My Hair Extensions | 3 Year Update + Q&A

Hi friends!! I cannot believe I have had hair extensions for a little over 3 years now! Since it’s been so long, I figured it’s time to do an updated post on hair extensions, including an updated Q&A, especially after trying quite a few hair brands along the way! 

I shared an initial blog post and video, so feel free to check that out prior to this if you’d like. As I said in that video, I did a TON of research and asked a lot of questions prior to getting extensions for the first time. They are definitely an investment so research is needed before taking the leap. I had heard about extensions before, but I had only known more about tape in extensions. I wanted something that was less damaging to the hair than tape ins. My hair is pretty fine to begin with, so I wanted something that wasn’t going to damage my hair and still help it grow while the extensions are in.

My Extension Specialist

I see Amanda at Julia Grace Salon on the west side of Madison, WI. Amanda has been doing hair for 19 years and has been working with extensions for about 11 years. She has multiple trainings/certifications in hand tied hair extensions, including NBR, KACEY WELCH, & SKW. She is always looking for the best product available on the market. She loves customizing hair for each client to their individual needs.

My NEW Extensions:

I have had sewn-in weft extensions for over 3 years now and have tried multiple hair brands and different color combos.

I have always had 2 rows of extensions in, even when I had short hair extensions. My most recent install was also 2 rows and we used Bellami Professional Hand Tied Hair in shades Caramel and Mocha Toffee Ombre. Amanda rooted them and brought any darker tones down to help it match my current hair, and then we also brought some lighter up on my natural hair to blend. I wanted something a little warmer than previous extension colors and this honestly turned out perfect! I may end up bringing up the lighter pieces even a little more in my natural hair at my next appointment.

The Hair Brands I’ve Tried:

I’ve tried a few different hair brands now and wanted to compare them for you.

Hair in Compounds – this was the brand used for my first hair extensions back in 2019. Since they were way more blonde than any other hair I’ve had since, they seemed to break a little easier than the others. They also had a texture that was not similar to my hair. It was more wavy and frizzy, but easy to straighten before curling. I would suggest getting a hair that has a similar texture to your natural hair (if you can). These lasted about a year and I cut them a little at every other hair appointment/move up. We also added some darker color in them towards the end. As far as price, these were very affordable.

Before and After with Hair in Compounds 2019

Kacey Welch Hair – this was the second brand of hair extension hair I tried. I would say these are meant for more volume at the root and not length. They seemed very thin to me and did not add much fullness to my hair. They were SUPER silky soft and I loved the way they felt when you touched them. They also held curls really well. As far as price, they are much more than the others I’ve had. Overall, I’d say these aren’t worth the investment. (The Kacey Welch Method is the method Amanda used to install my hair the first time – check out that blog post for more information, but she has since been doing an invisible beaded row method for install).

When I chopped my hair and extensions, I feel like that’s when these extensions looked the best – nice and full!

Bellami Professional – I’ve now tried 2 different weft types from Bellami. I first tried the Volume Wefts. I believe we did the MOCHACHINO BROWN/CHESTNUT BROWN OMBRE color in the wave hair. I loved the color, but I will say that it’s not worth it for the wave hair vs. the straight. After one wash, the wave was gone, so I’m not really sure why it’s marketed as wave hair.

The second type we tried (which is my current hair) is the Hand-Tied Extensions. She mixed the colors Caramel and Mocha Toffee Ombre.

Overall, I would say that I’ve liked the Bellami Professional hair best – both the hand tied and the volume are great. They are also very affordable! It’s a tough toss up between which ones are my favorite. As of right now I’d say they’re equally great, but I think I need more time with my current hand-tied ones to be sure.

HAIR Maintenance/Move-Ups:

As far as maintenance and move ups, since I am postpartum right now, my hair grows so dang fast, so I go in about every 6-8 weeks for maintenance and move ups. This involves taking out the extensions, touching up my roots and reinstalling the extensions (moving them up).

EXTENSION DISCOUNT

Amanda is kind enough to be offering my followers a discount on her extension package. She is offering $200 off her all inclusive extension package, which includes the cost of extensions and custom cut and color on your hair to get the best blend with your natural hair and the extensions. She also includes a hair treatment because it is important to her to see clients hair get healthier while they are wearing the extensions. All you have to do is fill out the form on her Instagram, or you can go HERE and put the code “KELSIE200” in the box where it says “OFFER CODE” close to the bottom of the form. You can also just let her know I sent you.

If you’re not interested in extensions, you can also get $30 OFF her color package, which includes any specialty technique and amount of colors needed to achieve the desired outcome, a toner, and a treatment for your hair.

Hair Extensions Q & A

I asked my followers on Instagram to let me know any questions they had about extensions, and below I’m answering them for you, with the help of Amanda too! 

Q: Do they hurt?

Not at all. There is a bit of tightness the first day after install, which is normal, but nothing uncomfortable. I got used to them very quickly.

Q: Can you put them in a ponytail?

Yes, you can do a low or a high pony. After the initial install or move up, you may want to wait just a day or two before putting it up, since they are pretty snug to the scalp still. If the pony tail you want doesn’t work, talk to your stylist about putting the extensions in a different spot at your next move up.

Q: How long do the extensions last?

The actual extensions last about a year if you take care of them. Each brand of hair is different, but I got about a year out of all of the hair I’ve used.

Q: How much do the extensions cost?

The initial install will cost the most, since it includes the cost of the hair. The extension package from Amanda costs anywhere from $1900-$3100, depending on what you all get. This includes the actual cost of the hair extensions, custom color of your hair to match the extensions, a root smudge to match the extensions to your roots, and custom cut of the extensions to blend with your natural hair.

Q: What are cost of move ups and how often do i need to go back?

$150 per row – recommended every 8 weeks – this does not include color or cut.

Q: How many rows did I get?

I got 2 rows put in. You may only need one row depending on your length and how thick your hair already is. I have fine hair so need all the hair I can get!

Q: Do they damage your natural hair?

Of all of the types of hair extension methods, the beaded row or sewn-in weft style is the least damaging to your hair.

Q: Did you notice any hair loss from having extensions for this long?

Between each move up, quite a bit of hair comes out. You have to remember that the hair that is stuck to the beads doesn’t move for the 6-8 weeks, so all of your hair that would have naturally fallen out over the time between move ups then comes out. It seems like a lot, but it’s totally normal. My hair has actually been the healthiest it’s been in a long time! That also goes along with not bleaching my hair, but I’d say that having extensions has helped me take better care of my hair overall.

Q: How often can/do you wash your hair with extensions?

You can wash them as often as you want, but for me, I try to wash it just once a week. I used to wash it every other day when I didn’t have extensions. Depending on your hair, there may be some hair products you will need to avoid, so be sure to ask your stylist.

Q: How long does it take to style?

When my hair is washed, it takes about 30 minutes to dry it and style it. Once styled after the wash though, I just need to touch up my curls each day. Getting ready in the morning is so easy now!

My Overall Thoughts on Hair Extensions