Hair Extensions FAQ
Considering hair extensions at Altitude Salon? You've got questions, and Linda has answers. This comprehensive FAQ covers everything you need to know about hair extensions—from choosing the right method to understanding maintenance, pricing, and care.
Can't find your answer here? Linda offers complimentary consultations where she can address your specific concerns and assess your hair in person.
How do I know if I'm a good candidate for hair extensions?
Most people are excellent candidates for hair extensions! This treatment is ideal for anyone with sparse, thin, or over-plucked hair, those who want to save time on their beauty routine, active individuals who swim or exercise regularly, people with hair loss due to medical conditions, or anyone wanting to add length and volume. During your consultation, Linda reviews your medical history and examines your hair health to ensure extensions are right for you. The main contraindications are severely damaged hair that needs repair first, active scalp infections or conditions, very recent hair treatments (wait 2 weeks), and certain medications that affect hair health.
Which extension method is right for me?
The best method depends on your hair type, lifestyle, budget, and goals. Tape-ins work great for fine to medium hair and busy lifestyles (quick application, easy maintenance). Micro Link extensions are perfect for those wanting a chemical-free, heat-free method with flexibility. Laserbeamer Nano is ideal for very fine hair needing the most invisible option. Keratin Fusion suits those wanting the longest-lasting, most permanent option. During your consultation, Linda assesses your hair texture, density, and lifestyle to recommend the perfect method for you.
Do I need a certain length of natural hair for extensions?
Yes, minimum length requirements vary by method. Tape-ins typically need at least 3-4 inches of natural hair. Micro Link and Laserbeamer Nano require 3-4 inches for secure attachment. Keratin Fusion works best with 4-6 inches minimum. If your hair is shorter, Linda will let you know if you should grow it a bit longer first or if there's a method that can work with your current length.
How long does the installation appointment take?
Installation time varies by method and the amount of hair being applied. Tape-ins take 1-2 hours. Micro Link takes 2-4 hours depending on coverage. Laserbeamer Nano takes 3-4 hours for full application. Keratin Fusion takes 3-4 hours for a full head. Linda works efficiently while ensuring precise, beautiful application, so times may vary based on your specific needs.
Will hair extensions damage my natural hair?
When applied correctly by a trained professional like Linda and properly maintained, hair extensions should not damage your natural hair. The key factors are choosing the right method for your hair type, keeping up with regular maintenance appointments (never extending the time between visits), following all care instructions carefully, and using recommended products. Linda prioritizes your natural hair health above everything else. She will never apply extensions if your hair isn't strong enough and may recommend strengthening treatments first. During maintenance appointments, she carefully monitors your natural hair health.
Can I get extensions if I have fine or thin hair?
Yes—this is actually Linda's specialty! Extensions can be wonderful for fine or thin hair, adding both length and much-needed volume. Linda customizes each installation specifically for fine hair by trimming or thinning the wefts to match your hair density, choosing the lightest methods (Laserbeamer Nano or Micro Link), strategically placing extensions to distribute weight evenly, and starting with an appropriate amount that won't overwhelm your natural hair. Many of Linda's clients have been told elsewhere that their hair was "too fine" for extensions. Linda has perfected techniques that work beautifully with delicate hair textures.
What if my hair is damaged? Can I still get extensions?
It depends on the level and type of damage. Linda assesses your hair health during consultation. If your hair has minor damage (dryness, some breakage), extensions may be fine with the right method and care. If your hair has significant damage (severe breakage, chemical damage, very weak hair), Linda will recommend strengthening treatments first, suggest waiting until hair recovers, or potentially recommend against extensions. She will never compromise your natural hair health for extensions. Healthy natural hair is the foundation for successful extensions.
What's the difference between Micro Link and Laserbeamer Nano?
Both methods use small attachments (beads), but Laserbeamer Nano attachments are significantly smaller—about half the size of standard micro link beads. Nano attachments are virtually invisible, even in very fine hair, require specialized precision tools for application, are more comfortable for those with sensitive scalps, and can be placed closer to the hairline. Micro Link beads are slightly larger but still discreet, work well for most hair types, are slightly faster to apply, and are excellent for those new to bead methods. Linda helps you choose based on your hair texture and desired invisibility level.
