I'm trying out these micro loop hair extensions. $13 on Amazon, human hair, reviews say they hold up for about a month if you put them in tightly. I took them to my hairdresser yesterday when I went to get a trim but she hadn't seen this kind before and wasn't comfortable putting them in -- fair enough, she's got her professional reputation on the line. I went home and my partner and I put them in using a 30-second YouTube video and a standard pair of pliers. But then I had to trim them so they fit with the rest of my hair, and I've never cut my own hair before except for a few desperate, ill-fated bangs trimmings! Turns out layers are a thing? Texturizing? Lots to learn!
Here are some pictures of the process, it's not bad for my first attempt! I think next time I'll place them lower, currently some of the fastener beads are occasionally exposed depending on how my hair is sitting. Also, I'll probably add more.
If I can get this to work, it could be a cheap, non-damaging alternative to hair dye.