Deciding whether or not to take the plunge into the world of hair extensions can feel overwhelming to say the least. There are the different types of extensions, the hair quality, color matching, and of course budget to consider. Having had some type of extension in my hair for about 5 years, I thought that I could offer my experience with hair extensions and provide a few tips as well as things that I have learned over the years!
First off, there are several types of hair extensions. I wore clip ins for years, which you can read about here. But last year, I changed over to hand-tied hair extensions with the help of Andrea Suarez of Gilded Salon, which is located in Tampa, Florida. If you want to learn why I switched to this method, you can read my post about that here.
What Is the Hand Tied Method?
Andrea uses the invisible bead method, which essentially means you can’t even see them with your hair up! She ties them into your head with a set of hair that was custom matched and colored to your current or desired hair color. She actually touches up my real hair and my extension hair every visit before she moves them up again!
How Often Do You Have to Move Them Up?
I get my extensions moved up every time I get my hair colored which is between 6-8 weeks.
How Long Does the Hair Last?
I say once a year is a good amount of time before you need to get it replaced. As it is real hair, it can get heat damaged. Plus a new set of hair is always fuller and healthier!
Do Extensions Damage Your Hair?
Yes and no. No in the sense that they can actually protect your hair by avoiding color treatment in certain areas. For example, your extensions cover the bottom layers of your hair. So you only need a full highlight once or twice a year. So this allows for less color treatment damage. But yes, in the sense that anything can damage our hair from our hair brushes, hot tools, and any extra pulling that could cause breakage. I think the biggest offenders to hair damage are hair coloring and hot tools.
Do Hand Tied Extensions Look Natural?
Yes! They are by far the most natural looking extensions I have ever had. Especially the invisible bead method. Andrea also makes sure the color of both your hair and the extension will blend seamlessly together, which is one of the biggest things that help your real hair match the extensions.
Are They Expensive/ Worth it?
The saying, “You get what you pay for,” is definitely true when it comes to hair. Although this method is one of the more pricier options in the hair extension family, they are SO WORTH IT!
How Can I Find a Good Stylist?
Well, if you are in Florida, I highly recommend taking the trip to see Andrea Suarez of Gilded Salon. But if you are not local, I recommend using the Invisible Bead Extensions Stylist Locator on their website to help you find someone near you who specializes in that method!
Hot Tool Favorites
Hair Product Go Tos
Hair Brushes To Have On Hand
Hair Accessories for Fun
Straw Hats for Posing
If you have any other questions or concerns before jumping on the hand tied hair extension train, then feel free to leave me a comment or reach out on my Instagram page! I also have a Beauty Highlight there that I save all of my salon/ hair stories to if you want to check them out.
The Hit List
Thanks for stopping by!
Photography by Kayla Mendez