Written by

Sarah Ingham

Published

Your Ultimate Guide To A Hair Extensions Consultation

Getting the hair you really want starts with a hair consultation. Since COVID there has been a push to virtual consultations, and whilst they are easy and quick, to get the most from a consultation you need to head in salon. Having researched the look you want, the colours you love, the different types of extensions available and the stylist you want, the consultation will really help bring everything together, answer all your questions and get you a big step closer to that new style you crave. Here’s our guide answering some FAQ's so you can know more about what to expect aswell as some tips to make the most of your consultation...

 

"How Far In Advance Do You Recommend Booking A Consultation?"

Our advice is to always book in advance and allow around an hour for this appointment. This allows you enough time for you to ask all the questions you want, even those questions you may think are too silly and would rather Google later. Your stylist is there to help you get the most from your hair and they have probably been asked everything you can think of, so make sure you ask away! Plus, Google doesn’t give you the answers that are specific to you.

 

"Do I Have To Complete A Questionnaire?" 

Your consultation allows your stylist to assess your suitability to hair extensions in terms of your current hair strength, density, scalp health and your lifestyle. Part of this will involve you going through a "Consultation Questionnaire" with your stylist.

The consultation will also involve looking at how you like to wear and style your hair for example, your job may require a certain style. We always adivse you to turn up to your consultation with the style you wear on a day to day basis. These factors determine the type of application and where the placement of those extensions can be to create the best results for you. 

 

"Can I Bring Some Inspiration To My Appointment?"

When it comes to considering what you want to achieve from extensions, it is worth bringing with you some inspirational images for length, colour, volume and style you have seen. This can include screenshots of your favourite celeb, influencer, Instagram posts, Pinterest searches or maybe a previous style you had. You can then discuss what is appealing to you on those looks to help the stylist get a good picture of exactly what you want.

Stuck for inspiration? Check out our tagged photos on Instagram that use #additionallengths to get you excited for your next look.

 

"What Hair Extension Length I Should Go For?" 

Regarding length, your stylist may hold a tape measure from where they will be applying the extensions, to give you a guide as to where the hair will fall, and then maybe advise going shorter or even a little longer depending on the look you want to go for. 

If you have any questions about this feel free to ask in your appointment as this is one of the key areas to consider. 

We also have a journal post here all about choosing your hair extension length. This post is great to see the different lengths we have in action so you can have an idea of what you like before your consultation appointment. 

 

"What Colour Hair Extensions Should I Go For?"

Choosing your colour might seem like the fun part of the consultation, with so many beautiful colours on the colour ring to play with. Despite having your inspiration, holding up the colours to the side of your face and your skin tone and eye colour will help you see for yourself if this colour is right for you. The extensionist will be great at advising you here aswell as advising you on blending colours to make effects such as balayage, highlights and face framing if thats what you're dreaming of. 

Getting the right colour match is crucial for the extensions to look their best. You may need additional colour work to your own hair before applying extensions and they can advise you on this.

 

"Will My Hair Be Cut Before Having Hair Extensions?"

Subject to your current style, it may be necessary for the stylist to cut your existing hair before application but this is something that can be discussed further in your consultation. In some cases, removing the split ends of your natural hair will help your new extensions sit well with your own hair.

 

"What Are The Different Application Methods?"

Your stylist will be able to guide you through the options available in terms of application method for what will work best for your hair type, your needs, aswell as what products are available for your desired length as some methods only come in certain lengths. They will also be able to explain the application process and show you examples of their work with this application so you can see how this will look. 

 

"How Do I Look After My Hair Extensions After Application?"  

Whilst you may be focussing on the transformation with hair extensions, you need to know how to care for them properly and the extensionist will be able to take you through the at home aftercare with the recommended products and brushes, as well as returning to the salon for maintenance appointments to remove and refit the extensions and how all that works.

 

Other Factors:

Price - With so many factors involved, you can now appreciate that a stylist needs to see you to also be able to offer you a quotation based on the hair, application, and aftercare. We can all be price-sensitive, especially if comparing to another price, but consider if the hair quality and expertise are the same level and if you will be getting hair extensions that could potentially last up to 12 months.

 

Consultation Forms - You may be asked to sign a consultation form to agree to the information you have provided and has been given to you, and to book the application appointment. You may be given a copy of this form and it may also have some aftercare guidelines as a reminder.

 

Clip-Ins Consultations - Consultations for hair pieces such as clip-ins will not need to be as detailed but are equally as important especially when it comes to getting the colour match right and tips to help you fit them correctly.

 

Consultation Cost - Many consultations are free, but with some people not showing up to appointments with little or no notice, some salons do put a small charge on these appointments and then credit this off your application appointment if you move forward. Check with your extensionist how they work this.

 

Keep You Stylist In The Loop - It’s always worth also keeping your stylist updated with your information, especially if you have changed medication and if you are looking to change your style again in the future, so it may be worth having a new consultation in the future.

 

Overall, our professional hairdressers have a wealth of experience they can share with you at a consultation to get you the look you really want, offer suggestions, and there to support you so that you care for your extensions properly for healthy hair days.

 

Do you have any other questions about your consultation? Feel free to contact us and one of the team will be happy to help. Don't forget to share you new look on Instagram using #additionallengths for a chance to be featured on our platforms. 

Life isn't perfect but your hair can be...


We are a multi-award-winning hair extension specialists also supplying hair care, hair tools, and lots more.

Thanks for reading! With love, Sarah at Additional Lengths xx