When it comes to hair extensions, I’m always on the lookout for a solution that looks natural, lasts long, and—most importantly—doesn’t damage my hair. So, when I first heard about Hotheads hair extensions, I was intrigued.
They were marketed as easy to apply and remove, non-damaging, and a quick fix for anyone who wants to add volume and length. Naturally, I decided to give them a try, but after some research and personal experience, my excitement quickly fizzled.
Before you rush to buy them, here’s what you need to know about Hotheads hair extensions, especially where you can buy them, what I found through testing them, and why they may not be the best option out there.
My Experience With Hotheads Hair Extension
I went into the salon ready for a transformation. I paid over $700 for the hair extensions and application.
That price alone set my expectations sky-high, but unfortunately, what followed was a string of disappointment.
Initially, they looked stunning. My hair felt fuller, longer, and it moved like a dream.
But, two days in, the frizz started, and I had issues with tangling and brushing them out.
To make matters worse, I started noticing that they didn’t hold curls the way I wanted, and the adhesive was beginning to cause itching on my scalp.
Pros of Hotheads Hair Extensions
Let’s start with the positives, because I did experience a few good things.
- Instant Length and Volume: Right after application, the transformation was undeniable. The extensions blended well with my natural hair, giving me a boost in confidence.
- Lightweight (At First): When I first had them put in, I loved how lightweight they felt. I wasn’t worried about them feeling too heavy or dragging my natural hair down.
- Variety of Colors: Hotheads offer a pretty decent range of shades, which made it easy to find a match for my natural hair.
Cons of Hotheads Hair Extensions
But now we get to the part that really made me reconsider my decision.
- Durability Issues: One of the worst things about Hotheads is that the extensions just don’t last as long as promised. Mine started frizzing and looking stringy within the first week. After a month, they were in such bad shape that I had no choice but to remove them. For the amount of money I spent, that’s simply not acceptable.
- Tangles and Matted Hair: My extensions would tangle and mat easily, and no matter how carefully I brushed them, it seemed like I was fighting a losing battle. This was a constant source of frustration and made maintenance far more difficult than it needed to be.
- Unnatural Sheen: Over time, they lost their natural shine and began to look dry and brittle. This made it obvious to others that I was wearing extensions.
- Adhesive Problems: The tape used to secure the extensions irritated my scalp, causing itching and discomfort. Worse yet, after about two weeks, the extensions started sliding down, leaving sticky adhesive residue in my hair. I had to cut my natural hair to get rid of some of it.
- Heavy Maintenance: Washing my hair with the extensions in was an ordeal. It took much longer to dry, and I had to be extra gentle with brushing, making sure not to yank out the tape. This isn’t exactly what I had in mind when I thought of a “low-maintenance” solution.
Tips For Hotheads Hair Extensions
If you still decide to go with Hotheads or any tape-in hair extensions, there are some things you should know about maintenance to make sure they last as long as possible.
- Gentle Washing: Wash your hair only 1-2 times per week using sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners. This will help prevent stripping the extensions of their natural moisture.
- Brush Carefully: Always use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush designed for extensions. Start at the ends and work your way up to avoid pulling on the adhesive.
- Dry Properly: Air-drying is your best option, but if you must blow dry, use a low-heat setting. Make sure to dry the roots thoroughly, especially where the extensions are taped to your natural hair.
- Avoid Heavy Oils: Keep away from heavy oils and serums at the roots where the tape is. This can cause the extensions to slip.
- Regular Salon Visits: If you’re set on keeping extensions in long-term, prepare for frequent trips to the salon—about every 6-8 weeks for reinstallation.
Comparison With Other Brands
When I compare Hotheads to other popular extension brands I’ve tried in the past, the difference is stark.
- DreamCatcher Hair Extensions
DreamCatcher hair extensions are widely praised for their superior quality and flexibility.
Unlike Hotheads, DreamCatcher uses a micro-cylinder technology that eliminates the need for adhesive tape.
This method is far less likely to cause damage to your natural hair, as there’s no sticky residue left behind.
The extensions themselves are made of 100% Remy hair, which stays soft and manageable much longer than Hotheads.
