Hair Extension FAQ's

HAIR EXTENSIONS FAQ'S

What are hair extensions used for?
Hair Extensions are most commonly known for adding length to your own hair, but they do also help add extra body to thin hair and can even add colour instead of having your hair dyed.

Are Hair Extensions suitable for me?
Hair Extensions are perfect for most people. However, there could be factors, such as unsuitable current hair condition, hair loss, or hair damage that could prevent extensions from being an option. These factors will be discussed during your consultation.

How long does my hair need to be?
It is recommended that your hair be 3-4 inches for thickening or volume and 4-5 inches for a full lengthening.

Can I brush, curl blow dry and wash my extensions?
Absolutely! This is your new hair. Wash, curl and have fun. Though you can wash everyday you will find that your extensions hair will stay clean and curled for days.

How do I wash them?
Wash the hair in one direction. From top to bottom. Avoid washing hair upside down in the sink. Use shampoos and conditioners that are for dry hair and add the most moisture. Wash hair right after swimming. When brushing your hair, start from the bottom and work your way up while holding the top part to keep it from shedding or stretching.

Do they hurt?                                                                                                                                                                                    NO! If it hurts get out of there! The tension should be even all over your head with no points pulling or hurting. Pulling your hair out is not the idea. You will know you have something on your head for the first day or two and it might even feel slightly uncomfortable to lye on but after that you won't even feel that they are there.

Will the extensions damage my own hair?
Absolutely not. Our Extensions are secured in place using our Monoring system, a tiny metal ring matching your own hair colour is used to secure the extensions and the bonds are undetectable. Unlike other extension systems we use no glues, weaves, waxes, chemicals or heat which will damage your own natural hair.

What's your level of expertise?
We're hair extension specialists - we don't do it as a "sideline" to hairdressing. Melissa Hayward, our top hair extension expert has been in the business for over 7 years and is fully trained in advanced techniques to maximize your new look. She has trained and worked in New York and has 100's of satisfied customers.

Can I wear my hair up?
Of course, the extensions are done in a way that nobody will be able to detect them.

What about going out in the sun or on sunbeds?                                                                   No problem. You can't damage your extensions by going out in the sun or on sunbeds.

What about swimming, going out in the rain etc.?
You can swim, go out in the rain, face a windy day etc. without worry. What's more, when wet, the extensions look and behave just like your real hair.

Will you be able to match the colour of my own hair?
Yes, perfectly. Unlike some, we won't just pull a colour "off the shelf". Choosing from a multitude of colours, we expertly "blend" several together while you wait - just like mixing paints - to get an exact colour match that'll incorporate all the different subtle shifts in shade that may exist in your own hair.

Can I just add highlights?
Yes. This is a very popular application, because no harmful chemicals are used and you can choose colours that your hairdresser might not otherwise recommend - from subtle shifts in shade to striking neon colours. You can also use this risk-free method to judge whether you'd like to take the plunge and go for a permanent colour.

Can I just add volume instead of length?
Yes. Our extensions are perfect for instantly boosting volume, body and bounce and we can dramatically - or gently - enhance fine, limp, flyaway or "lifeless" hair.

Help! I've lost one of my extensions!                                                                            As with any hair extension applcation method, It's completly normal to loose up to about 10 of your single strand extensions (most people only loose 1 or 2) this usually happens in the begining while your extensions are settling or at the end when they are due to come out. Since you have between 75 and 200 single extensions in your hair, loosing a few won't make any difference to your style.

How long will they last?
Our extensions are designed to last around 3 months. This is because they will grow with your own hair, moving further away from the scalp over time. It's important that at this stage the extensions are either removed or replaced, otherwise you run the risk of damaging your own hair.

What if I don't like them?
This doesn't happen very often! However, they are easily removed - by you or us - leaving your hair just as it was before, with no mess, residue or damage.

What happens when it comes to take them out?
You can either remove them or have them removed and replaced on the same day. If you simply remove them, rest assured that your hair will be in perfect condition with no mess, residue or damage. However, you may feel that your hair is thinner because you'll have got used to having so much hair!

Will my new hair feel heavy?
At first you will definitely notice your extra hair. The extra volume may also initially be an enjoyable novelty - but it is surprising how quickly you get used to having a gloriously full head of hair. Our extensions are so closely matched in look and weight to your real hair that, within hours, they start feeling entirely your own.

Is it safe to leave my hair to dry naturally?
Yes, once again, you can treat your extensions just like your own hair. Wet extensions look just as natural and organic as freshly washed hair.

Should I give my hair a rest between extensions?                                                               There is no need if they are properly applied and removed, so your own hair remains undamaged. Most people prefer to have their extensions removed and replaced on the same day, so their hair continues looking as good as ever.

A few strands of my own hair came out when I removed them. Have I damaged it?
No. Without noticing, every day we lose between 50 to 100 strands of our own hair as part of the process of renewal and growth. However, where the extension is attached, hair that would otherwise fall out is trapped and held in place by the extension. So, when you remove the extension at the end of your 3 month period of wear, you may notice one or two of these hairs coming out. This is simply hair that would have fallen out during the renewal process over the previous few months.

Will human hair extensions have been extensively chemically treated?
Human hair extensions work best if they have the same characteristics as the head hair they will be attached to. The term "genuine European hair" is often used - but the natural hair used worldwide more usually comes from Asian sources and will have been chemically stripped and re-coloured in order to match the usual tints and styles of Europe and America. At Melissa's we DO NOT use Asian hair for the hair extensions we only use the finest quality European hair.

Will my extentions look natural?
Your extensions will be totally undetectable and I will be able to create an exact match to your own color. They will feel soft, silky and natural and will become like your own hair. However, it will take a few days to adjust to having extensions in your hair. After that initial adjustment period, you will forget that you are even wearing them. You will be able to engage in all your normal activities, like swimming, exercising, and dancing, without worrying about damaging your new hair.