Most clients are a little nervous before their first extension appointment – and that's completely understandable. You're investing time and money, and by the end of the day your reflection will look quite different. So that you can walk in relaxed, here's a step-by-step guide on how to prepare, what to bring and what happens during the hours you spend with us in our Ottobrunn salon.
Step 0: The consultation – ideally beforehand
A good first appointment really starts before the day itself. In a free consultation – in person or via WhatsApp with photos – we clarify the key questions:
- What length and volume would you like?
- What's your natural hair like: fine, thick, coloured, bleached?
- How many grams make sense (see our grams guide)?
- Which shade matches – we often blend two or three tones for a natural gradient.
For a WhatsApp assessment I need three photos in daylight with no filter: your hair down from behind, in a ponytail and a close-up of your roots. Then I can order or prepare the right hair – which is why the consultation before the actual appointment matters so much.
The days before
- Colour before, not after. If you want to change your hair colour or touch up your roots, do it about a week before your extensions. We'll then match the extensions to the fresh colour.
- No new experiments. A perm, keratin straightening or heavy bleaching right before the appointment weakens the hair. Mention any such plans in the consultation.
- Don't get your ends cut. We'll cut your hair together with the extensions after application so the transition is seamless.
On the day: how to arrive
- Freshly washed, completely dry hair – ideally washed the morning of or the evening before.
- No conditioner, oil, hairspray or styling products. Residue at the roots stops the keratin from bonding properly. Shampoo yes; conditioner only very sparingly on the ends, or skip it.
- Comfortable clothing, ideally a top that opens at the front or has a wide neckline.
- Something to eat and drink – the appointment lasts several hours. Coffee or tea are of course on us.
- Headphones, a book or a series on your phone. Many clients use the time to switch off.
How long does the first appointment take?
It depends on the amount. As a rough guide:
- Volume top-up with about 50 g: roughly 2–3 hours.
- Lengthening with 100 g: roughly 3–4 hours.
- Full lengthening with 150 g or more: 4–6 hours.
Allow a little buffer and don't schedule anything important straight afterwards. Good work needs calm – every bond is placed by hand, one by one.
What happens in the salon
1. Quick chat and colour check
We hold the prepared strands against your hair again, check the colour in daylight and confirm the goal. If you suddenly want a bit more or less length, now's the moment.
2. Sectioning
I divide your hair into rows. The crown and the area around your face stay free so the bonds are covered later and you can still wear a ponytail.
3. Applying the keratin bonds
For each strand, a matching small section of your own hair is separated, the bond is melted with a heat clamp and rolled between the fingers into a small, flat attachment. At most you'll feel slight warmth. Pain is not normal – say so straight away if anything pulls.
4. Cutting and blending
This is the step that decides "natural" or "fake": I cut the extensions and your own hair together to create a soft, invisible transition.
5. Styling and aftercare briefing
Finally we style your hair, and I'll show you how to brush, wash and braid it for the night. You can read everything again later in our aftercare guide.
The first few days
- An unfamiliar feeling: for the first one to three nights you'll feel the bonds when lying down. That's normal and passes quickly.
- First wash after 48 hours: this lets the keratin set completely.
- More weight: especially with a lot of length, your head feels heavier at first. You'll get used to it within a few days.
- Get in touch with questions: if a strand pulls or feels odd, message me. A small adjustment is quick.
Your next date: maintenance
Ideally we book your first maintenance appointment, about 6–8 weeks later, before you leave. Why it matters and what happens is explained in our article on maintenance.
Common questions before the first appointment
Can I take breaks during the appointment?
Of course. For longer appointments we take a short break anyway to stand up, have a drink or make a call. Just let me know if you need one in between.
Can I bring someone along?
Absolutely, if it makes you feel more comfortable. Please let us know beforehand so we can plan enough space. A multi-hour appointment is usually too long for children, though.
What if I don't like the colour at the end?
That's exactly why we check the colour in daylight before application and hold the strands against several areas of your hair. A difference of one or two tones in the lengths is normal and intentional, by the way – natural hair is almost always a little lighter at the ends than at the root.
Can I go straight to work or a party afterwards?
Yes, your hair is fully styled at the end of the appointment. Just avoid washing, the sauna and sweaty workouts for the first 48 hours.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Because the hair is selected and prepared individually for you, a deposit can make sense for larger amounts. Whether one is needed, and how much, we'll discuss transparently during the consultation.
Our takeaway
With a little preparation – freshly washed, product-free hair, colour done in advance, enough time and some patience – your first appointment becomes a relaxed day that ends with you going home with the hair you've been dreaming of. I'm always happy to answer questions beforehand via WhatsApp.