Five Things to Consider Before Getting Hair Extensions
Hair extensions can give you the length and fullness you’ve always wanted — but before you head into a salon, there are a few important things to think through. We’ve put together this guide to help you make the right decision.
Hair Quality
Length & Volume
Lifestyle
#1 — What Type of Extensions Do You Want?
When deciding which extension method is best for you, consider how much you want to spend, how much time you’re willing to spend applying and maintaining them, and whether you want a temporary option you can take in and out daily or a more permanent solution.
Adhesive strips applied flat against the scalp. Quick to install but can cause damage over time.
Temporary clips for daily use. Easy to remove but not a long-term solution.
Individual strands attached with micro-beads. Can cause tension on fine hair.
A secure, non-damaging method using a beaded track — the foundation of the Glamour Locks System.
Completely hidden even in a ponytail or bun. The most discrete option available.
Uses heat and glue to bond strands. Can cause significant damage and difficult to remove.
Our professional opinion: the short-term benefits of extensions are greatly outweighed by the long-term damage most methods cause. The Glamour Locks Hair Extension System is the only patented and guaranteed non-damaging method available.
#2 — What Type of Hair Is Best for You?
After deciding on a method, the next consideration is the quality of the hair itself. Not all extension hair is created equal — and the difference matters significantly for longevity, appearance, and hair health.
Why Remy Hair Falls Short
The most common hair at salons across the country is Remy Hair. While marketed as premium, it’s the most widely used hair for one reason: it’s cheap. Remy Hair is imported from Asian countries with no regulations governing sourcing. A related category called Standard Hair is gathered from numerous sources — including salon floors — bundled together, silicone-coated, and packaged for sale.
Since most Asian hair is naturally darker, blonde or lighter-toned Remy extensions have been bleached and chemically processed to achieve that color — resulting in severely damaged, dry hair. Synthetic extensions (made from plastic) are even less suitable: they can’t be styled with hot tools, don’t feel natural, and are easy to detect.
What to Look for in High-Quality Hair
No silicone coating — the hair’s natural cuticle stays intact for lasting softness and shine.
All hair from one source ensures consistent texture, color, and cuticle direction.
Premium hair lasts up to one year with proper care.
Transparent sourcing with verified origin — not gathered from salon floors or unregulated suppliers.
Uni-directional and cuticle-intact hair prevents tangling and frizz.
No synthetic blends — only real human hair that can be styled, colored, and treated like your own.
Glamour Locks Cuticle Hair Wefts meet every one of these standards and represent the highest quality extension hair available.
#3 — How Long Do You Want Your Hair to Be?
Do you want length, volume, or both? This will determine how much hair you need and will ultimately affect pricing. We offer hair in lengths from 16 inches (just past your shoulders) up to 24 inches (past your waist). Most clients purchase between 4 and 6 ounces of hair for their desired volume.
This is also a great time to decide if you’d like to change your color. The price of your extensions will depend on your starting length, your desired length, and the volume you’re adding. You can read more about our pricing here.
#4 — What Type of Lifestyle Do You Have?
Are you an athlete, do you work out often, surf, or stay constantly active? These are all important factors when choosing extensions. Depending on how frequently you’re washing your hair — after swimming or sweating — you’ll want to take preventative steps to keep the extension hair lasting as long as possible.
We recommend that active clients add a deep conditioning treatment to their maintenance service — you’ll already be coming in every 6–8 weeks for a retie, so it’s easy to add on. The Glamour Locks Hair Extension System is lightweight, durable, and built to handle workouts and even swimming, so your hair can keep looking great no matter what your day brings.
#5 — Are You Ready to Commit?
Like any service, maintaining your extensions will be necessary. As your natural hair grows, the extensions will loosen and hang lower — so retie appointments are required every 6–10 weeks depending on how fast your hair grows. Keeping up with these appointments ensures your extensions always look fresh and secure.
With so much to consider, getting extensions might feel daunting — but it doesn’t have to be. The two most important things to remember: choose a method that causes zero damage, and choose high-quality hair that lasts and looks natural. If you’re interested in the Glamour Locks Hair Extension System, request a free consultation below.
Ready to Get Started?
Visit one of our Orange County studios in Costa Mesa or Anaheim Hills, or request a free consultation to find the right system for your hair goals.