Additionally, DreamCatcher extensions don’t tangle as much and have a natural sheen that lasts.
While DreamCatcher extensions are slightly more expensive upfront, the quality and longevity make them worth every penny.
They can last up to a year with proper care, whereas my Hotheads extensions barely made it through a month without showing signs of wear. If you’re looking for a hassle-free, high-quality option, DreamCatcher is a superior choice.
- JZ Styles Hair Extensions
JZ Styles offers a wide range of hair extension options, including wefts, tape-ins, and clip-ins, allowing for more customization depending on your hair type and needs.
Their tape-ins, in particular, are known for using stronger, less irritating adhesives compared to Hotheads.
What sets JZ Styles apart is the quality of hair—each extension is made from premium European and Russian hair, known for its softness and longevity.
JZ Styles hair extensions tend to last longer without tangling or frizzing, and they blend effortlessly with natural hair.
While Hotheads often lose their natural look quickly, JZ Styles hair keeps its shine and smoothness for several months.
Plus, JZ Styles offers a variety of thickness options, which makes them more versatile for different hair types, unlike Hotheads, which felt heavy and unnatural after just a couple of washes.
- Indique Hair Extensions
Indique is another brand that stands out for its high-quality human hair extensions.
Their extensions are made from virgin Indian hair, which is known for its luxurious texture and durability.
Unlike Hotheads, which felt dry and brittle after just a few uses, Indique extensions maintain their softness and manageability over time.
The virgin hair used by Indique retains its natural cuticle, making it less prone to tangling and shedding—two major issues I experienced with Hotheads.
One of the biggest advantages of Indique is the variety of textures they offer. Whether you want straight, wavy, or curly extensions, Indique has you covered, and their extensions blend seamlessly with natural hair.
Hotheads, by contrast, tend to lose their natural texture and frizz up quickly, making them difficult to style. While Indique extensions are priced on the higher side, they are well worth the investment because they last much longer and require far less maintenance.
The Verdict: Skip Hotheads Hair Extensions
While I had high hopes for Hotheads, my experience was riddled with frustration and disappointment. From durability issues to uncomfortable adhesive problems, it’s hard to justify the hefty price tag when there are so many better alternatives on the market.
In the end, Hotheads hair extensions just didn’t deliver on their promises.
Instead of these, I’d recommend looking into Bellami or Great Lengths if you’re after high-quality, long-lasting extensions that don’t require as much maintenance.
If you’re new to hair extensions, go for something that will give you the most value for your money, and Hotheads isn’t it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Hotheads hair extensions are supposed to last up to 6 months with proper care, but in my case, they barely made it past a month before falling out. Even with ideal maintenance, I wouldn’t expect them to last longer than 3-4 months based on my experience.
When it comes to hair extensions, quality is usually defined by the type of hair used. Remy hair is considered the best because it retains the natural cuticle layer, which makes it more durable and natural-looking. Brands like Great Lengths and Bellami are known for using high-quality Remy hair, offering a superior experience compared to Hotheads.
In my experience, Hotheads extensions can cause damage, especially if the adhesive tape doesn’t hold properly. When my extensions started to slip, the gummy residue left behind was tough to remove, leading to breakage in my natural hair. I also found the weight of the extensions put a lot of stress on my scalp, which contributed to some discomfort and damage over time.
The Kardashians are known to use a mix of extension types, including Bellami and Hairdreams. Both brands offer high-quality, long-lasting hair that gives them the luxurious, voluminous look they’re famous for. Hotheads, by comparison, is not as widely used by celebrities, which could speak to its inconsistent quality.
Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking about getting Hotheads hair extensions, you might want to reconsider. While they offer immediate length and volume, the long-term issues like tangling, adhesive problems, and poor durability make them a less-than-ideal choice, especially for the price.
For the same amount of money—or even a little more—you can get far better quality with other brands like Bellami or Great Lengths.
Extensions should be an investment in your appearance and confidence, and unfortunately, Hotheads didn’t live up to the expectations I had. Choose wisely, and consider more reliable options before making the plunge!