Can tape-in extensions get wet?
Yes! After the initial 48-hour waiting period following installation, you can get tape-ins wet. You can swim, shower, and wash your hair normally. However, you should avoid excessive exposure to chlorine or salt water (rinse immediately after swimming), always use extension-safe products (no oils near tapes), and dry the tape areas thoroughly after washing. The modern medical-grade adhesive used in quality tape-ins is water-resistant when properly applied and maintained.
Are keratin bonds noticeable?
When properly applied by Linda, keratin bonds should be virtually undetectable. The bonds are small (about the size of a grain of rice), color-matched to your hair, and placed strategically to hide within your natural hair. They lie flat against the head and move naturally with your hair. Most people cannot tell you have extensions. The key is having them applied by an experienced stylist like Linda who knows proper placement and sizing.
How long do hair extensions last?
The extension hair itself can last 3-6 months or longer with proper care, but all methods require regular maintenance appointments as your natural hair grows. Tape-ins need maintenance every 6-8 weeks (removal, retaping, reapplication). Micro Link needs move-ups every 8-12 weeks. Laserbeamer Nano needs maintenance every 12-16 weeks. Keratin Fusion lasts 4-6 months before removal. The extension hair can often be reused multiple times with proper care, making extensions a good long-term investment.
What happens at maintenance appointments?
Maintenance appointments keep your extensions looking fresh and protect your natural hair health. For tape-ins, Linda removes the extensions, cleans them, applies new tape, and reapplies them closer to your scalp. For Micro Link and Nano, she moves the beads up as your natural hair has grown. For Keratin Fusion, she assesses bond condition and eventually removes them for reinstallation. At every maintenance appointment, Linda also trims and blends as needed, checks your natural hair health, and addresses any concerns you have.
What happens if I skip a maintenance appointment?
Please don't! Skipping maintenance can cause serious problems. Tape adhesive weakens and extensions can slip or fall out. Beads grow too far down and become visible or uncomfortable. Matting can occur at the attachment points. Your natural hair can become stressed or damaged. Extensions start to look obvious rather than natural. What could have been a simple maintenance appointment becomes a complex repair. Always keep your scheduled maintenance appointments—they're essential, not optional.
Can I swim, work out, and be active with extensions?
Absolutely! Extensions shouldn't limit your lifestyle. For swimming, wet hair with clean water first and apply leave-in conditioner as a barrier, then rinse immediately after and wash with clarifying shampoo. For workouts, secure hair to prevent excessive sweating at the scalp, rinse or wash after heavy sweating, and brush thoroughly after exercise. For beach/sun, use UV protectant spray, wear a hat when possible, and rinse salt water immediately. With proper precautions, you can do everything you normally do.
How much time will I spend on daily maintenance?
Extensions actually save time for most people! Daily care takes about 5-10 minutes: brush morning and night (2-3 minutes each time), secure hair before bed (1 minute). Washing takes slightly longer than your natural hair but you wash less frequently (2-3 times per week instead of daily). Most clients report spending LESS total time on their hair because they have the length and volume they want without daily styling. You wake up with beautiful hair!
Will people be able to tell I have extensions?
When applied by Linda, extensions should be virtually undetectable. The key factors are proper color matching (Linda's specialty), seamless blending through cutting and layering, choosing the right method for your hair type, and strategic placement. Linda's goal is always natural-looking results—nobody should be able to tell where your natural hair ends and extensions begin. Most clients report that people assume their gorgeous hair is completely natural and are shocked to learn it's extensions!
Can I still style my hair normally?
Yes! You can curl, straighten, blow-dry, and style your extensions just like your natural hair. Just remember to always use heat protectant before heat styling, keep heat tools at 300-350°F maximum, avoid applying direct heat to bonds/tapes/beads, and be gentle when styling near attachment points. You can also create ponytails, braids, and updos—just keep styles lower on the head to avoid stress on attachments. Linda shows you styling techniques during your appointment.
Can I color my hair extensions?
