Curly hair extensions often seem elusive for a few reasons. First, they’re less commonly found in beauty stores compared to straight hair extensions. Second, matching a curly pattern can be more challenging than matching a color. Third, this often leads to the concern that curly extensions will become tangled and matted with your natural curls, causing frustration and damage.
However, curly hair extensions are far more accessible and manageable than you might think. To uncover the truth about curly hair extensions, we consulted Heather Winnick, a renowned expert responsible for the extensions of many A-list celebrities. She provides invaluable insights into achieving perfect length and texture, no matter the curl pattern.
Permed vs. Natural Vietnamese Curly Extensions
A key consideration when choosing curly hair extensions is whether to opt for permed curls or natural ones. While it may seem like most curly extensions are permed, that’s not always the case. “You can choose between custom curly extensions or permed ones,” explains Heather. “Some companies offer pre-curled extensions, which have already undergone a curling treatment. These extensions come with the curl pattern already set. Other retailers provide extensions with various curl types available off the shelf. For those companies that don’t offer curly extensions, and if a customer likes a particular shade and texture, we can always perm the hair for them. As long as it’s human hair, we can apply a perm,” she clarifies.
If you have curly hair and want to enhance it with additional curls, the type of hair you purchase is crucial. “Currently, there aren’t many companies offering extensions with tight curls. If you’re looking for looser curls, you can either visit a hair shop or ask a supplier to order them for you. Otherwise, you might need to purchase extensions like Great Lengths and have them permed,” Heather notes, emphasizing that many options are available to achieve your desired look.
Curly Extensions Are Generally Pricey
Unfortunately, curly hair extensions tend to be on the pricier side due to their rarity and complexity. Whether you buy curly hair straight off the shelf or opt for a perming process, the cost is likely to be high—though the exact amount can vary based on several factors. “Each head of hair is unique. The cost depends on the length, quantity, and color you choose. Depending on these factors and the method used, prices can range anywhere from $500 to $5,000,” Heather explains.
When VN Hair inquired about the most gentle extensions that are least likely to cause damage, Heather emphasized that the quality of the extensions is less about the product itself and more about the expertise of the extension stylist. It’s akin to Botox: the results depend significantly on the skill of the practitioner, not just the product used.
Curly Hair Bundles Are All About the Application
“Extensions often get a bad reputation due to poor application,” Heather explains. “It really depends on the stylist.” To ensure you’re working with the right professional, verify that your stylist is certified and experienced with curly hair extensions. “While keratin bonds have a poor reputation, they’re actually my favorite type of extension,” she adds.
“Always research your stylist,” Heather advises. If you’re still unsure, tape-ins are a reliable choice. “Tape-ins are the least damaging and safest method for extensions,” she confirms.
They Air Dry Well
Curly hair is naturally more prone to breakage, so it might seem like curls would easily separate from extensions. Fortunately, that’s not the case. “If someone wears curly hair naturally, it’s great because they can simply let it air dry,” Heather explains. “The issues usually come from the drying and styling process, not the extensions themselves.”
How to Care for Curly Extensions
If you’ve decided to go for curly extensions, here are some care tips to keep in mind. Heather recommends using a heavy conditioner whenever you have extensions in. “Many people advise against using conditioners with extensions because they’re worried about them falling out, but a good, thick conditioner is excellent for controlling frizz and keeping the curls looking their best. I’m also a big fan of mousses for curly hair, as they dry along with the hair. Oils can also be useful for managing frizz and keeping the curls smooth and tangle-free,” she explains.
If you’re thinking about getting curly hair extensions, go for it. Curly hair offers a lot of flexibility because it’s more resilient than straight hair. “Curly extensions are a lot of fun,” Heather emphasizes. “I have several clients for whom I’ve created an afro. I use different types of curls to shape it better. You can mix looser curls with tighter ones in your pattern to achieve the look you want.”