I have settled on my dress. I have settled on my hair bling. I have even found the hairstyle I really want. Now if only, hair would grow enough to get the look I want!

If this sounds like you, you are not alone. I hear this year after year “I need more hair!” If you have found yourself in this situation then you might be looking at having hair extensions.

There are several types of extensions each with its own pro’s and con’s.

Bonded hair extensions are a process of adding a small amount of extension hair to a small amount of your own hair. This can be a long process ( 4-11 hours) depending on the amount of hair added. It can also be pricey ( $500-$1200+) . It does give a really lush look to the hair and it also moves the same as real hair. Highlights can be added into the hair so you don’t have to pay for added highlights. This type of extension can last for 6 months depending on how fast your hair grows and how well you take care of them. Remember you will also have to pay for a professional to remove them so add that to the final cost.

Sewn weave extensions are another option. The process involves having a small cornrow done with your own hair and the extension hair added to the cornrow with a special thread. Price is more moderate ($250-$600+) again depending on length and amount of hair added. These can last about 2 months but unlike bonded hair it can be removed by a trusted friend with a small pair of scissors. This can also limit some of the styles you choose as the hair moves in sections and the cornrows can sometimes be seen when the hair is put up.

Bonded ( or glued) weave extensions are another alternative. The hair extension piece is bonded directly to the base of the hair shaft in sections. As with sewn in weaves it moves in sections so it can limit your style choices and does not move as naturally. It also tends to last a shorter amount of time depending on the care of the hair. This type usually only last about 3 weeks at best. I have seen some with pieces starting to release after 1 week. The cost can be anywhere from $150-$400 again depending on length and amount of hair. You may also want to figure in the cost of removal to make sue the glue is fully removed although you can do this with the help of a friend at home it can get a little messy.

Clip in extensions. These are a great option if you really want them for your wedding and think you might use them again on occasion. They can run anywhere from $100-$400. Be sure if you buy them you get human hair ones if you intend to curl them. Synthetic, while cheaper, cannot be curled but you can buy them curled already. Be sure if you choose synthetic that you like the curl in them as it cannot be changed. I personally do not like synthetic for this reason and because I do not think it looks as nice. It can end up looking like Barbie hair.

Raw extensions. This is the option I present most often to brides and do most often. The hair is purchased in its raw form. It looks like a curtain of hair. It is about $60-$110 for human hair. This is the most economical option especially if you only want them for the one day but does depend if your stylist knows how to work with them. The hair is attached with bobby pins so they can be removed at the end of the day when you take the rest of your style down. Make sure you pick a colour that is really close to your own. Although they are human hair they are chemically treated and do not always colour well.

Best wishes,
Carolyn McBurney
In Home Hair & Make-Up Design
www.hairandmakeupdesign.com

I had the saddest call about 2 weeks ago. A really sweet girl called me frantic because she desperately needed a hairstylist for a party of 8 for the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend! Where did her hairstylist go? She had cancelled at the last minute. No reason or explanation. Just “I won’t be able to make it”.

I wish this was the only time a got this call but sadly I receive about a dozen or so of these calls a year. What happened? Unfortunately many people see the wedding industry as a cash cow that they can jump into not as a professional service they can provide and without knowing all the details required to serve a bridal party properly.

There are more reasons why hair and/or make-up artists suddenly are not available for your big day then I could fit on this page. I will give you a few and also a few warning signs to help prevent the fear and frustration of a disappearing artist.

Welcome to my very first blog! I am really excited that for the next while I will be trying to bring you the best of the beauty side of your wedding.

I figured I would start by answering some of the questions I get on a regular basis when it comes to wedding hair and make-up.

So, ok, let’s start from the beginning. When do I start looking for and booking my hair and make-up artists? The simple answer: as soon as you can. If you start looking after you have booked you big vendors (venue, photographer, DJ) .This gives you time to research many talented artists and maybe have events that you can use them for to see their skills in action. Some of you will have special circumstances that make your bookings more challenging such as have a distance wedding, holiday long weekend or what I like to call the “mystery highly sought after wedding dates”. Those dates that for some unknown reason everyone seem to be choosing that year. Leaving it too late leaves you choosing from the leftovers.