With the increasing popularity of hair extensions it’s important to understand the pros and cons of having them before deciding weather or not to get your own. Some extensions are glued or clipped into the natural hair and other times the natural hair is braided to the scalp and the extensions are sewn into the scalp. Here are some pros and cons to help you make your decision.

Pro’s

The most obvious advantage is the instant gratification. You don’t have to spend months waiting for your hair to grow out. You can go from short to long or vice versa in just hours. Extensions are versatile, they come in a variety of colors, lengths and textures. They are also low maintenance. Good extensions can last up to three months and you can style them just as you would your own hair.

Con’s

The biggest downside of getting hair extensions is the scalp and hair damage. When you suddenly add a lot of hair at once it pulls on the scalp. This causes damage and irritation. Extensions can also damage the hair, depending on how they are attached. Tight braids can cause breakage at the roots, glue can burn the scalp or weaken the hair shaft. Extensions can also be very pricey. They can cost anywhere from a couple hundred to a couple of thousand dollars, depending on the method of attachment and how much hair you use. It is also time consuming to have extensions applied. It’s not unusual for someone to spend eight hours or more sitting in the salon.