← Back to Blog

If you've ever researched hair extensions, you've seen the word Remi — sometimes spelled Remy — on packaging, in salon menus, and all over beauty forums. But what exactly makes Remi hair different? And once you invest in a set, how do you keep them looking gorgeous for as long as possible?

At MG Stylez Co in Cedar Rapids, we work with Remi hair extensions every day. This guide covers everything our clients ask us — from what "Remi" actually means to the exact maintenance routine that separates a six-month set from a twelve-month set.

What Is Remi Hair?

Remi (or Remy) hair is 100% real human hair collected so that all strands run in the same cuticle direction — root to tip — just as they would on a natural head. This single detail makes all the difference.

Most cheap extensions on the market are made from hair collected randomly, then stripped of their cuticles with acid and coated in silicone to make them feel smooth — temporarily. Once that coating washes away (usually after a few shampoos), you're left with dry, matted, tangled hair that no amount of conditioner can rescue.

With Remi hair, the cuticle layer is preserved and aligned, so strands glide smoothly past each other rather than tangling. The result is hair that stays silky, blends naturally with your own, and can be heat-styled repeatedly without deteriorating.

Types of Remi Hair Extensions

Hand-Tied Weft Extensions

Thin, flat wefts that are sewn onto a beaded row of your natural hair. These are the most seamless and comfortable method — virtually undetectable even in fine hair. They lie flat against the scalp and allow for natural movement. At MG Stylez Co, hand-tied wefts are our most popular extension method.

Machine Weft Extensions

Wefts sewn by machine, making them thicker and more durable. Slightly more visible than hand-tied but still beautiful, and a great option for clients with thicker hair who want maximum volume.

Clip-In Extensions

Temporary wefts with pressure clips that you apply and remove yourself. Perfect for special events, trying extensions before committing, or adding volume for a night out without a salon visit.

Tape-In Extensions

Thin adhesive sandwiches applied close to the root. Quick to install and lie flat — great for fine to medium hair. They need to be moved up every 6–8 weeks as your natural hair grows.

What Makes Remi Hair Worth the Investment?

Remi hair extensions cost more than synthetic or non-Remi alternatives — and for very good reason. Here's what you're paying for:

• Longevity. With proper care, Remi extensions can last 12–18 months with reinstallation every 6–8 weeks.
• Blendability. Because the cuticle is intact, the hair catches light the same way your natural hair does — no telltale shine difference.
• Heat tolerance. Remi hair can be straightened, curled, and blow-dried repeatedly without turning to straw.
• Color-ability. A skilled colorist can tint or highlight Remi hair just like natural hair, allowing for a perfect match or creative color work.
• Feel. It simply feels like hair — soft, lightweight, and comfortable to wear every day.

---

Remi Extension Maintenance: The Complete Routine

The single biggest factor in how long your extensions last is how you care for them at home. Salon-quality hair cared for poorly will still fail. Here is the exact routine our extension specialists recommend to every client.

Washing: Less Is More

Extensions don't receive natural scalp oils the way your real hair does, so they can go longer between washes — and should. Over-washing strips moisture and weakens the bond or weft.

• Wash 2–3 times per week maximum. Many clients with hand-tied wefts wash once or twice a week.
• Always brush gently before washing to remove tangles. Never shampoo tangled hair.
• Use sulfate-free, alcohol-free shampoo. Sulfates strip color and dry out the hair shaft aggressively.
• Wash in a downward motion — never scrub in circular motions, which causes tangling at the weft.
• Avoid applying shampoo directly to the bonds or weft attachments. Focus on the scalp and let the suds rinse through the extensions.

Conditioning: Where the Magic Happens

Because extensions can't absorb natural oils from your scalp, regular deep conditioning is what keeps them soft and manageable over time.

• Apply conditioner from mid-length to ends only — never at the root or on the bonds/wefts.
• Use a deep conditioning mask once a week. Our stylists love the Davines NOUNOU Mask for extension clients.
• Leave conditioner in for at least 3–5 minutes before rinsing.
• A leave-in conditioner or hair oil applied to dry ends daily (or every other day) makes a dramatic difference in softness and shine.

