Everything You Need to Know About Getting Hair Extensions
Hair expert Trisha Mendoza breaks down what to know before committing to longer, fuller hair.
If you’re interested in all the trends in hair care, you’ve most likely stumbled across videos on your feed of ladies sitting on salon chairs and, voila, within a snap, they get their dream hair with added length, volume, and sometimes even color. The good thing is, it’s not entirely magic, because it can be done thanks to the power of hair extensions.
But before you march to your favorite salon to achieve your hair fantasy, content creator and salon owner Trisha Mendoza of Trishafied Hair Extensions, who is famous online for transforming celebrities’ hair into every possible color and style using hair extensions, answers in a one-on-one interview with Allure Philippines all the common questions in achieving that instant hair transformation.
What are hair extensions?
Ang hair extension po ay instant, long hair agad siya. Hair extensions are for those who want to have long hair, because some people are having a hard time waiting for their hair to grow longer. It is also for those people with thin hair.
Are hair extensions for everyone?
It’s not for everyone, because you need at least three to four inches for [natural hair] attachment . Because if the hair is too short, the hair extension will be noticeable. It is more advisable for those with natural hair that are four to five inches longer.
Also, it is prohibited to those with alopecia, and those with soft and damaged hair because they break easily.
What should someone understand before getting hair extensions?
If you want to get hair extensions, of course, you have to have time to retouch your hair, because in two to three months, you need to go back to the salon to retouch your hair extension. Because normal hair grows longer, you need to remove it and reattach it again.
Do hair extensions damage your natural hair?
They don’t damage the natural hair. But if you have hair extensions, you should also be careful, because the extensions are attached to the natural hair. Kung lagi mo mahihila, yung totoo mong buhok ay sasama din. So, dapat careful na lang din once nagpa-hair extension kayo.
How do you make hair extensions look natural?
In our salon, we measure the grams [of the hair extensions]. What’s advisable is usually 300 grams so it blends and falls on the client’s head. Once it reaches 300 grams, it falls on the client’s head and the hair extension looks natural.
What is the daily maintenance of hair extensions?
Actually, it’s the same as your normal hair, but there are combs that you can use specifically for hair extensions so the hair won’t stick to the comb. But you can do anything with your hair––hair color, hair spray.
What is your advice to people who want to start getting hair extensions?
And my advice to people who want to get hair extensions is to maintain a budget for retouching and always shampoo and shower. Any shampoo and conditioner you want is okay.
Isip po na lang po kapag naka-hair extension kayo, ay kasama po sa buhay mo na yan. So, pag mahal mo ang sarili, mamahalin mo din ang extension mo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hair extensions are attachments added to natural hair to instantly increase length, volume, or both. They are commonly used by people whose hair grows slowly, those with thin or fine hair, or anyone seeking a temporary change in style or color without chemical treatments.
Not everyone is a candidate for hair extensions. A minimum of three to four inches of natural hair is required for proper attachment. Hair extensions are not recommended for those with alopecia, soft hair, or chemically damaged hair, as the attachment process may cause further breakage.
Hair extensions typically require a salon retouch every two to three months. As natural hair grows, the attachment point shifts, making removal and reattachment necessary to maintain a secure and natural-looking result.
Hair extensions do not inherently damage natural hair when properly applied and maintained. However, excessive pulling or tension on the attachment points can cause stress to the natural hair strands, making gentle handling and proper combing technique essential throughout the wear period.
Around 300 grams of hair extension is generally recommended for a natural appearance. At that weight, the extensions fall and blend with the natural hair on the client’s head rather than sitting stiffly or appearing visibly added.
