Hair Extensions Frequently Asked Questions

What are hair extensions?

Let’s start with the absolute basics: hair extensions are pieces of hair that attach to bio hair (your natural, living hair) to extend hair length. Hair extensions can be used in a variety of ways: to create a magic moment for a bride on her big day, to help cancer survivors show off their strength and resiliency with a look that feels more true to their style, or to empower everyday women by giving them the hair of their dreams. With some training and a little imagination, the creative possibilities are endless.

Hair extensions can be used to enhance natural hair length, add volume, create highlights without using chemical color, add fashion shades without commitment, and allow for frequent hairstyle changes. Hair extensions can also help regrow compromised hair post surgery or from chemotherapy, hide sudden hair loss due to scarring or from alopecia, stress or medications, and – best of all – they can be an undeniable boost of confidence to whomever needs it.

What is Remy hair?

Remy hair refers to high-quality human hair where each strand is meticulously sourced with cuticles intact and aligned in the same direction from root to tip. This alignment prevents tangling and ensures a natural look and feel, luxurious quality and natural flow that blends seamlessly with your hair, giving you a flawless, polished look every time. Remy hair is often considered the best option for hair extensions and wigs because it maintains its smoothness, shine, and longevity. The hair is carefully collected, usually from a single donor, to preserve its natural state.

Do hair extensions damage hair?

Great quality hair extensions, when applied safely and properly, DO NOT damage your hair. Proper tools and application, coupled with diligent home care and maintenance, means your natural hair can grow in healthier and never break. At Extology, we have utilized hair extensions to grow out post-chemo hair as well as chemically or color-damaged hair. Everything we choose to work with is chosen with your hair health as our priority.

Hair extensions can cause damage if the extensions are not properly customized for your individual needs, or if the quality of the hair does not allow for healthy hair growth. This can occur if:

• The hair extensions are too heavy, too thick or too tight.
• There is not enough hair to support the weight of the (incorrectly-sized) attachment, which can cause the hair to rip out of the hair follicle.
• The hair is crimped too tight and strands eventually break underneath the wrong bond material.
• The attachment is not sealed tight enough or the adhesive was not fully removed when new adhesive was added for replacement, which can cause mold to grow on your hair underneath under the bond.

Can hair extensions be applied to post-chemotherapy hair growth?

Yes, hair extensions can be applied to post chemo hair! Some methods of hair extension are a great choice for growing out unruly post-chemotherapy hair ringlets, as long as the new post chemo growth is at least 1.5 to 2 inches in length. Thicker or higher density hair requires longer lengths for the most natural blended application.

What are the most common methods of hair extension application?

There’s numerous methods of attachment for hair extensions, as well as a variety of brands that sell extensions, all of which vary in quality, safety and ethics. The most popular methods of attachment in recent years have been:

• Individual Strand-By-Strand Extensions: These come in various forms: I-tip, bead, K-tip, u or nail tip, flat tip, micro links, nano-rings, shrink-links, Brazilian knots and Keratin pre-tipped extensions. All these forms have various tools for application – from laser to glue guns – as well as various heat temperature methods.
• Tape-in Extensions / Skin Weft: This category is pretty straight forward, but the major variations are in the size (height, width and thickness) of the top portion of each section of extension, and the quality of the adhesive used to “sandwich” your hair in-between the tapes.
• Hand Tied Wefts / Natural Beaded Rows / Sew-in / Braided / Glued-in Tracks / Waved Wefts: The weft method of hair extensions is the oldest method by far, and was developed and perfected with incredible braiding skills in Black and ethnic hair salons over the years. More recently, there have been a few innovators who have tweaked and renamed this old school method, and now you can see it all over your Instagram news feed.
• Clip-in Extensions: Like the name suggests, this method uses metal clips that attach to natural hair by bending and crimping the strands in the clip. These extensions come in various sizes and lengths as well as various styles (bangs, pony tails, etc.).

Are all methods of hair extensions application safe?

All hair extension methods are marketed as being safe, but in our 20+ years of experience, we find that certain methods can cause some serious damage; they have very little room for error during the application process and lots of room for major hair loss. The method of application used must be determined by each person’s natural hair strength, density, scalp condition, longevity of wear, lifestyle and so much more.

What methods of hair extensions application does Extology Salon offer?

After 20+ years of research, trial and error, working with and being certified in at least 25 different brands of extensions, and experimenting with almost all of the methods on ourselves and our hair over the years – we choose to work with only a few brands: Great Lengths pre-tipped keratin bond extensions, SHE Professionals keratin bond extensions, Hairtalk tape-in extensions, Platinum Seamless tape-in extensions, and HaloCouture tape-in extensions. We have found that these methods are the most tried and true (for reasons we’ve outlined below), while the brands themselves are simply unmatched in terms of consistently providing a product that is soft, safe, luxurious, and completely customizable.

