The Ultimate Guide to Extensions for Brides

Have you been thinking about wearing extensions on your wedding day? Where do you even start? Do you even need them to transform your hair into the bridal updo you've been envisioning? Maybe, but maybe not! Read on, bride to be....

Extensions come in all colors and lengths, and a variety of styles. The type we use most often in the bridal industry are clip-in extensions. These are rows, or wefts, of hair that have little snap clip combs attached to them so we can secure them on your hair. They are easy to take in and out, and adjust to different placements on your head. You can get any length you need to match your hair length, as well as colors. The type we need for bridal updos needs to be real, human hair so heat can be applied. Your regular hairstylist can also do highlights or balayage on them to match your color perfectly. I know it can be overwhelming, so here are the top things to know to you get you started on your extension journey for your perfect bridal hair!

1. WHY: Why do you want extensions? Is it to add length, thickness, volume, or all of the above? If you're going for more length, then figuring out the exact length you want based on where it falls down your back is going to be important. You also don't want a big gap between your real hair and the extensions, so measuring your current length before deciding on the extension length is key. If you just want your hair to be thicker when wearing it all down or half up, then matching your current length more closely is ideal. If you want more volume, then you want to focus on attaching your extensions closer to the top of your head and so you'll want to measure from up higher on your head. Lastly, if you just want a fuller, more voluminous updo that is all up, the length isn't as important. We just need the extensions to build volume in the updo.

2. WHAT: What type of extensions? For the majority of updos and down styles, you want to get classic clip in extensions. If you have thinning hair in specific areas, I recommend getting individual bonded or tape in extensions from a stylist. These are semi-permanent and help hide thinning or balding areas in a way that clip in extensions cannot.

3. TRIAL: Should you have your extensions for your trial run, or get them after? This answer depends. If you regularly wear them, or know you want more length for an all down style, you can measure your hair to find your length and bring them to your trial. If you're unsure about the length you want, or the style of updo you want, I recommend doing your trial run first on your natural hair. From there, your stylist can help you determine exactly the type and length of extensions to get. From there, you can figure out what color to order and then bring them to your regular stylist to color match even more based on your bridal hair style. The other thing to keep in mind is sometimes for an all up updo you think you need extensions, when in actuality you just need hair padding (that's a topic for another post!). You'd be surprised what kind of magic a bridal hairstylist can do!

4. WHERE TO BUY: I personally really like Luxy or Donna Bella. You can expect to spend about $150-300. Some brides who want REALLY big hair, all down, will use two packs of extensions, but typically one will be plenty.

5. HOW DO THEY FEEL?: They may make your head feel heavier, but overall you won't notice them! They comfortably attach to the hair you already have. If you're using them in a all up updo, then you really won't feel them at all!

6. COLOR: In order to color match your current color, you can make an educated guess from the website. You can also order a color swatch to match your hair. Any extensions that you order can be professionally colored by your hairstylist, so talk to them about your options for your wedding day look!

7. LENGTH: Typically you can order them in 16-20 inches. They can be cut to shorter styles, and if you are willing to spend more you can go beyond 20 inches. If you are wearing your hair all up, 16 inches is plenty.

8. WEIGHT: No need to worry about this :) You'll see anywhere from 140grams to 240grams, and 7-10 wefts per pack. The average order is about 7 wefts and 140/150grams and that's usually what you need.

One pack of extensions to create a fuller, all down style.

You can see the different shades of color because of the extensions being darker, but the length and blends beautifully when it's all curled together.

If you want longer or fuller wedding hairstyle or updo, then extensions are a fantastic option to achieve that. Yes, they're an added expense, but you can reuse them for a night on the town! Think of it the same way as you would getting a spray tan, or alterations to your dress, or a pre-wedding facial. It's a wonderful way to easily create the wedding hair you've dreamed of. My biggest advice? Just chat with your bridal hairstylist before booking your trial!

Still looking for bridal hairstylist? Let's see if your wedding date is available! Find out HERE!