Drying: Heat vs. Air

Leaving extensions wet for extended periods weakens bonds and can cause matting. Dry your extensions promptly and correctly.

• Gently squeeze (never rub) excess water out with a microfiber towel.
• Apply a heat protectant spray before any heat styling — this is non-negotiable.
• If air drying, let hair hang loose and don't go to sleep with wet extensions. Damp hair braided or tied overnight is a recipe for matting.
• When blow-drying, use medium heat and always work downward with the cuticle.

Brushing: The Right Tool Makes All the Difference

• Invest in a loop brush or soft-bristle extension brush. Standard paddle brushes can snag and pull bonds loose.
• Brush 2–3 times per day — morning, before bed, and any time you notice tangles forming.
• Always start at the ends and work upward toward the root in sections. Never rip from root to tip.
• Hold the root area gently while brushing the mid-lengths to reduce tension on the attachment points.

Sleeping: Protecting Your Investment Overnight

Eight hours of tossing on a pillow can do a surprising amount of damage to extensions. A few simple habits eliminate most of this wear.

• Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase. Cotton creates friction; silk lets hair glide.
• Braid hair into one or two loose braids before bed to prevent tangling — but only on fully dry hair.
• A loose, low bun secured with a silk scrunchie also works well.
• Avoid elastic hair ties that pull or pinch at the bond row.

Heat Styling: Safe Temperatures

• Keep heat tools at 350°F or below. Extensions have no sebum protection — high heat causes faster dryness and brittleness than it would on natural hair.
• Always use a quality heat protectant.
• Never apply heat directly to bonds or weft attachment points — hold the iron at least an inch below where the extensions are attached.
• Curls and waves created at lower temperatures with a larger-barrel iron tend to look most natural with extensions.

Swimming & Sweat: What You Need to Know

• Chlorine and saltwater are harsh on extension hair. Always wet your hair with fresh water and apply a leave-in conditioner before swimming to reduce chlorine absorption.
• Wear your hair in a braid or bun while swimming — loose extensions in a pool are a tangling risk.
• Rinse and condition your extensions thoroughly immediately after swimming.
• If you work out frequently, dry your roots and bonds promptly after sweating to avoid bond softening.

Salon Maintenance Schedule

No matter how well you care for your extensions at home, professional maintenance appointments are essential. Here's what to expect:

• Every 6–8 weeks: Move-up appointment. As your natural hair grows, the bonds or wefts move down. Your stylist moves them back up to the root zone, retightens beads, and checks for any issues.
• Every 3–4 months: Deep conditioning treatment in the salon — helps reset the hair and extend its life significantly.
• At 9–12 months: Most clients reach the end of a set's life and invest in a new bundle of hair. With excellent care, some clients get 14–16 months before replacement is needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Going to bed with wet hair. This causes matting that can be nearly impossible to undo without damage.
• Using products with sulfates, alcohol, or heavy silicones. These coat and dry the hair over time, shortening lifespan significantly.
• Skipping the heat protectant. One session of unprotected heat can undo weeks of careful conditioning.
• Over-washing. More than 3x per week strips the moisture Remi hair needs to stay soft.
• Brushing wet hair aggressively. Extensions are most vulnerable when wet — always detangle gently from the bottom up.
• Delaying move-up appointments. Bonds that have migrated too far down pull on the root and stress your natural hair.
• Buying extensions online to "save money." Truly Remi-quality hair requires proper sourcing and processing. The vast majority of "Remi" hair sold cheaply online is non-Remi with a silicone coating — it will not behave like what we use in the salon.

---

Are Remi Extensions Right for You?

Remi hair extensions are ideal if you want long-lasting, natural-looking results and are willing to commit to a maintenance routine. They work beautifully on most hair types — fine, medium, and thick — when the correct method is chosen for your specific hair.

