It’s been four years since I’ve know what my ‘real’ hair is actually like.

That’s because for four years straight, I’ve never been without extensions for more than a few days. And those days are long and painful; days when I feel bald and desperately unkempt. Dramatic? Maybe. But also truthful. I get what I consider to be the best available on the market - Gold Fever - which I have applied twice a year.

A post shared by Gillian Fitzpatrick (@gillianfitz) on Apr 5, 2017 at 1:05pm PDT

The process isn’t overly lengthy. Edel Hunter, who looks after a load of famous faces and recently opened her own place in Greystones in Co Wicklow, is lightning quick so actually I can be in and out of the salon in in less than two hours. Cost-wise it all depends on colour, length and quantity – but you’re definitely looking at a few hundred euro for a brand-new set.

A post shared by Edel Hunter - Hair Extensions (@edelhunter) on Aug 12, 2017 at 11:48am PDT

So yeah, a bit of luxury – but also a luxury that I couldn’t be without. I’d happy walk to work to save on bus fare; sacrifice nights or meals out, and forgo every other beauty ritual imaginable if it means I can hold on to my beloved Gold Fever. So if you’re curious about the world of hair extensions, here are the eight lesser known things about wearing them…

A post shared by Suzanne Jackson (@sosueme_ie) on Apr 9, 2017 at 12:03pm PDT

1) Your secret is (largely) safe

We all have flashbacks of Britney Spears circa 2007 MTV Awards, but actually no one will actually know you have them in unless you tell them. Sure some folk go for seriously OTT gruaige, but most of us with extensions have a more subtle look.

2) You’re in good company

Definitely pretty much every blogger, presenter, model, actress etc is wearing extensions of some sort – whether their tresses are long or short.

A post shared by Cheryl (@cherylofficial) on May 12, 2016 at 11:45pm PDT

3) They’re pretty addictive

Once you take the hair extensions plunge… it’s tough to go back to your regular locks. It’s like wearing makeup on your nights-out and then hitting the town bare-faced.

4) You’ll mess with them

You’ll swear you won’t – but you will. It’s amazingly satisfying to twirl and fiddle with your bonds.

5) Your ears

Speaking of bonds – once you hit that five-month, they’re growing out and are beginning to tickle the tops of your ears (for me, that’s my cue to order a new set).

A post shared by Nicola Hughes (@nicolamhughes) on Jun 2, 2017 at 11:26am PDT

6) Expect curiosity

People are fascinated once you reveal that you’re a diehard hair extensions fan. Expect questions – LOTS of questions.

7) You’ll disappoint your hairdresser

Because he or she will tell you lots of ways to look after extensions – ways of washing, drying, and detangling. And in all likelihood you won’t do any of it.

A post shared by ✨ Rosanna Davison ✨ (@rosanna_davison) on Aug 4, 2017 at 2:27am PDT

8) When does it end?

Sometimes I wonder if I’ll wear hair extensions for the rest of my life. As things stand… probably.