before and after pictures
I have to admit it – I was one of those people who really frowned upon the thought of getting hair extensions. It seems like such a defeat. Like you’re waiving the white flag and giving up on having older, healthy hair. But once I did my research and vetted the process, I was up for the transformation. This is what I am doing to solve my thinning hair problems immediately – I got hair extensions! Let me tell you about my experience at the Michael Flores Salon.
I spent most of my life thinking hair extensions were only used to add length. Though I’d seen them on many TV shows and on celebrities walking the red carpet, it wasn’t until recently that I discovered the real reason they’re so popular is because they add fullness, volume, and, depending on what you want, dimensions of color — in other words, everything a blonde gal at this age could dream of.
I mentioned on social media that I was attacking this hair problem with two solutions. You already know that I am taking Nutrafol to thicken and strengthen by own hair. I detailed all the reasons why in the this blog post with Dr. Lori Stetler (YES, you can still get 15% OFF). But as we discussed, you need to be committed to taking Nutrafol for at least 6 months before really seeing a difference in your hair. That’s because its working from the inside out. I’ve been on it for one month and see a tremendous difference in my nails. The are growing much faster and are much stronger – so I know it is working. But my hair is still thin at the bottom and I wanted to solve that problem immediately. The second treatment solution – hair extensions!
I interviewed and had several consultations with amazing stylist at various salons before landing at the Michael Flores Salon. One of the main reasons is that he is a certified Great Lengths hair extensions specialist. I knew that I wanted a permanent solution so clip-ins were out of the question for me. I don’t have time to do those myself. I also researched tape-in hair extensions but decided that those were not for me as well. From what I can tell, they seem to be a bit harder on your hair. Since I want to have thick, healthy hair at all times, I wanted the extensions that looked the most natural and were going to be the least damaging to my hair.
I went in for an initial complimentary consultation with Michael Flores himself. He did a full hair assessment to help figure out what was going on with my thinning hair. I’ve mentioned before that in addition to this hair assessment, I had already been to my internist for full blood work (no, it’s not a thyroid problem) and then to my dermatologist for a consultation (long term solution – Nutrafol). All three agreed that this was stress related and should, in time, resolve itself. However, in one full year, most people will have 6 inches of new growth. I decided that to resolve the thin hair issue NOW, we would add hair extensions for fullness and volume. Please note, I wasn’t interested in having long hair extensions put in although I gained about 2 inches in this process. I really just wanted to add volume, which I naturally used to have. Once you agree on how much hair is needed and your desired outcomes, Michael places an order for your extensions and you appointment is set.
The actual hair extension appointment goes something like this. Michael’s assistant Ruby will wash your hair with a cleansing shampoo that strips out all solvents, products, oil and residue. She then blows out your hair and you start the extension process with 100% clean, dry hair. As you can see in the pictures above, Michael works his magic by using the Great Lengths thermal process to roll on the strands individually. This keratin heat process allows the strands to bond to your own hair with the least amount of damage. Your extensions blend beautifully while growing out with your own hair. Extensions will last approximately 8 weeks and then you will start the process all over. This process is the least damaging to your own hair.
Will I keep this up forever? Time will tell. I am committed to the process until my own hair fills in. We took all the pictures with my iPhone as the extension procedure was happening. I also shot a very informal video (below) as the extensions were being put in. I believe I was at the salon for 3 hours that day. The first time I washed and dried my hair at home I was a bit nervous but quickly realized that it’s not any different from your own hair. You can still use the same hair care products you were using. It’s helpful to know that you have to be a bit gentle when brushing through your hair.
The verdict? I absolutely LOVE them! My hair styles so easily and you should see how thick my ponytail is. If you are interested in getting hair extensions, I highly recommend having a complementary consultation with Michael and his assistant Ruby at the Michael Flores Salon. Thicker hair is youthful hair and we all want that!
The Michael Flores Salon | (214) 573-2626 | 1618 Main Street – Floor 6, Dallas, Texas
xoxo – Tanya
P.S. I’ve had these extensions in since October 22 and not one person has asked me about it. I would say that means everyone thinks I have simply grown out my own hair. PERFECT!
