Hair Extensions: The Real Talk from Behind My Chair

Let’s be real. Hair extensions have a reputation. Some people swear by them. Others swear they’ll never touch them again. After more than twenty years behind the chair, actually closer to twenty-three now, time flies, I’ve seen both sides. I’ve had clients cry happy tears over new volume and others cry because a bad install from somewhere else left their scalp sore.

So, if you’ve been curious, here’s my honest take as someone who’s seen it all.

 

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My First Big Extension Disaster

Early in my career, probably around year three, I thought I knew everything. I put I-tips on a client with super fine hair. I figured more strands meant better coverage. Wrong. The weight pulled her scalp so tight she came back the next day nearly in tears. We took them out, switched her to tape-ins, and she left smiling again. I still cringe thinking about it, but that day taught me something important. More isn’t always better. Your hair has to be strong enough to carry the method you choose.

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Let’s Talk About Fusion Bonds

Fusion, or K-tips, are my go-to when someone wants natural movement that doesn’t scream “extensions.” These are tiny keratin bonds that I melt strand by strand onto your hair. It’s tedious work, honestly, but worth every second when it’s done right.

When I’m applying fusion bonds, it takes forever, like we’re talking three to four hours for a full head. My back hurts just thinking about it. But when they’re done right, they move like real hair.

Last year, one of my brides, Rachel, wanted longer hair for her destination wedding in Mexico. She didn’t want anyone to know they were extensions. Six months later, she came back for her move-up, still glowing, and told me even her mom couldn’t tell. That’s the kind of install I live for.

When I’m applying them, the salon smells faintly like melted plastic. It’s the keratin bonds heating up. Clients always ask if it’s normal. It is. The scent fades fast, but I like warning people so they don’t panic mid-appointment.

The only catch with fusion is that if you’ve got very fine or fragile hair, they can slip or feel heavy. That’s when I’ll suggest another route.

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I-Tips and Micro-links

I’ll be honest, I have a love-hate relationship with I-tips. They work beautifully on thick, dense hair and give amazing coverage. But they can feel bulky, and the beads can be uncomfortable for people with sensitive scalps.

I had a client named Brittany who loved the look but hated sleeping on them. We ended up switching her to wefts, and now she won’t use anything else. It’s all about balance. The best method isn’t the one you saw on Instagram. It’s the one that fits your hair and lifestyle.

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Wefts, Toppers, and Everything in Between

Here’s my honest take on wefts. They’re my favorite for drama. When someone wants that full, red-carpet, camera-ready volume, this is it.

I had a client named Nicole who wanted just a little more length. She insisted on wefts. I warned her it might be more than she expected, but she was determined. She walked out looking like she was about to headline a music video. Beautiful, yes. Subtle, not so much. The next time, we went with fusion, and that hit the balance perfectly.

And then there are toppers, which, honestly, don't get enough love and I don't know why because they're amazing for thinning crowns or postpartum hair loss. I have one client who calls hers “the confidence piece.” It’s not just hair. It’s how she faces the world again.

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You Don’t Have to Commit Forever

Extensions don’t have to be a lifelong thing. Some people wear them for a wedding, a birthday, or just until a bad haircut grows out. I’ve been there too. Back in 2012, I cut my own bangs. Big mistake. I regretted it for months, and yes, extensions saved me.

I’ve also worked with clients going through postpartum shedding or thyroid issues. We use extensions to help them feel like themselves while their hair recovers. It’s a temporary fix that does wonders for confidence.

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Texture, Blending, and Florida Reality

Let’s clear up one more myth. Extensions aren’t just for straight hair. I match textures all the time, wavy, curly, coily, and everything in between. That’s especially important here in Florida, where the humidity loves to show which hair is real and which isn’t.

The trick is choosing the right hair origin and texture to match your natural strand. Indian hair has that perfect wave and body. European hair is finer and blends like silk. When you nail the match, no one can tell.

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My Honest Advice

Extensions can change your look, but more importantly, they can change how you feel. The right method will make you forget you even have them in. The wrong one will have you counting down the days until removal.

If you’re thinking about getting them, let’s talk in person. Photos don’t tell me how your hair behaves in real life. I want to see how it moves, how it grows, and what kind of maintenance you’re willing to commit to. That’s how we find your perfect match.

At The Warehouse Salon in DeLand, I help clients every week figure out what works for their hair and lifestyle. Sometimes that means going bold. Sometimes it means going natural. It always means choosing what makes you feel good when you look in the mirror.

You can check our service menu here, or just stop by to talk through your options.

The Warehouse Salon
1782 S Woodland Blvd, DeLand, FL 32720
Call (386) 279-0626 or book a consultation online