One of the best inventions since SPF foundation, hair extensions are the secret to achieving your dream bridal-do. Whether you have thin hair that you're looking to bulk up, short hair that you want to lengthen, or are just in the mood to switch up your hairstyle for your wedding day without the commitment of a more permanent change, hair extensions are a great choice!
We've broken down everything you need to know about picking the perfect faux hair for your wedding day!
Who Should Get Hair Extensions?
- Thin or fine hair
- Hair that's not damaged, dry, or overprocessed
- Short hair, but they want it longer for a special occasion.
- Long hair, but they want more volume.
- Hair that's limp or lifeless
Who Shouldn't Get Hair Extensions?
When to Get Hair Extensions
If we're being totally honest, a few weeks after you get engaged, you should start thinking about hair extensions. Not only do you have to give your hairdresser ample time to get the perfect colour and texture match, but you also need to get your hair into a healthy enough position to hold the added locks.
Types of Extensions
Hair extensions come in all different shapes and sizes depending on the required styles and longevity.
Clip-In
One of the most popular styles for single-day use, clip-in extensions are easy to apply and comfortable to wear, making them an excellent choice for a first-time extension user. They can easily be removed at any time and are the least damaging, as they don’t require the addition of chemicals or other harsh solutions to secure the faux hair; you sandwich the root of your hair between the combs and clip them together!
Tape-In
Tape-ins are another great short-term alternative for brides. They are attached to the scalp using a strong adhesive, with your natural hair sandwiched in between the extension pieces. They are generally pretty easy to put in and don’t typically damage the hair when done correctly.
Sew-In
Sew-in hair/weave hair is applied by braiding the natural hair into cornrows first, then using a needle and thread to sew the weave into the braid or cornrow. The application process is a lot longer (several hours), and the hair often strains the scalp and can feel very heavy or uncomfortable, which is also why it doesn’t work well with thin or lighter hair. This type of hair extension is popular because it’s the most permanent and seamless, as it is sewn into your hair and cannot come off.
Keratin Bonds
Keratin hair extensions are semi-permanent; single strands of extensions are attached to the roots of natural hair using heat and adhesive keratin resin. Of all the styles on the list, this is one of the most important to have done by a professional; improper application can lead to scalp burns and hair damage. But when applied properly, they tend to cause less damage and can last longer than other types. Ideal for fine hair, these extensions can be worn for two to four months.
Micro Rings/Loops
Colouring & Styling
Finding the perfect colour match is critical to a seamless transition between your natural tresses and the additional wefts. Consult your colourist and stylist, and give everyone ample time to perfect the look.
The styling and colour treatments you can apply to your hair extensions depend on whether you've chosen human or synthetic hair. Human hair extensions can be treated just like your own natural hair (because it essentially is); this is one of the reasons why human hair has a much higher price point. Synthetic hair, conversely, cannot be styled the same way as real hair because heat can damage it. Curling irons, straighteners, and blow dryers are no-gos, as they will melt or severely damage the hair. Colouring the hair is also very difficult as the ammonia used in most hair dye will destroy the plastic fibres. Finding the best possible match from the jump is vital if you plan on wearing synthetic hair.
Average Cost
- Clip-ins: Clip-in hair extensions typically cost €50 to €300, depending on the length and quality of the hair.
- Tape-ins: Tape-in extensions usually cost between €150 and €600, including fitting, though this depends on the amount of hair being braided and the quality of the extensions.
- Sew-ins: Sew-in extension prices generally range from €300 to €1000, including fitting, though this depends on the amount of wefts and the quality of hair.
- Keratin Bonds: Keratin bond extension prices generally range from €200 to €1000, including fitting.
- Micro Rings: Micro Ring extension prices generally range from €200 to €1000, including fitting.