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Everything You Wanted To Ask About Getting Hair Extensions For The First Time

Because they're all you can think about right?

So you want super long celeb locks you can swish in a Boomerang? We hate to break it to you but you're gonna need to get hair extensions to live that dream,and if you want to have Gigi Hadid or Kylie Jenner-style locks then here's everything you NTK about getting them for the first time.

But first check out how to get that rainbow unicorn huuurrrr for festival season...

Don’t go HAMyour first time

We get it. We grew up dreaming of Lauren Conrad’s beach waves and long flowing locks too, but if you have short hair then let’s take a minute. When people talk of bad extensions it’s because they’ve gone waaaay too long for their bob and it looks totally obvious. The key is for the hair to look like an extra natural layer so for the most natural look then only lengthen it by four to five inches and build from there.

Research what kind is best for you

Obviously the easy way to try out hair extensions are the clip-in version. Brands like Hair Rehab and Beauty Works have some good quality ones but obvs the downside is you can never perfectly match the colour yourself. When you go to a salon there are a few more permanent options to choose from...

Tapes: This is the hair that Jen Atkin makes and Lauren Conrad and the Kardashians love. They are small sections of hair (about three inches in width which have self-adhesive glue along the top. The two strips are glued onto either side of a piece of hair, all around the crown. They are super quick to put in and take out and they are re-usable so you get more for your money. However the downside is they only look fresh for about 6-8 weeks before the start to stick out and become a real drag, so they do require upkeep.

Micro-ring: The strand of hair is attached to your own using a tiny metal ring. It’s fed through a tiny ring along with your own hair, then clamped in place just below your roots. It usually lasts about 8-10 weeks before you need it re-done and the ring can simply be slid back up the hair and used again.

Keratin bonds: Just like the micro-rings, the strands of hair are attached to your own hair, but instead of metal bonds they are made of keratin which are melted like glue to secure the hair. This is favoured by a ton of reality stars like the Made In Chelsea and TOWIE gals and they last about 8-10 weeks. But they can’t be re-used and you have to buy fresh hair each time.

Check the reviews

Just like a hotel or a bar, you always want to check out what other people say right? Well it’s no different with your hairdresser. It’s best to go somewhere someone has recommended but if you think you’ve found a good one then just give it a quick google to see if you were right.

Be prepared to pay some serious cash dollar

Real talk, they aren’t going to be cheap. And if they are then they’re not going to look or feel good. But you also don’t want to be overpaying because you went to a super fancy salon. Hit a few and ask to have a consulatation (most do free ones) and ask for examples of their work. Or head to their Instagram, where they before and afters are most likely kept. But on average you’re looking at prices starting around £250-300.

Be aware people you know are going to notice

The first time we got extensions we legit thought that no one would notice. But it turns out that adding extra volume and three inches to your barnet isn’t that subtle. So be prepared to be honest and proud of your new hair. Buuuut strangers? They have no idea.

And some people will be weird about it

Tbh most people have been super cool about extensions and are just nosy as to what it’s like. But we also have a few friends that NEVER stop bringing up the fact we have them. Even in groups of people you don’t know. Sometimes they are just being blind to your feelings and sometimes they’re being weirdly jealous. Just buy your own!

Trust your hairdresser

Once the extensions have been put in, the hairdresser will them cut your hair and your new locks of goodness so that they merge together seamlessly and you don’t look totally ridiculous. It’s your hair so they’ll always give you a choice but let them thin the ends and cut some off the length, otherwise it will be super obvious.

And now take a gander at Kylie Jenner's on point selfies game...

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