How should my extensions feel?
Depending on your chosen method, this question will depend on many factors, if you have worn extensions before, you will know what I describe as it feels like your head has been tattooed for 24 – 48hours. However, this is from personal experience, for reference I have 3 rows of celebrity weaves in my hair, and I have 20g of nanos at my sides to fill it out.
Celebrity weave/hidden weave/inviable bead weave:
This method is possibly the most taxing for your scalp to get used to, some people find it slightly uncomfortable for 24 – 48 hours after it is done, some people are perfectly fine and feel no un - comfortability at all, however, everyone is different. The one thing I will say is that it should never be painful, cause headaches or feel overly itchy. If your weave is painful, then it could mean that the stitching is too tight, and that its causing tension on your scalp, this is a cause for concern and needs to be addressed immediately before it causes damage, if not addressed it can lead to tension alopecia. Extensions in of themselves should never cause damage to your natural hair or scalp, just the opposite, when installed correctly they should support your natural hair and encourage growth, which is why it is paramount that you are fitted by a certified and trained extension specialist.
Nano extensions/Keratin bonds/stick tips/flat tips:
Nanos/stick tips are the lightest extension types going, most flexible in terms of styling your hair and the one that you are least likely to feel. Depending on if you have metal tip or silicon tip will depend on if you feel them, however, stick tips are installed using a mini tube. Nanos/stick tips typically way between 0.8g – 1g per strand so they are very light. You should feel no discomfort, if installed correctly, however, if they are installed incorrectly or installed too close, or the metal tip is not covered correctly then they can dig into your head which will cause irritation and potentially be very painful.
If you feel any discomfort under this method, I advise you to speak to your stylist who installed them so that your hair can be checked accordingly.
It is normal to lose up to 10% of nanos between fitting and maintenance, anything over this will need addressing by your stylist. However, your extensions should feel comfortable and feel like your natural hair.
Keratin bonds/flat tips:
These are installed using heat, last the lonest and should feel the most comfortable, feel the most natural and should never cause tension or pain. If this happens you need to seek advise from your stylist to check your scalp health.
Invisible tape wefts/mini tapes:
Tapes extensions are the lightest of extensions, use less of your natural hair, are suitable for all hair types, they need maintenance every 4 6 weeks. They should feel comfortable, almost invisible within your hair care routine and you should be able to style your hair normally. Depending on there place,ent will depend on if you can have your hair styled in a tight up do.