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Archive for the ‘Hair Tips & Tricks’ Category

Loop Tool Makes Magic

Tuesday, December 21st, 2010

Of all of the beauty gizmos that extension specialists have in their tool bag, a Needle Loop Tool has to be the best invention ever. With this tool, micro beads slide onto the hair as easily as chocolate flows to the hips.

Here is how the loop tool works.

  • Fasten the wire loop to the tool handle.
  • Squeeze the loop wires parallel, thin, and pointed.
  • Place beads onto the pointed double wire about 1/3rd full.
  • After loading the beads, open the loop above the beads.
  • Use a rat-tail comb to select a portion of your client’s hair, the same density as the hair extension.
  • Be sure to select strands from the same small area to create even tension.
  • Place your thumb and finger through the loop to grab the selected strands.
  • Pull the strands back through the loop.
  • Put your fingers onto the micro bead and slide it off of the loop wire and onto the small section of hair.
  • This releases the loop tool from the hair.
  • The bead slips onto the small section of hair.
  • Place the bead in position for crimping approximately 1/2” from scalp.
  • Thread the extension tip through the micro bead.
  • Crimp the bead and extension tip onto the hair.

Note:

Pulling too much hair through the bead will cause and unnatural looking extension.

Pulling too little hair through the bead could create an insecure connection or cause hair damage.

For a video showing exactly how to use the wire loop tool visit YouTube, search Donna Bella Milan Hair Extensions, Title; “Install Donna Bella Milan 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 that makes you look younger!

Monday, June 29th, 2009

What woman doesn’t want to look younger? I haven’t met one yet. And the good news is there are lots of ways to do so, just by using your hair. Here are just a few for you to try:

Short Hair: Hair that is between chin and shoulder length is youthful. The length is flattering on most everyone. And it provides lots of options for styling, with out being high maintenance.

Bangs: Go for side swept bangs. They hide lines and wrinkles on the forehead. Plus, its a magic trick! Side swept bangs take a few pounds off the face.

Shiny: Keep your hair shiny by keeping it in good condition, using conditioner, or a shine serum works wonders for adding a glistening glow to your locks. Shiny hair is healthy hair and healthy hair is youthful.

Layers: When one imagines a youthful girl they usually see her with bouncy hair. To achieve this bouncy look, go for soft layers.Plus, hair that moves is a distraction from other imperfections.

Highlights: Pick colored highlights that accent your hair. and make people focus on it, rather then things you don’t want them to focus on.

The key is to find hair styles that accentuate your best features and hide your flaws. And dont over do it. Trying to look too young often works in the opposite dicrection. Leaving he woman looking older then she really is. For more information go to: http://www.bestsyndication.com/?q=node/31592

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Going Green with Extensions

Wednesday, April 1st, 2009

“Recycle, reduce, reuse” … a phrase that’s become all too common during these tough economic times. It seems it has become second nature for everyone, from the stars down to all us average Joe’s, to do everything possible to stretch every dollar. And every type of company is advertising its own ways to be more green. From grocery store reusable bags, to hybrid cars, and nature safe cleaning products.

But does a recession mean our beautiful hair has to be sacrificed as well? No, according to Raquel Watter, co-owner of RikRak salon on Brickell Avenue in Miami. Raquel has invented something she calls the ”Recession Extension,” a process in which the old extensions are basically recycled — that is, removed from the head, washed, blown dry and retaped to the real hair shaft.

This new procedure is $150. Down from a pricey $600-$1000 for new extensions.

Other salons have started teaching their clients how to keep their hair healthy in between salon visits. Senior designer Linda Sherwood, of the James Bentley Salon on West 57th Street, shares recipes of home remedies with her clients, to condition their hair using items they can find in their own kitchen. For example: mashing one avocado with a half cup of milk. Apply to hair and let sit for 30 minutes. The avocado adds moisture while the milk adds shine.

I think the lesson here is that even during a recession there is no reason to make your hair take the brut of it.

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Hair Salon Tips For Sluggish Business

Monday, November 3rd, 2008

Business is slow all over for many salon owners as clients are going longer between cuts and scaling back on styles. With every down there is an up, and vice-versa, but it does look as though things may be sluggish for a while yet.

