Let’s be honest—I've always been obsessed with long, voluminous hair. The kind you see on Instagram models and red carpet celebrities. But no matter how many vitamins I took or deep-conditioning masks I tried, my hair just wouldn’t grow past a certain point. So, after months of scrolling through tutorials and reading reviews, I finally decided to take the plunge and try hair extensions.
Spoiler alert: It was a game-changer.
If you've ever considered getting extensions but feel overwhelmed by the options or worried about the upkeep, I’ve been there. Here’s a real, honest look at my first experience with hair extensions—and everything I wish I knew before getting them.
Why I Decided to Try Hair Extensions
For me, it wasn’t just about wanting longer hair. My natural hair is fine and tends to fall flat, no matter how much volumizing mousse I use. I wanted that full-bodied, just-left-the-salon look every day—but without spending hours styling it. Hair extensions seemed like the perfect solution.
Choosing the Right Type
This was honestly the most confusing part. There are so many options: clip-ins, tape-ins, sew-ins, fusion, halos—the list goes on. After doing a ton of research (and DMing a few girls on Instagram who had amazing hair), I decided to start with clip-in extensions.
Why clip-ins? They're non-committal, easy to use, and perfect for beginners. I could take them out at night and avoid the salon maintenance that comes with more permanent options.
The First Time I Put Them In
I won’t lie, it took me a few tries to get it right. At first, I was worried the clips would show or that the extensions would feel too heavy. But once I figured out how to section my hair properly and blend them in with a curling iron, I was hooked.
The transformation was instant. I went from shoulder-length, flat hair to long, voluminous waves in under 15 minutes. I couldn’t stop flipping my hair in the mirror (and maybe taking a few selfies).
What I Learned
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Color Match Is Everything
I bought a color that was “close enough” to my natural shade, and it still took a few tweaks to make it blend seamlessly. Pro tip: Many brands offer color-matching services online—use them! -
Quality Matters
I chose 100% Remy human hair, and I’m so glad I did. It looks natural, feels soft, and I can curl, straighten, and even wash it like my own hair. -
Practice Makes Perfect
The first time I clipped them in, it took me almost half an hour. Now? I can do a full set in under 10 minutes. Don’t get discouraged if it’s tricky at first. -
Maintenance Is Minimal (With Clip-Ins)
Since I take them out every night, they’ve stayed in great shape. I wash them every few weeks with sulfate-free shampoo and store them in a silk bag to keep them tangle-free. -
Confidence Boost = 100%
There’s something about having great hair that makes you feel unstoppable. Whether I’m heading to brunch, a job interview, or a night out, my extensions give me that extra boost.
Would I Recommend Hair Extensions?
Absolutely. If you’ve been on the fence, consider this your sign to go for it. Start with clip-ins if you're unsure, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or bring photos to your stylist. Hair extensions aren’t just for celebrities—they’re for anyone who wants to feel a little more confident and glam.
Final Thoughts
Trying hair extensions for the first time was one of the best beauty decisions I’ve ever made. It taught me that sometimes, investing in yourself (and your hair) is totally worth it. Whether you’re looking to add volume, length, or just switch things up, there’s an extension option out there for you.
Have questions or want to share your own hair extension journey? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear from you!