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I love it! It looks beautiful.
Kathy-
Thanks so much. I’m really enjoying the volume!
xoxo- Tanya 🙂
Wow! Looks amazing, Tanya! I’ve been considering it. Hair is now grayer and getting longer, which I’m loving! Would be nice to have some crown height again. Sorry to have missed grabbing a hug last night at the screening. Enjoyed it so much! Thank you. At the end I was so teary that I didn’t look around for anyone! See you next time.
Sharon,
I’m so sorry I din’t get to see you. I was in tears too. Such a sweet story and great plot twist.
xoxo- Tanya
Looks beautiful and so natural. Thanks for documenting this!
Monica,
Thanks so much! I’m glad the blog post is helpful. I think showing the before and after pictures is key for the transformation.
xoxo- Tanya
This is super – it does look very different and although you have lovely hair, the after photos are brilliant. Thanks for sharing. Jacqui Mummabstylish
Jacqui,
I specifically went in to add volume to my ends. Glad you like them.
xoxo- Tanya
It looks absolutely beautiful and so natural. However, I had a bad experience with eye lash extensions ruining my natural lashes and it has taken me some time to grow them back out. Is there a risk with that with hair extensions? No doubt you sought out the best but still just wondering if that is something that could happen. Thanks for the great information!
Karla,
I’m so sorry you had a bad experience with your eye lash extensions. This process is nothing like that.
Yes, extensive research is a must. I chose the safest option and asked A LOT of questions at my consultation. I can tell you that after having them in for 2 weeks, I know my own hair is completely fine.
Hope that helps!
xoxo- Tanya
It looks SOOOO good and natural- I did not know much about the process so thank you for filling us in.
So how much does the initial installation cost and how much does the 8 wk follow up appt cost? Is it human hair?
Hi Kris,
Yes, it’s human hair. 100%!
Costs vary depending on the amount needed. That is discussed at the consultation appointment.
Thanks-
Tanya
Kelley-
You know me well so I am so glad you like them and see the difference. Glad this blog post was educational too.
xoxo- Tanya 🙂
They look fab and blend in seamlessly! So important to do the research and pick a certified salon.
Luci-
It truly is. WHO puts them in as well as the TYPE of real hair is super important. You get what you paid for…
xoxo- Tanya
Well, you know I think you are as beautiful on the outside as you are on the inside!!!! That aside, this is SUCH a helpful Blog post! I’ve always wondered about the different types of hair extensions, and I appreciate your thorough description of each! Love that you found a great immediate solution to your hair concerns, while also taking the supplements for a long-term solution! Love how you keep it real on your Blog, and give your readers a window into your personal beauty and self-care decisions! Always good information for your readers to consider!!!!
Thank you sweet Mary,
I feel like all of my aesthetic treatments were keeping me youthful but my hair was aging. The Nutrafol and hair extensions are a youthful approach to hair.
xoxo- Tanya
Your hair looks great. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Jan!
xoxo- Tanya 🙂
He did an awesome job. Your hair looks so much thicker and no one can tell that anything had been done. Looks marvelous.
Thank you Debbie!
Remember how BIG my hair was in the 80’s and 90’s???
xoxo- Tanya 🙂
Your hair looks amazing!!!
Thanks so much Debbie!
xoxo- Tanya
Your hair looks fabulous. I’m having hair problems as well ~ not so much as the ends thinning … but zero volume up top and crown. Would extensions help with this situation?
Martha,
I’m not an expert in hair extensions. I highly recommend that you make a complimentary hair consultation appointment with Michael and let him assess your hair. This step is key to making the best decision for YOU.
xoxo- Tanya
He did such a great job and you had really nice hair before, but I totally know what you mean about wanting more volume and that’s why I love extensions too. I also noticed when my real hair was thinning or breaking in the past, getting a trim and adding extensions can make a huge difference. Thank you for sharing!
xoDale
Wow, Tanya- looks great!
nice idea sharing on the blog
Such a helpful article! I’ve been a bit nervous to try tape-in extensions but now I’m excited. I just ordered some from https://www.zalahair.com/