Here are my thoughts so far on Keratin Extension…

Before

What You Need to Know

After

My dry hair was sectioned off, and Candice worked in rows, scooping tiny sections of my hair up (much like applying highlights) and placing an individual extension about a 1/2-inch away from the root. Then, she used the monkey wrench looking tool to fuse it on. Honestly, some pieces you’ll feel when they put in and others you won’t but I will say that if you are too ADHD to sit and patiently wait out the time it takes to get them in then well maybe you should reconsider. The process took between two and half hours for me and finishes with a blowout and dry cut in order to ensure the extensions are layered or evened out to perfection.

My First Reaction

My Second Reaction

Wait…this feels weird. Physically, there is a tiny “bead” (think of it like a bit of clear nail polish that hardens to a small spot of your hair) where the keratin “glue” is attached to your hair. When you run your hands through your hair, you will feel them, and at first it’s like, “Oh, so now I’m going to feel like I have hard stuff stuck in my hair at all times? Why did I do this? Was this a mistake?” Forget about trying to lay down on the couch and get comfy because you really feel those suckers in your head now.

But then, you look in the mirror and see your Kardashian-hair reflection again, you take a million selfies (at least that’s what I did) and all of that fear fades away.

After the First Wash…

You have to be careful with extensions, specifically the bonds. You can’t just yank a brush through your hair or clamp a flatiron onto the glue spot. Candice also advises not to use conditioner where the bonds are located because that could loosen them. She also recommends don’t use products with sulfates, which can break down the bonds. As someone who’s religiously colored their hair since they were 12, I have always used sulfate-free shampoo. Now in my experience, I was scared to wash my hair but after the first time I did I’m now confident that I can do it.

Damage Control

1. Brush your hair with a special de-tangle brush designed for extensions and brush often to avoid your extensions looking matted.

2. Make regular monthly appointments with your stylist to get a blowout and check on the existing bonds in your hair.

3. Silk pillowcases are great for extensions during sleep and allow for the hair to not get tangled in your sleep.

4. If you don’t have a silk pillowcase then please sleep with your hair in a low ponytail as this will accomplish the same feat as number 3.

5. Treat it like your real hair and that means heat protectant spray before use of any heat products to prevent damage.

What’s the Cost?

Be wary of any salon that charges you less than $500, extensions will cost you anywhere from $500-1,000 dollars (depending on the salon, I paid WAY less then $1,000 FYI) but if you treat them right they can last up to 6-7 months before you need to order replacements.

What’s the Verdict?
So far I have enjoyed my experience with them, I am still adjusting to having them but find they enhance my look and boost my confidence. Candice and the rest of Salon Belissimo are wonderful, dedicated, professionals who were very reassuring and offered to help me in any way that they could in caring for my new addition.
I highly recommend this salon to anyone in New Jersey especially since I’m extremely particular about my hair that I have only allowed them to touch it and feel totally safe in their hands.

What do you think of extensions? Have you ever or would you ever get them? Leave a comment below to discuss your thoughts and feelings as I love hearing from you.

Love you. Mean it.

Brittany
xoxo