Hair news site Behind The Chair has a great article this month on tips to survive a (dare we say it) recession. We’ll list the first one here, but then head on over to BTC for the rest of the goods – you will need to register for a free account.

1. Spread the love
Many salon leaders think that traditional advertising is the best way to attract new clients. But the secret to new clients is actually sitting in your chair right now. That’s right, existing clients are the very best way to build your books. First of all, your clients love you, and if you simply let them know that you have some openings in your schedule and you’re trying to build your business, they will be more than happy to help. Secondly, you love your clients, so what would be better than to ask them to bring in people just like them? One important tip—be sure to reward your existing clients (with a free add-on or product) when a referral comes in. That’s the way you spread the gratitude…and the love!

Check out BTC’s article on surviving a slowing economy here.

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9 Fall Hair Trends to Watch for

Friday, September 12th, 2008

The blazing heat of summer is past, September glow is upon us, and the fall change is right around the corner. Road trip to Vermont anyone? Fall is not only a beautiful time in the changing seasons, but style has its most dramatic shake up as well.

Hairstyles for the fall range from short and clean, to a shaggy mess, with everything in between. As expected, extensions are still a huge part of the hair fashion mix this year, with super long extensions being a favorite choice for many Hollywood beauties.

Beauty Launchpad magazine has an interesting article this month on 9 trends to look for this fall. Here’s a clip from the article:

“This fall is about having an edge to your styles in order to balance out the super-feminine fashions,” informs Dean Banowetz, Joico celebrity spokesperson and lead stylist for Fox’s
smash hit American Idol. “They’re classic yet edgy, and detailed without being fussy. Length isn’t a factor for fall—both short and long hair are hot topics—but the training required to bring any length and style of hair to life is a must. To this end, classic hair cutting shapes are key.”

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The Cost of Hair Extension Popularity

Monday, August 4th, 2008

When something becomes popular, it’s very common for that item to have knock-offs and imposters mixed right in with legitamate offers. Hair extensions are no different, and as an industry has a fair share of dangers and fakes.

We’ve stated it on the blog before, and we’ll say it again here: Be absolutely sure your stylist knows how to correctly apply your hair extensions. Ask if they’ve been trained, by whom (which company) and be sure to ask around for other opinions.

Dodgy stylists aren’t the only ones to blame here either – often scalp damage can be avoided if only the client listened during the application or follow up process as to best care practices. A good stylist, however, will go above and beyond to ensure that the client understands proper care. Proper care of extensions really is key to a healthy head.

Things to ask and look out for, if this is your first time getting extensions:

1) Hair: Where did they get it, is it Remy? Is it a reputable brand that you’ve heard of or was able to find online?

2) Application: Have they been trained by the manufacturer on proper application and care?

3) DIY extensions: Talk to a trained stylist before you buy – make sure the manufacturer provides detailed instructions for DIY application and long term care.

4) Is the salon known for great hair extensions? Just because a salon offers extensions, doesn’t necessairly mean they have any business doing so – this is the “trend” factor – and where an increasing number of younger girls particularly, are having bad experiences. Is the salon reputable? Is the stylist qualified?

This is your head we’re talking about, and your money – DO NOT BE SHY about asking as many questions as you want. If the salon or stylist is put off by your inquisitiveness, then that’s a major red flag, and you should head for the door. Like with any major purchase, it’s critical that you understand what you’re investing in, do proper research so that you are informed, discuss your thoughts with a certified and trained professional, and be sure to take care of your investment after a successful application.

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8 Hair Extension Tips to Live By

Wednesday, July 16th, 2008

1) Can we talk? Absolutely be sure to have a sit-down, thorough consultation BEFORE you show up for your hair appointment. It’s a real change in your day to day hair care, and it is a lengthy process. You should budget 45 minutes in which to learn from your stylist (or explain if you are the stylist) how the extensions will under the hair, how the hair will be cut and styled, how it will feel and certainly long term maintenance.

2) Style: After your consultation, or during, make certain your stylist/operator knows how you will style your hair from day to day so they can fit the extensions to suit your needs. If this is not taken in to account, your styling of their extension installation could be unnatural and unflattering.

3) Put your head to bed: Hair extensions can go wonky overnight so it is good practice to put it up at night.

