How to Spot Low-Quality Hair Extensions (And What to Look For Instead)

The world of hair extensions can be overwhelming — especially when you’re shopping online or hearing conflicting advice on social media. With so many brands claiming to offer “premium hair at discount prices,” how can you tell what’s actually good quality… and what’s going to leave your hair dry, tangled, or worse — damaged?

At The Cutting Room, we’ve seen firsthand what happens when clients unknowingly purchase poor-quality extensions. From split ends and matting to uneven colour and scalp irritation, the results are often disappointing — and sometimes harmful.

Here’s how to spot the red flags and, more importantly, how to choose extensions that are safe, natural-looking, and truly worth the investment.

1. Shedding, Tangling and Matted Ends

If your extensions begin to shed heavily or tangle within a few days of wear, that’s a major sign of low-grade processing. These issues are usually caused by:

• Non-Remy hair with mixed cuticle direction, causing friction
• Silicone coatings that mask damaged strands but wear off quickly
• Improper storage, factory overprocessing, or poor quality control

The result? Hair that knots at the ends, becomes unmanageable, and forms mats that pull on your scalp. Once this happens, no amount of conditioner will fix it.

What to look for: Choose Remy human hair extensions with aligned cuticles. These stay smoother for longer, resist knotting, and can be brushed, styled, and treated like your natural hair.

2. Mismatched Colour or Unnatural Shine

Another common giveaway is that “plastic” look — overly shiny hair that reflects light unnaturally or colours that don’t resemble real hair. This can result in hair that either stands out from your natural strands or looks like a wig.

Online sellers often rely on synthetic blends or harsh dyes that can’t be adjusted. Even so-called human hair might be overly processed to fit limited colour options.

What to look for: Professionally colour-matched hair extensions. At The Cutting Room, we ensure every set of extensions blends seamlessly with your natural tone — whether you’re working with silver, ash, warm blondes, or multi-tonal balayage.

Learn why in-salon colour matching is essential for a natural finish.

3. Overprocessed or Fragile Hair

Low-quality extensions are often made from hair that has been heavily bleached, chemically stripped, or even acid-washed to remove original colour and texture. This makes it brittle, dry, and prone to split ends — and it typically won’t hold curls or volume for long.

If your extensions look good in the pack but become dull, stiff, or frizzy after one wash, this is a major red flag. Once the protective coating wears off, the true quality becomes obvious.

What to look for: High-grade, gently processed human hair that’s been handled with care — not harsh chemicals. It should feel soft, hold a curl, and bounce naturally.

4. Bulky, Visible or Uncomfortable Attachments

Cheap extensions often come with generic clips, visible tape tabs, or bonds that weren’t designed for your hair type or thickness. They can sit too high on the scalp, feel bulky, or even cause discomfort when tied back.

In worst-case scenarios, these poor attachment systems can lead to breakage around the root, scalp tension, and traction alopecia.

What to look for: A salon-fitted method such as flat tracked weft extensions, which lie flat, blend into the hairline, and feel natural and secure — even in fine or thinning hair.

5. No Support or Aftercare Advice

When you purchase hair online, you’re typically left on your own to figure out application, maintenance, and removal. Unfortunately, that’s where many things go wrong. Incorrect installation can pull out your natural hair, and using the wrong products can destroy your extensions prematurely.

What to look for: A stylist who offers a full-service experience — from consultation and application to aftercare education. At The Cutting Room, we don’t just apply your extensions — we guide you through how to look after them properly so they stay healthy, soft, and long-lasting.

Discover when it’s time to replace or refresh your extensions.

What Makes High-Quality Hair Extensions Worth the Investment?

Good hair extensions are more than just a beauty product — they’re a partnership between you and your stylist. When sourced responsibly and applied professionally, they blend effortlessly, feel comfortable, and look just like your own hair.

We only work with ethically sourced, premium-grade human hair that meets the highest quality standards. Our clients trust us to choose the right length, texture, weight, and application method to complement their hair and lifestyle.

We believe extensions should enhance your natural beauty — not look like something you added on.

FAQs: How to Tell If Hair Extensions Are Low Quality

How can I tell if hair extensions are synthetic?

Synthetic extensions often have an unnatural shine, don’t hold heat styling well, and may feel stiff or plastic-like. If they melt or singe when exposed to a flat iron — they’re synthetic.

Why do my extensions get matted so quickly?

This is a common issue with non-Remy or low-quality extensions where the cuticles are not aligned. The friction between strands causes them to tangle and knot, especially at the nape and ends.

Can cheap extensions damage my natural hair?

Yes. Poorly made or incorrectly applied extensions can cause breakage, root stress, and even long-term hair thinning — especially with repeated use or if left in too long without maintenance.

How long should good extensions last?

With proper care and maintenance, high-quality human hair extensions can last 3–6 months or longer. Many of our clients reuse their wefts over multiple applications.

Is it ever safe to buy extensions online?

Unless you’re purchasing a product your stylist recommends and plans to apply for you, we suggest avoiding online extensions. What you save upfront may cost you more in the long run — in both money and hair health.

Book a Free Consultation to Discuss Your Options

If you’re unsure where to start or want expert advice on choosing the right extensions, we’re here to help. We offer personalised consultations to help you explore the best options for your hair type, budget, and styling goals — no pressure, just honest guidance.

Click here to book your appointment:
Your hair deserves quality, care, and confidence. Let’s make sure you get all three.