Hair Extensions: A Guide for Stage

Hair extensions are one of the more important finishing touches for bikini competitors: they’re literally the crown on your head.

I do want to preface this blog with a caveat: those rocking sassy, shorter ‘dos are fine as they are - unless, of course, they want to wear a wig. It’s super common to rock a wig, as long and thick hair screams health, vitality, and femininity at it’s core. Bikini competitions are beauty pageants with muscle, so embrace your inner diva!

What I’m about to explain applies to those with mid-length to long hair: YOU MUST WEAR EXTENSIONS!

I’m not saying you need to add 22” length wefts to your hair, but at a bare minimum you need to add fullness and thicken your hair. Most women’s hair thins towards the bottom so adding a row or two of some clip-in extensions will do wonders for creating thicker, healthy-looking ends.

Length-wise I recommend something mid to low back if you’re comfortable with it. Having a waterfall of thick hair tends to even out a physique and create the illusion of a smaller waist.

There are a few thing to think about when choosing to wear extensions, so here are my top considerations:

1. Choose Human (Remy) hair over synthetic.
   Synthetic hair tends to be shinier than your natural hair, therefore you’ll see the texture difference magnified under the stage lights. Further, synthetic tangles easier and cannot be heat-styled or dyed to match your natural hair.

2. Layer/Cut your extensions into your hair style.
   Take your extensions to a salon and have your stylist install and cut them to work with your natural hair layers. Purchase the extensions longer than you need to account for the trim. There is nothing more obvious than extensions left straight-across on a competitor’s head. Judges will see the obvious layer difference from the audience.

3. Dye your extensions to match your natural hair.
   When you get your extensions, first wash and let them air dry. This will remove the shiny coating and give your extensions a natural texture that will better match your real hair. Have your stylist then dye the extensions to match your hair. Color variations between your natural hair and extensions will be magnified on-stage. We recommend using multiple shades of your color - both on your natural hair and extensions - to ensure optimum blending and create depth in your hair color.

4. Consider high-contrast hair colors.
   Your tan will be deep brown, and likely with red undertones. We recommend ash or cool color tones, and going super blonde, deep brown, or black for your color. This will provide optimum contrast against your skin. Caramel, strawberry blonde, and auburn - for example - tend to blend more with the tan and don’t tend to “pop” as much.

5. Avoid pin-straight hair styles.
   Another obvious sign of extensions is when someone chooses to flat-iron their hair super straight. Unless your extensions match your hair color and texture absolutely perfectly, we’re going to see them. Further, from the low judge’s perspective, hair with no volume at the scalp will look even flatter when they’re looking up at you. We recommend big, Victoria’s Secret hair and volume. We’re not talking Shirley Temple curls: think loose waves that don’t look crunchy from a can of hair spray. The waves will blend with the extensions perfectly.

6. Protect your blonde.
   Your tan will stain your light blonde hair. Whenever possible, keep your hair up and off your back/neck with a big clip or hair net.

7. Practice the hair flip.
   Make sure to practice posing and transitions with your hair extensions. You need to be able to move your hair effortlessly and without looking like you’re struggling. Many natural federations require you to move your hair and show your back in the back pose, so make the hair movement a part of your posing routine.