Chicago Extension Twins

Chicago Extension Twins is run by two identical twin co-owners who work from a salon suite on Lincoln Avenue in Lincoln Park. Before starting their own business, the co-owners worked at salons on Michigan Avenue's Magnificent Mile and most recently in Lakeview. Together they report more than 27 years as cosmetologists.

Applications use 100% human remy hair, with the cuticles all running in the same direction. The business works with many extension brands and picks one according to each client's hair type. Extensions come in a wide range of colors and textures meant to blend with natural hair, and they can add color or an ombre or balayage effect without coloring the client's own hair. Application starts at $175 per bundle, and most clients need between 2 and 6 bundles depending on the look and length wanted. Final pricing depends on the look, the amount of hair needed, the brand and the length.

The business offers four methods. Fusion uses pre-bonded keratin pieces melted onto the hair in bonds about the size of a grain of rice, and suits fine, medium or thick hair; it is described as the least detectable option, though the hair cannot be reused. Microbead, also called I-link, clamps the client's hair to extension pieces with beads and suits fine, medium or thick hair but not super fine hair; these extensions need maintenance about every 8 weeks, can last up to 8 months and the hair is reusable. Tape-in sandwiches roughly one-inch-wide extensions with the client's hair taped at the root and suits clients who wear their hair down most of the time. Beaded weft sews a weft through a row of microbeads, suits thin (not super thin), medium or thick hair, and can limit putting hair up. For fusion and microbead applications, extensions stay at least an inch from the front hairline.

Maintenance appointments for microbead, tape-in and weft extensions are $150 per hour and usually take about 2 hours. Extension removal is $85 per hour, rising to $100 per hour when hair is severely tangled or matted. Clients are advised to have at least 4 inches of their own hair, though shorter hair can be discussed at consultation. Virtual and email consultations are available by arrangement.

After fusion or tape-in services, clients should wait 48 hours before washing their hair; microbead and weft extensions can be washed at any time. The business recommends a sulfate-free shampoo without keratin or other proteins, avoiding oil-based products near the bond, and the Wet brush for brushing extensions on wet or dry hair. Hours are Monday to Friday 11am to 6pm, Saturday 11am to 3pm, and closed Sunday. The business says it takes pride in its work and aims to give clients a good experience.

The business says it takes pride in its work and chooses the brand and method to suit each client's hair type.