They may not be the right fit if you swim competitively every day, regularly color your hair at home with box dye, or prefer a completely wash-and-go lifestyle without any added steps. That's not a judgment — it just means a different solution might suit you better, and our stylists will always be honest with you about that in a consultation.

Ready to explore extensions? Book a complimentary extension consultation at MG Stylez Co in Cedar Rapids. We'll assess your natural hair, discuss your goals, and recommend the exact method and length that's right for you — no pressure, no guessing.

← Back to Blog

There's nothing quite like walking out of the salon with a perfect blowout — bouncy, smooth, full of life. And then there's the feeling two days later when it's lost half its magic and you're back to reaching for a ponytail. Sound familiar?

At MG Stylez Co in Cedar Rapids, blowouts are one of our most popular services — and the most common question we get afterward is: how do I make this last? Our stylists have heard it a thousand times, and they've refined their answers into a set of habits that genuinely work. Here's everything you need to know.

Why Blowouts Fade So Fast

Understanding why your blowout loses its shape helps you prevent it. The main culprits are moisture, friction, and oil — in that order.

Moisture is the enemy of a blowout. Steam, humidity, sweat, and rain all re-activate the hydrogen bonds in your hair that the blow dryer temporarily reshaped. Once those bonds relax, so does your style. Friction from pillowcases, touching your hair, and tying it up roughly breaks down the cuticle and collapses volume. Oil — both natural scalp oil and heavy product buildup — weighs hair down and makes roots look flat by day two.

The good news: all three are manageable. Here's how.

Right After the Salon: The First 4 Hours Matter Most

Don't touch it

We know it's tempting to run your fingers through that silky finish — but every touch transfers oils from your hands to your hair and disrupts the cuticle alignment. Keep your hands away for at least 3–4 hours after styling, while the style sets fully.

Stay away from humidity

Avoid cooking over steam, stepping outside in humid or rainy weather without protection, or going to the gym in the first few hours. Those are the times your blowout is most vulnerable. Give it time to lock in before you expose it to moisture.

Don't tie it up yet

If you need to put your hair up in the first few hours, use a very loose, soft scrunchie at the very top of your head — and even then, try to hold off. Tying hair creates dents and creases that are hard to reverse once the style has set.

Night 1: The Most Important Sleep of Your Blowout's Life

How you sleep on night one will determine whether your blowout looks great on day two or like you never got one. Here's the routine our stylists personally use:

Switch to a silk or satin pillowcase

This is the single highest-impact change you can make. Cotton pillowcases create friction that roughens the hair cuticle, collapses volume, and creates frizz by morning. Silk and satin are smooth — hair glides instead of catching. A good silk pillowcase is a one-time investment that extends every blowout you ever get.

The "pineapple" for curly and wavy hair

If your blowout was on naturally curly or wavy hair, gather everything to the very top of your head in an extremely loose, high ponytail using a silk scrunchie. This keeps the length from getting crushed while you sleep. In the morning, release it, shake gently, and you'll have most of your volume back.

The "wrap" for straight blowouts

For straight blowouts, wrap your hair around your head in the direction it falls, pin loosely with large bobby pins, and wrap with a silk scarf or bonnet. This keeps the hair flat and aligned rather than tangled and creased. It feels a bit dramatic, but it works remarkably well.

Day 2: The Revival

Day two is where most people give up on a blowout. It doesn't have to be that way.

Dry shampoo is your best friend — but use it right

Most people apply dry shampoo wrong: they spray it on when the hair already looks oily, which means it's already too late. The trick is to apply dry shampoo before bed on day one, let it absorb overnight, and brush it out in the morning. You wake up with fresh-looking roots instead of weighed-down ones.

Apply it by lifting sections, spraying 6–8 inches from the root, and massaging in with fingertips. Never spray directly onto the length — it'll leave residue and dull your shine.

A little heat goes a long way

A pass with a large round brush and a shot of low heat can revive a day-two blowout in under five minutes. Focus only on the areas that have lost shape — usually the crown and the ends — rather than re-doing the whole thing. Use a light-hold spray first to protect and add hold.

