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Long story, short: I have been trying to grow out my hair for YEARS. I’m serious! I feel like my hair has hit it’s limit and just won’t budge. After lusting over long, gorgeous, thick hair for years, I decided it was time to take the initiative to get this dream hair I always aspired to have! I spent hours, weeks, and even the last few months doing SO MUCH RESEARCH to try and find out the least damaging, most comfortable, and realistic version of hair extensions possible. That’s when I reached out to (the sweetest + oh so talented) Chelsea in Arizona**. You know I frequent Arizona because my boyfriend lives there, so this trip I decided to go for it- to get HAIR EXTENSIONS!
**UPDATE: I’ve switched hair stylists, as I’ve decided to stay local in Santa Barbara, and my go-to hair guru, magical extension expert, is Bess (@hairbybess on Instagram). Be sure you reach out to her and tell her I sent you- trust me, she’s AMAZING!
**I just published a blog post on the pros + cons of ALL METHODS of hair extensions!
BEFORE // AFTER
Listen up: these aren’t just any hair extensions, they are Natural Beaded Row (NBR) Exentions! It’s a special method with so many benefits that I’ll be sharing below as well as answering all of your questions you asked via Instagram!
What is NBR?
- NBR stands for Natural Beaded Row extensions. They are an exclusive hair extension method where rows are placed in the hair by creating a “track” with an exclusive bead and string technique. Wefts are then placed on the track and sewn in. The extensions are then cut, colored, and blended to your real hair to create a natural and beautiful look!
What are the benefits of NBR compared to tape-in extensions, glue-in extensions, and other methods?
- Natural looking
- Lightweight yet full
- Comfortable
- No glue or tape involved
- Less damage
- Hidden
- Won’t slip out
- Your natural hair can still grow!
What kind of hair is it?
- It is 100% human Bohyme Lux extension hair.
What length did you get?
- I was deciding between the 18″ length and the 22″ length, but ultimately went with the 18″. I did not want to be overwhelmed with hair at first, and I’m loving this length.
How many rows did you get placed in your head?
- I got 2 rows of 6 wefts, so 12 total. Keep in mind, typical extensions have 150 points of contact on your head, NBR has a maximum of 25 points of contact.
How do you know who to go to to get NBR extensions?
- I highly recommend contacting a Certified NBR Stylist by going to the list of hair stylists in your area HERE.
Do the extensions feel like real hair (texturally)?
- YES! I am shocked at how real it feels. I cannot tell the difference between my original real hair and the extension hair, it’s crazy!
Was the application painful?
- Not at all- it was a little tight but I wouldn’t say it was uncomfortable!
Are they itchy?
- I’ve only had my NBR extensions in for about 3 days now, and so far I’ve had minimal itching. I know that’ll go away as time goes on in the next day or so.
Does your real hair blend with the extension hair?
- YES!!! It’s insane how well it blends. Your stylist will be able to strategically do this!
What shampoo + conditioner do you use on your extensions?
- I’ll use my regular shampoo + conditioner, as well as occasional purple shampoo to keep the cool tones in my blonde. My hair stylist also recommended I use this oil-based product to protect my long locks!
Can you style them like you would your normal hair?
- 100%! They are meant to be treated like your real hair. Blow dry, straighten, curl, etc. Remember- it’s real hair so treat it like that!
How often do you have to maintain them?
- About every 6-8 weeks I’ll have to get my rows of hair moved up since there is natural hair growth, and then about every 6 months is when I’ll repurchase brand new hair to keep it fresh! I think this recommended timing also depends on your natural hair growth and how well you treat your hair!
How much do these extensions cost?
- I’ll start out by saying it’s definitely an investment, but an investment I was willing to go for and I’m SO happy I did! Stylist pricing will vary, depending on their experience, however keep in mind that the initial appointment will be the most expensive around $1,000+ (due to the cost of hair, color, cut, and styling). After your initial appointment, it will not cost that much each time after! You have to be dedicated!
Worth it!?
- 10000% YES! I couldn’t be happier with the mermaid hair of my dreams 🙂
- HUGE shout out to Chelsea for her sweet personality, extreme talent and attention to detail, and for making my wildest hair dream come true!
If you have any other questions, please comment below and I’ll be sure to answer! Also- if you decide to get NBR extensions, tag me in a photo on Instagram, I’d LOVE to see 🙂