What to Expect When Getting Hair Extensions - Your Complete Hair Candy Guide

Getting hair extensions can truly transform your look, adding length, volume, and confidence in a single session. But if you’ve never had extensions before, it’s totally normal to wonder what happens when you walk into the salon and how the whole process feels. At Hair Candy, we want your hair salon experience to be enjoyable, informed, and comfortable, whether you're visiting us for hair extensions Gold Coast or hair extensions Brisbane.

This guide covers everything you need to know before, during, and after your appointment, including what to bring, how long the process takes, what to expect in terms of sensation, and how to care for your new extensions so they stay looking beautiful for as long as possible.

1. Preparing for Your Appointment

Your hair salon experience begins before you arrive. A little preparation helps make the application smoother and ensures your stylist can focus on creating the best result for you.

Here’s what to think about before your appointment:

• Clean, Dry Hair - Arrive with clean, dry, and detangled hair. Avoid heavy conditioners or oils right before your visit so your stylist can work with a clean canvas.

• Inspiration Photos - Bring pictures of the look you want, whether that’s added length, volume, or a particular style. Reference photos help your stylist understand your goals.

• Comfortable Clothing - You may be in the salon chair for a few hours depending on the type and amount of extensions. Comfortable clothing makes the process more enjoyable.

• Questions Ready - Don’t hesitate to write down any questions you have about the process, maintenance, or aftercare. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel.

At Hair Candy, we always begin with a personalised consultation to make sure your expectations, lifestyle, and hair goals are fully understood before moving into application.

2. The Consultation - Your Hair Goals First

Before any application begins, your appointment starts with a thorough consultation. This is a key part of your hair salon experience, because it allows your stylist to:

• Assess your natural hair’s length, thickness, and overall condition

• Discuss which extension method will suit your desired result

• Decide on the best colour match and placement strategy

• Explain the timeline, costs, and aftercare requirements

Every client’s hair and preferences are unique, so this is a time to talk openly about what you want and any concerns you might have.

3. The Application Process - Step by Step

Once consultation is complete and you’re happy with your plan, the real transformation begins.

Here’s what typically happens during your hair extension application:

1. Hair Preparation - Your stylist will brush and section your natural hair to prepare it for application.

2. Extension Attachment - The chosen extension method, whether tape-ins, keratin bonds, micro-links, or another professional technique, is applied carefully and strategically to ensure seamless blending.

3. Blending & Cut - After the extensions are in place, your stylist will blend your natural hair with the new lengths or volume through precise cutting and styling.

4. Final Styling - You’ll have your hair styled so you can see the finished look and walk out feeling fabulous.

The whole process usually takes anywhere from a couple of hours to a few hours, depending on the method used and your hair goals. Most clients find the time flies by once they’re in the chair.

4. How It Feels - Expectations vs Reality

A common question we hear is, “Does it hurt?”

Professional application by a trained stylist should be comfortable. It’s normal to feel a little sensation or pressure during the placement of extensions, especially near the scalp, but it shouldn’t be painful. Some clients notice a brief period of slight tightness or awareness of the bonds, which typically subsides within a day or two.

Your stylist at Hair Candy will check in with you throughout the process to make sure you’re comfortable and answer any questions as they arise. Our goal is to make your experience relaxing and confidence boosting from start to finish.

5. Aftercare - Making Your Extensions Last

Once your hair extensions are installed, how you care for them plays a huge role in how long they’ll stay looking fresh and gorgeous.

Top aftercare tips for keeping your extensions in great condition:

• Gentle Brushing - Brush your hair daily with an extension-safe brush. Start from the ends and work up to the roots to help prevent tangles and matting.

• Washing Routine - Wash your hair 1 to 2 times per week with a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. Too much washing can dry out both natural hair and extensions, so only wash when needed.

• Heat Protection - If you use heat styling tools, always apply a heat protectant spray and keep temperatures moderate to protect both your natural hair and the extensions.

• Sleeping Care - Before bed, loosely braid or tie your hair in a low ponytail to minimise friction and reduce tangles.

• Regular Maintenance - Depending on the type of extensions, schedule follow-up appointments every 6 to 8 weeks so your stylist can tighten, adjust, or refresh them as needed.

Proper at-home care helps protect your investment and keeps your extensions looking seamless and healthy.

6. Common Myths & Real Expectations

It’s normal to enter your appointment with expectations, and sometimes misconceptions. Here’s what’s real:

Expectations:

• Extensions will immediately feel natural, and usually they do.

• They look and move like your real hair when applied and blended properly.

Reality:

• There’s a short adjustment period, a day or two of awareness while your hair settles into the added length or weight.

• Daily care is key, and extensions require a bit more attention than natural hair alone, but it’s worth it for beautiful results.

The biggest difference between expectation and reality is knowing that professional application and aftercare make all the difference in comfort and longevity.

7. What You’ll Walk Away With

After your session at Hair Candy, you’ll walk out with a look that’s tailored to your style goals, whether that’s added length, volume, or simply a confidence boost. Part of our signature hair salon experience also includes detailed aftercare guidance so you feel equipped to look after your new hair at home.

Many clients tell us they leave feeling transformed, not just by the look of their hair, but by the experience itself. That’s the kind of result we strive for every time.

Getting hair extensions should be exciting and empowering, not intimidating. At Hair Candy, we take pride in creating a personalised, professional, and comfortable hair salon experience, whether you're in Gold Coast or Brisbane. From your initial consultation to the finishing touches and aftercare guidance, our team is here to make your journey with hair extensions seamless and stylish.

Ready to book your appointment or want to ask a question before you book? Reach out, we’d love to help you take the next step toward gorgeous, confidence-boosting hair!