You guys know I’ve had my fair share of trial and error with extensions. Everything from getting them sewn in at a wig shop in San Diego (definitely don’t recommend), to clip-ins, then tape-ins…sheesh I’m exhausted just naming them all! Well, I think I’ve finally found the method that was MADE for my hair – hand-tied hair extensions also known as NBR or Natural Beaded Rows. From the moment I stepped foot into Ohio City’s Heydey Collective (a boutique-style salon) I knew I was in the right place. Everything from the chic minimalistic decor to the warm personalities of owner Erin Frazee and colorist Courtney Plata, I felt right at home!

Prior to my appointment we had a phone consultation covering any initial questions, the outcome I wanted for my hair, and just general information on the hair extensions themselves. This made sure Erin and I were on the same page going into our session – I wanted more fullness (not necessarily length) and a cool toned blonde color. Needless to say, she nailed both!

What are hand-tied extensions?

This one took me a little while to wrap my head around. I was so used to hearing about the other methods of hair extensions and this one was all new to me. But to explain it in the way that made the most sense to me – your stylist will create a track around your head with anchor points (beads) and a thread going between those anchors all the way around your head. Then, multiple wefts of hand tied hair are sewn directly onto that track. A track is also referred to as a ‘row’. I only did one row on my head because I have very thin/fine hair and 1) I wanted them as discreet as possible and 2) my main objective of the extensions is to add volume not length so I didn’t need that much hair sewn in. You can read more about what hand-tied extensions are on Erin’s site here!

The Process

The process of doing my color and installing the extensions took all in all about 4 hours for me. This could vary based on what you’re doing to  your color and how many rows you’re getting installed. Erin & Courtney made sure my extensions were colored to match my hair EXACTLY – this is one of my favorite parts because she didn’t just sew in any old blonde extensions – she made sure the color was on point and matched perfectly. So Erin first did my color, then she created the track around my head and sewed on the hair. After they were in she cut the extensions with my hair to make it all flow together seamlessly.

So now that you guys know what hand-tied extensions are and how they are installed I wanted to answer all the questions you guys sent me on Instagram.

Can you put your hair up?

Yes, you can put your hair up with these extensions! Erin will make sure the beads and wefts are placed on your head so that when you pull your hair up you won’t see anything. I don’t usually wear my hair on top of my head but the cool thing is if I wanted to – I could! This is something I definitely couldn’t have done with my tape-ins!

How much do they cost?

This was the most asked question I got from you guys after I posted my new hair on Instagram. However, it is also a hard question to answer without knowing your personal situation. Things that come into play when deciding price would be what you’re doing with your color, the texture of your hair, and how many wefts and rows you want installed. Erin has a page on her site that you can fill out if you’re interested in finding out how much it would be for you specifically – you can fill that out here!

How often do you have to go in to get them moved up?

It’s best to go in every 6-7 weeks to move up your hair extensions. At this time you’ll also get your color done and your extensions will be toned if needed to as well!

Are they damaging to your hair?

No! This is my favorite part about these extensions is that they don’t use any harsh chemicals or glue to adhere to your head. They are literally sewn in without any of that crap. This allows for your natural hair to remain as healthy as possible or even to heal if you’ve had damage from previous extensions or color.

Tips for caring for your extensions at home:

1. Get a WET BRUSH – This is the best type of brush to use with extensions. I had one already because it was recommended with my other type of extensions as well. This type of brush helps brush your hair without ripping out the extensions.
2. You’ll also want to use a sulfate free shampoo and conditioner to help prolong the life of the extensions and color of your hair. I’m currently using one by Wella but I know Erin loves the Unite 7 Seconds shampoo.
3. I also purchased the Unite U Oil and the Unite 7 Seconds detangler from Erin’s salon – The detangler has been a lifesaver when brushing out my wet hair and the Oil I use after the detangler and before styling. These products make managing your extensions so much easier and also prolong the life of the hair.
4. When drying your hair you want to make sure to just use your hands to dry it for the first 80%. Once it’s about 80% dried you can use a round brush to help smooth out your hairs texture just be sure not to pull too hard!
5. When sleeping its best to tie your hair back in a loose pony tail or even a braid to prevent it from getting all tangled and matted in your sleep. I usually opt for a low pony but when my hair was longer I would do a side braid because I try to sleep on my back so that would keep it off the back of my head.  You can also sleep on a silk pillow case (has other benefits for your skin too) which helps prevent your hair from tangling and matting.

Erin has an entire page dedicated to information on caring for your extensions so you can check that out here as well!

And now a little before and after…

Looking back it’s so funny because I never really acknowledged how self conscious I am about my thin hair but it’s something that has bothered me my entire life. There is just something that beautiful hair does to make you feel more confident as a woman, and you can tell I’m totally feeling like a new woman on the right. You can check out my newest outfit post here to see me rocking my new hair.

I just want to end this post with saying thank you to Erin and her team over at Heydey Collective because I truly do feel like a transformed woman. Looking at my before and after it’s evident on my face the confidence I have now. If you guys are interested in booking a consultation or appointment with Erin you can do that here!

And as always if you guys have any other questions please be sure to leave a comment, shoot me an email, or DM me on Instagram. I love connecting and chatting all things fashion & beauty with you guys!

xx