The Essential Hair Extensions Buyer’s Guide
These days…if you follow the hair stylings of celebrities of Selena Gomez or Beyoncé, the rule of the road when it comes to their hair is: “blink and you’ll miss it”. One minute they're sporting shoulder-length bobs and long, mermaid-like beachy waves the next. Their secret? Hair extensions. Only a decade ago, 87% of women chose to keep their hair extensions a secret from their friends and family. In 2016, extensions are out of the closet…and into the mainstream, giving you the flexibility to change your hairstyle as frequently as you do your wardrobe.
If you are getting ready to take the plunge with hair extensions, here are 5 essential rules to follow to get the most of your hair extension buying experience, how to avoid things that damage them, and how to begin a lifelong LOVE of add-on hair!
Rule #1: Before you buy…STOP and consider your lifestyle
When you first visit PerfectLocks.com, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer amount of options…fear not!
Our most popular, entry-level hair extension is easiest: clip-ins. User-friendly and the ultimate in versatility…you simply clip & go. Ideal if you want value, flexibility in terms of wearability and if you’re not ready for a full commitment to something more permanent that requires greater care like hair fusion extensions.
Tape-ins are the next most popular options, as they are held in place with a strong, invisible premium quality tape that is hidden. They will last from 6 to 8 weeks with proper care and are a great option if you want a look that will last, but not a look that you can’t swap out seasonally. Best of all, they are super budget friendly! They are not ideal if do a lot of physical activities such as yoga, swimming, etc., as excessive and ongoing perspiration or immersion in water can weaken the tape over tape and limit wearability.
Rule #2: Research before you buy! There is a BIG black market for hair extensions…
As important as it is to research the right extensionist if you’re going to go for tape-ins, fusion hair or a weave…it’s equally important to research the company behind the hair. Perfect Locks ONLY sources premium quality 100% human hair ethically from India. Often times hair peddled online is actually real hair mixed in with synthetic or even animal hair. We understand the importance of ethically sourced hair extensions, you should too!
Rule #3: If you DON’T want it to be obvious that you’re sporting fake hair… Splurge.
While synthetic extensions are the most affordable, they tangle easily and have a super high shine, which makes them look obviously unnatural. If you find affordable non-virgin hair, know that it’s been processed-either dyed or treated to change its texture- so it’s actually damaged hair treated with temporary conditioners that wear off quickly. Remy extensions are the highest quality as they are the closest to your real hair, so they’ll hold styles and texture the same way and won’t shed as much as the cheaper options.
Rule #4: Ask yourself…are you ready for the maintenance work?
Just like your natural hair, hair extensions need to be washed and conditioned regularly to keep them from tangling and looking worn in. Fusion and even tape-in extensions are the most durable, but they require brushing, sulfate free shampoo & conditioner and proper care to stay flawless. While clip-ins require the least amount of maintenance, they still require a little love. After each 6th to 8th time wearing them, they should gently washed, combed and conditioned and allowed to air dry on a towel to keep them looking their best.
Rule #5: DON’T stretch your budget and not professionally care for them.
The time frame recommended by your extensionist is golden. Never take extensions meant to be removed every 6 weeks and wear them for 3 months. Doing so not only permanently damages your extension, but also can severely damage your natural hair and/or scalp. Even though clip-ins are the most temporary, even they must be taken out carefully every night to avoid breakage and protect the extensions.
You also need to consider your hair length to get the hair extension that works best for YOU. If you need help in making the right choice, simply pick up the phone…our extension experts are at your disposal.
ESSENTIAL HAIR CARE
Everything You Need to Know Before Buying Extensions
"The extensions market is genuinely overwhelming for first-time buyers. There are hundreds of options, wildly varying quality levels, and pricing that ranges from $30 to $3,000 for what appears to be the same product. The difference between a great first extension experience and a disappointing one almost always comes down to whether the buyer understood what they were choosing and why."
- Priyanka Swamy, Founder of Perfect Locks
The Key Decisions in Order
1. Human hair vs. synthetic: Human hair can be heat styled, washed, and treated like natural hair. It lasts 12-18 months with care. Synthetic hair can't be heat styled (special heat-resistant synthetic can handle low heat), lasts 3-6 months, and costs significantly less. For everyday wear and longevity, human Remy hair is the choice that delivers better value per month of wear despite the higher upfront cost.
2. Method: Your lifestyle determines the right method. Active lifestyle, daily gym, frequent washing? Clip-ins give you flexibility. Want to wake up with your hair done? Semi-permanent tape-ins or hand-tied wefts. Need a special event look without ongoing commitment? Clip-ins or a halo. Budget-conscious and willing to manage more maintenance? Clip-ins are lower cost long-term.
3. Color match: The single most important factor in a natural result. Use our free color match service - send a natural daylight photo and our team identifies the right shade. Don't rely on website photos alone for color selection.
4. Length: Choose based on the style you want to achieve, not the longest option available. Longer extensions require more maintenance and don't always look more natural. A 16-18 inch extension on a person with 12 inches of natural hair creates a believable result. A 24-inch extension on the same person often reads as obviously added.
5. Weight and quantity: More isn't always better. Start with the recommended weight for your hair type and add more if needed. Too much weight on fine hair causes the natural hair to separate around the wefts, making the extensions visible.
Red Flags When Buying Extensions
Prices that seem implausibly low for human hair. Vague sourcing claims without specifics. No return policy. Photos that look heavily filtered or too perfect. Sellers that can't answer specific questions about the hair's origin or processing.
Our clip-in and tape-in extensions come with our free color match consultation, a 30-day return policy, and 20 years of sourcing transparency. When in doubt, reach out before purchasing - our team answers every question personally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I know before buying hair extensions?
The five key decisions: human hair vs. synthetic (human is better long-term value), method (clip-in for flexibility, tape-in or hand-tied for daily wear), color match (use our free service, don't guess), length (match to a believable jump from your natural length), and quantity (start with the recommended amount and add more if needed). Understanding these prevents the most common first-time extension mistakes.
How much should I spend on hair extensions?
Calculate cost per month of wear rather than upfront cost. A $400 set of quality human Remy extensions lasting 18 months costs about $22/month. A $100 set lasting 2 months costs $50/month. Quality extensions are almost always better value despite the higher initial price. For clip-ins, $200-500 for a quality set is typical. For semi-permanent installation, the hair plus labor typically runs $400-2,000 depending on method and location.
What is the most natural-looking type of hair extension?
Hand-tied weft extensions installed by a skilled colorist with precise color matching are generally considered the most natural looking - the thin weft lies flat against the scalp and the multi-tonal color matching creates a result that's genuinely difficult to detect. For removable extensions, seamless clip-ins with their ultra-thin weft base are the most natural-looking option at home.
Author and Founder of Perfect Locks LLC
Priyanka Swamy, the visionary founder of Perfect Locks LLC, is a passionate advocate for empowering women and promoting cultural diversity. With an unwavering commitment to ethical sourcing and quality craftsmanship, she redefined the hair extension market and created a supportive community that celebrates individuality.
Priyanka's dedication to sustainability and social responsibility continues to inspire positive change within the industry. Her journey with Perfect Locks remains an inspiration, unlocking the true potential and confidence of countless individuals worldwide.
