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Archive for the ‘Extension Tip’ Category

How Many Hair Extensions Do I Need for a Full Head Installation?

Wednesday, February 8th, 2012

Weekly Hair Extension Tip for February 8,2012

How Many Hair Extensions Do I Need for a Full Head Installation?

A full head of extensions range from 5 to 9 packs of hair, assuming each pack contains 20 strands, 1g per strand. If your client has fine, thin hair with some layers and about shoulder length, chances are 5 to 6 packs may be enough.

If your client has a blunt bob that is medium to thick in density, you will require about 10 to 12 packs of hair since you will need to blend the extensions in for a natural look.

For most clients, you will need at least 5 packs or 100 strands of hair extensions. The number of hair extension packages you need will be based on the length and thickness of the client’s hair and the length and volume the client wants to achieve. This is why it is very important to have the client come in for a consultation prior to installation.

For fine/thin hair, from the occipital bone down, it will take about 50- 60 strands; from the occipital up, to the crown, it will take 50-60 strands.

For medium/thick hair, from the occipital bone down it will take 60- 80 strands; from the occipital bone up, to the crown it will take 50-80 strands.

Remember, if the hair of your client is thicker or shorter, more often than not, you will need more packages of hair extensions to be able to blend the hair in, making it easy for you to create a natural look.

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Have questions about hair extensions? Send an email to questions@donnabellahairextensions.com and we’ll do our best to answer your question quickly for you.

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Feather Hair Clip: Back to 70’s

Tuesday, June 14th, 2011

Summertime will be much more fun if we can follow the latest trend of colorful bird feathers. Bright colors and interesting motifs makes the feathers become the hottest accessories for this year summer.

If you do not believe me, then check it out of the new style of some Hollywood celebrities. Jennifer Love Hewitt, Hilary Duff, Lindsay Lohan, Steven Tyler, Miley Cyrus, and Selena Gomez are some artists who dare to wear feather as their hair accessories. (more…)

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Professional Hairdresser and Hair Extension

Wednesday, June 8th, 2011

Hair extension refers to certain way of adding artificial hair or real human hair to our natural hair. This way is usually done to conceal thinning or hair loss. Fashion and trend is another reason for people to do hair extension. By doing extension, you do not need to wait your own hair to grow. Instead of waiting for years to have long hair, now you can have it in a matter on hours.

Colors and curls can also be added in the middle of extension process. All of them can be done without any commitment or method. You can also change it just in case you get bored and you want to change your hairstyle or hair colors.

Hair extension application should be done by professional hairdresser. Doing hair extension without consulting to professional is similar to damaging your own natural hair; since there are some types of hair which are not compatible with extension process. Therefore, regular consultation should be done before you decide to add another hair to your natural hair. (more…)

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Adjusting Hair Extensions

Tuesday, March 29th, 2011

As hair grows almost every person who wears hair extensions must replace some extensions or make adjustments for new hair growth.  Otherwise, there is a risk that the tip of the extension will become exposed and be seen peaking through the back of the natural hair.

How much work and effort goes into adjustments depends a great deal upon the method chosen to attach the applications.  Here are the challenges and benefits of adjusting four different types of application methods.

Sew-In Extensions

Sew-In extensions are tied directly to a cornrow or braid from your natural hair.  As long as the cornrow remains in-tack, the tip of the extension will never show.  However, anyone who wears braids needs to allow the hair to “breathe” and relax by undoing the braid and exposing the natural hair to fresh open air from time-to-time.

When braids are undone, extensions must be completely re-sewn into new braids and should be given a few days to recuperate from their tightly woven condition before re-braiding.  Shampoo, conditioning, fresh air, and sunshine are equivalent to sending your old braided hair to a day spa.

Tape-In Extensions

Tape-In extensions are easy for professional stylists to apply but preserving the quality of the tape when adjustments are made is a little different story.  We’ve all had occasion to try to re-use tape when we are positioning paper around a birthday present or re-gluing a postal envelope.  It works but not very well.

