from start to finish: the hair extension journey
Embarking on your hair extension journey can feel a bit overwhelming—it’s not your average cut-and-color appointment! From your first install to maintaining those stunning locks afterward, the process is different but so worth it.
No need to worry—we’re here to answer all your questions and guide you through every step, from the initial consultation to post-install care and beyond.
Still on the fence about whether extensions are the right solution for your hair goals? Check out our Extensions 101: What You Should Know blog for all the basics.
Trying to decide between one row or two? We’ve got you covered—read our blog on One Row vs. Two for the details.
FIRST STEP: Complimentary Consultation
Our clients come to us for a variety of reasons, but our mission is always the same: to help every person in our chair feel beautiful inside and out.
Whether you reach out via social media or our salon page, we aim to respond to your inquiry within 12–24 hours. We understand how exciting taking this first step can be, and we want to get you scheduled for an in-person or phone consultation as soon as possible.
During the consultation, we’ll discuss your extension goals and assess your current hair situation. Once we decide to move forward, we’ll send a deposit link to confirm your appointment and officially kick off your journey.
STEP TWO: Your Install Appointment
Install days at LB Extensions are our favorite! This is when we bring your vision to life.
When you arrive, we’ll review the plan from your consultation to ensure everything is still aligned.
From there, we may take a few before photos to capture the start of your journey. If you are camera shy – no worries – simply let us know and we can skip it.
Here’s what to expect:
Hair Coloring: We’ll color your natural hair and extension hair for a seamless, blended look. This step can take some time but trust us—it’s worth it!
Extension Install: Depending on whether you’re getting one or two rows, this process typically takes 2–2.5 hours.
Final Touches: After installing the extensions, we’ll trim and blend your layers and finish with styling, usually curling your beautiful new locks.
Altogether, your install appointment will last around 3.5–5.5 hours.
For every install, we focus on preparing more than enough hair for your look. This helps us to carefully choose multiple wefts for each row … creating the perfect blend.
Once your install is in place, we finish with a haircut that blends your layers. We also adjust the length if it’s needed. Finally, we finish each look by curling your new locks.
STEP THREE: Post-Install Maintenance
Maintaining your extensions after install is one of the most important steps when it comes to ensuring the life of your extensions.
For those looking for a detailed post-maintenance routine, check out our post-install maintenance tips.
Tip 1: Daily Brushing
Make it a habit to brush your hair daily to prevent tangles or matting within your extensions. Depending on your hair type, texture, and length, some clients may need to focus more on this step.
Brushing should always start from ends to root. For clients with thicker hair, we recommend brushing their hair in sections.
Tip 2: Use Serum
Ideally, you will want to use a ½ to a full pump of serum (we recommend Mr. Smith Serum) on dry hair and then brushing in the morning and at night.
Tip 3: Washing Your Hair
Always brush your hair before washing and, if you can, separate your hair into sections for easier shampooing. For more wash-day tips, check out our ultimate wash-day routine.
Post shower, you will want to gently brush your hair with a wide tooth comb or with a detangling brush. From there you will want to add your primer and heat protectants.
First apply Mr. Smith Leave-In or Primer from mids-to-ends, this will provide your hair and extensions with moisture.
Then use 1/2 to a full pump of Mr.Smith Serum from mids-to-ends to help lock in the moisture from the leave-in or primer. Finish with your favorite Mr. Smith styling aid.
For those looking for more information on our favorite Mr. Smith products, check this out. We recommend air drying your hair for a short time (if time allows) before you start blow-drying.
STEP FOUR: Maintenance Appointments
To keep your extensions in top shape, plan to visit us every 6–8 weeks for maintenance. This timeline may vary depending on your stylist’s recommendations, hair length, and density.
Here’s what maintenance could involve:
Lifting Appointments: Removing extensions due to natural hair growth and reinstalling them.
Color Touch-Ups: Blondes may need highlights around the face or part line, while other clients may only need a gloss or minimal color maintenance.
After your first maintenance appointment, we’ll help you plan 1–2 future visits to keep your hair looking its best.
Your Extension Journey
Not everyone gets extensions with the intention of wearing them forever—and that’s okay! Some clients come to us after a bad haircut or color, using extensions as a temporary solution to regain length or fullness.
Others can’t imagine life without their extensions—and we’re here for that too! Whether you’re starting with two rows and scaling back to one or vice versa, we’re excited to support you.
No matter your goals, we’re thrilled to be part of your extension journey and can’t wait to help you achieve the hair of your dreams. Book a complimentary consultation today!
