Question: I am thinking about getting hair extensions for my wedding. What are the pros and cons of hair extensions?

Answer: Hair extensions are very popular for events such as weddings, prom and other special occasions. As far as looking artificial–that is not how you would describe hair extensions today. Many of the modern methods for attaching hair extensions are very natural looking and appear to have grown out of your head.

If the bride is thinking about extensions for her wedding day only, then she would probably go with the more temporary methods available today. Bonding is a temporary method, but it does involve applying an adhesive based product to your hair. I have heard of some hair damage occurring from the removal of these types of extensions.

Another consideration is the trial run. It is always recommended to get a trial run for your wedding hair. A bride should not wait until the day of her wedding to have bonded hair extensions attached. What it they don’t turn out right? If you did a trial run 1-2 months before the wedding, then you would have the expense of putting them in/taking them out and putting them back in again. (expensive and time-consuming) Plus, what do you do if they damage your hair–especially right before your wedding.

More permanent hair extensions methods, i.e. So.Cap, Great Lengths, Hairdreams will last anywhere from 2-6 months, but are very costly. And all hair extension methods can potentially damage your hair. I just read a press release today about how hair extensions are the quickest way to ruin your hair–according to Jennifer Aniston.

A great option for the bride to try is clip-in hair extensions. I have a whole set of long (actual human) hair clip-in extensions from www.garlanddrake.com I haven’t quite mastered putting them in, but I bet an experienced stylist could put them in and they would look great. The prices for these clip-ins range depending on how long you want to go. (from around $100-600).

The bride could order the clip-in extensions and take them to her stylist (who is hopefully experienced in attaching clip-in extensions) and do a trial run a month or two before the wedding and then have them put in a few days before the wedding or even the day of the wedding. This way, the bride gets to keep the clip-in extensions and can use them for any future occasions. I believe that Hair U Wear also has a brand new line of clip-in extensions (check them out at www.hairuwear.com ) I’m not sure about the costs for these.

Anyways, in a nutshell, here are the Pros and Cons for hair extensions and the 3 different alternatives to attaching hair extensions for the bride’s wedding day.

Get Hair Extensions for a wedding? PROS

* Your hair will look fabulous for your wedding day. You will be able to look at photos for years to come and remember how great you looked on your wedding day.
* You can create a stunning look that draws gasps from your guests

CONS

* You will spend a lot of money
* You may damage your hair (if the extensions are not attached and removed properly) or stress out about your hair being damaged or the extensions falling out.

1. Bonded Hair Extensions PROS

* Less costly than permanent extensions
* You can usually go with cheaper quality (and price) human or synthetic hair since you will be wearing them for a short period of time

CONS

* Bonded extensions have been known to cause hair damage during removal
* Will need to do a trial run weeks if not months before the wedding. (May require installation/removal )

2. Permanent Hair Extensions PROS

* Trial run not a problem–can get these extensions 1 month before wedding and keep them in.
* You can get used to having long beautiful hair before your wedding

CONS

* Extensions don’t work for everyone. Sometimes you don’t know if they will work for you until you get them. I get many Emails from women who say they had healthy hair and it is now ruined after wearing hair extensions.
* Very expensive!! {Prices range from $500-5,000 and higher, plus the cost of the extension hair)
* Very addictive–once you see yourself with long beautiful hair, you won’t want to take them out.
* Need to research methods/ stylists—Don’t just go to any salon and get hair extensions–you may be sorry!

3. Clip-In Hair Extensions PROS

* Cause little or no hair damage and can be removed by yourself
* Much less expensive than permanent hair extensions
* You can re-use the clip-in hair extensions whenever you want
* Peace of mind

CONS

* You will need to search for a stylist that has experience putting in clip-in extensions
* Although cheaper than permanent extensions, they are still expensive.