Hair Extensions 101: Everything You Need to Know Before You Book

Thinking about hair extensions but not sure where to start? You’re not alone. Extensions can be a total glow-up or a pricey regret, depending on what you choose and who installs them. This guide breaks it all down so you walk into your appointment informed, confident, and drama-free.

By the end of this article, you’ll know the main types of hair extensions, how long they last, what maintenance really looks like, and how to avoid rookie mistakes before booking with a mobile stylist near me in Portsmouth NH.

What Hair Extensions Actually Are (and Aren’t)

Hair extensions are added strands, real or synthetic, used to increase length, volume, or fullness. They’re not magic, and they’re definitely not one-size-fits-all. The wrong method on the wrong hair type can lead to breakage, thinning, or a look that screams “fake.”

Quality matters more than most people realize. Cheap extensions tangle faster, shed more, and don’t blend well, even when installed by professional hair stylists. Human hair extensions cost more upfront, but they move, style, and age like real hair, because they are.

The Main Types of Hair Extensions

Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common options you’ll hear about during a consultation:

• Tape-in extensions
  Lightweight and discreet, great for fine to medium hair. They lie flat and look natural but require regular maintenance every 6–8 weeks.
• Keratin bond extensions
  Individually bonded for a seamless finish. They last longer but take more time to install and remove.
• Sew-in (weave) extensions
  Ideal for thicker or textured hair. Very secure, but not always comfortable for sensitive scalps.
• Clip-ins
  Temporary and DIY-friendly. Perfect for events, not ideal for daily wear.

Each method has trade-offs. Longevity, comfort, lifestyle, and budget should all factor into your choice.

How Long Extensions Last (and What Ruins Them)

Most extensions last anywhere from 6 weeks to several months, depending on the method and how well you care for them. The biggest extension killers?

• Sleeping with wet hair
• Skipping regular brushing
• Using harsh or cheap hair products
• Heat styling without protection

Maintenance isn’t optional. Extensions need more gentle handling than natural hair, especially at the roots where tension can cause damage if ignored.

What to Ask Before You Book

Before you commit, ask these questions during your consultation:

• What extension method works best for my hair type?
• How often will I need maintenance or reinstallation?
• What daily care routine do you recommend?
• Can I see before-and-after photos of your work?

If a stylist rushes these answers or glosses over maintenance, that’s your cue to walk.

A Quick Real-World Example

One client booked extensions purely based on price and convenience. The stylist installed heavy sew-ins on fine hair with no consultation. Within three weeks, the client experienced scalp soreness and visible breakage near the hairline. After switching to lightweight tape-ins with proper placement and a realistic care plan, the damage stopped and the extensions blended naturally. The difference wasn’t the extensions, it was the expertise and method choice.

Final Thoughts Before You Commit

Hair extensions can be a confidence booster when done right and a headache when done wrong. Take your time, ask smart questions, and don’t chase the cheapest option. The goal isn’t just longer hair, it’s healthy hair that still looks good weeks later.

Book a stylist who prioritizes consultation, customization, and long-term hair health, not just the install.