Flip your part

If your roots are looking flat on day two, simply flip your part to the other side. The new part creates instant lift because it's fighting the direction your hair naturally fell. A quick blast of cool air from your dryer at the root locks it in.

---

Days 3–4: Extending Into Mid-Week

Getting to day four with a respectable blowout is achievable with a few more strategies.

Work with your hair, not against it

By day three, your hair has texture and grip that freshly washed hair doesn't. This actually makes it better for certain styles — braids, twists, and textured waves all hold more easily on day-three hair. Lean into this rather than fighting it.

Refreshing waves or curls

If your straight blowout is losing its magic by day three, pivot rather than repeat. A large-barrel curling iron (1.5 to 2 inches) used loosely on mid-lengths creates effortless waves that look intentional and fresh, not salvaged. Finger-separate, add a light texturizing spray, and you have a completely different — and great-looking — style.

Targeted dry shampoo again

By day three you may need a second application of dry shampoo, this time more targeted at the hairline and any particularly oily sections. Use a fine-bristle brush to distribute it fully so there's no chalky residue. Some dry shampoos are better than others — our stylists recommend looking for ones with rice starch rather than heavy talc.

What to Absolutely Avoid

• Touching your hair constantly. Every touch = oil transfer + disrupted cuticle. Hands off as much as possible.
• Tight hair ties. Elastic bands leave dents and break blowout shape. Use soft scrunchies exclusively when you must tie up.
• Heavy oils or serums mid-week. These weigh hair down fast. If you need frizz control, use the lightest possible formula on the ends only.
• Sleeping with wet hair. If you rinse your hair for any reason mid-week, dry it completely before sleeping. Damp hair on a pillow is a guaranteed frizz disaster.
• Touching up with the wrong heat setting. High heat on already-styled hair causes damage and makes hair harder to style next time. Always use medium heat for touch-ups.
• Skipping the nozzle attachment. The concentrator nozzle on your blow dryer is what creates smooth, directed airflow. Without it, you're just blowing hot air around — literally.

Sweat & Activity: The Workout Problem

If you work out regularly, a blowout that lasts all week requires a bit more strategy.

The best approach is to time your salon visit right after a workout, not before. That way you have the most possible days between sweat sessions and your next wash. For workouts that happen mid-blowout-week, keep your hair up in a very loose bun while exercising and dry your roots with a blow dryer on cool immediately after — don't let them air dry in a sweaty state, which locks in moisture and leaves roots wavy and flat.

Dry shampoo applied to roots before a workout (not after) can also act as a barrier that absorbs sweat as it happens, rather than letting it soak in.

Humidity & Weather

Cedar Rapids weather is unpredictable — hot and humid summers, damp shoulder seasons, and everything in between. On high-humidity days, apply an anti-humidity serum or spray before you leave the house. Look for products with silicone or polymers that form a barrier against moisture. Apply it sparingly on the outer layer of your hair — not throughout — so you keep the volume from being weighed down.

A light layer of hairspray over your finished style also adds humidity resistance without making hair stiff when used correctly: hold the can 10–12 inches away and mist lightly, then don't touch.

---

When to Wash

The goal isn't to go seven days no matter what — it's to get the most beautiful days possible out of your blowout before washing. Most hair types hit a natural endpoint at day four to five where the hair genuinely needs a wash. Listen to your hair. When dry shampoo stops working and the roots look heavy despite your efforts, it's time.

When you do wash, use a clarifying shampoo every few weeks to clear product buildup that accumulates from dry shampoos and finishing sprays. Buildup makes hair harder to style and causes blowouts to collapse faster.

Want to book a blowout at MG Stylez Co? We're at 201 1st Ave SE in Cedar Rapids. Walk-ins welcome, or book your appointment online for guaranteed availability.

← Back to Blog

Thin or fine hair deserves an extension method that feels as elevated as it looks. The right extensions should add fullness and length without looking bulky, feeling heavy, or compromising the health of your natural hair.

