Image of Angelina Jolie hair extensions on the red carpet. Taken from Instagram

Apr 26, 2024

How NOT to get hair extensions—lessons from Angelina Jolie

Flashback to 2021 at the film premiere of Eternals in the glamorous city of Rome. The red carpet was abuzz with excitement, but all eyes were on Angelina Jolie—not just for her drop-dead beauty, but for those straggly extensions that were hanging on by a thread. As the paparazzi cameras flashed and fans clamored for a glimpse of Hollywood royalty, the whispers began to spread like wildfire. Angelina Jolie, the epitome of elegance and grace, had suffered a hair extension faux pas that sent shockwaves through the internet. 

Jolie's waist-length hair, adorned with extensions, was intended to exude glamor and sophistication. Instead, it became the center of attention for all the wrong reasons. The extensions, which were meant to enhance her natural beauty, appeared unblended, chunky and, quite frankly, the worst extension job we’ve seen in a while. Despite many natters about it being sartorial, the unflattering sight of her hair extensions overshadowed the glamor of the evening and left many wondering—WHAT went wrong?

Fast forward to the present day, and Angelina's hair extension fiasco remains etched in the shrines of Hollywood history, a cautionary tale for stars and stylists alike. But fear not, for every setback is an opportunity for growth. It’s given all of us a reason to get to the root cause, and explore the story behind Angelina Jolie's hair extension disaster. 

Here we’ll unravel the mysteries of hair enhancement, and arm you with the knowledge to avoid similar pitfalls. So grab your virtual front-row seat and join us as we embark on a journey from Hollywood oops to hair goals—one extension at a time.

You’re guaranteed absolutely NO shocking extension disasters with us, so keep reading to find out more. 

 

Setting the stage—Angelina Jolie hair extensions explained 

It’s 2021 and we’re at the grand premiere of a highly anticipated film in the heart of Rome. The atmosphere crackled with excitement as A-list celebrities graced the red carpet, each vying for their moment in the spotlight. Amidst the glitz and glamor, all eyes were on Angelina Jolie—a timeless icon whose presence demands attention wherever she looks. 

Draped in a silver metal mesh Atelier Versace gown that shimmered under the glare of flashing cameras, Angelina stunned with her timeless beauty and magnetic presence. As she gracefully stepped down the red carpet, all eyes were on her, eagerly awaiting another iconic fashion moment from the Hollywood hall of famer. 

But amongst the lights and the cameras, a subtle yet *significant* detail caught the collective gaze of onlookers—the state of Angelina's hair. Typically, a red carpet appearance by Angelina Jolie is synonymous with flawless style and impeccable grooming. However, on this particular occasion, it was not her radiant smile or impeccable attire that made us all doubletake attention: it was her hair. 

Though there was PLENTY of perfectly blow dried, salon-fresh locks and carefully crafted hairstyles, Angelina's hair extensions stood out as an unexpected focal point of discussion. We all know hair extensions are a common sight on the red carpet, but they are typically executed with precision and finesse, seamlessly blending with the star's natural hair to create a drop-dead gorgeous look. They have the money, the stylists, and everyone doing checks—so nothing would happen, right?

Yet, as eagle-eyed fans observed, Angelina's extensions failed to achieve anything more than drab. Instead of giving long luscious locks with shine and volume, the extensions appeared disjointed and out of place, failing to blend seamlessly with her natural hair.

Let’s set the scene for you—you’ve been on a big one with the girls, and you’re wearing tape in extensions. It’s been one of *those* nights and you’re heading home with your eye makeup smudged and your extensions hanging on for dear life. Now imagine that straggly, messed up hair, but on Angelina herself. Shocking! The result was a choppy, uneven line that detracted from Angelina's otherwise perfect appearance—an unfortunate misstep in an otherwise impeccable red carpet ensemble. 

 

Dissecting the disaster—the anatomy of a hair extension mishap

How did Angelina Jolie—a paragon of beauty and style—find herself entangled in a hair extension drama? The answer lies in the intricate world of hair care and styling. Despite the allure of cascading locks and voluminous waves, the art of hair extensions needs precision and expertise.

In Angelina's case, the extensions, which were not properly blended with her natural hair, resulted in a disjointed appearance that drew attention for all the wrong reasons. The failure to seamlessly integrate the extensions with her own hair left them exposed, creating an unflattering contrast that detracted from her overall look.

To us, we think her hairstylist hadn’t cut her natural hair into appropriate layers, which would have helped the extensions blend seamlessly. Aneglina Jolie’s hair extensions were placed onto her blunt cut style, which is just a big NO from every hairstylist around the world. 

 

Avoiding the pitfalls—the importance of proper installation and maintenance

Angelina's hair extension mishap may be the only faux pas she’s experienced in the world of hair extensions, but it serves as a rulebook for anyone considering getting them in the future. While extensions offer the promise of instant length and volume, their success hinges on proper installation and maintenance. 

Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when you’re hoping to get some long, flowing locks, that are *nothing* like Angelina’s. 

