Wondering what halo extensions are and, more importantly, if they’re right for you? We reached out to Madison Graham, a hairstylist at Studio Seven Hair in Washington, Pennsylvania, to find out everything you’ve ever wanted to know about halo hair extensions. Whether you have dark brown hair or ash blonde strands, keep scrolling for a complete guide including what halo extensions are, who they’re best for, and how to maintain them.
What are halo extensions?
Before we dive into halo extensions, you need to know exactly what they are (and why so many people love them). According to Graham, halo extensions are unlike other extension methods in which your stylist attaches individual wefts of hair to your natural hair.
“What makes them so unique is that they’re the only type of hair extension that isn’t physically attached to your hair,” Graham explains.
With halo extensions, one weft of human or synthetic hair attaches to a fishing wire that gently wraps around the crown of your head like a halo to give you instant volume, length, and thickness.
“I like to call these extensions more client-friendly and they are very easy to apply at home,” Graham says.
Clip-in and sew-in extensions can seem like they take forever to apply. With a bit of guidance from a salon pro, however, installing halo extensions the right way should take you just a few minutes.
According to Graham, you should begin by separating a section of hair from the top of your crown to your occipital bone behind your ear and clip it out of the way for now. Then, secure the halo extension by wrapping the attached fishing wire around your head like a halo. Once the weft is sitting comfortably on your head, take down the separated section of hair from the top of your head.
Who are halo extensions best for?
While halo extensions are a quick and easy way to add length and volume to your mane, they’re not ideal for every hair length. If your natural strands fall any shorter than chin-length, halo extensions may not be the best option for you.
“If your hair is too short, the hair from the extension will definitely not blend and almost make the hair look like a mullet,” Graham explains.
Having hair below chin-length, Graham says, will support the halo much better and look as though your hair is layered.
How long do halo extensions last?
Graham tells clients that how long halo extensions last depends entirely on how well you maintain them. Lighter color-treated extensions might reach their expiration date before those with darker hues.
“Most of the time a darker-colored halo extension will last a little longer than a blonde...since it is human hair and blonde hair has been processed much more than a darker hair color,” Graham explains.
With the proper care and maintenance routine, your halo extensions can last up to nine months or longer.
Do halo extensions damage your hair?
If you’re concerned with the snagging and straining other types of hair extensions can cause, halo extensions might be perfect for you.
“The halo extensions are not physically attached to your hair, so there isn’t any pulling or stress done to the hair,” Graham says.
How do you care for halo extensions?
The best way to keep your halo extensions in shape is to care for them just like your natural strands. You can use the same salon-quality products you already have in your bathroom for human hair extensions. For synthetic extensions, you’ll need to invest in gentle formulas or products labeled specifically for synthetic hair extensions or wigs.
First thing’s first: Make sure to treat your halo extensions to a good shampoo and conditioning session every few days.
“Since they are extensions, they won’t produce natural oils as if your own hair would...So making sure you wash them every so often to get a good condition on them is important...especially for longevity of the hair,” Graham says.
Like the hair that sits on your head, halo extensions can be prone to knots. However, Graham has a few tricks to help keep them tangle-free.
“Using a detangling spray and gently brushing them with a wet brush is definitely essential,” Graham says. “For maintenance, I also like to tell my clients to hang their halo on a hanger. This way, it won’t get tangled and turn into a big knot.”
After you’ve washed, conditioned, and detangled your halo extensions, there’s one essential step left in your care routine: Drying them.
“It’s important to use a towel and get as much water out of the extensions as possible...Most halos retain a lot of water, so by using a towel it will help save time drying them,” Graham says.
Graham also recommends always applying a heat protectant if you plan to blow dry your halo extensions.
Now that you have Graham’s expert tips and tricks in mind, it’s time to call your stylist: You’re officially ready to slay halo extensions!
Interested in learning more about halo hair extensions? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.