The Truth About Hair Extensions: What Stylists Wish Every Client Knew
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Almost every week, someone sits in my chair and says, “I just want my hair long and full like the photos I see online. Can extensions really do that?” I’m Hasblady Guzman, lead stylist at Bokaos Salon & Spa in Pasadena, and I hear this all the time. Extensions can absolutely change your look, but the key is knowing what they really offer and how to take care of them once they’re in.
Different Types Work for Different People
There isn’t one single kind of extension. Some are meant for quick changes, others are better for long-term wear. The right choice depends on your hair’s strength, your lifestyle, and how much time you want to spend maintaining them. Think of it the way you’d think of clothing. A dress that looks perfect on your best friend may not be the right fit for you. Extensions are the same. Matching the right method to the right person makes all the difference.
What Extensions Can Do For You
- Add length: If your hair seems stuck at one length, extensions can give you the extra inches you’ve been waiting for.
- Boost fullness: Clients with fine or thinning hair often love the instant thickness extensions create.
- Offer new shades: Extensions can add dimension or highlights without coloring your natural hair.
Here in Pasadena, the sun and dry air can make lightening tough on natural hair. Extensions allow you to explore new shades without adding stress to your strands.
What Extensions Will Not Do
They won’t repair damaged hair. If your hair is already weak from over-processing, adding the weight of extensions can make it worse. That is why I often suggest starting with a strengthening or smoothing treatment first. When your natural hair is healthy, extensions look and feel better, and they last longer too.
Care and Upkeep Matter
Extensions need consistent attention. You will want to treat them gently when brushing and washing, and you should plan on coming in regularly for maintenance. Skipping care leads to tangles, shedding, and a shorter lifespan overall. Think of it like maintaining lashes or nails. They look their best when you keep up with them.
Common Questions I Hear
“Will they ruin my hair?”
Not if they are applied the right way and cared for. At Bokaos, we always look at the health of your hair first and recommend a method that works with it, not against it.
“Can I still style my hair like normal?”
Yes, but with some adjustments. High ponytails and buns may need to be styled differently so the bonds stay hidden. Heat styling is fine as long as you use caution and protect your hair from the dry Pasadena climate.
“Are they noticeable?”
When installed by a professional, extensions should blend in seamlessly. The goal is for people to compliment your hair, not to ask if you are wearing extensions.
Why Pasadena Clients Love Them
We are right in One Colorado Square, close to the IPIC Theater. Many of our clients stop in before special events, weddings, or photoshoots downtown. Extensions give them the confidence of having the hair they always wanted, right when they need it most. One of my brides once told me her extensions gave her the exact look she dreamed of walking down the aisle with, and she felt amazing all night.
Think About Pairing Services
If you are preparing for a big occasion, extensions pair beautifully with a makeup service or facial. Fresh hair and glowing skin together can completely change how you feel when you walk into a room.
Final Thoughts from Hasblady
Extensions are not magic, but they are powerful tools when used the right way. They can make your hair longer, fuller, and more versatile. The most important step is having an open conversation with your stylist about what you want and how much maintenance you are comfortable with. That is how we make sure you get results you will love and can actually manage.
Book Your Consultation
If you are in Pasadena and curious about trying extensions, I would be happy to talk you through your options. Visit us at Bokaos Salon & Spa, One Colorado Square, 52 Hugus Alley, Pasadena, CA 91103. Call (626) 304-0007 or book online here. Let’s create the look you’ve been imagining together.