Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought: ‘I fancy a change?’
Of course you have – who among us hasn’t experienced a life event, the turning of the seasons, or even just an uninspiring day and thought, you know what? It’s time for something new.
Some people treat themselves to a new outfit, others cut their hair, and some go for a full head of their first ever set of hair extensions. Because why not?
I recently got my first ever set of extensions – and let me tell you, I’m obsessed.
They fill out my look, they look super natural, and they allow my hair to hold a curl for the first time ever (a big deal to someone like me, who has a lot of hair, but very fine hair, meaning that curly blow drys are generally completely wasted on me).
As an extensions virgin, there were plenty of questions I had… and many things I wished someone had told me, before I sat down in the salon chair, excited to see what my new look would be.
Here are five things I wish I knew before getting extensions for the first time, and five things that you’ll now know too.
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1. It’s okay to be nervous
Getting extensions for the first time is a big deal! You’re essentially changing your look suddenly, within a few hour window – and if (like me) you’re somebody who generally doesn’t change their hair style too much, this can be a tad nerve wracking.
But it needn’t be. Be sure of what you want your desired look to be, and communicate it to your stylist. They’ll be able to tell you what will look best on you, and what’s realistic too.
If there’s anything you don’t like the sound of, whether it’s length or hair shade, speak up! This is your hair, after all – you need to make sure you’re happy with it.
2. Research is key
Before sitting down to have your extensions fitted, ask yourself some questions.
Do you want bonds or tapes? Do you even want clip ins, the first time around? Do you want to brighten your hair a bit, or keep it entirely the same colour? How long do you want your hair to be? How much money do you want to spend?
Do your research, shop around, and get recommendations from people you know about where to go for your first set.
VIP favourites Platinum Hair Extensions have salons located in Dublin, Cork, and Galway, offering six hair extensions methods including keratin bonds, clip-ins, tapes, and microbeads.
Their range of award-winning, luxurious hair extensions can add length, colour and volume to healthy-looking hair, allowing you to achieve the gorgeous look you’ve always dreamed of. Head over to their Instagram page here for some style inspiration.
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3. They’re not as heavy as you think they’ll be
And no, you wont have trouble sleeping with them.
Before I got my first set of extensions, I was concerned about the weight of my hair. Used to a shorter, light-weight look, I expected the extensions to pull my natural hair down and just be a bit of a bother in general.
But, to my surprise, they weren’t – at all. My set felt light-weight and my hair was incredibly easy to style. In fact, it was even easier to style with extensions as my hair was taking to hot tools a lot easier, and styles were holding for far longer than they would before. Win win!
4. There’s a lot to remember, but a lot to be gained
Extensions require a specific type of hair care that you might not be used to if you’ve never had them before.
You’ll need to use specific shampoos and conditioners (that are sulphate-free), as well as a soft hair brush to ensure that you’re not damaging the hair, the bonds, or the tapes.
Your stylist will be able to answer any and all questions you might have about hair care, so be sure to come armed with queries for whatever you need to know.
Make a list if you don’t think you’ll be able to remember everything – you can always contact the salon afterwards if there’s something you’re unsure of!
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5. You *will* want to keep going back for more
You are going to love your new extensions so much, you’re probably going to want to book in for your next appointment while you’re still sitting in the salon chair – trust me!
Tape extensions generally need to be re-fitted every 6-8 weeks, while Platinum recommend their keratin bonds be professionally removed every 3-5 months.
Whatever style you go for, you’re sure to love it – and you’ll be back getting your refit in no time!
Platinum Hair Extensions are once again joining us as the title sponsor for the Platinum VIP Style Awards this May – and we couldn’t be more excited.
Platinum will be joining our nominees in the Glam Suite on the day of the awards, and are also sponsoring the award for Best Dressed Woman. Cast your vote here!
To find out more about Platinum Hair Extensions and what extensions are best suited for you, click here.
