Frequently Asked Questions

About Hair Extensions

Is it human hair?
How long does your hair have to be to add hair extensions?
How much do hair extensions cost?
How long do hair extensions last?
Can I reuse the hair for next time?
Will hair extensions damage my hair?
How can you match my color even if I have highlights?
Can we have privacy during my appointment?
How do you get hair extensions out?
Can I style my hair with the hair extensions in?
Is there a cost for the consultation?
How long does it take to put them in?
Can I color my hair with the hair extensions in?
What kind of extensions do you do?
Where is your salon?

Is it human hair?

Yes, we use real human hair, sourced from India, Russia, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Ukraine, Italy, and other countries. We search for only the highest grade of hair to use in our extensions.

We do not use hair that is low quality or "budget" hair. We make sure the hair is double dawn and cuticle correct. No upside down hairs. You will be able to shampoo and style like hair. You can use flat irons, curling irons, and other hot tools. Because it is human hair, you will also need to keep it conditioned, and care for it, like human hair.

The hair that we use in the salon is the best hair available on the market. It is remy, where all the cuticles are aligned in one direction so that the hair will not tangle. We do use several different supplier so that our selection includes any kind of hair available to match all of our clients

We don't use just one source of hair. Because clients have very different textures and desires for what they want for hair extensions, we use a multitude of sources so that our creativity remains limitless.

We custom blend our colors together to create a perfect match to highlights with every client.

Hair comes "single drawn" or "Double drawn". When hair is "single drawn" is has all the different lengths still inside of it, with the hair's natural short ends and shorter strands throughout the length of the hair. This hair will thin out towards the end. This can be good when needing fine layered texturing or natural looking ends that do not look too thick or blunt for finer hair.

This hair is considered lower quality, as it takes more to create fuller ends. It has shorter ends within which makes it appear to have split ends.

Double drawn hair has the shorter strands drawn out of it so that what remains is nice full hair from top to bottom. This is ideal when going for a full looking length.

The cheaper grade hair is what is left over. This is what may need the cuticle stripped in order not to tangle. This can be good to use to for temporary pieces . The hair still looks nice when fixed up but it can me too tangly to wear long term as fighting tangles can potential damage your hair.

Synthetic hair is used for hair extensions. It is generally a stretched polymer. It has a good shine. It is used in doll hair and inexpensive hair pieces.

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How much do hair extensions cost?

The cost for hair extensions varies because of the many different ways that you can do them. Please call for a free consultation at the Kim Lake Hair salon at 206-992-9907 for pricing questions and to book an appointment for your consultation.

The different factors that determine the cost of your hair extensions may include: The method of hair extensions, the amount you wish, the length, the color, the hair grade and quality, the amount of time it takes, and even the city where you live, if a stylist travels. "On location" hair is an additional cost.

Adding highlights can be charged by the piece. Thickening can be charged by the row. Temporary hair extensions are less expensive.

The price for custom made hair extension pieces are determined by time and products used.

At the consultation, we go over the options available and maybe come up with possibilities that you haven't yet considered. Sometimes I have new products and technologies not listed on the website yet.

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How long does your hair have to be to add hair extensions?

I like the top of your hair to be around 4 inches long. Ideally, the longer your hair, the easier to integrate. However, shorter lengths can be done. All I really need is enough hair to be able to hold onto to add hair to, an inch and a half, but it will be harder to blend and grow out quicker.

If your hair is shorter, then going very long is not recommended. Everything is case by case and I would like to see your hair. Email me a picture or come in for a consultation for an in depth review of the different possibilities and options that might be available for you.

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How long do hair extensions last?

How long do you want them to last? The method you choose can determine this. Some extensions are only meant for a day with a specific hair do for a special occasion.

Some methods are meant for a month or 6 weeks or one week. A strand by strand method or fusion method can last last three months or so. Some methods claim they can last 4 to 6 months.

Sure, the bond may be glued into the hair that long, but I do not recommend much longer than 3 months because the hair grows and no matter how nice the method, once the bond is hanging that far down on the hair strand from the time growing, it tends to cause undue stress on the hair which may lead to breakage or have a high potential to tangle or dread. Tangles and dreads may also lead to breakage. The care you put into them will greatly effect the wear that you get out of them.

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Can I reuse the hair for next time?

Yes, if it's the kinds of hair that is still attached to the weft or micro link bond, you can sew it on again and again.

When I do fusion method, and the hair is fused, then no, The hair is detached on removal and the bond is destroyed. I don't reuse the bonding hair.

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Will hair extensions damage my hair?

