hair extensions

I’ve never had hair extensions before, save a few thin punky pink strands I had added in for breast cancer awareness month, about six years ago. Since then, I’ve thought about how I would be silly to not try them, having naturally thin tresses that could use a volume boost and what I suspected would be a total game-changer when it came to the way that I thought about my hair. RPZL was introduced to me as a blow out and extensions bar, and finally it was time find out what some extra strands could mean for me. The extension options included clip-ins to  bi-adhesive premium tape hair and NextGen high-tech kertain extensions, which range in price as well as longevity.

I opted for the tape-ins, which last up to eight weeks, and thought it would give me a good taste for what it would be like to have a semi-permanent look and feel of extensions. I had initially gone in to RPZL for a complimentary consultation, returning a few weeks later when my color had arrived in the tape-ins (red is a tricky shade to match), and the process began! The first step was to get my scalp squeaky clean, since it shouldn’t be washed for 48-72 hours after the extensions were applied. Once my hair was blown dry and since the extensions were for volume, I had half of a set (six pieces) applied strategically to the under layers in the back of my head for a natural boost that wasn’t too dramatic.  Next, the extensions were trimmed to my hair length, and I was fully styled to look the height of glamour.

Thankfully RPZL gave me a guide for how to care for my extensions, which included avoiding excessive heat tools, avoid salt and chlorinated waters, use conditioner on only mid-lengths to ends, and loosely braid or pig tail hair for bed. I took the instructions quite seriously, and when I returned to have the extensions removed, I was told that they were actually in pretty good shape. The removal process was pretty quick, including a good wash and blow out alongside gently taking out the extensions; so much so that I didn’t even realize it happening. My stylist, Kelly, spritzed a simple combination of an alcohol-based product mixed with some oil to help it glide right out without damaging my actual hair one bit.

[Left: Julia with the extensions in; right: Julia with the extensions freshly removed]

I still left looking quite glam, thanks to the blow out after, and felt a bit naked the first few times I tousled the back of my head. Although I did extensions for volume, most people tend to do them for length; be sure to inform your stylist as to how you plan on wearing your hair and what you’d like to achieve with the extensions, not to mention a bit about your lifestyle so that she/he can assess the perfect match for you!

RPZL is located at 27 West 20th Street in NYC, and you can book an appointment online or call 212.255.0036. Blow outs are $40, while extensions using 100% virgin Remy hair range from $60-$850, and the removal process, which includes a blow out, is $80-$120.