I am so nervous...but excited too.  After nearly a year of soaking up all the great info on this board I took the plunge and ordered my DIY starter kit from shrinkies.net!   I can hardly wait to try everything out and install this hair on my own! 

I have only had extensions once before, earlier this year by fusion method. I was satified with the skill of my extensionist, but she was incredibly hard to get a hold of when I started to have problems with my hair...she didn't returned my calls, cancelled appointments, was late for appointments.  I started having quite a lot of shedding after 1 week!  By the time I could see her for maintenance, much of the hair was gone and what was left was not in great shape.  Her solution was to cut everything off (not remove the extensions) and schedule a re-install the following week.  Needless to say, I did not return and ended up removing the remaining strands myself after having the extensions in less that 3 weeks!  What a waste of $1,000. 

At least now, if I have trouble with any shedding I can replace the strands myself and get the extensions to last a bit longer, and save some money in the process.

Sandy

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Yeah, I feel like some people at some salons are just doing a half-assed
job in order to make a few extra bucks. Gross.

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i couldnt agree with you more, latley i have seen so much bad work it makes me sick, also the amount they are ripping people off is also sickening as well as unetheical.

Sue,

    Yep, I ordered it from shrinkies.net.  I ordered some Lush* hair too but probably not enough, just 1/2 pack since I wasn't sure about the color.  I will order more once I see how the #6 goes with my current color.

     It's not bravery, but the desire to have some control over my own $$ and hair.  It was so frustrating to get such awful service when I spent so much money.  Never had a problem like that before or since with any stylist.  I will likely go to my regular stylist to help with the cut once I get the hair in.  I think it should all come in Friday or Saturday at the latest!

Cheers,

Sandy

It came today!  Fortunately, #6 is a great match; unfortunately, I now have to order more hair before I begin my install.  Boy, shrinkies are even smaller than they see on screen.  Of course I have already had a practice run and was fine putting the strand in, but don't really have the hang of removing (I lost about 1/4 of the original Lush* hair strand ).  I am going to practice with a few old hair pieces I have around so that I will be ready when the rest of my hair gets here.

I have a question for y'all.  If I were to purchase some other color hair in the future for hi-lights, what color would go well with Lush* #6?

Thanks,

Sandy

AMM,

     I will probably end up with several colors that will compliment.  Just looking for those with the same tone.  I am WAY over-thinking this decision !  That's what got me in the position of not having enough hair to begin my installation yet!

Thanks so much!

Sandy

Just an update...I have had the Lush hair in for nearly 2 weeks now and it is holding strong. The color match was perfect and I blended some #10 I got from Amm for some subtle highlights.  I divided each #10 strand in half and then added each to a strand of the #6 (20 strands of the blended).  I had my friend install the hair for me and I don't think that she put enough hair in (only about 90 strands).  When I go home I added about 20 more strands to the sides and that got rid of most of the mullet look, but the extensions still looked very piecey.  So, I had it cut and blended to just below my collarbone and I think that it looks pretty good.  Lost a few strands due to incorrect install but I re-installed anything that fell out the 1st week.  Even with regular shedding, the hair looks better every day. 

   I had a bit of a scare the past couple days when I was experiencing a great deal of tangling due to dryness on the ends...for 2 days I tried conditioning and silicone products to help but to no avail.  What  seems to be working out very well is using the Neutrogena Triple Moisture Healing Shine Serum on the ends and length of the hair.  While it does contain silicones, it also has olive and almond oils that seem to get absorbed into the hair and does not seem to weigh it down.

   I plan on keeping this install in for only 3-4 weeks, I would really like more hair in. I will definately try to install most of it myself next time.  I am more particular (read perfectionist) about how I want things.  Basically, if I am not going to have a professional do a job for me, I like to do it myself.

    I will try to post pics when I get home, I asked my 14 year old son to take the photos after the haircut and he didn't get all of the hair length (the dear was concentrating on getting a good photo of my face, lol!).

    Couldn't have done it without y'all.  Thanks!

**Sandy**

my motto on ordering hair- (well anything for that matter) is always order more then u think u will need, you can always use it later. And beleive me u will!

great idea with how u blended the two colors together sandy.

OK,  here are the pics...(excuse the weird photo sizes)

Before:

After, but before haircut:

After haircut and blend:

My hair is pretty fine and has a definate wave to it...makes it a challenge to blend when styling!  Overall though, really happy with the results for a first install.

-Sandy

very good sandy- you look younger with longer hair!

i would add some layering in the back underneath where your own hair ends.

pull up one layer and take a scissor and point cut into the hair, do not cut blunt. or use a razor and go slow and just layer the top layer of the strands- if this makes sense??

pretty color hair too.

ya did good girl!

Thanks,  I don't think my God-given hair has ever grown even as long as this is now.  Fun to have long hair that feels like it belongs and that I can brush and it stays in . 

-Sandy