Life isn’t always fair and as shallow as it might sound, I definitely did not get blessed with much hair. Like a lot of girls, my hair is super thin and refuses to grow past a certain point. I wanted long, flowing, beautiful hair and since my genetics didn’t provide, I bought it myself. Yes, I wear hair extensions and I have no shame. I now have the hair I’ve always wanted, even if it does just clip on to my already existing hair, but there are some real struggles that go along with it that only girls who wear extensions understand.
1. The first step is admitting you wear extensions
This is a struggle in itself because not everyone understands or even really knows what extensions are. Also, it’s sometimes just difficult to admit that your hair isn’t naturally this perfect. The Kardashians wear them all the time. LET ME BE FABULOUS!
2. Getting complimented on your hair
I know what you’re thinking, “this snobby little bitch is honestly complaining about getting compliments,” but no, I appreciate and love every compliment I receive, but there’s just a sense of guilt about accepting compliments from people who don’t know that your hair isn’t really even your hair.
3. Being cautious when people touch your hair
When anyone grabs onto your hair you immediately get in defense and panic mode, even if they are just trying to be nice and play with your hair. Your extensions are clipped in there pretty well, but one accidental tug and your cover could be blown and the person touching it will have an unexpected fist full of hair.
4. The knots
Your real hair and your clip-ins get tangled all the time. The worst part is, you can never get rid of those knots because you can’t fully brush your hair when you have your extensions in unless you want some serious pain and pulling out of the clip-ins and the hair they’re attached to to follow. By the end of the day you just have a serious rat’s nest that gets hard to separate when it’s time to pop them out.
5. Washing them (or lack there of…)
If you’re like me, then you wait until absolutely necessary to wash your extensions. It’s just such an inconvenience because it literally is a-whole-nother head of hair to wash. Also, blow-drying them can sometimes make them frizzy and hard to manage, but waiting for them to air dry can take two days. No joke.
6. Worrying if they’re showing
You’re constantly worrying and asking your friends if any clips or threads are showing and if they’re blending.
7. Sticking to a hair color
If you are fully committed to your extensions, then unless you’re prepared to buy another set, you can’t really stray away from the hair color you and your extensions already have. Dying them is expensive and chancy and my extensions disintegrating is one of my worst nightmares that I could never even imagine risking.
8. Feeling naked
Yes, I know this sounds funny, but if you wear extensions going out without them just doesn’t feel right. If I’m ever feeling adventurous and decide to leave my extensions at home, I immediately regret my decision. I’m constantly fidgeting and reaching for the length that isn’t there. I don’t feel complete unless they’re clipped in, even if I am just doing a ponytail.
9. People asking if they can put them in
Your extensions are something foreign to most and when they see them not on your head they’re mesmerized. They immediately want to play with them and put them in their own hair and you might let them, but you’re watching every move they make because that is not cheap hair my friend.
10. Planning out your hairstyles a week at a time
Doing your hair takes lots of planning with extensions. You don’t have much leeway and if you have a hairstyle planned, you have to wake up at the right time or else your day and hair is just going to be a mess. There’s not a lot of room for spontaneity.
Having extensions can be a struggle, but beauty is pain. So be fabulous, flip your hair and don’t listen to anyone who tells you it’s weird that you clip in your hair. Own it.
