Recently, I’ve admired more than one woman’s hair and asked where she had it done, only for her to admit she’s wearing hair extensions. I was shocked: these women had flawless hair, with absolutely zero tell-tale signs of extensions. As a beauty editor, if I hear the same thing a couple of times, I start to spot a trend, so I quizzed hair stylist Michael Kelly, the founder of Salon HER, about why everyone seems to be getting extensions right now. 

“Hair extensions have become the new normal,” he told me. “We are seeing more and more women embrace their extensions proudly and talk very openly about using them to achieve all their hair goals.” 

But what sets the current trend apart (and helps to create that incredibly subtle look) is that hair stylists are playing with something called baby hair extensions—putting only a couple of extensions in the hair for a flawless finish. Much like ‘baby Botox’, which involves using smaller doses, or “baby” amounts, baby hair extensions are a clever way to get thicker hair with less fuss. 

Here, Kelly answers our burning questions on the trend.

What are baby hair extensions?
“Baby hair extensions refers to adding only a small amount of hair extensions to the hair to create ultra believable looks. Like regular hair extensions, there are a few options: clip-ins are a customisable accessory that can be added to the hair and removed on the same day. They are perfect for an event or for those who are looking for the most non-committal introduction to hair extensions. Semi-permanent extensions are installed for a more long-lasting effect. With multiple ways of installation there really are options for everyone.”

Are baby hair extensions made from real hair?
“Yes and no; like all hair extensions, you have options depending on your needs. Real hair and synthetic hair serve two different purposes. Real hair is a higher price point and can be treated mostly like natural hair, it can be coloured and heat-styled, whereas synthetic hair is less treatable, being made of plastic it can not be heat-styled without causing damage, and it is also unable to be treated with colour. Synthetic hair is the least discreet option of the two.”

How long do hair extensions last?
“Extensions grow out as the hair does, so you’ll need to refresh them around the six-week mark.”

When it comes to hair extensions, what application method is best?
“I would recommend the custom weft option. A minimally intrusive method where you sew a lightweight, 100% human hair luxury weft into your natural hair to create a seamlessly blended transition from root to tip. These can also be coloured, to create the most natural extensions available.”

How long do hair extensions take to apply?
“It can take anywhere between 15 minutes and two hours.”

Are baby hair extensions better for your hair?
“The aftercare is the same—you’ll need to brush your hair regularly, avoid bleaching it, and use luxury hair products to hydrate and nourish the hair.”