extensions: friend or foe?

With the rise of social media and the accessibility of constant before-and-after transformations, extensions have started to feel like a service that’s just at everyone’s fingertips. But in reality, extensions are expensive, high-maintenance, and require a significant amount of upkeep.

If you struggle with thinning hair, or your density never allows you to grow your hair past a certain length—say your collarbone or shoulders—then you’ve probably considered extensions. And I get it. The promise of instant length and fullness is appealing.

There are several different types of extensions: wefts, K-tips, nanos (also known as I-tips), V-light, and clip-ins. On the surface, it’s easy to assume there’s a system out there that will be perfect for you. But what most clients don’t fully consider is the aftercare and long-term maintenance that comes with them.

Let’s start with maintenance.

If you have wefts or nanos/I-tips, your extensions need to be reset every six to eight weeks. With I-tips in particular, some slipping is normal because they’re secured with small beads. Since each strand is individually attached, movement and daily wear can loosen them over time.

With these types of systems, you can typically reuse the hair once or twice. However, after a certain point, you’ll need to invest in new hair. Most clients are heat styling regularly, brushing frequently, and living their normal lives—and all of that wear and tear affects the integrity of the extension hair over time.