With the proper care and the proper installation, hair extensions will not damage your hair if you are a candidate to have hair extensions. There are conditions of hair and hair types that can not withstand certain methods of hair extensions. It is true that hair extensions have been known to damage hair. It seems that each manufacturer of a hair extension "system" or "method" like to show you the damage of what others do to prove their way is better. The problem of damage lies with poor installation and poor maintenance. If a person allows tangles to build into dreads. If the removal isn't done timely or if the removal is done sloppily, there can be damage. Damage can also be the result of sloppy application or even a mediocre application. If the tension is uneven or the partings are sloppy or if the wrong amount of hair is used, this can result in damage. It is imperative that hair extensions are applied with the most perfection possible. It is very intricate work.

When hair extensions are applied with uneven tension, this can cause your scalp to itch because the weight of each hair extension piece added pulls more on some hairs than on others. When the extensions pop out and don't lie flat, this is an indication that there is uneven tension.

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How can you match my color even if I have highlights?

With Custom Blends hair Extensions, the hair strands are custom made to order, representing all the colors of your highlights in each strand of hair. This eliminates the chunkiness when alternating different color extensions to try to mimic the colors of your hair extensions with other brands that come in pre-determined colors.

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Can we have privacy during my appointment?

Yes. We have private rooms at the salon so the whole world doesn't have to watch you get hair extension. No one is suppose to be able to tell that your hair didn't grow out of your head. I understand my clients need for privacy. It can be a very sensitive time when you have lost your hair or are thinning or you had a bad cut or your hair is whimpy or you simple want a new look.

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How do you get hair extensions out?

Very carefully. It depends of the method used to put them in. We have removers for each method and we are very neet and take our time. We do not pull snarls, if there might be any. We gently work at each hair strand to untangle it before we dare rip out a knot. Both my assistant and I have a light finesse for this and we are not heavy handed. This is a very important factor which maintains the health of your hair.

Removing hair extensions should not hurt. Many times I have heard stories where it has hurt to have them removed. I have also seen why it hurts. More than likely, the stylist is pulling too hard to try and remove the bond. This is where you may get hair loss or damage; from sloppy removal. Some people are just "heavy handed" but when it comes to hair extensions, it is my opinion that this is not OK. I do not care how long it takes, the tangles are going to be unwound and combed out, not ripped or pulled.

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Can I style my hair with the hair extensions in?

Yes. The human hair that we use in your hair can be straightened and curled and shampoo and conditioned. Be aware not to melt the hair bond with the hot tool. If you use the metal cylinder or hair loc type then you may not have to worry so about getting a hot tool too close to the bond.

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Is there a cost for the consultation?

Consultations are no charge. During the consultation, we will consider if hair extensions are right for you. Then we will choose a method and plan the design for your color and style with your new hair. A deposit of half down is required to secure your appointment, which is not refundable unless you cancel 2 business days before your appointment.

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How long does it take to put them in?

A full set may take an entire day. I can add a set in as little as 4 hours. I make no promises as to when I might be able to finish. We do not take shortcuts for time.

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Can I color my hair with the hair extensions in?

If your hair is colored, highlighted or foiled, we can easily match the color of hair extensions to put in. You color will be done right before the hair extension installation. When I do your hair extensions, I require that you not to color it on your own or have anyone else color or cut your hair except me while you have your extensions. If so, I can not guarantee the outcome and I will not take any responsibility for any problems arising with your hair extensions any time thereafter. The hair color in the extensions may have processed an entirely different way than with the standard hair color we use on the scalp. Hair extension hair can react differently to color. The bonding material may also be affected in a negative way. Also there is risK for tangling and or having another stylist not comb or brush your hair correctly.

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What kind of extensions do you do?

The majority of the hair extensions we do in the shop are a regular fusion method. This has been proven to be the nicest wearing, long lasting, most comfortable, less shedding, less maintenance hair extensions there are. I am certified in top name brands, Great Lengths, and Hair Dreams. I also do custom blends with Russian Virgin Hair, Indian, and other hair types for a perfect color and texture match that may sometimes be hard to match with other kinds of hair. We also fit top pieces and lace tops with our extensions when thinning hair may show scalp or more coverage is needed.

We fit top pieces and lace tops with our extensions when thinning hair may show scalp or more coverage is needed.

We also do taped hair extensions. These are widely popular for their easiness to install. These are wider strips of hair taped in. The draw back is that they need to be done more ofter.

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Where is your salon?

The salon is located in downtown Seattle.
Kim Lake Hair Seattle, WA 98003

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The consultation appointment is complimentary. This is where we analyze your hair and talk about design and pricing options before we set an appointment for hair extensions. A security deposit is required to secure your appointment day. If you live far away we can do the consultation on the phone and through email with pictures of your hair.