Celeb Hairstylist Justine Marjan Tells Us Everything You Need to Know If You’re Considering Extensions

Credit: Justine Marjan/Instagram

Celeb Hairstylist Justine Marjan Tells Us Everything You Need to Know If You’re Considering Extensions

Whether it’s Jennifer Lopez rocking 50-inch thigh-grazers or Khloe Kardashian test-driving a bob with the help of a few strategically placed hair pieces, there is no denying hair extensions are having a moment. No one knows this better than celeb hair guru Justine Marjan, who, in the last few weeks alone, dreamed up the faux ‘do Khloe used as inspo for her real cut *and* gave supermodel Olivia Culpo the longest locks we’ve seen her with in years all by slipping on some extra strands. So you can imagine our delight when Marjan agreed to answer some of our most pressing questions about extensions — chiefly, how to use them if you aren’t #blessed with a glam squad. As it turns out, extensions are not nearly as intimidating as they seem, and you can actually use them yourself at home thanks to brands like her go-to Hidden Crown that offer an endless array of options and colors. Marjan incorporates them into almost every look she creates for her famous clientele whether they have a super short bob (think: Ashley Tisdale) or ultra-flowing mane (i.e. Ashley Graham). “I use extensions on nearly every client I work on because hair photographs smaller, so it’s important to add fullness if you know they will be photographed,” she says. Since the goal is always to look #flawless in photos and IRL, Marjan is debunking some common myths about the hair add-ons and offering her tips and tricks for styling them. Keep scrolling for all her expert scoop!

Credit: Justine Marjan/Instagram

Celeb Hairstylist Justine Marjan Tells Us Everything You Need to Know If You’re Considering Extensions

Whether it’s Jennifer Lopez rocking 50-inch thigh-grazers or Khloe Kardashian test-driving a bob with the help of a few strategically placed hair pieces, there is no denying hair extensions are having a moment. No one knows this better than celeb hair guru Justine Marjan, who, in the last few weeks alone, dreamed up the faux ‘do Khloe used as inspo for her real cut *and* gave supermodel Olivia Culpo the longest locks we’ve seen her with in years all by slipping on some extra strands. So you can imagine our delight when Marjan agreed to answer some of our most pressing questions about extensions — chiefly, how to use them if you aren’t #blessed with a glam squad. As it turns out, extensions are not nearly as intimidating as they seem, and you can actually use them yourself at home thanks to brands like her go-to Hidden Crown that offer an endless array of options and colors. Marjan incorporates them into almost every look she creates for her famous clientele whether they have a super short bob (think: Ashley Tisdale) or ultra-flowing mane (i.e. Ashley Graham). “I use extensions on nearly every client I work on because hair photographs smaller, so it’s important to add fullness if you know they will be photographed,” she says. Since the goal is always to look #flawless in photos and IRL, Marjan is debunking some common myths about the hair add-ons and offering her tips and tricks for styling them. Keep scrolling for all her expert scoop!

Credit: Justine Marjan/Instagram

It’s Not Just About Adding Length

“I love using extensions not only for length, but for fullness, pops of color and to add layers or a blunt finish to the hair,” Marjan shares. “Hidden Crown Hair makes great pieces that are easy to use at home, like the headband-style extensions that can easily be applied just like a headband, toppers which can be used to add volume at the crown or a faux bang and clip-ins that make it easy to customize a cut or color.”

Credit: Justine Marjan/Instagram

You *Can* Use Hair Extensions at Home

While the idea of taping or gluing extensions by yourself sounds like a recipe for disaster, Justine thinks headband and clip-in styles are super user-friendly. First, she recommends taking your hair pieces to your stylist, so they can be cut to blend into your natural hair. And, when it comes to getting them to fall just right on your own, she says the “key” to a headband is “keeping it just one inch from the front hairline so that it doesn’t slip off.” If you are using clip-ins, have a fine tooth comb handy to backcomb at the root where the clip will sit. Then, gently mist the spot with hairspray before clipping in for added hold. Oh, and one more #ProTip: “Clip-ins look best when they are applied on a diagonal to blend in seamlessly with your natural hair,” she says.

Credit: Justine Marjan/Instagram

Treat Them Like You’d Treat the Hair on Your Head

Here’s the thing, hair extensions made from a human tresses have had what Justine calls “a life of their own” before you get them, so it’s vital to take good care if you want them to hold up. Unless you are using an overwhelming amount of styling products, she says washing every once in a while with a gentle cleanser like the TRESemme Repair & Protect 7 Shampoo and conditioning or applying a mask (she’s a fan of the Ouai Treatment Masque) for added hydration should suffice. Once that is complete, she mists her hairpieces with TRESemme Repair & Protect 7 Pre-Styling Spray before hanging to air dry or blow dry.

Credit: Olivia Culpo/Instagram

Use Extensions to Test-Drive a New ‘Do

When Khloe Kardashian started thinking about chopping her long blonde locks in July, she had Marjan create a faux bob using hair extensions before springing for the real cut. Likewise, Olivia Culpo sported a waist-grazing ‘do recently in place of her lob, and the presto-chango growth was all thanks to hair pieces. “Extreme lengths will always be an iconic look that people will want to emulate,” the pro says. “I love how easy it is to create extreme lengths in the hair without commitment with hair extensions.”

Credit: Justine Marjan/Instagram

But Extensions Aren’t the Only Hair Trend to Try

Sure, Marjan loves adding hair pieces to all her looks, but she also has a thing for hair accessories, and she thinks the fun extras will be having a moment come fall. “It’s an easy way to transform a look,” she says, and her go-tos include bedazzled bobby pins and ‘90s-inspired headbands as seen on RHOBH star Dorit Kemsley.