Yes! Since Linda uses 100% human hair extensions, they can be colored, highlighted, and toned just like your natural hair. However, it's best to color extensions before installation for the most even results. If you want to change color after installation, Linda can color your natural hair and extensions together. Keep in mind that blonde extensions can go darker or be toned, but dark extensions cannot be lifted to blonde without damage. Always consult Linda before any chemical services with extensions.
Can I get highlights or balayage with my extensions?
Absolutely! Linda can create beautiful dimensional color with extensions in two ways. If you already have highlights or balayage, she blends multiple shades of extensions to match your existing color perfectly. If you have solid color but want dimension, Linda can customize your extensions with highlight or balayage placement to give you that multi-dimensional, sun-kissed look without any bleach on your natural hair. It's a damage-free way to add brightness and depth!
What if I want to change my hair color later?
You have options! You can have Linda color your extensions to match your new color (going darker is easy). You can replace the extensions with new ones in your new color. For Tape-ins and Micro Link, you can gradually transition by mixing old and new colors. Linda helps you plan color changes in a way that protects both your natural hair and your extension investment. Just always consult her before making any color changes.
How much do hair extensions cost?
Hair extension pricing varies significantly based on the method chosen (Tape-in, Micro Link, Nano, or Keratin), amount of hair needed (depends on your natural density and desired fullness), hair quality and brand, and installation complexity and time required. During your complimentary consultation, Linda provides detailed, transparent pricing based on your specific needs and goals with no hidden fees or surprises. While extensions are an investment, consider the long-term value of instant transformation, reusable hair in many cases, daily time savings, and the confidence boost you'll experience.
How much are maintenance appointments?
Maintenance appointments are typically less expensive than initial installation since the extension hair itself is already purchased (assuming it's in good condition and can be reused). The cost covers Linda's time for removal, cleaning, retaping or repositioning, reapplication, cutting and blending, and assessment of your hair health. Maintenance frequency and cost vary by method: Tape-ins every 6-8 weeks, Micro Link every 8-12 weeks, Nano every 12-16 weeks, and Keratin every 4-6 months. Linda provides maintenance pricing during your initial consultation.
Are extensions worth the investment?
For most clients, absolutely! Consider what you're getting: instant length and volume that would take years to grow naturally, elimination of daily styling time and frustration, confidence boost from loving your hair every day, versatility for special events and photos, and for those with hair loss or thinning, restored confidence and femininity. When you break down the cost per day over the lifespan of your extensions, it's often very reasonable. Many clients say extensions are one of the best investments they've made in themselves.
Do you offer payment plans?
Linda can discuss payment options during your consultation. Many clients save up for their initial installation, then budget for regular maintenance appointments. Since maintenance costs less than installation, ongoing costs are more manageable. Ask Linda about options that work for your budget.
What happens during a consultation?
Your complimentary consultation is a comprehensive assessment and planning session. Linda examines your natural hair (texture, density, condition, length), discusses your goals and lifestyle, explains which methods would work best for you and why, shows you color options and discusses matching or creating dimension, provides detailed pricing for your specific needs, answers all your questions, and helps you book your installation appointment if you decide to move forward. There's no pressure—it's purely educational so you can make an informed decision.
How should I prepare for my consultation?
Come with clean, dry hair styled as you normally wear it. Bring photos of extension looks you love or hair goals you have. Make a list of questions you want to ask. Be honest about your lifestyle, hair history, and budget. Wear your hair down so Linda can see the full length and texture. If you've had previous extensions, let Linda know about your experience. The more information you share, the better Linda can customize her recommendations.
Is the consultation really free?
Yes! Linda offers complimentary consultations for hair extensions because she wants you to make an informed decision. There's no obligation to book, no pressure, and no fees. It's an opportunity for you to learn about extensions, ask questions, see if Linda is the right stylist for you, and get honest professional advice about what will work best for your hair and goals.
Still Have Questions?
Linda is here to answer your specific questions and address your unique concerns. The best way to get personalized answers is through a complimentary, no-obligation consultation where Linda can assess your hair and discuss your goals in detail.
Serving Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Roswell, and North Atlanta