How Do You Get Hair Extensions? (Without Regret or Ruining Your Hair)

So you’re ready to take the plunge — longer hair, fuller braids, big blowouts, the works.
But before you book that appointment or hit "add to cart," there's a real question to answer:
How exactly do you get hair extensions?

Not just "where" — but how the process actually works, what type you should get, and what to expect before, during, and after. Because let’s be honest, it’s not like buying shampoo. Extensions are an investment, and the last thing you want is buyer’s remorse hanging from your scalp.

Let’s walk through the whole thing, like a stylist would if you sat in their chair and said, “Okay… so how does this all work?”

Step 1: Know What Kind of Extensions You Want (and What’s Even Out There)

Hair extensions aren’t one-size-fits-all — and choosing the wrong type for your lifestyle or hair type?
Recipe for regret.

Hair extensions aren’t one-size-fits-all — and choosing the wrong type for your lifestyle or hair type?
Recipe for regret.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Start by asking: How long do I want to wear them? How much daily effort am I willing to give?

Step 2: Choose Your Hair Type – Because Quality Matters

Extensions come in two main types:

1. Human Hair (Remy/Virgin)

Can be washed, colored, curled, straightened
Blends beautifully
Costs more — but worth it

2. Synthetic Hair

Can’t take heat styling
Shiny, stiff, hard to blend
Cheaper upfront, but doesn’t last

If your goal is natural-looking, versatile hair? Go human. No contest.

Step 3: Find a Reputable Stylist or Brand

Let’s be blunt:
A bad install = a nightmare.
Tension, breakage, scalp soreness, or even bald spots can happen if it’s done wrong.

To find the right stylist:

• Look for certified extension specialists

• Check before & afters on Instagram or salon sites

• Ask what brands they work with (Bellami, Great Lengths, Babe, etc.)

• Don’t be shy — ask how many installs they’ve done

• Check reviews like it’s a first date

If you’re going DIY (clip-ins or halo), read real customer reviews, look for color swatch guides, and choose companies that show video tutorials, not just pretty packaging.

Step 4: Get a Consultation First (Seriously, Don’t Skip This)

No stylist worth their shears is going to slap in extensions without a chat first.
Here’s what happens in a consult:

• They look at your natural hair — length, thickness, health

• They color-match your strands

• They ask about your lifestyle and goals

• They explain cost, maintenance, and follow-up appointments

• They help you choose the right method

💡 Pro tip: Bring inspo pics. It helps them see your vision clearly.

Step 5: The Install Day – What to Expect

Depending on the method, installation can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 4+ hours.

Here’s how it breaks down:

Clip-Ins or Halo:

DIY, takes 10–20 minutes at home.
No commitment. Just pop ‘em in and go.

Tape-Ins:

Hair is sandwiched between two adhesive strips and pressed flat.
Painless. Takes about 1–2 hours.

Sew-Ins (Wefts):

Hair is braided, then wefts are sewn in with needle and thread.
Good for thick or textured hair. Install takes 2–3 hours.

Keratin Bonds:

Tiny strands bonded with heat at the root.
Takes 3–5 hours, but lasts months.

Microlinks:

Tiny metal beads crimped to hold strands in place.
Takes 2–4 hours. Reusable with touch-ups.

Step 6: Learn the Aftercare — or Risk Ruining Them

No matter what type you get, extensions come with rules.

You’ll need to:

• Brush gently, with a loop brush or wide-tooth comb

• Wash 2–3x a week max — no scrubbing the roots

• Dry your roots completely after every wash

• Sleep in a braid or silk bonnet

• Avoid oils near bonds/tapes

Invest in sulfate-free shampoo, heat protectant, and a good detangler. These are not optional.

FAQs: How Do You Get Hair Extensions?

1. Do I need long hair to get extensions?
No — but your hair should be at least 4–6 inches long to cover the bonds or tracks. Short hair may need more blending layers.

2. How much do professional extensions cost?
Depends on method and hair quality. Expect:

• Tape-ins: $200–$800

• Keratin bonds: $400–$1,500

• Clip-ins: $80–$300

• Sew-ins: $250–$600
  Install often costs extra.

3. Can I get extensions if my hair is thin or damaged?
Yes — but not every method will work. Tape-ins and halos are gentler. A consultation will help you choose the safest option.

4. How long does it take to get extensions?
Anywhere from 30 minutes (clip-ins) to 5 hours (keratin bonds). Allow time for consult, color match, and care instructions.

5. Can I get extensions colored or cut after installing?
Yes — and you should. Extensions blend best when trimmed and toned by a pro after they’re installed.

Final Thoughts: Getting Extensions Is Easy — If You Do It Right

The truth? Getting hair extensions isn’t hard.
But getting the right extensions, installed safely, that blend seamlessly and make you feel amazing? That takes some thought.

So take your time.
Do your research.
Ask questions.
And remember — good extensions don’t just change your hair.
They change how you walk into a room.