Hair extensions offer the ability to dramatically change your length and volume. But with so many brands on the market, how can you choose quality extensions you’ll love? Listening to feedback from real users provides valuable insights. In this guide, we’ll highlight learnings on what matters most to hair extension wearers.
Quality and Softness are Key
One clear lesson from reviewers is that soft, quality hair makes all the difference in having a positive experience. Indicators of quality include:
- Virgin or Remy human hair with intact cuticles
- Minimal chemical processing and damage
- A reputable brand and transparency around hair origin
- Smooth, tangle-free feel to both wet and dry hair
- Shine, bounce, and natural movement
Many reviewers warn to avoid cheap synthetic hair or excessively processed hair with a rough feel. Taking time to find 100% Remy or virgin human hair helps hair move and feel real.
Match Hair Texture and Thickness
Users emphasize the importance of choosing extensions that match your natural hair texture, density, and thickness. Extensions that are too thin or too thick will be obvious. The same is true for curl pattern and smoothness.
Reviewers recommend:
- Selecting thickness based on the circumference of your ponytail
- Choosing tighter curl patterns like kinky hair if your hair is very curly
- Sticking to straight or body wave for straighter hair types
- Seeing and feeling product samples before purchasing if possible
With the right texture match, extensions blend in seamlessly for a natural look.
Get the Color Match Right
Hair color is another make or break factor. Feedback shows slightly darker roots with lighter colored lengths blends most seamlessly. And choose tones that align with your complexion. Tips include:
- Select lengths in brown-black even if you dye hair blonde
- Custom order or dye extensions to match if you have unusual color
- For highlight extensions, choose a tone slightly lighter than your highlights
- Adapt color over time as your natural hair grays or is recolored
With the right color pairings, extensions become undetectable.
Length Matters
For length, moderation is key according to user feedback. While long Rapunzel locks are glamorous, going overboard on length can look unnatural day to day. Recommendations include:
- Keep initial sets 12-16 inches for versatility
- Save extra long lengths for special occasions
- Get multiple sets in different lengths to customize
- Add length gradually over time to adjust
Shooting for lengths only slightly longer than your natural hair keeps extensions looking realistic.
Application Method Affects Experience
The application technique used impacts how easy extensions are to maintain and wear. Here’s what reviewers say about popular techniques:
- Tape-ins: Seamless blend, lightweight, reusable. Can be drying.
- Clip-ins: Simple to self-apply. Can slip and require adjustment.
- Fusion bonds: Natural feel, lasts 6+ weeks. Some report hair damage over time.
- Micro links/beads: Very secure hold and can last months. Risk of breakage at bonds.
The ideal method depends on your lifestyle, existing hair health, and stylist skill. But proper application should prevent major slipping, breakage, or headaches.
Maintenance is Crucial
User feedback confirms that maintenance makes or breaks your long-term extension success. Taking time to gently detangle, wash, condition, and remove tangles helps extensions last. Tips include:
- Use a wet brush, wide tooth comb, or your fingers to gently detangle
- Choose sulfate-free shampoo/conditioner for extensions
- Only wash 1-2 times per week and use conditioning treatments
- Avoid too much heat styling and over-brushing
- Get trims every 8-12 weeks to prevent splitting
- Take extra care with curly textures which tangle more easily
Your patience and care will determine how long extensions last. Taking steps to minimize damage helps them remain soft, shiny, and tangle-free.
Work with a Reputable Stylist
For fusion, tape-in, or sew-in methods, a certified stylist is a must, reviewers emphasize. An experienced professional can advise on ideal hair types, customize color, and ensure proper application that minimizes damage to natural hair. Hallmarks of a great stylist include:
- Listening to your needs and lifestyle
- Recommending appropriate extension types and application methods
- Delivering meticulous application that enhances natural hair
- Providing ongoing maintenance and reapplication when needed
- Gently removing extensions to protect existing hair health
Developing a relationship with a stylist you trust ensures the best results long-term.
Be Strategic Removing Extensions
When it comes time to remove extensions, reviewers say patience is needed. Hair that is glued, taped, or bonded must be gently massaged and treated with removers like oils and acetone. Then, stylist-applied extensions can be taken out strand-by-strand to avoid breakage. For DIY clip-ins or tapes, go slow detaching pieces and use a detangling spray. With strategic removal, your natural hair stays healthy.
Find a Brand that Offers Support
Finally, users recommend selecting hair vendors that provide education, listen to feedback, and offer ongoing support. Whether ordering online or in a salon, helpful customer service ensures a positive experience. Seek out brands like ElsaHair that:
- Provide guidance on selecting the optimal extensions
- Offer access to knowledgeable staff to answer questions
- Welcome reviews to continue improving products and services
- Share hair care tutorials and tips
- Provide warranties or guarantees for peace of mind
With a supportive brand behind your extensions, you get the best quality and service each step of the way.
Get the Hair of Your Dreams
By listening to feedback from thousands of real extension users over time, key lessons emerge. Taking their advice to find quality hair, match texture and color, choose the right method, care diligently, and work with pros sets you up for success. Beautiful, natural looking extensions can become a reality when you heed tips from other wearers’ experiences.