First off, I am so excited for you to take the leap and get hair extensions! Getting hair extensions is a big investment. It’s important to not just ask the basic questions but to ask the right questions to ensure the stylist is the perfect fit for you and your needs.
Second, You may or may not know that I work with women who have gone places to get hair extensions only to realize they weren’t done properly. For this reason, I’ve compiled 12 questions to ask before booking a hair extension appointment with a stylist to help you avoid having to come to see me to fix them.
1. What methods are you certified in?
There are so many different types of hair extension methods today. It doesn’t matter which method of extensions the stylist is certified in. I recommend you only get extensions done by someone who has training in hair extensions.
2. What methods do you do?
This might sound like the same question as above but the answer may be different. Some stylists become certified in multiple methods but may only do one method that they like best. That is totally fine.
If you have thin hair and/or like to put your hair up in high ponytails you will want someone who is certified in a “hidden” “flip” or “invisible” method.
3. How long was your hair extension training?
This may throw the stylist you are asking off. In truth, this is an important question.
For one, some stylists will lie about being certified. They may think it’s not required because it looks easy. Some may not have the money to pay for the training (for this reason it is 100% certain that they will damage your hair). Everyone who becomes certified will have a certification that the stylist can show you (be aware that not all stylists keep their certificates on hand. Like me, I have mine in a binder packed away since I’ve been certified for over 7 years now).
Two, not all hair extension classes are created equal. Some classes are as little as a couple of hours, a couple of days and some may take 3+ weeks with continuing education that can be up to 18 months. Some methods teach online training which is fine but in-person classes will allow the stylist more feedback on learning the method properly.
4. How long have you been working with hair extensions?
Anything under a year of truly specializing in hair extensions (not a stylist who does them periodically) is still learning how to create a beautiful blend of hair extensions with your natural hair.
They are not a bad stylist but take note that the price should be lower than someone who specializes in extensions and has been doing it longer than a year.
5. Do you keep hair in stock?
Not all stylists keep hair in stock. This is an indicator that the stylist doesn’t do a lot of hair extensions or is just starting out. Again, this isn’t a bad thing.
This however will make you pay for the hair upfront. It is going to be a higher price for the hair to accommodate the look you want versus a stylist that has hair in stock.
You also have an 80% chance that the stylist doesn’t order the correct hair colors and/or enough hair to give you the look you are wanting.
6. How long will the extensions last?
There are different qualities of hair extensions. This will be a factor of how long the extensions will last but not the only factor.
The average time frame is 6 to 8 months. If the stylist says one year this is the best-case scenario. If the extensions are of poor quality or you are not following your home care guide tips you may have to change the extensions out every 3-6 months.
Note: It may be recommended to change a few extension pieces versus all of the extensions every three appointments.
7. How much will it cost?
This can only be given once the stylist knows what your hair looks like and what you want it to look like in the end. The stylist may not be able to give you an exact price but should be able to give you an estimate highest price to the lowest price based on your desired look.
I will say the starting price for a first-time installation should be around $1,500 (for 14″ hair extensions for volume) and can go as high as $7,000 (for 24″ hair extensions).
8. What comes with my service?
This is important to know because some stylists don’t color any hair, don’t give haircuts to blend, and don’t explain how to take care of the hair extensions. These are all things that need to happen to get natural-looking hair extensions.
What comes with the initial service will vary from stylist to stylist. As for me, I am all-inclusive.
- In-person consultation
- Hair extensions
- Hair coloring the extensions
- Hair coloring your hair
- Haircut to blend
- Styling
- Hairstyling tips and tricks
- Take home Home Care Kit
- Home Care Maintenance Guide
- Mini Photoshoot
9. How long will the initial appointment take?
It’s important to remember that the first appointment is the longest because of everything that needs to be done.
Expect to be at your appointment for:
- Newly Certified Stylist/Stylist that doesn’t do extensions on a daily 6-8 hours
- Extension Specialist 2-5 hours.
10. How often should I come in for maintenance?
Hair extensions will depend on your hair texture and personal preference. Some people may like it when the hair extensions are grown out for more play of styling others like the feel of being “high and tight” aka feeling secured in place.
Fine/Thin Hair 5-6 weeks
Fine Hair 6-7 weeks
Med/Thick Hair 8 weeks
11. What is the cost of maintenance appointments?
Getting hair extensions is a big commitment. It’s good to know what you are going to be paying every 6-8 weeks. See if you can even keep up with having hair extensions.
12. What is included in the maintenance appointments?
Maintenance services will vary from stylist to stylist. As for me, I am all-inclusive.
- Removal of hair extensions
- Hair coloring the extensions
- Toning hair extensions if needed
- Hair coloring your hair
- Toning natural hair if needed
- Deep treatments for hair extensions
- Deep treatment to your natural hair
- Trimming of the hair if needed
- Hairstyling
- Mini Photoshoot
- Lunch for appointments that are 4+ hours
Bonus: Red Flags
When talking with stylists you may come across some red flags that you and the stylist are not a match to continue forward
- Cheap or inexpensive pricing. This is an indicator that the quality of the hair extension is poor and/or the service will not include everything that is needed to accomplish your goal.
- Extension Model. This isn’t necessarily a red flag per se but something to be aware of. When a stylist says you will get an extension model price (which is usually just the cost of hair) it’s because they are still in training or barely certified and need practice and content. Usually, you can get model pricing if they have done less than 5 hair extension installations. This is great if you are on a budget.
- No need to color your hair. False. To blend hair extensions and your natural hair color will be needed to look natural.
- Not coloring the hair extensions. False. Some stylists aren’t trained in color hair extensions, therefore, don’t see the need to color them. All hair extensions need to be colored a minimum of the roots of the extensions.
- No haircut. Again, haircuts are what blend the whole look together. If your stylist isn’t blending the extensions you will be able to tell you are wearing hair extensions.
- The appointment takes 2 hours or less. If your first appointment is too short of a time frame it means they are skipping steps.
- Having to order hair. This can be a flag only if they don’t order enough hair and multiple hair extension colors. If a stylist says you only need one “bundle” or one color. This is a red flag. Even if you think your hair is one color to look natural you will need a minimum of 2-3 colors.
