A beginner's guide to hair extensions

Looking for ways to add volume to your hair?

I'll start by saying, I'm not really a hair extensions kind of girl. In fact, I was opposed to them, having seen many poor quality, unnatural looking and bad examples over the years. Having heard all the crazy maintenance stories too, I vowed to never ever get them. Then something unfortunate happened at a hair salon - they accidentally cut all my hair off! It had never happened to me before and I looked like a bad serial killer mug shot! I never realised the impact hair has on your confidence until that day and I kept my pinned hair up for weeks after and entered a terrible stage where I didn't want to leave the house looking the way I did!

When a friend suggested I consider extensions and assured me there were some great ones in the market, I started seriously considering it for the first time. I researched as much as I did while writing my PhD thesis, took the plunge and, honestly, I've never looked back. I'm now on my third set of hair extensions and the thought of going back to thin, limp and lifeless hair is unbearable. I'm officially a convert.
Extensions truly can be hair-changing experience (forgive the pun!), but there are a few things to keep in mind for a glorious mane! Here are my top tips:
. Hair extensions are a personal decision. New hair extension brands seem to launch every week here - so what you use depends on what you're looking for. I've found that it generally comes down to personal choice with a little trial and error along the way. I, personally, found the Keratin bonds work well for me and don't damage my hair. While I didn't like the feel of the tape, I have many friends who prefer tape too!
. Invest in the highest quality extensions you can afford. Good extensions are expensive, but you can save and spend in the right places. With most brands, you pay for the amount of hair you want, so you can make it more affordable by choosing less hair. Three high quality ones I recommend are Beauty Works (these are the Jen Atkins ones), Great Lengths and Mane Luxury.
. Spend time researching the best stylists. So many salons offer extensions, but look for stylists who are qualified and experienced in hair extensions. Most will give you a free consultation, so you can also understand your options and the process, at large. Three to recommend are Rossano Ferretti Hair Spa, Salon Ink and Pastels Salon.
. Your after-care regime will dictate how long your extensions last. So, invest in the right products. Opt for sulfate- and silicone-free shampoos and gently massage your scalp and roots to break up any debris. Follow with conditioner only on the ends as, otherwise, you risk dissolving the adhesion and your extensions can slip out. I use celebrity favourite, Rahua on mine, but it is a bit pricey at Dh235 for shampoo and Dh250 for the conditioner from Harvey Nichols. Hask has a great affordable option for just Dh29 each from leading supermarkets and GlamBeaute.com.
. Invest in the right brush. Many hair extension brands have their own brushes now, but I use the famous Tangle Teaser (Dh72, Sephora and other leading outlets) and it's always served me well.
. Pamper your locks. I've definitely had a lot more blow dries since I've gotten my extensions as I'm not confident about styling my own hair. Blow outs, hot tools and styling products can take a toll on your hair, so it's important to give them some deep conditioning love at least once a week. Apply a hair mask to the ends for about 20 minutes to give your hair a boost of moisture. I like Beauty Works Pearl Nourishing Argan Oil Mask (Dh110, avl at leading spas and salons) but I also love Rene Furterer 5Sens (Dh250, Bin Sina).
. You don't have to avoid hair oils. In fact, it's recommended that you use one at least once a week. Just avoid your roots and the bonds.
. Do pop in and see your hairdresser every 4-6 weeks. This is to have your locks checked and trimmed as it will help maintain them and blend them in with your own hair.
. While working out or swimming, make sure your hair is braided or tied properly. A few people told me it would be difficult to work out with extensions before I had them which worried me. But look after your locks and there will be no problem.
. There are some great clip-in options in the market. If you're not sure about taking a permanent step, give them a try for special occasions. I like Hershesons which start at under Dh100 and are available at Sephora and Namshi.com. Beauty Works also have some great clip-in options.
wknd@khaleejtimes.com