True Story: I Have Hair Extensions (and you should know the truth!)

It's likely you've heard a lot about Hair Extensions lately, and hopefully you've heard that they are now offered locally in Butler, PA at Secrets of Hairdesign***.

What you probably haven't heard anywhere is the nitty, gritty details of what it's like to actually wear extensions, care for them, and so on and so forth. So, as always, Beautiful Diction is bringing you just what you want... a behind-the-scenes look at what you can expect with hair extensions. The greatness of instant hair, and the truth about caring for extensions is at your finger tips, so sit back and read on...

Why am I qualified to clue you in on the truth about extensions? Well, I have what feels like 10 pounds of extensions attached to my pretty little strands, and quite frankly, I'm lovin' it!

Moreover, I’ve done it all. When it comes to hair, that is.

I’ve tried a few styles/colors...

· Tri-colored layers in red, black and blonde
· All-over-color, from summer-bleached-blonde, to a soft-brunette
· Chin-length, precision cut
· Ultra short and shaved in the back
· Fuchsia…enough said
· Long, non-dyed, no bangs
· Medium length, highlighted with bangs
· Highlighted/low-lighted, multi-dimensional color, from chocolate to platinum, and everything in between
· Blunt bob with bangs
· Layered bob with no bangs
· Bob with low-lights
· Clip-in extensions
· Blunt shoulder-length
· Layered shoulder length
· Razored, layered, shaved
· Ponytail, half-up, pinned-up, buns, braids, cornrows
· Curly, straight, messy and neat


So, what’s left to try after all of that? Well, not much, but you can bet when the opportunity arises to “change it up a bit,” I come running.


When Secrets of Hairdesign brought in Hair Extensions*** as a new service, I jumped right on it. Literally, days after bringing in the service, I had my hair ordered and my appointment made. The process was seamless:

· Set up a consultation to determine what texture/color is best for you.
· Choose the color/style that your stylist and you agree upon, order your wefts, and wait for the hair to arrive.
· Make an appointment for a mere hour or so time slot, and in less than two hours you have a whole new head of hot, hot hair!

Now, with all of that said, one thing I didn’t think about was life AFTER extensions. Yes, that’s right—this is life altering, people. muahaha The extension process was incredibly easy—Katie (Extension Specialist) knew exactly what she was doing and had the extensions placed beautifully, and finished it off with a nice cut to blend the new hair with my hair.

The Honest Truth Part: My head was indeed sore for a few days/nights due to the added weight or hair and strong-hold of the adhesive to my strands. As aforementioned, I’ve worn hair much longer than my extensions, but that was years ago, and it didn’t grow overnight! So, the weight of the added hair took a week or so to get used to--Not to mention I went from uber-short hair, to middle-of-the-back-long-locks--so I tend to become a bit overheated with all of this hair everywhere! :) I forgot what it felt like to have hair touch your neck! Again, this will take some getting-used-to again.

More importantly, it's so crucial that potential-extension-istas (that's my fab word for ladies looking to get extensions to pump up their 'fabulousness') realize that this is not hair you clip in (although, it could be if you're interested in clip-in hair...I was not...that's too much fussing for me!) and go. This hair is adhesive-attached to your strands (no harm done), and needs to be treated with TLC! This means no excessive, abusive brushing of your strands, no hot and steamy showers, and no blistering hot hair drying (like I said, this was life-altering for me). More or less, you need to wash your new locks-of-love in a cool (sort of freezing when you're used to scolding hot showers) water, highly conditioning the strands, but NOT allowing any type of oil or conditioner to hit the base of your head, where your extensions are attached. This means, carefully brushing your hair, and drying just your strands with normal heat, and then patiently blow drying your roots on the cool-setting of your hairdryer. You can't rush perfection, people!

The"greatness" Part: I instantly have the long, grown-out hair that I’ve been waiting on for months now! Everyone loves the look, I love that I got exactly what I wanted (Who doesn't love that?) in just over an hour... Can you say, "Goodbye awkward-growing-out-stage," and "Hello luxurious-full-long-va-va-voom-hair?!" I CAN!


All in all, I absolutely recommend extensions for those interested, not just in adding length to their mane, but also for those looking to add texture, fullness and volume. Whether you want your entire head done, or just a few to add some volume and “oomph,” I recommend you set up a consultation and talk through your options and exactly what you're looking for.

And remember, it’s just hair. Have some fun with it!

B

***Note that Secrets also provides services for those with thin or thinning hair. Call 724-287-0700 to ask about Hair Grafts for those looking for an answer to thin hair, or ask about Hair Extensions for those looking to add length, texture, volume, or fullness. Extensions come in more than 50 colors, lengths and textures, so call today to schedule a consultation to talk about what’s best for you! http://www.secretsofhairdesign.com/hair_extensions