of them. This means brushing through your hair at least twice a day, weekly hair masks (Melia recommended coconut oil for a budget-friendly option!), heat protectant spray before styling, and sleeping with your hair in a braid to prevent damage. I also limit blow-drying as much as possible! I’m noticing a couple of split ends after 10 weeks, so I may also request a small trim at my next appointment. If I keep up with this haircare regimen, my extensions should last me at least a year – but I’ll most likely try to make them last well past that!
Living with Extensions
The extra thickness, added weight, and feeling of the wefts can certainly take a little getting used to, especially if you easily tire of things like false lashes and clip-in extensions. After the first couple days of feeling a little sore, I noticed myself touching and twirling my new hair whenever I got the chance. But after a week or two, I totally forgot I had extensions in. Post washing a few times, your extensions start to take the form of your natural hair (crazy!) so mine eventually got a little wave and started to hold their curl like a champ. “I woke up like this” has never been more accurate – all I have to do most mornings after hopping out of bed is a quick brush through my hair and I’m good to go! Updo days are also just as simple, because the wefts can actually turn upside down right against your scalp for easy (and fuller than ever!) high ponies. The only cons? For me, showering and blow-drying/air-drying are my least favorite parts because it is a lot of hair to manage, but all the more reason to utilize the dry shampoo and extend my time between washes, am I right?
All in all, I’m SO glad I finally tried extensions. My wedding was really the push I needed, and it was incredibly nice having easy gorgeous hair for my big day and all the events surrounding it. Now that they’re in, I never want to take them out!
If you’d like to try extensions for yourself, Smitten Salon has been sweet enough to offer my followers $100 off installation with Melia! Please mention CHLOANDTELL when you call to make your appointment. Let me know if you have any other questions!
As many of you know, I already work with Smitten for my color appointments, so I thought this would be a perfect collaboration opportunity. Full disclosure, I received my extensions on a trade basis. However, as always, all opinions are my own!
Wedding Photo: Ashley Boyan