At MG Stylez Co, we believe extension work should feel tailored, polished, and virtually undetectable. For clients with fine hair, that means choosing a method with intention — one that complements your density, your lifestyle, and the finish you want to see in the mirror every day.

What Makes an Extension Method Ideal for Thin Hair?

When hair is fine, every detail matters. The best extensions for thin hair should feel lightweight and comfortable, blend softly from root to ends, avoid unnecessary tension on delicate strands, create fullness without looking overdone, and support healthy maintenance over time.

A luxury result is never about adding the most hair possible. It is about adding the right amount in the right places.

The Best Options for Thin Hair

Hand-Tied Wefts

Hand-tied wefts are a favorite for clients who want refined fullness with a seamless finish. They are known for laying flat, moving naturally, and creating a soft, elevated look that photographs beautifully and styles effortlessly. Why they work so well: lightweight feel, natural blend, flexible customization, and elegant polished results.

Sew-In Wefts

Sew-in wefts can also be an excellent choice, depending on your density and desired outcome. For clients who want a fuller transformation, sew-in methods can provide secure, noticeable enhancement while still being customized for comfort and blend.

Why Consultation Matters More Than Trends

There is no one-size-fits-all answer for thin hair. The right method depends on your natural density, the strength of your hair, your hairline and parting pattern, your styling habits, and the amount of length or fullness you want. At MG Stylez Co, we take all of this into account before recommending a plan.

What to Avoid if You Have Fine Hair

Thin hair usually does best with an approach that is strategic and understated. Installing too much hair, choosing the wrong placement, or skipping maintenance can affect both comfort and overall appearance. That is why our process focuses on precision, not excess.

← Back to Blog

Choosing hair extensions is not just about adding length — it is about selecting a method that complements your hair, your routine, and the kind of transformation you want. Two of the most requested options are hand-tied wefts and sew-in extensions, and each offers its own advantages.

At MG Stylez Co, we help clients in Cedar Rapids choose extension methods with a luxury, personalized approach so the final look feels seamless, flattering, and fully tailored.

Hand-Tied Wefts

Hand-tied wefts are known for their lightweight feel and refined finish. They are designed to lay flat against the head, which makes them a beautiful option for clients who want fullness and length without bulk. Clients love them for their soft natural movement, flat and discreet installation, elegant premium finish, and beautiful blend for length and volume.

Sew-In Extensions

Sew-in extensions are often chosen for clients who want a secure, fuller transformation. Depending on your hair type and styling preferences, they can create dramatic results while still being customized for comfort and wearability. Clients choose them for secure wear, fuller density, strong transformation potential, and versatility for the right hair type.

The Biggest Differences

Feel and Finish

Hand-tied wefts are often prized for a more lightweight, seamless feel. Sew-in extensions can provide a more structured, substantial result depending on the installation approach.

Fullness Level

If your goal is soft luxury and invisible blend, hand-tied wefts are often appealing. If your goal is fuller density and a more dramatic change, a sew-in option may be the stronger fit.

Maintenance

Both methods require maintenance to keep them looking polished and feeling comfortable. A beautiful extension experience includes regular move-up appointments, the right product recommendations, and an at-home routine that protects both your natural hair and the extensions themselves.

Which One Is Right for You?

At MG Stylez Co, every consultation is designed to answer the questions that matter most: What will look the most natural? What will feel the most comfortable? What best supports your hair health? What fits your everyday routine?

← Back to Blog

Hair extensions are an investment in both your look and your confidence, so it makes sense to ask how long they will last. The answer depends on the method, the quality of the hair, the installation, and how consistently you maintain them.

At MG Stylez Co, we help clients choose extension services with realistic expectations and a plan for keeping their results looking polished, soft, and beautifully blended.

Two Timelines Matter

How long the installation lasts

This is how long the extensions can be comfortably worn before you need a maintenance appointment.

How long the hair itself lasts

This refers to the life of the extension hair when it is properly cared for over time.

What Affects Extension Longevity?

