In the article below, SANDY Salon founder and creative director, Angela, answers common questions asked by clients when considering hair extensions.
What are the best hair extensions?
Choosing hair extensions can feel overwhelming, particularly if you are unsure which method will suit your natural hair, lifestyle and desired result.
At SANDY, every client’s hair extension journey is personalised. Our experienced hair extension specialists and stylists work with weft, keratin bond and tape hair extensions. Rather than recommending the same method to everyone, we carefully consider the condition of your natural hair, the result you would like to achieve and the amount of maintenance that will suit your lifestyle.
To help you make an informed decision, we have answered some of the most common questions our clients ask about hair extensions.
How do I know which extension method is right for me?
There is no single extension method that is best for everyone. The right choice depends on your natural hair, the amount of length or volume you would like to add, how you normally style your hair and how frequently you are comfortable returning to the salon for maintenance.
Every appointment at SANDY begins with a personalised consultation. We assess the health, density and texture of your natural hair, discuss the result you would like to achieve and explain the advantages and maintenance requirements of each method.
Weft hair extensions can be ideal for creating noticeable length and fullness using reusable premium human hair. Keratin bond extensions are applied strand by strand, making them a good option when greater flexibility, movement or detailed blending is required. Tape extensions may be recommended for adding density to smaller or finer areas or for complementing another extension method.
In some cases, we may combine methods to create the most natural-looking result.
Do hair extensions damage your natural hair?
Hair extensions need to be selected, fitted and maintained carefully. When the correct method and amount of hair are chosen, the extensions are professionally applied and the recommended maintenance schedule is followed, the risk of damage to healthy natural hair can be minimised.
Problems are more likely to occur when extensions are too heavy for the natural hair, are fitted incorrectly, are left in for too long without maintenance or are not cared for properly at home.
At SANDY, the health of your natural hair always comes first. Before fitting extensions, we assess whether your hair is suitable and recommend an approach that avoids placing unnecessary tension on it. We also explain how to brush, wash, dry and style your extensions safely between appointments.
If we do not believe extensions are currently the right choice for your hair, we will be honest and discuss other ways to work towards your desired result.
How much do hair extensions cost?
The cost of hair extensions depends on the chosen method, the amount and length of hair required and the result you would like to achieve.
Someone wanting a small amount of extra volume may require considerably less hair than someone seeking a complete transformation with additional length and fullness. The cost will also vary depending on whether weft, keratin bond or tape extensions are most suitable.
During your consultation, we will explain how much hair we recommend, what is included in the initial appointment and the ongoing maintenance involved. You will receive a personalised quote before proceeding, so you can make an informed decision.
You can also view our current hair extension prices on our pricing page.
How long do hair extensions last?
How long your extensions last will depend on the method, the quality of the hair, how quickly your natural hair grows and how well the extensions are cared for.
Keratin bond hair extensions are generally worn for approximately three to five months before they are professionally removed and replaced.
Weft hair extensions usually require a maintenance appointment every six to eight weeks as the natural hair grows. The premium extension hair itself can often be reused and may last between six and twelve months with appropriate care.
Following the recommended maintenance schedule and using suitable haircare products will help keep your extensions looking and feeling their best.
Can I wear my hair in a ponytail?
Absolutely. Professionally fitted weft and keratin bond hair extensions can be styled in ponytails, buns, waves and straight hairstyles.
The placement of the extensions is carefully planned around how you usually wear your hair. If you frequently wear a high ponytail or particular upstyle, mention this during your consultation so we can take it into account when recommending and positioning your extensions.
We will also show you how to style your hair comfortably without placing unnecessary tension on your natural hair or extension attachments.
Can I colour my hair while wearing extensions?
Yes. Your natural hair can be coloured while you are wearing extensions, although the service needs to be carefully planned to protect the extensions and their attachment points.
When selecting extension hair, we can blend complementary shades to match your existing colour and create natural-looking dimension. This can sometimes achieve the appearance of highlights or tonal variation without requiring additional lightening or processing of your natural hair.
Extension hair may respond differently to colour than natural hair, so we recommend speaking with your SANDY colourist before attempting to colour or tone it.
The SANDY hair extension experience
Do you keep hair extensions in stock?
Yes. We keep a wide selection of premium human hair at the salon in different colours and lengths. This allows us to offer same-day hair extension appointments for many clients without waiting for hair to be specially ordered.
Before beginning, we will colour match the extensions to your natural hair and recommend the most appropriate length, shade and amount of hair. Where needed, we can combine complementary shades to create greater depth and a more natural-looking blend.
Although we carry an extensive range, availability will depend on the colour, length and quantity required for your individual transformation.
Do I need a consultation before booking?
Not always. Because we keep a wide range of extension hair in stock, many clients can book a hair extension appointment that includes a full consultation before the installation begins.
If you are unsure which method is right for you, have concerns about the condition of your natural hair or would like to understand the cost and maintenance requirements first, we recommend booking a complimentary hair extension consultation.
This gives you the opportunity to discuss your options and receive personalised advice without feeling pressured to proceed on the day.
Where is SANDY the Salon located?
SANDY the Salon is located in North Curl Curl on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
Many clients travel from across Sydney to visit our coastal salon. During your appointment, you can enjoy a glass of rosé, herbal tea or coffee and add a restorative SANDY SPA treatment. Before you leave, we will provide practical advice to help you care for your hair and extensions at home.
Why should I trust SANDY with my hair?
Hair extensions are one of SANDY’s signature services. Our team works with different extension methods because we understand that no single technique will be suitable for every client.
Whether you would like subtle volume, greater length or a more noticeable transformation, the process begins with listening to what you want and assessing what will work safely and naturally with your existing hair.
The SANDY experience
- Complimentary hair extension consultations
- A wide selection of premium human hair kept at the salon
- Same-day installation available for many clients
- Experienced weft and keratin bond extension specialists
- Personalised colour matching and custom colour blends
- Professional cutting and blending after installation
- Extension plans tailored to each client
- A strong focus on maintaining healthy natural hair
- Hundreds of five-star client reviews
Our hair extension methods
Keratin bond extensions are applied in small, individual sections, allowing them to move naturally with your own hair. Their discreet, strand-by-strand placement can be helpful for finer hair, detailed blending and clients who enjoy wearing their hair in different styles.
Weft extensions are an effective way to add length and fullness, with premium hair that can be reused when it is properly maintained. The number of rows and amount of hair are adjusted to suit the client’s natural hair and desired result.
Tape extensions can be useful for filling finer or uneven areas, particularly around the sides of the hair. They may be used independently or combined with weft or keratin bond extensions as part of a customised approach.
What makes the SANDY approach different?
We do not recommend the same extension method to every client. We begin by assessing your natural hair.
Our team considers its health, density, texture and existing colour before recommending a method. We then customise the amount, placement and colour of the extension hair to create a balanced result.
Once fitted, the extensions are professionally cut, shaped and blended into your natural hair. We also provide practical advice about caring for them at home and create a maintenance plan to support both the appearance of the extensions and the health of your own hair.
Let’s talk about your hair
Not sure which type of hair extension is right for you? Book a complimentary consultation with the SANDY team. We will assess your natural hair, listen to what you would like to achieve and provide honest advice about the most suitable options.