Hair extension consent form: traction, move-ups and custom hair
Extensions are the only service on this list with no chemistry in it, and that is exactly why clients underestimate them. The risk is mechanical: weight, tension and time. The client controls a lot of it, by brushing, drying her roots and coming back for move-ups. So my extension consent form reads less like a chemical warning and more like a care agreement she signs at the start.
This exact form is built into SlickChart: send it to your client's phone to sign before her appointment, and the extension aftercare goes home with her.
What the service is, and the upkeep it needs
The service box describes added hair attached to small sections of her own hair to build length, volume or color. The install takes about 1.5 to 5 hours, plus blending and cutting, and her scalp may feel snug for a few days.
Then the upkeep, by method: tapes and wefts move up every 6 to 8 weeks, k-tips last 3 to 4 months, and the hair can be reused. The client records her method: tape-in, k-tip, micro-link, sew-in or hand-tied, or clip-in.
Risks, and the shedding note
The list covers tenderness, tightness or headaches at first; itching or irritation at the attachment points; traction alopecia if the hair is too heavy, too tight or overdue; breakage or thinning of her natural hair; matting at the roots without daily brushing; slipping bonds, tapes or beads; a rare reaction to adhesive, tape or keratin; and color or texture shifts in the added hair over time.
It closes with a line that heads off the most common worry at removal:
Some shedding of natural hair (often 50 to 100 strands a day) collects at the bonds. That is not damage.
A client who read that before her first removal knows what she is looking at.
The health and hair check
This list looks different from the chemical forms. It asks about hair loss or thinning patches; alopecia or trichotillomania; very fine or fragile hair; psoriasis, eczema or dandruff; a scalp infection or lice; a sensitive or tender scalp; chemo, now or recently; pregnancy or the postpartum period; minoxidil or hormone changes; an allergy to adhesive or latex; an allergy to metal such as nickel; frequent headaches or migraines; recent color or lightener; other extensions now in; and swimming or working out daily.
A checked box is a conversation, not a diagnosis, and anything like bare patches or a rash goes to her doctor or a dermatologist.
The acknowledgements
The most important line is about tension:
- She understands missed move-ups and tension can cause traction alopecia, which may be permanent.
- Her stylist chose a method and amount of hair her natural hair can safely carry, and may adjust it.
- She will say right away if she feels pain, pulling or itching, during the service or after it.
- She won't remove or re-tape extensions herself; removal is by a professional only.
- Wear and lifespan of the hair aren't guaranteed.
The money line is just as clear: hair is custom ordered for her, so deposits and hair purchases are non-refundable once ordered. My pre-visit guide repeats it, along with a consultation and color match first. Before and after photos for her private record are OK, with social media use only with her separate OK.
Aftercare that protects both heads of hair
The guide opens with: your extensions are attached to your own hair, so caring for one protects the other.
- First 48 hours: a snug, slightly tender scalp is normal. Brush gently from the ends up and sleep in a loose braid or low ponytail on silk. No washing while bonds set, and no heat, steam or heavy sweat.
- Daily: loop brush 2 to 3 times a day, dry roots fully, and use heat protectant. No oils or conditioner on bonds, no sleeping wet.
- Weeks 6 to 8: book the move-up and come with clean, dry hair and no product at the roots. Don't stretch past 8 weeks or adjust tapes, bonds or beads yourself.
- Removal: a small ball of shed hair at each attachment is normal. Book a professional removal, then a scalp check and deep condition.
The call-me list covers itching, soreness or pulling that won't settle; bumps, redness or a rash at the attachments; headaches that started after the install; and shedding at the root or bare spots. The guide adds that you can loosen or remove pieces that pull. Face or throat swelling or trouble breathing means 911.
Questions to decide for your own practice
- How will you chart method, amount of hair and placement so the move-up matches? (Here is what to record in a client chart.)
- What will you do when a client is overdue for a move-up?
- What does your state board require? Consent rules and scope of practice vary by state, so check with yours. This post is not legal or medical advice.
Use this form with your clients
SlickChart has this exact hair extension consent and aftercare built in for hair stylist subscribers. The form goes to the client's phone to sign before the visit, or she signs on your device in the chair, and any contraindication she checks is flagged for you. The aftercare lands in the client's own app, styled with your logo, and it all works alongside the Square account you already have. If that would save you paperwork, try SlickChart.
Prefer paper? The printable hair extension set, with the consent form, protocol and aftercare, is in my Etsy shop, ready to print or edit in free Canva.