That is true with making adjustments to tape-in extensions.  If you can successfully get the tape undone and the adjustment made, then the tape will hold for a while but not to the same extent that it did when the tape was first applied.

Be careful not to give your client a high expectation that their tape-in extensions will remain secure after the adjustment.  We recommend that stylists and customers start from scratch with new tape-in extensions.

Bond or “Fusion” Extensions

A bond extension is sealed to the natural hair with heated keratin tips.  Adjustments are made by reheating the tip to liquefy the keratin and cleaning the area with a bond removal agent.

Fusion extensions can be re-applied and adjusted closer to the scalp by wrapping a small keratin “rebond” around the old tip and re-applying the tip to the natural stands.

The process is a simple process but it takes time to make adjustments and fill in spots where an extension may have come loose or grown out.  When making adjustments, build the cost of the adjustment into your original price for extensions or charge an hourly rate for the additional service.

Micro Beads

Of all the application methods, adjustments are easiest with micro beads.  Even though the bead has been crushed in the initial application, beads can be easily opened and the hair extension pushed back to its original position on new hair growth.

Beads made of aluminum will normally open and close again without breaking apart.  Occasionally, when the bead does break, just take an extra minute to pop on a new micro bead and reset the extension.

Logan is founder of Donna Bella Milan hair extensions and lashes and author of the Donna Bella weblog.

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Silicone – Damages Extensions

Friday, February 25th, 2011

Be careful. Many hair extension manufacturers are promoting the idea that silicone is beneficial to hair extensions. The benefits of silicone are highly overrated and chemical silicone ultimately damages hair extensions.

Misleading Claims About Silicone Hair Extensions

  • Helps Retain Moisture
  • Keeps Hair From Tangling
  • Protects Hair From Blow Dryers and Other Devices
  • Maintains Softness
  • Shields UV Sun Rays
  • Reduces Hair Frizz
  • Improves Hair Luster
  • Combs Easier
  • Allows For Cleaner Cuts
  • Longer Lasting Extensions

Real Truth Revealed

Don’t believe the claims. Once silicone is worn from the hair extensions the whole story changes rapidly.

Silicone never helps retain moisture. It actually blocks the ability of moisture to penetrate hair and bolster moisture content.

Tangling actually increases as soon as the silicone washes off the extensions. The natural oils are gone and the exposed dry hair promotes tangling.

Silicone is a man-made chemical that diffuses when used with heating appliances such as flat irons.

Softness disappears when the silicone is stripped from the hair extensions and exposes inferior quality hair.

UV rays can penetrate clear silicone coatings. If UV rays get past sunglasses don’t you think they would burn through silicone?

Frizz occurs because of dryness, poor shearing, lack of nutrients, and other possibilities. Frizz increases within a few short weeks when using silicone extensions.

Luster suffers because the quality of human hair is usually sub standard and revealed after the silicone is gone.

Combing and brushing becomes increasing difficult and troublesome with silicone extensions.

Extension tips dry faster, fray, break, and cut inconsistently, in part because the hair will no longer lay flat or curl properly.

Silicone shortens the length of time that extensions can remain in the hair before removing them for new extensions.

Silicone usually has added ingredients including alcohol or mineral oil that dry and negatively affect hair extensions.

On the other hand, top quality Remy human hair extensions restore all of the vital nutrients that are found in your own natural hair during processing.

Silicone is anything but natural so don’t listen to people who claim that chemicals add benefits to your skin or hair.

Donna Bella Milan never applies silicone to their hair extensions.

Logan is founder of Donna Bella Milan hair extensions and lashes and author of the Donna Bella weblog.

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Hair Extension Brushing 101

Thursday, February 24th, 2011

Whether its Kera Links, Micro Links or Donna Bella Clip ins your client should know how to properly brush her new extensions. After the application stylist should go over the proper way to brush the extensions.

The Donna Bella’s 100% boar bristle brush is an essential part of caring for hair extensions. The brush should be used daily about three times a day and when styling the hair.

