All About My Hair Extensions
Hey y’all! I recently got hair extensions and I have to say, I’m hooked! I feel like a new woman! If you were ever curious about hair extensions, you came to the right place! Especially if you live in the NJ (Union/Morris County) area and are looking for a great extension salon. I mean…just look at that before and after comparison below. I’ll tell you where I got them done, walk you through the process and tell you all about the pricing, maintenance and how they feel.
Where I Got My Hair Extensions Done
I went to Zana Hair Boutique in Summit, NJ. The salon is super trendy and right in the heart of Summit with amazing windows to people watch while you’re in the chair getting your hair did. Everyone at the salon is super welcoming and makes you feel at home. They all have amazing hair, of course, which makes you even more excited about getting your extensions in. Jennifer, who is one of the colorists, colored my hair first and then the owner, Amie, did my extensions. They are both super sweet and very talented! Would def recommend this salon for anyone in the NJ area looking to get expert hair extensions installed. 🙂
The Process
The first step is your consultation. At the consultation, you will discuss the process with your hair stylist. Make sure to tell them what you are looking for regarding color, length, texture, etc. Ask a lot of questions! It’s your hair and you want it to look and feel amazing. You will also discuss what type of extensions will be installed. I had 21-inch Hairtalk tape-in extensions installed. These extensions are super light and feel exactly like real hair. They also do not damage your hair like other extensions because it lays flat sandwiched between your real hair instead of pinching your hair together with a bead (micro beads) or bonds (keratin bonds). Refer to my video on my Instagram to see what I’m talking about! I will say, the 21-inch was a little long for me and I wish I went with the 17 or 18-inch so please make sure to go over with your stylist how long they will lay on you. This is not a big deal because your stylist can always cut and blend them for you. However, keep in mind, you might be paying extra for the length.
The next step was the color. I went in to get my color done first. After my color was done, my extensions were ready to be installed! YAY! The entire process took about 2 hrs and 30 minutes so the big windows overlooking the busy streets of Summit helped to pass the time. That and their amazing staff also made it easier. Once installed, your stylist will blend and cut your extensions, curl or straighten them and you are good to go with your new hair!
Pricing
Extensions are def an investment. They are not cheap so you want to make sure you are going to an expert to get your money’s worth. The total installation price is $1,075 for the first application and $450 for maintenance (every 8 weeks). At Zana Hair Boutique, there are junior extension specialists with a reduced rate. If you are on a budget, you can get your installation done by the expert, Amie and then see the junior extension specialists for a reduced rate.
Maintenance
You have to upkeep your extensions. Every 8 weeks you will have to go back into the salon for your hair stylist to remove them, give your hair a healthy trim and put them back in closer to your scalp. The good news is, if you keep your extensions healthy, they will last a good 10 months to a year before you have to buy a whole new set of hair. You can shampoo and condition your hair normally but always use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. Never use any products containing oil, alcohol or ethanol. These products can damage your hair extensions and also wear down on the adhesive.
The Feel
Honestly, they feel super light! I thought they were going to feel heavy and annoying but not at all. You also will get use to them after a week or so and won’t even notice they’re in. I can put my hair up with ease and you can’t see them either which I love. Overall, I am really happy with how they feel. They hold a curl better than my natural hair which is a plus and you don’t need to wash your hair as much. You wake up and feel flawless! Who wouldn’t want that? 😉
I hope you enjoyed reading about my hair extension process. If you have any questions, please comment on this blog or feel free to dm me on Instagram @amanda_jean13. Have an amazing Monday loves!
Love always,
