Umm… Living for these EXTENTIONS!
I’ve pondered on the idea of getting SEW-IN weft hair extensions for some time now especially after I accidentally got TAPE-IN hair extensions last April. Yep, you read that right. After one too many glasses of wine && sulking in my sorrows while laying in bed… I texted my hairstylist (at the time) that I needed MORE HAIR!!! I had been under a tremendous amount of stress which causes a tremendous amount of hair loss!! I was leaving my mark everywhere I went… It was Like I was a Persian CAT! SHEDDING!!! It was so bad that my boyfriend at the time had to use a lint roller all over his condo before he invited his other GF’s over. (It’s laughable now, hence the stress then). Fast forward a week to When she turned the chair around, SURPRISE I had hair extensions and not the kind that you can take out at the end of the day. I ended up loving the beautiful abundance of hair I had, && at the time I felt like it was the best drunken decision I had ever made. BUT… I quickly realized the tape-in extensions were not for me! So here is my story with my new weave <3
What kind of hair extensions did I get?
NEW HAIR, WHO DIS?
I got THE SKY: VANILLA FROSTING J TIED WEFT. I only purchased one pack which only has 3 wefts in it. I purchased 1 pack because I already have length and I just needed volume. For length and volume you will need to purchase more && your stylist should color match you!
Here is what they recommend:
Each package contains 3 pre-cut wefts
Full Head Install:
2-4 pack recommended (6-12 wefts)
24” & 22” = 120-240 grams
18” & 16” = 90-180 grams
Fullness Install: (THIS IS WHAT I WENT WITH!)
1 pack recommended (3 wefts)
24” & 22” = 60 grams
18” & 16” = 45 grams
How are they attached to my hair?
The Hand Tied are much thinner and lay flatter against the scalp than normal Wefts. They are stitched to attach the wefts to the beaded row applied safely to the scalp. This means you should be able to put your hair up and not be able to see them at all which was NOT the case when I had tape in extensions.
Where did I get them done?
I go to David Markins at The Hot Spot Salon in Ironton, OH, for my cut, color and now my extensions. I cannot recommend him enough! I have always been more than pleased with my services. In fact, he is the first hair stylist that could everrrr get my hair to the level of blonde that I have been wanting since 2016. For those that aren’t in the Tri-State area, he is well worth the drive. If you aren’t local to Huntington-Ashland-Ironton area and interested in hair extensions, you can find a salon near you by using the FIND A JZ BEADED WEFT CERTIFIED STYLIST tool.
The Hot Spot Salon Location:
1928 S. 3rd St., Ironton, OH 45638
How much dough did I have to pay?
This is definitely the number one asked question and the short answer is that they are an investment. That being said, the cost really is dependent on the person and look you are wanting to achieve. Cost is determined by several factors the main two being desired length and volume. If you just want volume, like me, this is much cheaper! But once you start adding length, this is where it gets more and more expensive because you have to add considerably more hair so that the hair does not look stringy. Since I wanted to add volume I had to spend the minimal on purchasing my extensions ($280) plus the cost of the install && color treating my hair. PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO TIP YOUR STYLIST!
Do they damage your natural hair?
The TAPE-INs destroyed my hair. 1/2 of the tape-in would be dangling where it pulled my hair out! however, My best friend says it was my fault. (User Error I suppose?) With SEW-IN, My hair stylist assured me that as long as you have a well trained stylest and good quality extensions, you should not have an issue with hair loss or damage. I will keep you all posted on this one! I am currently still enjoying my beautiful abundance of hair! LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW! - In my best Elsa voice.
Longevity.
While these extensions are certainly pricey, The extensions can last 9-12 months with proper hair care. Hair care instructions are provided with each extension order, found on the inside of the packaging! Or… Click the link!
Comfort.
I was amazed by how comfortable these have been from the start! I heard from others that they would feel “heavy” (reminder, I only have one row with 3 thin wefts that is only 60g in weight), that they would make my head hurt or that they would take some getting used to. From the time that they were put in my hair, I have never even noticed them! You will definitely be able to feel the weft if you try to run your fingers through your hair so you do have to be careful there && also careful for those of you that are getting any action I would assume (not I).
Maintenance/Upkeep/Styling.
You can wash, dry, brush and style your hair basically the exact same way as without extensions. Washing does take a little more precision to get the roots clean but nothing out of the ordinary. You should brush your hair several times a day. I always brush my hair first thing when I wake up and last thing before I go to bed but also try to brush throughout the day as well! At night, it is best to sleep in a braid so that you don’t tangle or mat the wefts. I will say that on the very rare occasion that I curl my hair the weft is a different texture than my own therefore it holds curls differently. Just something to note. Also, for those of you that blow dry your hair there is a major increase in the time it takes to get your hair fully dry. I like to go about my life with as minimal effort in getting ready so I like to let my hair air dry. HOWEVER, if you do this you must still blow-dry the weft at the seem because it may form mold. I recently watched the Brittany Murphy Doc && they are speculating that her death was caused by mold! Don’t say I didn’t warn you…
Products.
I have continued to use all of my same products on my hair as I did before having extensions. When it comes to shampoo and conditioners, I spare no expense. I am a natural dark brown haired gal && going to icy blonde for years requires high rent and upkeep unless you want your hair to look like a bale of hay. Products and links below:
Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance™ Shampoo
Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance™ Conditioner
Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother Reparative Styling Creme
Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil (I mix this with no. 6 in my hand the apply making sure I get the ends very good)
Verb Dry Shampoo for Light Hair (LISTEN!! LISTEN!! When I say I have tried every dry shampoo && this is the only one that will work without ZERO re-applying for more than a day… I’m being dead SERIOUS! They also make it for dark hair as well!)
I am absolutely in LOVE with my hair. I honestly don’t think I could ever go back. That being said, only time and my bank account status will tell if it becomes a constant in my life. Fingers crossed that people will forever need brows ;)! For those that are maybe thinking about getting hair extensions, this would be my advice for you. If you are just wanting extensions for a one time event (for ex: wedding, prom, etc), a more affordable and less permanent option like clip ins would probably be best for you even though I've never tried clip-ins; the price just don’t justify for a one night event. If you aren’t ready to make the monetary commitment to SEW-IN Weft hair extensions, then tape in extensions might be a good route for you (again, they one million percent ripped my hair out but my best friend swears is was “user error”). And lastly, if you are wanting a more permanent solution than clip in or tape in extensions, I cannot say enough good things about my J HAND TIED WEFT. While they are pricey, I 100% think they are worth it.
