Are Hair Extensions Right for You?
It's wild to think I've been wearing hair extensions for almost 25 years. I was 14, standing in a random store that sold half Jamaican food, and the other half hair extensions — buying clip-in extensions for my grade 9 grad. Little did I know, that clip-in set wasn't just a purchase. It was going to be the start of everything.
I just knew I loved it. I loved how fast you could change up your look, the way you carried yourself… all from adding a little more hair. I had no idea I was standing at the start of a career, let alone a company. I just knew I wanted to feel like that and make others feel like that, for as long as I could.
Almost 25 years later, Below Hair Studio is growing its own line of hair extensions — 19 colours, multiple lengths. From buying hair at the back of a food store to a building an extension line with my name behind it, I'm still just as excited about hair extensions that I was at 14.
I think young Bailey would think I was pretty cool.
At the first salon I worked at, salon quality extensions were reserved for celebrities and the small handful of clients who had the money to afford them. There weren’t different types, different methods, different price points — you basically had to be the boujee-est of boujee to be in the extension wearing club.
But along the way, that started to change. Tape-ins became a thing, wefts became a thing, and the clientele who could afford and maintain extensions grew well beyond the upper class.
Extensions have come a long way, and they’re no longer just for adding dramatic length for the wealthy. Today’s extensions can create fullness, add dimension, fill in sparse areas, and help you reach hair goals that might not be possible with your natural hair alone — all within a budget you’re comfortable with.
But are they right for everyone? Not quite. They can work for a lot of people — just not everyone.
Extensions Might Be Right for You If…
You Want More Volume
Many of our guests aren’t looking for length at all. They simply want thicker, fuller hair that feels more like the hair they used to have or have always wished for.
You’re Growing Out a Haircut
Extensions can make awkward grow-out stages feel effortless by adding fullness and shape while your natural hair catches up.
You Struggle to Achieve Your Desired Length
If your hair seems to hit a certain point and stop growing, extensions can help bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be.
You Love Styling Options
Extensions add versatility when it comes to curls, braids, updos, and everyday styling.
Extensions May Not Be Right for You If…
Extensions require commitment. Regular maintenance appointments, proper home care, and investing in quality products all play a role in keeping your hair healthy and your extensions looking beautiful.
If you’re looking for something completely maintenance-free, extensions may not be the best fit.
The Biggest Myth About Extensions
Many people assume extensions are damaging. The truth is that professionally installed extensions, combined with proper maintenance, should not damage your natural hair. In many cases, they can help clients feel more confident while protecting their natural hair growth journey.
The Best Way to Know?
Book a consultation.We’ll assess your hair type, lifestyle, goals, maintenance preferences, and budget to determine whether extensions are the right fit for you, and recommend the best option if they are.
Not everyone needs extensions. But for the right person, they can be completely transformative.
