On Trend: Über Long Extensions

Extensions used to be one of those secret beauty moves you didn't share with anyone else. People would compliment you on your hair and you'd just blame it on good family genes. But now extensions have gotten so long not even a bucket of Biotin could be responsible for your hair's sudden growth. Here, stylist Kristin Ess from Chris McMillan Salon in Beverly Hills shares how you can pull off this trend.

Extension Dos

"The most important thing to keep in mind when getting extensions is to make sure having extra long hair doesn't shorten or widen your figure," says Ess. "Also, keep your face shape in mind. Long extensions will make your face look longer, so if you have a narrow face this could help accentuate it." Ess says if you do have a narrow face, cut layers into your extensions to balance it out.

Extension Don'ts

"Don't let just anyone cut your extensions!" warns Ess. "There's nothing worse than losing a couple grand on extensions due to lack of experience." Make sure to ask your stylist how to care for your newly lengthened hair, including products to use, how to wear them when you’re sleeping, and when to take them out (if your extensions are glued or sewn in). "When shelling out for hair, you should be well educated on how to care for it," says Ess.

Maintenance

When it comes to taking your extensions out, Ess says there are several ways to determine if it's time (i.e. when you start to see your roots, or the hair is getting tangled more easily), but the usual time frame to head back to the salon is typically eight to 12 weeks. Try these other tips below to maintain your mane until it's time to take them out.

-Sleep in braids. This will preserve the hair and prevent tangling as you snooze. Also, swap out your cotton pillow case for a satin one for soft hair through morning.

-Brush twice a day. Ess says her clients carry a soft brush in their bag so that it's always handy for a quick touch up.

-Be curious! Ask your stylist to see the hair before they put it on to make sure it matches the color and texture of your natural hair. Once it's on, it's on, so you want to make sure you'll be happy with the results.