5 Hair Extension Myths (and the Truth Behind Them) + Bonus Aftercare Tips
If I had a dollar for every time someone whispered “but don’t extensions ruin your hair?” My student loans would be paid off.
Let’s clear this up once and for all. Hair extensions have come a long way, but the myths still spread faster than a TikTok trend. So let’s set the record straight.
Truth, Facts, and a little side-eye. 👀
1️⃣ “Extensions Will Ruin My Hair”
Let’s get this one out of the way:
Yes. Extensions applied wrong will ruin your hair.
No. I don’t apply them wrong.
But let’s be so for real for a second…You can absolutely ruin your own hair. Treat your extensions like trash → they will behave like trash. When installed, maintained, and removed properly (by a trained stylist, hi 👋), extensions can actually protect your natural hair by reducing heat exposure and over-styling. Basically, it’s like sending your natural hair on a cute lil vacation.
💇♀️ How Can a Stylist Cause Damage (aka what I’m not doing)
Damage happens when someone:
Uses too much tension
Is pulling like they’re starting a lawnmower
Inexperience
If you leave your appointment in pain? Congrats, you’re experiencing damage. Extensions should NEVER hurt. If anything feels uncomfortable, I need you back in my chair within 12–24 hours so I can fix it. If you don’t come back… that’s on you, homegirl. I can’t fix what I don’t know.
🫵 How You Cause Damage
Let’s talk self-sabotage, darling:
Brushing from the scalp like you’re fighting demons
Brushing wet extensions (why 🤯 WhY 🤯WHYYYYYYYY 🤯)
Not blow-drying your roots properly (okay, Mold Queen.. I guess?)
Getting your hair pulled… listen, I’m not here to yuck your yum. But respect the hair. Sheila (that’s what I call your extensions) has nothing to do with your extracurricular activities. Leave her out of it.
(I have an aftercare sheet below that ANYONE can use as a reference.)
Follow the rules or you’re grounded.
2️⃣ “They’re Only for People Who Want Mermaid Hair”
False. Nope. Absolutely not.
Extensions aren’t just for the girlies trying to live that rapper-life with hair down to the crack. They can be for fullness, confidence, repair, and just helping your hair act right. I use them for postpartum clients, people with breakage, thinning, or fine hair that won’t hold a curl to save its life. It’s not about becoming Rapunzel. It’s about feeling great and getting that little extra sas your natural hair just can’t give you. It’s not always Victoria’s Secret; sometimes it’s Hanes Her Way. You know… practical, comfortable, supportive, and more affordable than doing the absolute most 💁♀️✨
3️⃣ “They’re Too High Maintenance”
MmmKay, we just got done with myth #2 so you already know extensions aren’t always some diva, high-maintenance situation. If you can remember to charge your phone, you can manage extensions. It’s mostly about treating Sheila (the extensions) with respect. But honestly….you should be treating your real hair with respect too… so maybe we start there, besties.
Here’s what “high maintenance” actually looks like:
Brush your damn hair (gently… Sheila has feelings).
Hydrate her thirsty-ass like she’s begging for water in the desert.
Show up for your maintenance appointments (I am not chasing you).
And for the love of all things holy in the salon…
👏🏼BLOW 👏🏼 DRY 👏🏼 YOUR 👏🏼 HAIR 👏🏼
Do not sleep with wet hair!!! That’s not self-care, it’s sabotage! The hair gods are watching you!! 👀✨
4️⃣ “You Can Always Tell When Someone Has Extensions”
Well…the point is to NOT be able to…..When extensions are matched, placed, and blended correctly, they move, shine, and behave just like your real hair. If you can spot the difference, that’s not a problem with extensions… that’s a problem with the install.
*Maybe she needs more hair.
*Maybe her natural hair is too short.
*Maybe the color’s off and needs a toner.
Either way, flawless extensions take time, skill, and patience.
5️⃣ “They’re Only for Rich People”
Nah. Extensions have levels. Just like skincare or Starbucks orders, there’s a version for everyone. There’s a wide range from clip-ins to custom wefts and each comes with its price point, and maintenance level. The goal? To help you find what fits your budget and your lifestyle. One row is a hell of a lot cheaper than four rows, that’s just how math works. I also work with different hair manufacturers and brands, so there’s almost always an option that makes sense for your goals (and your wallet).
Bottom line: there is flexibility. You don’t need a foot-pic side hustle to afford extensions. You just need a good game plan. 💅✨
__________
Extensions give life and positivity. They’re not the bad guy, but if they are your bad guy, maybe it’s just not a good fit… and that’s okay. But don’t blame the whole extensions umbrella.
Do not drag me or Sheila down with that ship.
We (Sheila and I) will not stand by that slander.
Bad installs, skipped maintenance, and straight-up misinformation are the real villains here. Don’t lump us in with that nonsense. Do they take time and money? Yeah. But that’s the price of vanity. Nothing’s free…sorry to pop that bubble of hope and cheap cheer.
Life is expensive.
If you’ve been curious or cautious, come talk to me. I’ll give you the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth minus the BS, obvi . 💅
__________
**Bonus**
Extension Aftercare Guide (aka: How to Keep Sheila Thriving)
🪮 Brushing
✅ DO brush hair before shampooing.
✅ DO brush gently and downward, never yanking.
✅ DO work row by row, starting at the ends and working up.
✅ DO brush at least once a day (bonus points for two or three).
🚫 DO NOT brush above the bead line with a regular brush.
🚫 DO NOT brush wet hair.
🚿 Washing
✅ DO wash 1–2 times a week max.
✅ DO use dry shampoo only on your natural hair (not the bead line or wefts).
✅ DO wash using an up-and-down motion, not circular scrubbing.
✅ DO cleanse gently between and under each weft using your fingertips.
✅ DO apply conditioner from mid-lengths to ends only.
✅ DO treat your hair to a deep moisturizing mask once a week.
😴 Bedtime
✅ DO sleep on a silk pillowcase.
✅ DO wear a protective style (loose braids, low or high ponytail).
✅ DO use a satin scrunchie or nylon elastic — no seams, no damage.
🚫 DO NOT use tight elastics, rubber bands, or anything that tugs.
🚫 NEVER go to bed with wet hair — that’s a one-way ticket to matting and bacteria.
💨 Blow-Drying & Styling
✅ DO blow-dry completely to prevent water from sitting in the beads.
✅ DO use a heat protectant (non-negotiable!).
✅ DO apply styling products mid-lengths to ends, section by section.
✅ DO rough dry roots and rows first to about 80%.
🚫 DO NOT tug or pull.
🚫 DO NOT use a brush until hair is at least 60% dry.
🚫 DO NOT apply products directly to your roots or bead line.
💇♀️ Maintenance, Removal & Installation
✅ DO schedule a move-up every 6–12 weeks
✅ DO follow your maintenance schedule.
✅ DO contact your stylist immediately if you feel pain or pulling.
⚠️ Wefts sit close to the scalp and may feel snug at first that’s normal and will settle in a few days.
🚫 DO NOT cut, trim, or attempt to remove your extensions yourself.
Sheila loves attention, not chaos. Treat her kindly, brush her, dry her, feed her moisture and she’ll reward you with healthy, luscious, movie-star hair every single day. Be nice to your investment.