4) Brush, Brush, Brush: Look out for small cylindrical brushes and choose instead the big fatties (you know the ones – wide paddles) You could always try Tangle Teezer (www.hqhair.com) to gently pull out knots if things go awry.

5) Match, don’t Mix: Have your stylist help you match up the texture of the extension (beyond curly/straight) with your own hair, and not just the color, as this will make it easier to style down the road.

*Also, it’s always a good idea to have the stylist double check that your hair is actually the type you ordered – we’ve heard stories of people having “straight” hair put in and then upon first wash it turns out it’s actually curly hair that’s been straightened! Not good.

6) There’s the rub: Shampooing is critical for hair sheen, and overall health (and hygene!) but be sure to take it easy on those dangling strands. Don’t over-rub, or rub too intensely as you can damage or knot the extensions. Try massaging from top to bottom like you might a horses tail. We promise you can still have the herbal essence experience with extensions, just take it easy.

7) Oil! Be sure your products aren’t too oily, as this can cause extensions to slip. Conditioner is included in the list, and be sure to condition from the middle of the extension down to the ends, not at the root.
8) Gimme a Break! Be sure to give your scalp and your hair a rest between extensions. There are long term risks to using extensions too often without appropriate recuperating periods. We suggest a 3-6 month extension free hiatus to ensure hair strength and health. It’s always a good idea to have your scalp treated during that resting period too – all things in moderation right?

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Can hair extensions be ethical? In short: Yes…

Monday, July 7th, 2008

Although the long answer is a bit more complicated. At the end of the day, it’s all about where you get your hair, or rather, where your hair reseller get’s their hair, and what they guarantee. Make no mistake however, it’s a hot topic, and one that British pop star Jamelia has tackled in the upcoming BBC documentary Whose Hair Is It Anyway?, which examines the origins of hair used for extensions in the UK.

At Donna Bella, our hair is always 100% real human hair, and is authentic Indian Remy. While the documentary at first may seem critical of this practice of purchasing hair from Indian temple high priests who shave their patron’s heads, there is a glossy finish on the practice as these priests then take all the earnings and put it back into the temple community to feed and clothe the needy.

Regardless of what brand you use, we encourage all stylists and consumers to do their homework and learn where their manufacturer of choice acquires their hair. If they don’t know, demand that they find out and tell them you’ll take your business elsewhere. Like any hot commodity, hair is both ethically and unethically obtained, which is highlighted in the upcoming documentary.

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Go Boho. Feel sexy with a free-spirited style.

Monday, June 30th, 2008

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Celebrities; Sienna Miller, Kate Hudson, and Mary-Kate Olsen effortlessly pull off the hippie-chic look.

Bohemian chic is the perfect summer style for longer hair.  Let your hair follow the nonconforming fashion trends this season by going Boho.

To create a natural look of your own, hair needs to be clean, slightly damp, and un-brushed.  The best time to create this style is after washing so that your hair dries and sits naturally.  Flip your hair upside down and apply a styling product like volumizing mousse from scalp to ends.  Flip your hair back again and let it fall/part naturally as you gently scrunch and lift around the crown of the head and the tips.

Bohemians are usually creative and artsy; so finish the look with your own flare by adding random braids, twists, or vintage accessories. Don’t forget Boho style is all about nature, ease and noncomformity.

It doesn’t have to be perfect and it should be fun!

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Bed Head

Friday, June 27th, 2008

Telling that special someone, it’s not all yours.

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Don’t laugh.  Whether your extensions create more volume or give you that extra length; there comes a point in every relationship where you might need to have “the talk.”

When? For new wearers this is a frequently asked question. Within days of getting the extended locks they naturally feel like your own.  You are comfortable and confident leaving those around you, including your partner, clueless to the makeup of your gorgeous “do”.  However, one day, maybe soon, in a moment of spontaneous intimacy… hands will run through your gorgeous head of hair to perhaps notice the tiny bead-bonds holding it securely to your own.

This might feel strange and unexpected to the inexperienced.  So pre-mentioning the additional hair and giving your significant other a heads up is recommended.  You’ll realize this conversation can turn into a learning opportunity, your now educated partner appreciates and understands your beauty secret.

With hair extensions becoming more common, affordable, and accepted, perhaps one day this kind of “pillow talk” will be unnecessary and nonexistent for those of us with lucious locks.

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