Top 12 Mistakes You Make When Buying a Hair Extension
Are you a first-time buyer? Or a regular buyer but feel unsatisfied with your purchase? Do not worry. Buyers often unknowingly make mistakes before buying hair extensions, resulting in wasted money, damaged hair, an unsatisfactory look, or just plain disappointment.
Let's look at the top 12 mistakes people make when buying hair extensions and how to avoid them.
1. Not understanding the types of hair extensions
People often choose hair extensions based on appearance alone without taking in various factors that make a hair extension work for them, such as maintenance routine, durability, and compatibility with their natural hair. You should know and understand the different types of hair extensions and their purpose and affordability. Synthetic hair extensions are more affordable but do not blend as naturally as human hair extensions, which could be pricier. Moreover, the different types of hair extensions have pros and cons.
Clip-ins: These are temporary hair extensions and are easy to apply.
Tape-ins: These are semi-permanent hair extensions and are ideal for thin or fine hair.
Sew-ins: These are ideal for thicker hair and require professional help for installation.
Micro-bead extensions: These are ideal for adding length, volume, and texture to any hair type.
Tip: Research each type, consult a professional, and, most importantly, know what you need. Human hair extensions could be expensive, but they are worth investing in if you want a realistic, long-lasting option.
2. Not checking for ethical sourcing
Mostly, buyers overlook checking for ethical sourcing of hair extensions. Before you buy hair extensions, you should know where and how they are sourced. Unethically sourced hair extensions may exploit their workers and be involved in unethical practices.
Tip: Look for brands that value transparency.
3. Missing out on color-matching
Sometimes, people rely on online pictures from Instagram or Pinterest for descriptions without matching their natural hair color. Color mismatch is a common mistake that makes hair extensions stand out blatantly and unnaturally.
Tip: If visiting a store in person, always color match.
4. Not considering your hair texture
Sometimes, people choose hair extensions that are completely mismatched for their hair texture. This makes blending hair extensions with natural hair quite challenging.
Tip: Hair extensions are available in various wavy, curly, or straight textures. Look for extensions that mimic or can be styled to match your natural hair texture.
5. Overlooking hair length proportions
Buying hair extensions without considering proportionality with your natural hair length makes them stand out unnaturally. Hair extensions are available in various lengths; some can be customized to match your ideal length.
Tip: Choose a length that complements you for a realistic look, or get them customized to make it look seamless.
6. Ignoring blend-ability with your natural hair
People prioritize volume over how well the hair extensions blend with their natural hair, or they add too many layers of hair extensions, which gives an overly heavy and unnatural look.
Tip: Choose extensions with tapered ends and layers, or customize your hair extension to get the layered look. Do not add multiple layers of hair extensions; it will only make your hair look unnatural and stress your natural hair and scalp. Also, choose lightweight hair extensions to avoid any strain on your scalp.
7. Not considering maintenance requirements
All hair extensions require some level of maintenance. Most people overlook the care and maintenance required for hair extensions and whether these requirements match their lifestyle. For example, clip-ins require gentle detangling regularly, while tape-ins need regular maintenance appointments.
Tip: When buying hair extensions, understand the maintenance required and ensure your lifestyle and daily activities allow you to keep up with it.
8. Skipping quality checks
People often fall for cheap deals and do not check the quality of hair extensions before buying, which is a waste of money. Low-quality hair extensions easily tangle, shed, and lose shine sooner rather than later.
Tip: Check for certifications, reputable brands, and reviews to ensure you buy high-quality hair extensions.
9. Ignoring your hair and scalp health
One of the most common mistakes people make is prioritizing aesthetics and neglecting hair and scalp health. Hair extensions can strain your scalp if not maintained or taken care of properly. If you have fine or thin hair, improper maintenance can damage your natural hair and scalp. Moreover, extensions can trap oil and buildup on the scalp over time, leading to itchiness and odor.
Tip: Always consult a professional to ensure you understand your hair extensions' maintenance and care routine. Use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioners to avoid buildup.
10. Trying DIY
People usually prefer to do it themselves rather than go to a professional. This could lead to poor installation of hair extensions, which could damage the natural hair and scalp.
Tip: Always go to a professional stylist for hair extension installation, especially for semi-permanent and permanent hair extensions.
11. Not testing before buying
People usually buy hair extensions without a trial run or sample. Also, they do not do patch tests for adhesive glue or tape allergies. Missing out on these leads to disappointment with your purchase, and in the case of allergies, it causes discomfort.
Tip: Ask for a sample or a trial run to see how the extensions will look on you. Moreover, if you buy tape-ins and fusion extensions, always ask for a patch test to confirm allergies or sensitivity to adhesive glue or tape. In case of a positive test, first consult a dermatologist.
12. Not checking return policies
Online shopping is very convenient; however, it is not without risks. A common mistake is not checking for a store's return policy. You could waste money on an unsatisfactory product if you receive hair extensions that do not meet your expectations without a flexible return or exchange policy.
Tip: Always check the return and exchange policy of online stores.
Only with the right hair extension can you transform your look and be satisfied with your choice. All you need to do is recognize and address these commonly made mistakes, and you will be on your way to enjoying gorgeous, well-blended hair extensions with confidence. You should always prioritize hair extensions' quality, maintenance, and compatibility to ensure your investment is not wasted.