You've Seen Those Viral Hair-Loss Makeovers. Could You Get Similar Results?

What’s left of your natural hair should still grow through the mesh. When your hair grows out, your stylist will need to retighten the installation (more on that below).

How much time is spent in a salon/barber’s?

For the initial install, be prepared to sit in your stylist’s chair for around two hours, give or take, depending on the severity of your hair loss. And be sure to carve out time in your schedule for re-tightening every four to six weeks.

“For tape-ins, it’s generally not considered retightening; it’s [more of] a redoing of the tape-ins—but retightening is necessary for the mesh integration system and beaded system,” Mitchell says. “The process involves repositioning and re-securing the integration closer to the scalp as the hair grows out, and that typically could take anywhere from one to three hours for retightening, depending on the hair density, the hair extension type, and the amount of hair growth that took place.”

Do they slip off or loosen? What does it feel like to have this thing stuck to your head for weeks?

Once installed by a professional, your mesh integration system should not budge, but it’s natural to need an adjustment every couple of months as your natural hair grows out. As far as comfort, Mitchell describes hair integrations as “lightweight,” saying they can “blend with your natural hair without interfering with your daily lifestyle.”

How long do the styles last?

Similar to a wig or color job, how long it lasts mostly depends on how well you take care of it between salon visits. Typically, installs last between two and three months, but if you’re physically active and hit the gym often or enjoy going for a swim in the warmer months, you’re looking at one to two months before retightening is needed.

“Going beyond three months can lead to tangling, matting, or even discomfort,” Mitchell warns. “Some people even [make it to] four months, which is okay.” For those new to the process, shorter intervals make sense.

How often should units be replaced?

Units can be made using synthetic or human hair, but Mitchell recommends the latter. “Most units are reusable and can last up to a year depending on the quality of the hair, and I always recommend raw hair extensions as opposed to synthetic hair,” she says. “It’s best to use human hair so you can reuse it [and style it] like you would your natural hair.”

What is maintenance like? Can you shampoo, swim, etc.?

Gentle shampoos and conditioners will help you get the most out of your install. A clarifying shampoo, which can be very stripping, is best left to the professionals, as it can weaken the extensions or adhesive. You’ll also want to avoid vigorous scrubbing and focus more on the ends than where the mesh lies. And let your hair air dry; if you must reach for a blow dryer, use it on the lowest heat setting or with a diffuser attached.

Three shampoo and conditioner options to try (prices subject to chagne): True Indian Hair Moisture Rich Keratin Shampoo and Moisture Rich Keratin Conditioner (TrueIndianHair.com, $20 each), Mizani Moisture Fusion Shampoo and Moisture Fusion Intense Moisturizing Mask Set (Target, $70), and Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Shampoo and Moisturizing Conditioner (Ulta, $24 each)

“Like other extension units, wigs, these can be washed at home with proper instructions from your stylist. However, salon maintenance is always recommended,” Mitchell advises. “It may need tightening when washing, so it’s best to be in a salon’s atmosphere where that can be done. Swimming is also fine... You just have to be aware of when you need tightening.”

Good to know: While swimming, wear a snug swim cap to prevent chlorine from eating away at the mesh and damaging the hair itself. If chlorine makes contact with your hair, shampoo and condition it as soon as you can get to a shower.

How can you find a stylist with this expertise?

If you want to discover new hair stylists and trends and find inspiration, Mitchell is a fan of Instagram accounts like The Cut Life, The Tease and Behind the Chair.

“Most clients who are looking for stylists for this kind of installation are doing so by word of mouth and social media,” Mitchell adds. “A quick hashtag search of #meshintegration or #hairintegration can locate a stylist within your area who specializes in these types of installations.”

Meanwhile, sites like Booksy and StyleSeat make it easy to narrow your search for stylists by typing in a brief description of the service(s) you need, followed by your location. Google is also your friend, so don’t underestimate the power of the internet to discover what expertise lies in your backyard.

What’s a different option?

It’s possible that you could fall into the “too much” or “not enough” healthy hair follicles category, so a hair integration system may not suit your needs, but not all hope is lost; there are other options you can try, like a topper, lace wig or hairpieces. “It all depends on the type and severity of the hair loss,” Mitchell says.

More pro tips:

• Sleep on a satin pillowcase or wear a satin bonnet to bed to prevent breakage and tangling.
• If the hair is past your shoulders, wear a loose braid or ponytail to keep it from matting.
• Avoid sleeping with wet hair.