If your extensions are wet, spray them with your leave-in detangler at the bottom, and use your wide tooth comb to comb through the tangles. Donna Bella also sells a wide tooth comb set that will do the trick. Start at the bottom of your hair, work your way towards the top of the extensions. Be patient when you are combing through your extensions so you won’t pull excess hair out of your extensions.

Demonstrate the brushing technique on a mannequin head and go over any questions they might have.
Have the client brush her hair using this technique bottom to the top until she feels comfortable.

No matter what kind of Donna Bella hair extensions is applied one thing remains unchanged – you must take very good care of it because it is your best featured accessory.

Meet The Author

Danielle Williams

I have over 10 years of experience as a Hair Extension Specialist. Throughout my years of experience I take care of my clients in a way that makes them feel as good on the inside as they look gorgeous & sexy on the outside.

My training includes Rainbow Academy, double certification Hairdreams, Donna Bella, SoCap and Microlink technology. I trained and researched extensively all aspects of fusion hair extensions and attended Vidal Sasoon advanced hair color and cutting classes in New York.

My work has been featured in the Levi's project, http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fvimeo.com%2F14125455&h=3b2e6

I am passionate in my work and only use the very best quality extensions (Donna Bella).

Danielle Williams
www.sexyhairbyd.com

Cold Weather Extension Care

Monday, February 21st, 2011

Harsh, freezing weather plays havoc with hair and hair extensions. Protect your hair with a few easy to follow tips that will keep your hair soft and subtle until warm weather returns and spring flowers begin to bloom.

When possible, keep the temperature of your hair above the freezing point of 32 degrees. That means that every time you leave home and the weather report predicts cold, cold conditions, put on a hat or wrap a scarf around your head. Hats, particularly knitted hats, often ruin a good hairdo, so when possible place a cotton or wool scarf under a loosely fitting cap.

Use a vaporizer or humidifier in your bedroom at night to maintain moisture in your skin and hair. Cold air dries and cracks hair extensions just as it affects your natural hair. Dryness is especially prevalent in locations that experience snow that remains on the ground for the duration of the winter or have high winds.

Condition your hair extensions more often during dry, freezing conditions. Moisturizers in a professional conditioner are absorbed into the hair follicles and keep the strands pliable. Never cut corners by purchasing a cheap, poor quality conditioner. Remy human hair extensions deserve a conditioner that does not contain a long list of chemical ingredients.

A vitamin and mineral supplement from a whole foods grocery store or health food store will help maintain nutrient levels in your natural hair. Use this tip year round to retain luster and consistent hair growth. Diet makes a big difference in how your hair looks and feels. Eat nutritiously during cold periods.

Avoid high temperature blow dryers that dry your hair immediately. Consider lowering the temperature and fan speed of your hair dryer. If time permits, blow dry at lower temperatures, let the hair rest for 15 to 20 minutes and then blow dry again to lengthen the time it takes to completely dry your hair and extensions.

Water may be the single most important factor in maintaining moist hair and hair extensions. Of course, extensions are not directly connected to your natural roots. Add moisture to your natural hair by drinking more water. Any water… tap, spring, or filtered. Any kind of water helps but carbonated water in soft drinks is harder for the cells to process and absorb.

To moisten your hair extensions, soak you hair in warm water twice a week and then use a moisturizing spray to pull that water into the hair extensions.

Be aware that poor quality human hair extensions will not respond to these tips.

Logan is founder of Donna Bella Milan hair extensions and lashes and author of the Donna Bella weblog.

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Extensions And The Sun

Friday, February 18th, 2011

DONNA BELLA BUSINESS TIP FOR
February 18, 2011

Question:

I love wearing extensions during the warm summer months and I especially like the look of long hair at the Jersey Shore. My natural hair color lightens dramatically because of lengthy exposure to the sun but the color of my hair extensions don’t fade like my own hair. What is the best way to keep the colors matched?

Karen S. – Wildwood, New Jersey

Answer:

You have a couple of solutions.

