Hair Extensions 101: Care, Cost, and Choosing the Right Type for You

Elan Nashville salon stylist applying blonde hair extensions to a client. Learn about hair extensions 101 including care, cost, and how to choose the right type for your lifestyle.

Hair extensions have become one of the most popular ways to instantly transform your look – whether you’re craving length, fullness, or just a touch of extra glamour for a special event. But with so many types available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. From clip-ins vs tape-ins vs sew-ins (and everything in between), each method has its own benefits, price points, and care requirements.

At Elan Hair in Green Hills, Nashville, we specialize in professional extension services using top brands like Great Lengths, Bellami, Platinum Seamless, Hot Heads, and HaloCouture. This guide will help you understand the different types of extensions, the true hair extension cost in Nashville, and how to care for them so your investment lasts.

Types of Hair Extensions at Elan Hair

Not all extensions are created equal. The right choice depends on your lifestyle, budget, and hair goals. Here’s a breakdown of the extension types we offer at Elan:

1. Bonded (Great Lengths, Bellami)

Bonded extensions are attached strand by strand using a keratin bond that mimics your natural hair’s structure. This method creates natural-looking, long-lasting results.

Best for: Clients seeking a long-term solution (3–5 months).
Pros: Very natural blend, customizable placement.
Considerations: Requires professional installation and removal.

2. Volume Weft (Bellami)

Weft extensions involve sewing or beading a row of extensions into your natural hair. They deliver instant fullness and length.

Best for: Thickening medium-to-long hair with extra volume.
Pros: Adds dramatic fullness quickly.
Considerations: Needs regular maintenance every 6–8 weeks.

3. Tape In (Bellami, Platinum Seamless, Hot Heads)

Tape-ins are flat, adhesive strips applied close to the scalp. They’re lightweight, reusable, and popular for their natural look.

Best for: Medium to fine hair types.
Pros: Quick installation (under 2 hours), reusable.
Considerations: Require professional adjustment as hair grows (every 6–8 weeks).

4. I-Tips (Bellami)

I-tip extensions are individual strands attached with a bead or micro-link, with no heat or glue required.

Best for: Clients wanting flexibility and a non-adhesive option.
Pros: Reusable, lightweight, versatile styling.
Considerations: Need repositioning every 6–8 weeks.

5. Clip In (Platinum Seamless)

Clip-ins are temporary extensions that can be applied at home in minutes.

Best for: Special occasions, events, or someone who wants to switch up their look without commitment.
Pros: Easy to apply and remove, no salon maintenance.
Considerations: Not designed for daily wear; best for occasional use.

6. Halo Hair Piece (HaloCouture)

Halo extensions use a thin, invisible wire to sit comfortably around your head, secured under your natural hair.

Best for: Quick, commitment-free length or volume.
Pros: No clips, glue, or tape – gentle on hair and scalp.
Considerations: Temporary; not for all-day or overnight wear.

Upfront Costs vs Long-Term Maintenance Costs

One of the most important factors in choosing extensions is cost. Here’s what to expect in Nashville:

Bonded (Great Lengths, Bellami): Higher upfront cost, but lasts 3–5 months. Maintenance is less frequent.
Volume Weft (Bellami): Moderate upfront, with maintenance every 6–8 weeks.
Tape In (Bellami, Platinum Seamless, Hot Heads): Affordable to install, but need regular repositioning.
I-Tips (Bellami): Similar to tape-ins, with repeat maintenance every 6–8 weeks.
Clip In (Platinum Seamless): Lower cost; no maintenance, but not long-term.
Halo Hair Piece (HaloCouture): Moderate cost; reusable with zero maintenance fees.

Remember, the true hair extension cost in Nashville isn’t just the initial application, it’s also the upkeep.

How to Care for Extensions: Washing, Styling, Sleeping Tips

Proper care ensures your extensions stay beautiful and healthy for as long as possible.

Washing: Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners. Wash gently, avoiding tugging at the bonds or tape.
Styling: Always use heat protectant sprays when blow-drying or curling. Avoid direct heat on bonds or tape.
Sleeping: Never sleep with wet extensions. For longer-term methods, braid hair loosely or tie in a silk scrunchie.
Brushing: Use a detangling brush designed for extensions to prevent pulling.
Products: Stick to lightweight, professional salon products (Elan recommends Oribe, Kérastase, and Kevin Murphy for extension-friendly formulas).

These extension care tips are essential to protect both your investment and your natural hair.

Matching Extensions to Your Hair Texture, Color & Lifestyle

Choosing extensions isn’t just about length, it’s about finding the perfect match for your hair and daily routine.

Texture: Bonded and I-tips are great for seamless blending with your natural texture.
Color: Tape-ins and bonded extensions offer customizable color matching.
Lifestyle:
- Busy, low-maintenance lifestyle? Halo or clip-ins might be best.
- Ready for a commitment? Bonded or weft extensions are ideal.
- Want flexibility without adhesives? I-tips are a solid choice.

Our Elan stylists are trained to help you choose the right hair extensions for your exact goals.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Damage

Extensions are safe when applied and cared for properly, but there are mistakes to avoid:

DIY application of professional extensions (always see a stylist).
Using heavy drugstore products with sulfates or alcohol.
Ignoring maintenance appointments.
Sleeping with wet hair.
Brushing roughly or skipping heat protection.

With professional installation and consistent care, extensions can be a beautiful, non-damaging way to enhance your style.

Extension Services at Elan Hair & Estimated Pricing

At Elan Hair in Green Hills, we offer personalized extension services using premium brands. Pricing varies based on the method, amount of hair, and application time, but here’s a general overview:

Bonded Extensions (Great Lengths, Bellami): $$$ – Long-term, highly customizable.
Volume Weft (Bellami): $$ – Great for dramatic fullness and volume.
Tape In (Bellami, Platinum Seamless, Hot Heads): $$ – Affordable, reusable option with quick application.
I-Tips (Bellami): $$ – Non-adhesive, flexible, and reusable.
Clip In (Platinum Seamless): $ – Short-term, easy to use for events.
Halo (HaloCouture): $ – Quick, no-maintenance, reusable solution.

Exact pricing is available during a consultation, where we tailor recommendations to your goals, budget, and hair type.

Considering Extensions in Nashville? Book an Extension Consultation at Elan Hair to Find the Perfect Match Based on Your Hair, Style, and Budget

Extensions can be transformative, but choosing the right type requires professional guidance. At Elan Hair, our stylists are certified in multiple methods and trained with top global brands like Great Lengths, Bellami, Platinum Seamless, Hot Heads, and HaloCouture.

Whether you want a subtle boost in volume or a complete hair transformation, we’ll help you navigate options, costs, and care so you feel confident in your decision.

Considering extensions? Book an extension consultation at Elan Hair to find the perfect match based on your hair, style, and budget.

Call us at 615.269.0222, visit elannashville.com/hair, or book your appointment online today. Let’s start at the root and give your hair the foundation it needs to thrive.