Your First Hair Extension Consultation: What To Expect, What To Bring, and How We Color-Match

A hair extension consultation should feel calm, clear, and genuinely helpful. At The Secret Garden in Marlboro, NJ and Staten Island, NY, we take time to understand your hair goals, lifestyle, and budget before recommending a method. Here’s exactly what happens, how we color-match, and how to prepare so you get the most from your visit.

How We Assess Your Hair Style

During your consultation, your stylist evaluates key factors and builds a plan that fits your real life.

Hair and Scalp Health

We check density, strand diameter, current color, oiliness or dryness, and scalp sensitivity to determine whether tape-ins, keratin bonds, or hand-tied/sewn rows are the best fit.

Lifestyle and Styling Habits

Workout routine, swim frequency, preferred part, ponytail height, and heat-styling patterns influence method selection and placement.

Color History and Future Plans

Recent lightening, corrective color, or plans to shift shades guide timing, hair ordering, and maintenance recommendations.

Exact Color Matching, Zero Guesswork

Color matching is about dimension, not a single swatch.

Multi-Tone Blending

We combine two or more shades for a seamless blend through the mid-lengths and ends. Face-frame pieces can be micro-customized to keep brightness where you want it.

Length and Density Strategy

You’ll decide on overall length and where you want fullness. We place hair so the weight feels balanced and the finish looks natural in both straight and curled styles.

Choosing the Right Method

We’ll walk through pros and maintenance for each option and align it with your priorities.

Great Lengths (Keratin Bonds)

Our most luxurious keratin-bond option made with premium human hair. Bonds are designed to move naturally with your hair for a soft, seamless finish. Typical wear is 3–5 months with proper care, then a fresh set.

Bellami K-Tips & I-Tips

K-Tips are applied strand by strand with gentle heat for a natural fall and long wear. I-Tips attach with tiny beads and no heat, making them reusable and ideal if you want flexibility and low-commitment maintenance.

Hand-Tied Wefts

Ultra-thin, flexible rows sewn onto a beaded foundation for maximum comfort and movement. Great for lightweight fullness and a seamless blend.

Butterfly Weft

A lightweight, flexible weft with no return hair for less tangling and extra comfort. Sewn to a beaded base and ideal for fine to medium hair types.

Machine Wefts

A bit thicker and very durable for big, lasting volume. Customizable to your head shape and best for medium to thick hair.

Tape-In Extensions

Fast, flat, and reusable for a quick transformation. Especially good for fine or thin hair and for trying length or volume before committing long-term.

What To Bring To Your Consultation

Inspiration Photos

Bring 2–3 photos that reflect your target length, color, and density, plus a photo of your current hair in good lighting.

Hair History

A quick timeline of recent color services or chemical treatments helps your stylist plan comfortably.

Questions and Priorities

Think budget range, maintenance frequency, and non-negotiables like wearing a high pony or swimming weekly.

Timing, Pricing, and Booking

Install Timeline

Typical path: consultation, color order, install day, and your first maintenance visit. We can coordinate with color services.

Transparent Pricing

We separate hair cost, install, and maintenance so you can plan clearly. You’ll also leave with a product list to protect bonds, beads, or tape.

Deposit and Policies

We’ll review hair order deposits and appointment guidelines. See the Policy & FAQ page for details.

Aftercare Essentials

Washing and Brushing

Use extension-safe shampoo and conditioner. Brush morning and night, supporting the root area with your hand.

Sleep and Workout Tips

Silk pillowcase, a loose braid at night, and a low, supported ponytail for gym days help prevent friction and slippage.

Ready To Get Started?

Prefer to chat first or ready to book? Schedule online or call either studio.

Marlboro, NJ

Book Online: https://www.phorest.com/salon/thesecretgardensouth

Call: (732) 366-1700

 

Staten Island, NY

Book Online: https://www.phorest.com/salon/secretgardenspa

Call: (718) 815-5900

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