Your Complete Guide to Hair Extensions

Hair, Make Up & Beauty, Planning & Advice
hair-extensions-wedding

Bridal hair trends come and go, but one thing always stays the same – up or down, the hair must be full, luscious and shiny. So, what’s a girl to do when her hair in a bun resembles not a donut, but a limp noodle? Hair extensions, of course!

We’re all about giving you good, practical advice, here at WOL. So, we’ve asked Cathy McNulty, professional bridal hair stylist and long hair specialist, to share her wisdom – is it yes or no to wedding hair extensions?

Many words have been written for and against hair extensions. Every now and then, gossip magazines show us photos of celebs’ heads with bald patches, or with hair pulled back and extensions clearly visible – it’s not a good look on anyone. Sure, most of us would go a long way to get that swishy mane, but the real question is – is it for you? We say, for a one-off occasion – yes. But for everyday wear – it’s not for everyone. Cosmopolitan magazine once described the feeling of wearing hair extensions as similar to being subtly strangled by your turtleneck. Or, if you’re a hair-fiddler, can you imagine accidentally pulling one out at the least suitable moment? Best not to think about it.

Here’s a brief overview of your hair extensions options:

Clip-ins – the most widely used temporary method, easy to put in and take out, very little damage if used sparingly.

Glued – these are affixed with glue or resin and heat, and have a guaranteed life of up to three months. There may be a reaction to the type of glue used, so don’t go for the cheapest option, just in case. With glue, hair which breaks off over time has nowhere to go, so there’s quite a lot of shedding when the extensions come out. Removal involves a dissolving agent. More care is needed when washing and styling to avoid dissolving the glue yourself.

Micro-ring beaded – these have the longest life-span when cared for correctly, with guaranteed life of up to three months – but may last as many as six, this is usually determined by the rate of hair growth. There are no chemicals involved in application.

Weave – not suitable for people with thin hair, as may be too visible once applied. The method involves braiding under hair, then a weft of hair sewn onto it. This method isn’t suitable for fine hair, and should be removed after two-three months max.

Sew-in yourself – there are a few options in these, from thin single strands to rows. Putting them in takes quite a bit of practice, but there are plenty of tutorials online. However, we don’t advise doing it for your wedding, as you may not be happy with the results.

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Image courtesy of girliehairstyle.com

Most hair extensions involve a lengthy application process (as many as four hours for some!), and of course the expense of purchasing them first, then having them applied. The initial cost greatly depends on what type you buy – there are synthetics and real hair options, and they all vary in quality too. In this case, it really pays to spend more. However, all hair extensions eventually end up looking dull and faded, and will require replacing – thus, extra costs. However, the cost of buying premium quality is offset by less frequent re-applications, and less time spent styling and maintaining.

In light of all this, is it worth it just for your wedding day? Cathy says, ‘Absolutely yes! Clip-in hair extensions are ideal for a one-off occasion. Aside from the obvious instant benefits of amazing extra body and volume, you’ll get added colour, length and an overall new look with minimum fuss when putting it in and taking it out again. And if treated well, clip-ins can be used over and over again.’

What if you already have hair extensions? As long as they’ve been put in correctly, Cathy says, ‘There are many ways to work with existing hair extensions. If you’re thinking about having a full set put in before the wedding, I advise speaking to your stylist first – you may find that the look you have your heart set on may no longer be possible with extensions. If you already have them in, have realistic expectations about what can and can’t be done, and let your stylist make appropriate suggestions. Also, please remember – while extensions can be shaped and cut, they aren’t always compatible with hair colouring.’

‘I’m often asked if anything can be done if existing extensions have seen better days. If at all possible, have them replaced before the wedding, and refresh your overall colour. Just like hair in need of a lot of TLC, damaged extensions are difficult to work with – and you want to look impeccable on your wedding day.’

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Above and main image from 20 Stunning Summer Wedding Hairstyles for Modern Brides

Are there any styles that should be avoided with hair extensions? ‘Obviously, anything that reveals you have them in. That’s why I recommend a consultation well in advance of the wedding day, so there are no disappointments. On the other hand, if you wish to go for temporary clip-ins just for the day, be sure to tell the stylist. They’ll be able to prepare a few styles and show you at the trial how it’ll look. It’s also the perfect opportunity to see if you like the general look of having hair extensions, and whether it’s worth investing in a permanent or semi-permanent full set.’

Cathy also suggests a few practical things to take into consideration. ‘First, extensions can have a dramatic effect on the volume and length of your hair, and this means longer styling time. You should factor this in when planning your wedding-day preparation schedule. Secondly, extensions take some getting used to, so if you’re having a set put in before the wedding, do it well in advance. The scalp takes time to get used to the extra weight, and the usual washing, brushing and styling will now take longer. This applies to temporary wedding day clip-ins too – you’ll be able to tell at the trial how the extra weight feels. If you find the extra fuss and time aren’t for you, there are other methods of making hair thicker. I often create tailored hair pieces or padding to enhance the style – it’s totally discreet and produces the same wonderful results in up-styling.

‘Finally, I’m asked a lot of questions about the suitability of extensions, and whether the water and sun on the honeymoon will do any damage. Just as normal hair reacts to weather, salt water, heat and other factors, so will the hair extensions. The material they’re made from also makes a huge difference. Low-quality synthetic extensions definitely won’t look the same after a week on the beach. In terms of suitability, a very small percentage of people shouldn’t use extensions at all – like those with alopecia, or other types of medical hair loss.’

In short, whatever you’ve decided, you should give yourself a chance to try out hair extensions before the wedding date. Overall the results of extensions are amazing – women fall in love with their new hair and styling possibilities all over again. If you have any questions, ask us in the comments – we’ll be glad to help.