Not Just Extensions: Lacy Redway Breaks Down the Textured Hair Significance on ‘Breaking Beauty’

Hair extensions have undergone a significant transformation. What was once a hush-hush beauty secret is now a mainstream styling tool, whether you’re adding volume for a big night out or experimenting with a brand-new look. But beyond glamour, creativity, and endless ponytail possibilities, hair extensions have entered a new era—one that centers on textured hair and the women who wear it.

On Breaking Beauty, hosts Jill Dunn and Carlene Higgins sit down with celebrity hairstylist Lacy Redway, whose boundary-pushing work has appeared in Vogue and at the Met Gala. Redway has styled Simone Biles, Florence Pugh, Michelle Williams, and Tessa Thompson, to name a few, and her signature sculptural approach has reshaped what we think of as “red carpet hair.”

But today, she’s talking about something bigger: how the rise of high-quality textured hair extensions is finally giving everyone, regardless of their natural hair type, access to the hair transformations they’ve always deserved. 

How we got here

For years, textured hair wearers who wanted extensions had to get creative. Redway explains that while extensions have always been part of her kit, finding textured hair that matched her clients’ natural curl patterns was often a challenge.

She points out that while there are plenty of inexpensive extensions online, price doesn’t always equal quality. “There are tons of companies on the TikTok shop offering so many textures, but when you get them, they shed and tangle,” Redway says. “For me, I would rather pay to get quality than buy something a few times because it’s not good.” Not only do subpar extensions look less natural, they also don’t last—and can even cause hair damage if mismanaged.

That’s one of the reasons her partnership with Bellami Hair has been such a turning point. When the brand launched its textured clip-in extensions, Redway immediately recognized the impact. “It allows me to expand what I can offer my clients,” she says, adding that many textured extensions on the market didn’t blend seamlessly or hold up to repeated styling.

Why textured extensions matter

This isn’t only about convenience—it’s cultural. Extensions play a central role in protective styling within Black hair traditions. This term refers to hairstyles that protect the natural hair from environmental damage and over-manipulation, allowing wearers to conceal their natural hair while switching up their style, shape, or length.

“Clip-ins are low risk. You get to date extensions. You can see if you like them and then decide if you want something more permanent,” Redway says.

There’s also the emotional element. Hair is identity. For some, textured extensions are about feeling a sense of belonging. Being able to buy hair that reflects your natural texture without customizing it yourself is representation in action.

How to choose the right hair extensions

If you’re new to hair extensions, Redway has clear guidelines.

First, match the texture. “The number one tip to blend your extensions is to make sure they match your hair texture,” she says. “You also want to have the right amount to fit the density of your hair.”

If you’re only adding volume, one pack may be enough. But if your goal is length? “Generally, people go with one to two packs. If you want longer hair, I suggest two to three packs,” she explains.

And for clip-ins, placement matters. For a more seamless look, Redway recommends braiding a bit of your natural hair underneath to prevent your extensions from fighting against too much bulk. It keeps everything smooth, balanced, and blended.

The shift toward transparency

The most refreshing part of this era is the honesty. Gone are the days of whispering, “Is that her hair?” Celebrities like Cardi B openly remove wigs on Instagram Live. Kylie Jenner confirms her surgery. Chris McMillan calls hair extensions his “game changer.” This transparency is reshaping the conversation around hair extensions, making them more accepted and celebrated as a versatile beauty tool.

Redway loves this. “I think we should look at extensions as an accessory,” she says. “You can change your hair the way you change your outfit.”

Hair extensions are no longer a secret, a scandal, or a last resort. They are a beauty staple—and textured clip-ins have finally expanded the table.

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