• The extension method used
• The quality of the extension hair
• How often you heat style
• Your wash and product routine
• How gently you brush and handle the hair
• How regularly you schedule maintenance

Why Maintenance Appointments Matter

The most beautiful extensions are not meant to be forgotten after installation day. Regular move-up appointments help preserve comfort, blend, and the overall integrity of the look. Maintenance visits allow us to reposition extensions as your natural hair grows, keep the result looking seamless, protect your natural hair, and refresh your extension plan if needed.

How to Extend the Life of Your Extensions

Use professional products

Quality products make a difference in softness, shine, and manageability.

Be mindful with heat

Use heat protectant and avoid unnecessary high temperatures.

Brush gently

Careful brushing helps prevent unnecessary tension and tangling.

Stay consistent with appointments

The longer you wait, the harder it can be to maintain the polished result you started with.

Signs It Is Time for Maintenance

• Your blend no longer looks as seamless
• Styling feels more difficult than usual
• The extensions feel less comfortable
• Attachment areas are becoming more noticeable

← Back to Blog

A flawless extension result does not end when you leave the salon. The beauty of hair extensions is preserved in the way they are cared for between appointments. With the right routine, your extensions can continue to feel soft, smooth, and effortlessly luxurious.

At MG Stylez Co, we believe aftercare is part of the service. We want every client to leave not only with beautiful hair, but with the guidance needed to protect that investment.

Why Maintenance Matters

Extensions require thoughtful care because they do not receive natural oils the same way your own hair does. Without the right routine, they can become dry, tangled, or more difficult to blend naturally. A strong maintenance routine helps preserve shine and softness, minimize tangling, maintain a seamless finish, support the health of your natural hair, and extend the beauty of your extension service.

Everyday Care Tips

Brush with intention

Use a gentle touch and brush in sections, starting from the ends and working upward.

Protect hair while sleeping

A loose braid or low ponytail can help reduce friction overnight and keep the hair smoother.

Use stylist-recommended products

Professional products are one of the easiest ways to maintain softness, manageability, and overall hair quality.

Be mindful of heat styling

Heat can absolutely be part of your routine, but protecting the hair every time matters.

Washing Extensions the Right Way

Your wash routine should feel gentle and controlled. Avoid rough scrubbing, use high-quality products, and follow the care guidance recommended for your specific extension method. Because every installation is different, personalized aftercare advice makes a real difference.

The Importance of Move-Up Appointments

Routine maintenance appointments keep your extensions looking polished and comfortable. These visits allow us to reposition the hair, check the health of your natural strands, and keep the overall finish looking elevated.

Common Habits That Can Shorten Extension Life

• Excessive heat without protection
• Product buildup from low-quality formulas
• Tugging during brushing
• Delaying maintenance appointments too long
• Ignoring dryness or tangling

← Back to Blog

Hair extensions can completely transform the way your hair looks and feels, but pricing is rarely one-size-fits-all. The cost of extensions depends on the method, the amount of hair needed, the level of customization, and the final result you want to achieve.

At MG Stylez Co, extensions are approached as a personalized luxury service — because the most beautiful outcomes are built around you.

What Influences Hair Extension Pricing?

• Extension method
• Desired length
• Desired fullness
• Amount of hair required
• Color matching and blending
• Installation time
• Ongoing maintenance needs

A subtle fullness enhancement and a dramatic length transformation are two very different services, which is why pricing can vary.

Why Professional Extensions Are an Investment

A premium extension experience includes much more than the hair itself. It includes consultation, strategy, custom matching, expert placement, blending, finishing, and aftercare guidance. The goal is not simply to add hair — the goal is to create a result that feels natural, looks elevated, and wears beautifully in everyday life.

What You Are Really Paying For

• A tailored consultation
• Expert method selection
• Custom color matching
• Precision installation
• Blending and finishing
• Guidance for long-term maintenance

How to Get the Most Accurate Quote

The best way to understand the cost of extensions is through a consultation. That allows us to assess your hair, understand your goals, and recommend the method and plan that make the most sense for you. At MG Stylez Co, consultations help us determine your current hair density, the look you want to achieve, the best extension approach, and the level of maintenance required.