This & That Styles in Baltimore: Hand-Tied Extensions Built on Consultation

This & That Styles specializes in hand-tied hair extensions for clients seeking length and volume without the damage of tape-in or sew-in methods, positioning itself as a consultation-first salon in a market where many extension providers prioritize speed over fit.

What This & That Styles actually is

This & That Styles operates as a focused extension salon rather than a full-service color and cut house. The business centers on hand-tied weft extensions, a method where individual rows of hair are tied to a base and attached close to the scalp using a bonding agent, leaving less visible beading than traditional sew-in tracks. The salon works with clients across Baltimore's neighborhoods, though the exact location and whether they operate by appointment only should be confirmed directly. Hand-tied extensions suit people with thinning hair, previous extension damage, or those unwilling to commit to monthly maintenance appointments required by some other methods.

Services and pricing

Hand-tied extension application typically runs $400 to $800 depending on hair length, density, and the number of rows installed. A single row of hand-tied extensions costs roughly $200 to $300; most people need two to four rows for noticeable fullness. Maintenance appointments (required every six to eight weeks as hair grows) run $150 to $300 per visit. Removal alone, necessary before reinstallation, costs $100 to $150. Prices fluctuate based on hair quality and the stylist's experience level; confirm current rates before booking, as extension pricing nationwide has shifted upward in the past two years.

This & That Styles' emphasis on consultation means the initial visit often includes a texture match, length discussion, and realistic timeline for results. That conversation prevents expensive mistakes like ordering hair that doesn't blend or committing to a style the client cannot maintain.

How it compares to other Baltimore extension options

Baltimore's extension market divides roughly between tape-in specialists (cheaper upfront, $200 to $600, but require more frequent appointments), sew-in providers (highly visible beading, good for textured hair, $150 to $400), and hand-tied salons. Tape-in extensions slip if not maintained properly; sew-in beads can break hair at the attachment point over time. Hand-tied sits at the middle-to-premium price tier but causes less daily damage and lasts longer between services.

Salons like those in Canton or Federal Hill offering generic "extension services" often route clients to whatever method the stylist prefers rather than what suits the client's hair type. This & That's commitment to consultation as a standard step, rather than an upsell, distinguishes it for people new to extensions or dealing with past extension damage.

Who it suits and who it does not

Hand-tied extensions work well for people with fine to medium hair, those wanting a natural part and hairline, and anyone uncomfortable with visible beading or frequent tightening appointments. They're ideal for clients willing to spend on quality hair and prepared for a learning curve on care routines.

They suit people who sleep on extensions (unlike some tape-in methods) and those wanting to color or style their extensions as freely as natural hair. Hand-tied extensions do not work for people with very short hair (too little surface area to attach rows), those on a tight budget, or anyone unwilling to invest in high-quality bonding agent and maintenance. Very fine or very curly hair sometimes requires a stylist experienced in that specific texture; confirm the salon's track record before booking if your hair falls into either category.

What the first visit involves

The first appointment includes a color and texture match (the stylist will pull samples of the extension hair against your own), a consultation on desired length and volume, and a walkthrough of the six-to-eight-week maintenance cycle. The stylist will wash your hair, dry it, section it, and attach rows one at a time using a heat tool to activate the bonding agent. Full application takes three to five hours. Most salons request that you wash your hair the night before to remove product buildup. You'll leave with styling instructions: avoid silicone-based products, use a boar-bristle brush to prevent frizz at the seams, and sleep in a loose braid or bun. Some stylists recommend a silk pillowcase to reduce friction.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Confirm current hours and booking availability directly with the salon. Hand-tied extension appointments are long enough that walk-ins are impractical; book at least two weeks in advance, especially if requesting a specific stylist. Street parking in most Baltimore neighborhoods fills quickly; arrive early or use a paid lot if available near the salon's location.

This & That Styles earns its place in Baltimore's extension market by treating hand-tied extensions as a specialized service requiring client education and proper aftercare, not a high-volume commodity service.