Welcome to Polished with Elise Wilson, where Daily Mail's qualified makeup artist and hair stylist answers your questions, shares advice, and trials the up-and-coming beauty and skincare trends so you don't have to.
I've sat in a lot of salon chairs over the years, probably thousands, but this one felt a bit different. Not just because the woman standing behind me is the go-to extensionist for Kim and Khloé Kardashian, Dua Lipa and Hailey Bieber, among many more, but because, for the first time in a long time, I was about to commit to something I've always kept at arm's length. I'm talking about hair extensions.
As someone who has built a career testing beauty trends, I've always loved the idea of extensions. The instant volume, the swishy, camera-ready length, the ability to transform your entire look in a matter of hours and feel like Dua's alter ego - but the reality, with its upkeep, cost and semi-permanent commitment, has always been enough to keep me firmly in my comfort zone.
So, when I found myself face-to-face with Priscilla Valles at the Maneland industry hair event in Sydney in April, I knew this was one of those rare moments where saying no simply wasn't an option. Particularly when the woman in question is responsible for some of the most enviable, ever-changing celebrity hair in the world.
After thousands of salon visits, this appointment felt different
Daily Mail's Beauty Expert Elise Wilson said: 'After thousands of salon visits, this appointment felt different - not just because the woman behind it is the go-to extensionist for the Kardashians, Dua Lipa and Hailey Bieber, but because, for the first time in years, I was finally committing to hair extensions'.
Elise was invited to a personal appointment with celebrity stylist Priscilla Valles at the Maneland industry event in Sydney in April to try her signature undetectable Perlino extensions. Before a single strand was applied, she assessed my hair with the kind of precision you'd expect from someone who has spent more than two decades working behind the scenes on red carpets and editorial shoots.
She quickly identified what I've always known to be true - that I have fine hair, but a lot of it - explaining that while it's healthy, natural and untouched in colour these days, it lacks the kind of dimension and movement that makes hair look truly expensive. Rather than dramatically altering my look, Priscilla took a far more considered approach. She meticulously matched my natural colour before recommending the addition of subtle caramel tones, spliced through in a way that would create depth without ever appearing obvious, which is where her signature technique really comes into play.
The hybrid technique that makes it look 'undetectable'
Instead of relying on a single method, she opted for a hybrid application, combining tape-in extensions with individual keratin bonds, explaining that this layered approach allows for both fullness and flexibility, while maintaining the illusion that every strand could quite easily be your own.
The tape-ins, she explained, are applied in thin wefts that sit flat against the head, sandwiched between sections of your natural hair using a discreet adhesive that allows them to move naturally while adding volume through the mid-lengths. Whereas the keratin bonds, which look like tiny, almost grain-of-rice-sized attachments, are fused individually to small sections of hair using heat. This creates a far more bespoke finish that allows for precise placement and a completely seamless blend, especially around the hairline and parting.
It is this attention to detail that has made her one of the most sought-after extensionists in the world, with clients returning time and time again not just for the aesthetic result, but because, as she told me, the integrity of the natural hair is always the priority. 'Every extension is crafted with intention, to honour the integrity of natural hair while helping stylists to create amazing transformations,' she explained, adding that when the right technique and quality of hair are used, extensions shouldn't cause damage, but can actually enhance the overall condition and appearance of your hair.
The results (and the reality check)
The process itself was meticulous and, at times, surprisingly lengthy, with each section carefully placed, blended and shaped until the final result felt cohesive, natural and, most importantly, undetectable, which is exactly what her celebrity clients have come to expect. The result, when I finally saw it in the mirror, was everything I had hoped for. My longer, thicker, glossier hair that still looked like mine, just elevated in a way that felt polished rather than overdone, or worse, fake-looking!
Of course, that level of transformation does not come cheaply, and with a total cost sitting just shy of $3,000 (not including the regular maintenance appointments required every four to six weeks). Elise has a half-head of tape-in's and half keratin bonded extensions, because even though her hair is fine, there's lots of it to blend.
It is undeniably an investment, and one that, when calculated over the course of a year, begins to edge into eye-watering territory. But as I quickly discovered, the real cost isn't just financial, it's time. Within days, it became clear that my previously low-maintenance routine was no longer going to cut it. Simply washing and drying takes significantly longer than I was used to, as well as styling requiring far more effort, and even the simple act of brushing demanding a little more care and attention than before, particularly around the bonds.
There were also small, unexpected adjustments, like the inability to properly scrub my scalp in the way I once did, or the strange, almost imperceptible difference in how the hair felt and even smelled, which, while subtle, was enough to remind me that this wasn't entirely my own. Elise's appointment took two hours, which included the extensions being shaped to suit her desired length and also styled.
My honest verdict
And yet, despite all of that, there's no denying the stunning payoff. My colour looks richer and more dimensional than it has in years, the added volume has transformed the way my hair sits and moves, and there's an undeniable confidence that comes with knowing your hair looks good from every angle. Although, there is undeniably a lot more effort in styling required to achieve that polished salon finish.
However, in true lazy-girl fashion, I've already found ways to streamline the process - because, hi, it's me. I've been leaning heavily on dry shampoo, limiting full washes where possible and just shampooing my fringe over the kitchen sink, and embracing a slightly more undone approach to styling to claw back some of the time I've lost before work. For now, I'm committed to making the most of them, if only to justify the investment, although whether I'll maintain them long-term remains to be seen.
The verdict: 'My colour looks richer and more dimensional than it has in years, the added volume has transformed the way my hair sits and moves - but there is a lot more effort in styling required to achieve that polished finish'. However, in true lazy-girl fashion, I've already found ways to streamline the process - because, hi, it's me. I've been leaning heavily on dry shampoo, limiting full washes and just shampooing my fringe over the kitchen sink to claw back some of the time I've lost before work.
As someone who has always gravitated towards a low-effort beauty routine (and regular sea swims), they don't exactly fit seamlessly into my lifestyle - and, as it turns out, these expensive, thick locks aren't particularly fond of salt water either. What I can say with certainty, however, is that I finally understand the appeal, and why so many women, celebrities included, rely on extensions not just for aesthetic reasons, but for the way they make them feel. It may sound vain, but hair really is more than just hair. It's our identity, confidence and, in some cases like mine, a very expensive habit. And while I may not be ready to commit to it forever, I can absolutely see why so many people do.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely my own and do not reflect those of any brands or companies mentioned. This content is not sponsored or endorsed.
