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?

Anyone who wants to add volume, length, or fullness to their hair can consider getting hair extensions. Some good candidates include people with: 
  • 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 

Lost In Love Photography

Who Shouldn't Get Hair Extensions?

Like with every beauty treatment, there are parameters for success, and when it comes to extensions, starting with healthy hair and a healthy scalp is one of them. Fragile and brittle hair tends to break with too much force, and the added weight of faux hair can negatively affect your tresses if you're not careful. One of the best pieces of advice we can give is to book a consultation with your hairstylist or an extension specialist who can take an in-depth look at your hair condition and give their recommendations.

Perry Vaile Photography

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.

Lost In Love Photography

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

Also known as micro bead extensions, this process involves tiny wefts of hair attached to natural hair by a small silicone-lined bead. Because they require no glue or heat to apply, if done correctly, loop extensions can be relatively healthy for your hair and generally last up to 4 months. The only downside is that they're not a great choice for brides starting with hair on the thinner or lighter side, as the rings might be visible.

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.

Through The Glass Paris Photography

Average Cost

The price of hair extensions varies depending on the style you're getting, the quality of hair used, and the length of application time. It shouldn't come as a shock that sew-ins, keratin bonds, and micro ring extensions have a much higher price than clip or tape-ins. Your salon might not be able to tell you exact prices until you have had the actual hair extensions put in, but they should at least be able to give you a range of what to expect.
  • 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.
- Gráinne