Great Lengths pre-tipped keratin bonds allow us to customize the size of the bonds to accommodate any hair thickness and density. This premium strand-by-strand application is made with a patented co-polymeric compound whose molecular structure resembles very closely the structure and behavior of human hair: expanding when exposed to water, and contracting upon drying. The keratin moves and behaves like your own hair ensuring a gentle yet strong hold without damage.

SHE Professional hair extensions stand out in the world of luxury hair extensions with their diverse range of textures, including both wavy and curly options – something not commonly found on the market. These textures allow us to seamlessly match our clients’ natural hair, making it easier than ever to enhance or embrace curls without compromising on style or quality. Made from 100% Remy human hair and applied with advanced keratin bond technology, SHE extensions provide a secure, gentle hold.

Each variation of Hairtalk tape-in extensions is designed to cater to different hair types, styling needs, and preferences while maintaining the brand’s signature quality, comfort, and natural appearance. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:

• Hairtalk Original: The go-to for anyone looking to add length, volume, or color without damage. These are the standard tape-in extensions made with 100% Remy human hair, they’re designed to be lightweight, luxurious, and blend seamlessly with your natural hair, giving you that effortlessly gorgeous natural look and feel. Full coverage for clients with normal to thick hair.
• Hairtalk Pro: Take customization to the next level! These are designed for clients who want the ultimate in flexibility, allowing for endless styling possibilities. The Pro line is a A cross between Original and patented Plus Extensions. Top quality 100% Remy cuticle-on human hair, and features ultra-thin tape that offers a longer wear time and stronger hold, limits the visibility of the adhesive band and provides full coverage with a more hidden blend.
• Hairtalk Plus: If you have fine or thinning hair, Hairtalk Plus is a game changer. With a unique invisible tape that mimics natural hair growth, Remy human hair is hand sewn into the adhesive tape using a fine needle, these extensions give you a completely undetectable finish, perfect for flexible styling and a flawless, natural appearance.
• Hairtalk Petite: Designed with smaller adhesive strips, Hairtalk Petite is perfect for clients with finer hair who need precision and a delicate application. They’re ideal for creating a seamless look tricky spots where a little extra care is needed and allow for a better fit along the hairline or in hard-to-reach areas.
• Hairtalk Mini Strands: These smaller sections of hair are perfect for filling in areas that need a bit more density, like around the face or part line. Designed to lay completely undetectable in the temple, fringe, and parietal ridge, and are ideal for adding subtle volume in all the right places while keeping everything looking totally natural.
• Hairtalk Colormelts: Love the idea of gorgeous dimensional color without the commitment? Hairtalk Colormelts offer beautiful, blended color effect without any dye or chemical processing. The ombré-like transition between colors makes them perfect for clients looking to achieve dimensional color effortlessly.
• Hairtalk Platinum Blonde & Fantasy Colors: Want to go bold? Hairtalk’s range of platinum blondes and vibrant fantasy colors lets you have fun with your hair while keeping it healthy and damage-free.

Platinum Seamless tape-ins are made with smoothest, thinnest and most comfortable adhesive gel attachments on the market. Their unique .25 inch height attachment, which is commonly 50% smaller than most other tape-in extensions, create a super thin and skin like attachment. This allows for the most maneuverability and zero tension, so you can wear your hair up, down or however you want to — without the limitations of the bulky thick brick like tapes from other brands.

Can I use heat styling tools on my extensions?

Yes absolutely! Top quality hair extensions can be blow dried, curled and flat ironed with proper hot styling tools and approved hair care products.

If I can’t blow dry and style the hair extensions, will they ruin my hair?

Definitely not! If you are the boho type and prefer the tousled hair look, hair extensions can always be left to air dry in the most perfect wave or curl. The only contingency is that you MUST make sure the bonds and the roots are never left damp for long periods of time, and never allow the roots and bonds to become tangled. This will cause damage and shorten the wear of the extensions. (Don’t worry, you can still swim with extensions – see below for that question!)

If you prefer perfectly styled hair, we can always teach you how to style with your new hair extensions. Simply schedule an appointment for a long blow dry, bring the brushes and tools you have (or we can provide them for you!), and we will go through styling step-by-step with you until you feel like a total hair pro. You can also of course always schedule regular blowouts with us, which means you’ll never have to style your hair at all!

Can I use any hair brush with my extensions?

Certain hair tools are extension no-no’s: you shouldn’t use combs of any kind, or hair brushes with balls on the end of the bristles. Your take-home kit includes a special hair extensions paddle brush, which can be used on your extensions.

What are the best hair products for my extensions?

We have handpicked hair products specifically to ensure the safety of your own hair and the longevity of your hair extensions. Talk to your Extologist about what comes in your take-home products and what they recommend for you — since every set of extensions is unique, just like you!

How often should I wash my hair at home?

After your application appointment and depending on the method of extensions used, we recommend waiting 24 to 48 hours before washing your hair at home. We do not recommend washing your hair everyday, and the ideal time frame should be every 2 to 4 days, or if your hair feels oily or dirty.

