Hair Extensions!!!

Wow, so I had a lot going on for quite a while it seems and now I am back and have an awesome fun experience to share!
A couple days ago I had the pleasure of getting hair extensions! Katie from The Fox Den Salon in Uptown would have the pleasure of transforming my shoulder length, layered locks into the long luscious locks I've always dreamed of having!
I met her at the shop at 11:30 am as she was wrapping the thread around her arm and cutting the lengths that would be used to tie the hair in place. I sat in the chair and we discussed the pinch braid extension technique and placement for a while- after that, I just sat back and let her work her magic.
I had taken Ibuprofen before I came and honestly the process didn't hurt. At times, it would pull or feel tight but over all it was a pleasant experience. Three hours into it, the base of my scalp was getting uncomfortable, but it was bearable. By the time she finished (5pm) I was VERY aware of my scalp and the braids. My hair looked amazing and she took her time cutting the extension hair (and a bit of my natural hair) to blend it all together to become one cohesive style.
The colors of the natural hair extensions blend so well with my hair and I especially applaud Katie on the custom blending pieces she did as my highlights! People have asked me if I recently had my hair colored, not really noticing that my hair is longer than the last time they saw me, and this is terrific because it means that the extensions look like my natural hair.
The first night having the extensions was awful. They looked amazing, but my head hurt like crazy! I figure it was a combination of the fact that the braids were settling and the constant tension. --like when you wear a ponytail or headband too long and your scalp is telling you to take it off!-- Katie recommended a peppermint cooling spray by Knotty Boy and it was helpful, but didn't alleviate my "awareness" of the extensions attachment at my scalp. Sleeping was a nightmare. Literally... when I did drift off, I dreamt that I couldn't sleep because the extensions hurt and I kept falling off my bed in the dreams as well.... weird. Total, I think I got two hours of sleep.
The second night was much better. I went to bed with a full tummy, 600mg of ibuprofen, and a few cocktails. Sleep was easy.
Today was the second full day of having the extensions in and I washed my hair this morning. Shampooing/conditioning wasn't difficult. I had to let the shampoo rinse through my hair as I got between all of the braids. I only conditioned the hair beyond the attachment points as conditioning on the installations could cause slippage. I air dried my locks after using Moroccan Oil (one of my all time fav products) and they looked fab. Totally natural. By the end of the day they did look a little stringy so I think it will just take some getting used to in terms of how much product to use on the hair and styling technique.
I am so incredibly happy with my new lovely locks despite the first few painful days and nights. They are definitely worth the pain for me! I feel like a new girl- full of self-confidence.
The cost of the service is dependent on what you are looking for and the type of hair used. If you are interested in this service, please call The Fox Den Salon to schedule a consultation with Katie. Their number is 612-872-4556.
Katie is amazing! I feel so blessed to have long hair - it's longer than my hair has EVER been. I am one very satisfied client!