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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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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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.
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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.
Meet The AuthorDONNA 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.
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As a student at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City long before shows about makeovers, fashion, and celebrity styles appeared on television, I was taught to stretch my imagination by using all that I saw around me as a source of creative inspiration. Walking down a city street could reveal the perfect shade of “putty grey” in a piece of gum stuck to the sidewalk or the next silhouette for a ball gown in the oddly shaped shadow against a building. People-watching was great for spotting reverse trends, and of course, the reading of magazines and industry trade publications was also encouraged as a way of keeping up with what was going down the runways as well as going on in the business.
Years later as a student of cosmetology, I learned that the same techniques I used to inspire myself as a student of fashion also applied to hair design. Hair is after all, a huge part of the fashion landscape.
Ideas, talent and hard-work go hand- in hand- in hand with creating beautiful and interesting designs. But transforming those designs, whether they are fashion related or hair & beauty related into profits, requires a working knowledge of what is currently happening in your market and a feeling of what is going to be happening next. And, in my opinion, it has never been easier to follow fashion than it is today with all of the new outlets of information available.
Take television for example. Shows like “What Not To Wear”, or “Fashion Police” are a great sources of fashion reporting. These shows not only report- they critique as well. But remember, you don’t have to agree with the critics. As you’re listening to what the reporters have to say, form your own opinions as well. Do you really like Anne Hathaway’s dress? What about Angelina’s hair, or Nicole Kidman’s jewelry? Think about why you did, and think about why you didn’t. Then, try to articulate your positions either way. Don’t just form an opinion, practice backing it up with substantial comments that add to your case for or against something.
My friends and I actually talk back to the hosts while watching these types of shows. Or I may actually elaborate on a comment that has been made as though I am actually a part of their conversation. Such as what Kelly Osbourne said about Christina Aguilara’s hair on a recent episode of “Fashion Police”.
Kelly said that she really liked Christina’s new hair extensions because Christina didn’t usually have the best ones and that it was nice to see her with good hair for a change. To which I replied, “Ouch! What a backhanded compliment.” Aside from that however, I the stylist, thought, “when I do hair extensions on a client, my goal is to make the extensions look exactly like natural hair.” Most of the clients in my practice don’t want anyone to know that they are wearing extensions. If someone could tell they are extensions, then I believe that I have failed as a stylist, no matter how high quality the hair used may be. This was information that I could take back to the salon.
Personally, I think Christina was wearing a wig, and I hate when people call wigs or “clip-ins” extensions. Wigs are wigs, clip-ins are hair pieces, and wefts are weaves. In my opinion, because of the intensity of the labor and the technical skill required, only strand- by- strand methods of hair application should be called extensions. (I don’t mean to take away from the skills required to perform the other methods of hair supplementation, because they are valid methods, just not the same as strand-by-strand.) But that’s neither here nor there. The point is that Christina was “ousted” on national television for having fake hair, yet almost every other celebrity on the red carpet also had hair extensions (good ones) yet no mention was made of that.
Note to self: During consultations, make sure to point out all the celebrity extensions to my clients when the pictures appear in magazines. The “natural” look of these hairstyles should close many deals for me. If I did my homework correctly… Ka-ching! Ka-ching!
Most clients will ask for hairstyles that are currently “in” and will expect their stylists to know what they are. By using available resources you can cite examples of those styles, thereby reassuring your client that you know what they want. What will set you apart from your peers in the salon is to be able to tell clients about what they will want next. And that will come from your knowledge of what is going on in your industry. The confidence you exude as a trend spotter will raise your status in the eyes of the clients, to that of a fashion insider. And everyone wants to know someone on “the inside”.
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My motto: “Own Your Look”
When trying out a new look, you’ve got to rock it like it’s never been done before. Believe it’s yours, and so will everyone else.
Some of My Styles - Thanks to Donna Bella Hair!
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.
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Fine, thin, straight hair, yes these words unfortunately cover the basics of what I deal with everyday. I used to be so frustrated because I just did not know where to begin. I wanted the voluminous sexy curls the Kardashians rocked, well I figured out not only how to get those sexy curls, but how to get them to last.
Take your shower at night, shampoo your hair, and use light conditioner on the ends.
Blow out your hair 75% dry, then sleep on it.
You will wake up with a little kink here and there.
Then put your hair into a tight messy messy bun.
Wear that for about 2-3 hours, or as long as you can until you need your curly look.
When you take out your messy bun, do not brush it. Simply spray in some working hair spray (this is the wet kind), and section your hair into small sections starting in the back and curl everything.
After you pull your hair out of the curling iron, cool down the curl by squeezing it with your hand.
After you have curled all your hair, DO NOT TOUCH IT. Spray it with some aerosol hairspray and let it set. The longer is sets, the longer it lasts!
Right before you are ready to head out run your finger through it and tease the crown area just a little for a little height.
Another little spritz of hairspray and you have got sexy glamorous curls that will last all night long!
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DONNA BELLA BUSINESS TIP FOR
January 6, 2011
Question:
My new Donna Bella hair extensions are so fun to wear. Thank you very much for a great product. One question please. I’m not used to having long hair and I don’t sleep very well because my extensions are noticeable to the touch. It’s like attaching a feather duster to the back of my neck and trying to sleep. Any thoughts?
Ruby T – Turlock, California
Answer:
We get a number of reports that suggest that sleeping takes some getting used to, when you first get extensions. One customer solved the problem by wearing a T-Shirt to bed for a couple of weeks rather than her normal nightgown. Our best idea is that before going to bed, braid your new long hair into a single plait to keep it under control during the night. Try it for a couple of nights and you should be sleeping like a baby.
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January 4, 2011
Question:
Yesterday, I got hair extensions for the first time. I’ve never had long hair before getting extensions. Any tips for someone who is pleased but surprised by the long-haired stranger that I see looking back at me in the mirror?
Jessica B – Tulsa, Oklahoma
Answer:
Having long hair is a bit like owning a new puppy. You have to be attentive to your new, “pet project” or everything will turn messy before you know it. Long hair obviously takes more effort to manage than short hair. You simply have to adjust your normal routine and make time for your hair.
For best results, shampoo more often, condition with high-quality products after shampooing, condition regularly in between shampoos, and use a special extension brush to gently comb, comb, comb. Hair extensions require steady maintenance and upkeep but the results are fabulous.
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