 

Choose quality extensions

When it comes to selecting hair extensions, quality is paramount. Opting for high-quality extensions that closely match your natural hair texture and color is essential for achieving a seamless blend and long-lasting results. Investing in premium extensions may come with a higher price tag, but the superior quality ensures a flawless finish that integrates with your own hair.

 

Consult with a professional

Navigating the world of hair extensions can be overwhelming, which is why it's important to seek the expertise of a qualified stylist who specializes in extensions. A skilled professional can assess your hair type, texture, and desired look to recommend the best extension method for your needs. Whether you're considering tape-in extensions, sew-in wefts, or clip-ins, a knowledgeable stylist can guide you through the process and ensure that you achieve the perfect match for your hair.

 

Proper installation

Proper installation is key to achieving a natural-looking result with hair extensions. Ensure that your extensions are installed correctly by a trained professional to prevent any visible gaps or uneven blending. Whether you're opting for a full head of extensions or strategically placed pieces for added volume, precise installation is essential. By entrusting the installation process to a skilled stylist, you can rest assured that your extensions will look picture-perfect from every angle.

 

Regular maintenance

Once your extensions are in place, it's important to maintain them with care and diligence to preserve their appearance and longevity. Follow recommended maintenance routines provided by your stylist, including brushing, washing, and conditioning your extensions with gentle, nourishing products. Regular upkeep will help prevent tangling, matting, and damage, ensuring that your extensions retain their natural luster and vitality. By investing time and effort into proper maintenance, you can enjoy beautiful, healthy-looking hair extensions for weeks or even months to come.


By sticking to these simple guidelines, you can avoid the pitfalls that our beloved Angelina faced and achieve flawless results that level up your style without the compromise.

 

Understanding hair extensions

Looking to have your own red carpet moment? Minus the… you know… Angelina moment? Hair extensions come in various types, each offering unique benefits and challenges. From tape-ins to fusion and micro-link extensions, the options can seem overwhelming. Let's break down the different types and explore which ones might be best suited for your hair type and lifestyle.

 

Tape-in extensions 101

Tape-in extensions are a popular choice for the girlies seeking to add length and volume to their hair. These extensions involve sandwiching thin sections of natural hair between two adhesive tape strips. While they offer a seamless blend and easy maintenance, improper installation or low-quality tape can lead to disastrous results. We’re looking at you, Jolie. 

 

Clip-in extensions

Clip-in extensions are the GOAT in our opinion. You look rocking for your big night out, but get to go home and get au natural. They provide a temporary solution for those looking to enhance their hair for special occasions or daily wear, and they look good, too. These versatile extensions can be clipped in and out of the hair with ease, however, proper placement and blending are really important in achieving a natural look.

 

Fusion extensions

Fusion extensions, also known as bonded extensions are the rage right now online, and they look like your real locks, but need plenty of TLC. They’re attached to the natural hair using a keratin-based adhesive, and need to be changed fairly often. While they offer a natural look and feel, professional application and removal are VERY important, and improper maintenance can lead to damage, hair breakages—all that bad stuff. 

 

Micro-link extensions

Another social media superstar are the micro-link extensions, also referred to as micro-bead or loop extensions. They are attached to the natural hair using small metal beads or loops, and offer flexibility and minimal damage. You need regular maintenance to prevent tangling and breakage, so keep up to date with your hair care, because this kind is really dramatic. 

 

Embrace the journey—and look after your locks 

Angelina Jolie's hair extension mishap may have snagged the spotlight, but hey, every cloud has a silver lining, right? For all you babes just dipping your toes into the vast ocean of haircare, take notes, because there's wisdom to be gleaned from even the most glamorous blunders.


Like, let's be real—navigating the world of beauty and style isn’t always a walk in the park. But fear not, fellow beauty enthusiasts, for there's hope on the horizon. With a sprinkle of know-how and a dash of preparation, we can unlock the secrets to flawless locks that rival those seen on the red carpet.


So, whether you're a newbie itching to dive headfirst into the world of extensions or a seasoned pro looking to up your hair game, remember this—it's all about the TLC, baby. By treating your tresses with the love and attention they deserve, you can rock locks that command attention for all the right reasons. Because let's face it, nobody wants to be the talk of the town for all the wrong hair-raising reasons, are we right?

 

Mistakes happen—we’ve all had our own Angelina Jolie Extensions moment 

In the whirlwind of Angelina Jolie's hair extension fiasco, one thing's for sure: beauty mishaps happen to the best of us (usually when we're, like, way younger, right?). But hey, let's face it—life's full of 'em, and it's all part of the journey. So, in light of Angelina's hair-raising ordeal, let's take a cue from our girl Angie and learn how to roll with the punches.


See, beauty's not this perfect, Instagram-filtered fairytale. It's a messy, unpredictable adventure. And trust me, we've all had our share of mishaps along the way. But here's the deal: it's not about the stumbles we encounter, it's about how we strut our stuff despite them.


So, let's raise a glass to Angelina and her hair-raising escapade. Because, girl, beauty isn't about polished perfection; it's about embracing the messy, imperfect journey with courage and confidence. And remember, it's those setbacks that make the eventual victories oh-so-sweet. So, here's to facing our beauty blunders head-on and emerging stronger, sassier, and more fabulous than ever.