QuoteReplyTopic: first time getting extensions - advice please Posted: June 06 2007 at 11:45pm
Got the three tracks in today and I LOVE them!! They match my hair color perfectly, feel snug, but not uncomfortable and are beautiful!! I will try to post pics, but I am thrilled and hope I can take great care of these for the long haul - I think I am addicted to these!!
tessa111
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I think the other posters have given very thorough and excellent advice. I think you have chosen a very good hair length considering your level of activity. If you follow the advice given and that of yoru stylist you shouldnt have any problems . Im sure you will be very happy with your extensions... and be sure to post some pictures for us!
Sherrie, that was my next thought, once you start with extensions is it hard to go back unless you have a bad expereince or just plain want to "wack" your hair off? Did you read my earlier post? Any concerns with my physical activity level with horse riding, horse shows and cardio work outs? Thanks!!
sherrie215
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Bunnywabbit - thanks to you and everyone!! I am pretty petite as well and the length should be to the middle of my bust or so. I have heard that is this method is done correctly it is the easist to care for and of course the russian hair makes a big difference. I can't wait!! If I can figure out how to post I will do so!! Thanks and please send any other thoughts!!
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Russian hair is of very high quality and typically unproccessed, so it will be no more damaging to it than putting your own hair into a pony would be to it. That said, a pony tail that is too tightly bound is damaging to any hair, since you're spending a lot o moolah on this lovely venture into extensions, dont' worry about being too careful at first. As you get used to all of it, you'll get more comfortable, worry less, and develop your own routine that works for your extensions and your own hair.
that cut sounds great :) I love both their hair styles. I like the 16" length quite a bit, it gives me georgous length, but its not so long as it is annoying. Don't forget that how long the hair will be on you will depend on your head and body size as well. I'm fairly petite so 16" gives me hair decently past my bra strap on my back and the longest layer is approxmiately to the bottom of my chest/bra wire.
post pics when you get it done! im sure we'd all love to see them.
tessa111
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oh, I decided to have the extensions made to a 16 inch length - that way I have more to work with as far as a cut - and my extensionist said many gals wish they would have gone a tad longer so we are going from 14 inches to 16 inches.
tessa111
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Thanks guys!! Any thoughts on regular activities like cardio exercise, riding my horse 6 times a day? Will putting hair in a pony tail hurt the braids or wefts at all? Also, since my hair is very straight with side bangs I was thinking of having it blended and styled kinda like Reece Witherspoons latest style or Nichole Richie's longer style but not as long. I defintely want my bangs and layered around the face for softness. I am gettting pretty excited about this!! You all have been very helpful.. I appreciate all the insight.
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Bunny is right. While she's braiding it should not feel tight and like she's really pulling. It's kind of sore for the first day or two but that's all.
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I haven't been able to get a sew-in myself, but in general if the tracks aren't placed too low on your neck, it should be no problem at all. Sew-ins are much easier from what I understand to put into a ponytail compared to other wefting methods. Doing that for riding shouldn't be a problem (which btw I'm completely jealous of how often you get to do! )
The install should feel very firm and secure, but not uncomfortably tight. If it feels super tight, and it is pulling yoru scalp it is too tight. It sounds like you found a great extensionist so she should be competent in figuring out how tight it should be. If it starts to be come very uncomfortable you should speak up however. sew-ins have the potential to cause what is commonly called 'traction alopecia' when they're too tight as they start to pull your hair out. But like I said, this is when its OVERLY tight and uncomfortable.
tessa111
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Malibu, yep your right, if I don't wash every day it looks flat and just not right - except for the weekends when I pull it in a scruchie or pony tail. I am hoping that the extensions in the long haul will be easier to make look nice and fun to have healthy looking longer hair. I will keep you posted! Oh, should I expect the intstall to be tight and a tad uncomfortable at first and are pony tails okay when riding? Do you need to have yours re-done very 5-6 weeks or more often? Thanks!
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I have a sew in weft with Russian hair and I love it. I think you're going to LOVE your install! Have fun with it! Bunny is right, try to avoid washing your hair so much. You won't feel the need to wash so much with the extensions. I'm guessing you're washing your hair a lot because it won't look good if you don't? You're going to think your hair looks good all the time with the extensions in.
tessa111
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Bunny Wabbit, thanks so much for the info. She will be braiding in three tracks at 14 inches in length, after that I am going to have my hair cut by the stylist my friend uses for her extensions. Apparently he is very good at working with extensions. I would like a fairly easy style to maintain, I have side "swooped" bangs similar to Nichole Richie's and would llike face framing longer layers in the front with my hair blended into the extensions. The extensionist said that it will take about 1 1'2 hours to apply the three weft tracks into my hair. I have told her that I like to wear a ponytail, so in your experieince would you say I should be fine. Also, I know there is some 4-6 week maintaince, but in the long run would you think braided in wefts are the way to go if you like natural easy hair with minimal styling? Again my hair is very straight and I don't use any product in it except a good shampoo and conditioner, sometimes Bumble and Bumble leave-in hair detangler. Thanks for the info it really helps me alot! I want to go into this knowing that I have fully researched it and didn't just jump right in.
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Russian hair is a great choice for active people because its the most like your own hair (well atleast if you're caucasian anyway). Quite a few women have recently convereted over to it and never been happier with their extensions because its so natural looking and easier ot maintain because of the high quality.
Some suggestions I would make (which really goes for those with out extensions too) would be to try washing your hair less often, daily is a bit much for anyones hair, especially since the majority of shampoos contain ingreidents that are very drying. Before you get your extensions put in I'd suggest trying to retrain your sclap to adjust to less shampoos. The scalp truly does adjust and produces less oils. Some have more success than others with this. In between shampooing, you can use a dry spray shampoo to cut down on any oilyness. They can be found at your drug store as well as online and range in price form very cheap to the more expensive. Another suggestion is to find a sulfate-free shampoo - this is the ingredient that can be drying to hair. It will spefically state it is sulfate free on the label. These too can be found at local drugs stores and online and have a wide range of prices. Shampooing wet is reccemended to be done approx 3 times a week. When you shower inbetween, put it in a shower cap the times you don't want it wet and use the dry spray shampoos. I've had good success keeping oils away by skipping shampoos some days and only conditioning the ends of my hair.
other advice depends on the method of installation you are having done. do you know yet how she will be putting them in?
tessa111
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I have very straight fine, colored shoulder length hair and I would love to have longer, fuller hair. My hair just doesn't want to grow nicely past my shoulders as I have gotten older (40). I have researched and decided that custom made Russian hand made wefts are most likely the best choice for me and my busy lifestyle. I met with the artist last week, she took some of my hair samples to custom match the hand made wefts and I go this week for the install. She was rec. by a friend who has had everykind of extensions done and loves this gal. My concerns are: Will I be able to maintain my active lifestyle - I ride my horse 5 times a week, exercise 3-4 times a week and am just plain active. Right now because my hair is fine I end up washing most every day and with the extensions I am thinking that I would only need to wash on the days I exersise and I would wear a ponytail of braid to keep tangles out when I ride. Please let me know if I am on the right track - I really want these and just don't think that the glued in ones are the way for me. I really appreciate any help on shampoo and conditioner, basic maintaince and care - ect. I know my entensionist will give me her suggestions but wanted to hear from all of you who have experience wearing extensions and have no vested interest. Thanks so much!!
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