Can I use a leave-in deep conditioner with hair extensions?

Any hair treatments should be done by a hair extension specialist, otherwise the treatment may ruin the integrity of the hair extension bond or gel adhesive and diminish the longevity of the hair extensions in your head.

I am an active person; are extensions for me?

Yes! Extensions can be for you if you’re active as long as you’re taking care of them while you are enjoying that sporty life. Make sure your hair is up in a ponytail, bun, or braid, and rinse out your hair after any activity to remove any sweat/oils/dirt to prevent any slipping or damage to the bonds or gel adhesive.

Can I swim or workout with extensions?

Yes! As long as you follow the recommended care and proper maintenance instructions (provided to you at the end of your application appointment), you can absolutely participate in physical activity in and out of water.

Can hair extensions be colored?

Yes, quality hair extensions can be darkened, glossed, or low-lighted, but cannot be lightened. Always have your color professionally applied to ensure both your natural hair and extensions are protected.

Can I color my hair after getting extensions?

Yes, you can have your hair colored by a professional colorist who knows how to work with hair extensions. You can not color your own hair with extensions at home because the box color will damage your hair extensions (plus we wouldn’t recommend box color as it will damage your own hair, too!).

I have curly hair – are there curly hair extensions that would match my curl texture and pattern?

Yes!!! Curly hair extensions do exist!! Luxury hair extensions come in an endless array of textures, colors, lengths, ombre, rooted and so much more — and all of the colors and lengths can be custom designed to match any curl pattern, even more than one per single head to keep things looking totally natural. We know (and you know!) that no one has just one curl pattern in those ringlet heads. The curls that extensions can achieve are so amazing… No one will know they aren’t yours!

Do hair extensions shed?

Yes, it is perfectly normal for hair extensions to shed, just like your natural hair. You won’t notice a difference in your look.

How long do extensions last?

Hair extensions can last anywhere from 4 weeks to 6 months. This all depends on a variety of factors:

• Method of application
• Thickness of your own natural/bio hair
• Health of your own hair
• How much you sweat or workout
• How oily your hair gets
• How often you wash your hair
• How much you style it
• How fast your own natural/bio hair grows

Is my natural hair too short for hair extension application?

Your hair can be short, but has to be long enough to cover the keratin bond or tape-in extension adhesive — approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in length, depending on your hair density.

Can I tie my hair back?

Certainly! If the hair extensions are applied properly, you can absolutely wear your hair in a ponytail and even a high bun — with no evidence of the extensions showing. You’ll even get some traceless hair ties as part of your take-home package during your initial extensions application appointment.

Can I buy just the hair extensions at your salon?

You can only purchase clip-in extensions, hair pieces, wigs, ponytails and bangs at our salon. All other hair extension methods are custom ordered for each client to be applied at our salon by one of our Extologists, and can not be sold separately to any client. Please keep in mind that we do not stock or keep any inventory on hand.

Can I bring my own hair extensions?

Because we cannot guarantee the integrity of any other hair extension manufacturer, we only work with and custom order top of the-line hair extension brands that we have handpicked after years of research, education, certification and experience. We only work with hair extensions that we trust and stand behind as a brand.

How are hair extensions removed?

If you would like to remove your hair extensions, please contact us and schedule your extensions removal appointment.

How can I remove my own hair extensions?

We can’t stress this enough—please don’t attempt to remove your own hair extensions. Doing so can lead to serious damage to your natural hair. To keep your hair healthy and intact, we highly recommend scheduling a professional removal. Even if your extensions were applied at another salon and you’re not getting a new set with us, we’re happy to help. Let us take care of the removal and make sure your hair is looking its healthiest and shiniest post-extensions.

How much do hair extensions cost?

For luxury 100% human hair extensions and a premium application by an extensions specialist, some ballpark extension pricing are below:

• Reconstructive: For hair loss related to hormones, medications, autoimmune conditions, or stress. $2,000 to $4,000+
• Transformation: Total hair makeover for fullness, volume and length. $4,500 to $8,000+
• Enhancement: For fullness and volume without added length. $2,000 to $3,000+
• Renewal: For reclaiming your look post chemotherapy related hair loss. $2,000 to $12,000+

Want to know exactly what you’re getting? We’ve broken down everything that’s included in your initial extensions application so you can feel confident from the start.

How long does extension application take?

The timing of the application varies depending on the method used during your appointment and how much hair is being applied. The average timing for a full head application for length and volume can be anywhere from 3 to 8 hours. If you are in for reconstructive hair extensions (meaning, a major transformation, like from a pixie cut to mermaid-length hair), the appointment time can range from 8 hours to 16+ hours, which would be done over the course of multiple days.

How do I schedule a hair extensions consultation?

To begin your hair journey, head over to our Appointments page, select the best date and time that suits you, and we’ll take it from there. We look forward to meeting you!