Microbead Hair Extensions in Charlotte

After many months of deliberating, many more years of trying to grow out my real hair but never getting it to where I wanted it to be, and in the meantime using clip in extensions when I wanted longer & fuller hair, I finally decided to get extensions.  I was looking for the best microbead hair extensions in Charlotte and I found the place, and the stylist, in Re Salon in South End.  Mariel is my stylist and she did both my color (went a bit darker!) and microbead extensions.

So what are microbead extensions?

“The process is simple – small wefts of hair are attached to small sections of your own hair with a minuscule silicone-lined bead. The bead is then tightened to hold it in place. No glue or heat is used and so, these are said to be the least damaging type of extension.”

Before getting the extensions, I had tried for years to get my hair to grow out.  I tried to be patient, took my vitamins, tried shampoos promising longer, thicker locks…all that.  I had really long hair in high school and college, and then it seemed like once I got my hair cut off, it just would not grow back to the same length.  I attribute this to age I suppose.  I will be 30 on January 18th and perhaps it just isn’t growing like it used to because of that.  *insert cry face emoji here*

Here’s my before hair…before my new, darker color and before the hair extensions:

You can tell the ends are just really thin and droopy and sad, so after thinking it over and doing plenty of research, I decided to go for it and get the Microbead extensions to try them out and see how I liked them.

My first appointment was the consultation with Mariel.  She took a look at my hair and also we did my color, because I knew I wanted to go a little bit darker.  Once I had my new color done, she was able to match that new color with an extension color perfectly.  She explained to me it’s best to have your natural hair colored first, and then once that is done to match the extensions.  It can be difficult to color your hair after the extensions are in, because there’s no guarantee about how the extension hair will “take” the color.  So this way you know it matches!

We matched up the color, placed the order, and I made my next appointment to come back for the hair installation!  This appointment took about 3 hours. It really just depends on how much hair you are getting put in.  If you were getting them, you may need more or less than me, but my hair is very thin so I would have a hard time believing you would need much more than I did haha!

The installation does not hurt at all.  The extensions are very tight the first couple of days just because they are new, but then they loosen up as your scalp adjusts to it and you get used to it.  I’ve had them for about a week and a half at the time I’m writing this and they feel totally normal now like it’s just my real hair.

Here’s what they look like being installed:

Mariel knew exactly where to put them on my head so that I’m still able to wear a ponytail, part it where I want it, and do any of my normal hair styles without the extensions showing.  A good stylist will be able to do this for you.

Here’s the after!

Added length and volume.  I couldn’t believe when I first saw it that that was my hair!  Probably added a solid 6 inches or so at least, and I love it.

How to Care for Microbead Extensions

So for the first week, I had to be sure not to pull it back into a high ponytail, so I just wore a low pony when I worked out. That’s because for the first week they are tighter, and there’s no “hinge” between the extension and your scalp yet.  You also can’t blow try your head upside down, because that can really pull on the bead of the extension and you want to take care of those so as to not damage your real hair.  If you take care of them you won’t experience damage to your real hair.

You also have to dry your hair ASAP when you’re done washing it or after a workout, at least at the roots where the microbeads are.  This is because if they get super saturated, the bond can actually break and render the extension useless.  The extension would start slipping out at this point and you wouldn’t be able to reuse it since the bond would be broken.  So I’m just sure to make sure I’m blow drying around my roots even if I let the ends air dry.

Other tips:

• Sleep with a silk pillowcase.  This can help prevent tangling.  These are also really good for your hair in general for extending blowouts and styles, as well as helping prevent wrinkles on your face if you sleep on your side! Win-win.
• Sleep and swim with your hair in a low ponytail or braid to help prevent tangling.
• Use a shampoo & conditioner with no sulfates. I use this shampoo and this conditioner.  Stylist approved!

I hope this helps if you’re considering getting microbead extensions!! If you have any questions, leave them in the comments and I’ll be happy to answer!

Lastly, Re Salon is offering 15% off to my readers on their first salon appointment with Mariel, for any service with her!  Simply tell them Bess Carter referred you when you call to make your appointment 🙂

xo,

Bess