Your first choice is to have your stylist create an early summer makeover by coloring you hair the shade that is normal lightens to during the hot summer months. That way, you get the new look immediately.

New color probably means that you will want new extensions. Extensions are usually replaced every three to six months. Schedule new extensions for the entire calendar year so that you get fresh extensions and the appropriate color at the beginning of the warm weather.

The other option may be to double up on your summer color appointments. Keep your hair the same natural color by visiting your beautician more often. That is especially important if you prefer your natural darker shade over the shade that the sun dictates.

Have A Question? Submit Your Question (less than 200 words) to
info@donnabellahair.com

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Extensions For Thinning Hair

Thursday, January 20th, 2011

DONNA BELLA BUSINESS TIP FOR
January 20, 2011

Question:

A few of my clients have thinning hair and are interested in hair extensions to create greater volume and length.  No one wants a wig. Which hair extension application method would be best for these customers?

Rochelle M. – Rock Springs, Wyoming

Answer:

Often times, thinning hair first becomes noticeable on the sides, near the temples, and eventually thinning takes place around the crown of the head.

With Donna Bella you have four choices of application methods – micro bead, fusion, tape-in, and clip-in. Which works best depends upon the condition of the hair. Sometimes a combination of methods works best for thin hair.

For example, many stylists use the fusion method above the temple and forward of the ear because a bonded tip is less obvious than a micro bead in that area of the head. In that case, fusion tips are used on the side and beads are loaded onto the back of the head.

Clip in extensions work well near the crown and back of the head because they cause no damage to the hair and keep the weight of the extension to a minimum. So in that case, perhaps a combination of clip-in and fusion would be successful.

Overall, bonded (fusion) and tape-in extensions are your best bet. Use tape-in rather than fusion if you the hair is weak and may be damaged when extensions are removed.

Have A Question? Submit Your Question (less than 200 words) to
info@donnabellahair.com

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Quickly Get Longer and Fuller Hair!

Wednesday, January 19th, 2011

So you want your hair to be longer, fuller, or beautifully colored in less time than its takes to blow dry?  There is no faster way of transforming your looks than Donna Bella Hair Extensions.  Here’s everything you need to know…..

* Hair should between three to five inches long for extension to be applied effectively.  Any shorter you could be asking for   trouble

* Extension can be used to add texture, thickness, color and length.

* Avoid poor quality extensions. ( Donna Bella uses the highest quality human hair available from India )

*  Maintenance program is essential to keep extensions looking their best. Make sure you rebook appointment every six to eight  weeks to replace loose sections and maintain hair condition.

* Shampoo hair in a gentle manner, following the direction of hair flow

* Condition hair from just below the tip of the extension to the ends

* Use Professional Hair Care and styling products to keep them in great condition for longer.

* Use a wide tooth comb to detangle the hair starting at the tip of extension working your way up the scalp

* Dry hair 80% to 90% before using an Donna Bella extension brush to finish your blow dry style

* When using hot tools, keep away from the bonded tip of extensions

* Run fingers through hair daily making sure the bonds stay separated

* Avoid salt water as this may cause the bonds to break down

* NEVER go to bed with wet hair

* Always make sure your hair is dry and tied back in a loose pony tail before going to sleep

* Use a Donna Bella extension brush

Following these steps will be a major factor in ensuring your extensions and natural hair remain in excellent shape throughout the normal time of wear.

Meet The Author

Angelina Bires

Hey everybody,

I would like to introduce myself. Angelina Bires owner and stylist at Rock N Glam Salon N Tanning. I started in this amazing business 10 years ago. I when to cosmetology school in Madison, WI 5 month pregnant with my daughter. I always wanted to be in the fashion world making people look beauiful. I open my own salon 3 years again after working for a bigger salon. Rock N Glam we are a Paul Mitchell Focus Salon. We do rockstar coloring to everyday color cutting, waxing, extensions by Donna Bella, nails, makeup and tanning.

Contract me at,

Angelina Bires
Rock N Glam Salon N Tanning