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Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To consider having hair extensions at 31?

28 replies

StrawberrytallCAKE · 13/07/2013 04:47

Am I? I was very set on it but the dm and dh are trying to steer me away from it. Will I look like I'm trying to be 18?

I know, it's really not a huge issue and is ridiculously shallow and vain and yes I do have bigger problems but this one is the only one I'd like opinions on.

Thanks Grin

OP posts:
EmmaBemma · 13/07/2013 05:53

I don't understand why hair extensions = trying to look 18. Won't you just look like you have longer hair? I don't see why you shouldn't get them if you want them, whatever age you are.

Chottie · 13/07/2013 06:03

If you want them just have extensions. Lots of people around here have them and they are definitely over 31. If you can afford them and it would make you happy, just go for it. I'd love to have long, swooshy hair too Smile

Wishfulmakeupping · 13/07/2013 06:10

How long is your hair now? How long do you want it to be?
I don't think age makes a difference but please make sure they are a good colour match and they are styled after they've been put in- put some layers in otherwise they look lank and obvious in my opinion

Valdeeves · 13/07/2013 06:49

My friends had them at 35 and they look Fantastic - check out the ethics behind what you go for though xx

SamuelWestsMistress · 13/07/2013 06:54

Well I'm 34 and would love hair extensions but my hair is a bit on the thin side for that kind of carry on.

Anyway, yesterday I bought a pair of short dungarees. I'm not 18, nor a size 8 but I also don't give much in the way of fucks and shall wear them because quite simply I bloody well want to!

sillymillyb · 13/07/2013 07:05

I am 32 and I had some at the beginning of the year (I won them!) I had an exact colour match and then relatively short really, but the thickness was amazing! To look after they were ok, but I asked for them out after 8weeks as I hated not being able to wash my hair very often. I was probably a rubbish competition winner actually, I think they were hoping I would get hooked and spend lots of money on the upkeep!

Original poster
StrawberrytallCAKE · 13/07/2013 08:01

Ah thank you, I was expecting a bit of a flaming. Around this area it's mostly the teens/early 20s that seem to have them you see.

My hair is shoulder length but the ends are wispy, I just want a couple of inches extra and more volume. I've been looking at pics and have noticed the colour match is the most important thing followed by quality of hair so will definitely keep an eye on those.

Sorry for my diva-ish second thread, it was an accident! Blush

OP posts:
Whothefuckfarted · 13/07/2013 08:18

Unless they are very expensive and well done they look like shit IME

CarpeVinum · 13/07/2013 08:25

I was very interested in this too. Even at 45.

But last week I was on the tube in Milan, where evidently extensions are popular, and noticed that ... you can see under the hood as it were.

If the top layer of hair is disturbed slightly...you get a bird's eye view of the gubbins that holds the new hair in place. And it's not attractive.

Plus looking at how it is structured in "locks" I think somebody like me who is prone to "rats tails" will just end up with an exacerbated problem.

I think I just need to find a way to embrace the Sinead O'Connor look and shave my head.

I wish it was the 70s. My mum had a stable of wigs. Mind you, in this heat I'm not sure I wouldn't end up snatching a wig off my head, throwing it at the sun, swearing loudly at the itchies and sweating profusely.

forcookssake · 13/07/2013 08:27

Fuck it, if you fancy them and can afford them, go for it Grin I'd echo what Valdeeves has said, check they are ethically sourced, as if you go for them you want to be able to feel good about them.

RoooneyMara · 13/07/2013 08:31

I know two people who have extensions. Both in their 30s, one looked natural and very nice,

the other looks dreadful, very odd, in both cases I think it is something to do with massive image issues, sadly

I had some once when I'd cut my hair and it looked terrible - I was 17 and very paranoid and it looked even weirder tbh. Just my fringe. Should have waited till it grew - anyway I hate extensions and think they are a complete waste of time. AND you can't brush them, they get very tangly underneath. Not good.

Twattybollocks · 13/07/2013 08:41

I've been looking into hair extensions, and I'm 38. I don't have an image issue as such, just I've had short hair all of my adult life, and I'd like to be able to put it up. But I don't want to wait 18 months for it to grow (mid length hair doesn't suit me) I've been quoted £700 which made me rethink considerably!

Original poster
StrawberrytallCAKE · 13/07/2013 09:06

I maybe do have a bit of an image issue actually in that I have lost a lot of confidence in the way I look and making my hair look better might make me feel better.

OP posts:
RoooneyMara · 13/07/2013 09:23

oh that is totally understandable - I meant quite serious stuff, you know, dysmorphia type issues...though I am not sure and it's none of my business.

IMO (and experience) yes a hair cut can improve how you feel, but extensions are quite intensive, extra work iyswim and they're also a bit fakey. I think a good hairdresser would be able to sort you out for far less money and you won't have to worry about brushing them out by mistake! etc etc

Honeybadgerdontgiveashit · 13/07/2013 10:44

I have them at 40!! they look very natural but are quite hard work and CAN ruin your hair, depending on what type you have.
I finally have the hair style I always wanted.
I'd say do your research & go for it.

chrome100 · 13/07/2013 14:27

I've got some clip in ones and I'm 31. I love them. They are a total match to my natural hair, I cut them down so they are a natural length and I think they look good.

ThreeMusketeers · 13/07/2013 14:48

Vulgar. Just like fake nails, fake tan, fake eyelashes etc. Scream LC 'taaart'.

brilliantwhite · 13/07/2013 14:54

31 is still young , you dont have to be a teen to have long hair , get them .

squeakytoy · 13/07/2013 14:59

I had them when I was 41.. my hair never grows long, it just gets wispy once it gets past my shoulders, so I had real hair extentions and they looked great..

If you want to do it, do it.

woopsidaisy · 13/07/2013 15:04

If you want them op, get them.

But every week on the Apprentice I have been shrieking at the TV. The girls nearly all seem to have this unfeasibly long hair, ratty looking tails. "Cut it off!" I scream.

Dont get ratty 10 foot long bits. IMO.

KateSpade · 13/07/2013 17:28

I have half a head of micro beaded extensions for thickness at (nearly) 25, a few years I know. But they look so natural, they are amazing! Those I would recommend!

Original poster
StrawberrytallCAKE · 13/07/2013 22:09

Ok I'm doing it, thank you! They are micro rings and I've seen previous work of the hairdresser, know where the hair comes from and I'm happy.

If I look like a lower class tart then so be it, what's so wrong with being a lower class tart anyway? Anyone who thinks using class as an insult is acceptable doesn't have an opinion worth listening to.

OP posts:
KateSpade · 14/07/2013 09:08

Mine blend in naturally with my my normal hair (as they should) to the point people are so surprised when i tell them i have extensions, so i do not think you'll look like a lower class tart!

of course my mother thinks they are totally unnecessary...

kali110 · 14/07/2013 12:12

If you want extensions then go for it. If it makes you happy then do it. I know some people who are happy with the micro rings and some who aren't. My ex had them and so many came out in first two weeks.

vixenandblush · 11/10/2013 14:02

We have loads of clients who have hair extensions while pregnant or with young babies and they're fine. If you don't want fake looking hair then avoid really long hair and make sure that your get a perfect colour match and that the hair texture is right for you. The hairdresser should give you a really good haircut too so that it's easier to style.