Monday, October 17, 2011

Fall/Winter Hair Extension Trends

Fall Fashion1Hair style trends for Fall and Winter this year showed us Braids and Hair Extensions. Looking at the NY Fashion week runway shows we saw lots of texture and volume using combinations of braiding of own hair, braiding with hair extensions, layering in hair extensions, textured ponytails and what must have been lots of dry shampoo. The braided hair looks were the most fascinating, with different twists, colors and placement.

Some are calling this a low maintenance style: A laid back look with a natural windswept appearance and soft frizzy hair. I think every hair stylist out there knows how much work this look can take to achieve. How much time and care it must take to install and style the hair extensions, not to mention some fancy textured braiding. It’s beautiful and adds another great trend for the hair extension stylist.

image

Reposted by permission of Hair & Compounds, Inc (www.haircompounds.com), A Vanity Hair Extensions Supplier

Best Hair Extensions, Salt Lake City, Orem, St George Utah


Monday, October 3, 2011

Does the hair come from dead people??

imageThis is one of our top favorite questions about the origins of our hair extensions. Or perhaps they are questioning our collection methods of the elusive Russian or Eastern European Caucasian virgin hair? By now, most people are educated about the origins of Indian hair and the temple customs of a people that sacrifice their beauty. But when it comes to Caucasian hair and its country status we still get that whispered question. I can practically see their imagination running with images of secret hair collectors dressed in black, sharp shears in hand sneaking into cemeteries.

Hair collecting is actually much more mundane. Local beauty salons collect ponytail hair, which is freshly cut from a woman, and when the salon has collected a few ponytails they call a known contact that then comes out and buys the lot. They in turn sell to an exporter and these ponytails make their way to hair importers or hair extension suppliers.

It is true that we occasionally get an “old” ponytail. Meaning the hair is dry and musty and usually ends up tossed in the garbage. This means that someone’s grandmother cut their hair, wrapped it up in ribbons and a satchel and saved it in a drawer for a couple decades. In tough times with people offering to buy hair, this must seem like a great time to sell grandmother’s hair.

In the US, it has become common to donate one’s hair, in excess of a foot of healthy growth, to several non-profit organizations that provide wigs for cancer patients. So the practice of donating, either for cash or charity, is not as morbid as some imagine.

Reposted by permission of Hair & Compounds, Inc (www.haircompounds.com), A Vanity Hair Extensions Supplier
Best Hair Extensions, Salt Lake City, Orem, St George Utah

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Use Vinegar as a Natural Remedy for Smooth Shiny Hair

Smooth Shiny Hair
A great home remedy for shiny hair is a vinegar rinse. Each hair has an outer layer of hair called cuticles. The cuticle is made of overlapping layers of long scales that lie along the surface of each strand of hair. When we shampoo our hair, the shafts open and residual ingredients get trapped underneath it, resulting in ragged uneven hair.

How does vinegar help? The properties in vinegar removes shampoo and other product build up underneath that makes hair dull. Most shampoos and soaps are alkaline; vinegar has an acidic property which will control the PH balance in hair.

After shampooing, mix one cup of either white or apple cider vinegar with one cup water and pour over hair then rinse thoroughly. Once the vinegar rinses all the debris, the hairs cuticles close resulting in smooth and shiny hair. For an even bold effect rinse with a blast of cold water to seal those cuticles.

Reposted by permission of Hair & Compounds, Inc (www.haircompounds.com), A Vanity Hair Extensions Supplier

Best Hair Extensions, Salt Lake City, Orem, St George Utah

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Balancing Liquid Tension to Hair Energy

Surface tension is a property of the surface of a liquid. It is what causes the surface portion of liquid to be attracted to a solid surface. Surface energy is the property of a solid. There must be a perfect balance of the two for maximum bonding.
Liquid Tension
Extensions are manufactured hair that goes through a rigorous chemical process that changes the amount of energy on the surface of the hair. Every surface has a measurement of energy and every liquid has a measurement of tension based on ions. Since the surface energy has changed, the surface tension in products needs to be changed to properly affect this specific type of hair. If the balance of the product is not right for the hair, the product will either slide off without affecting the hair or bond too strongly creating build up.

Because hair has a negative charge, manufacturers design their shampoos to have a negative charge, so that shampoo will not adhere and absorb into the hair. Conditioners are designed to have a positive charge so that it will adhere with the negatively charged surface of the hair without leaving deposits.

Reposted by permission of Hair & Compounds, Inc (www.haircompounds.com), A Vanity Hair Extensions SupplierBest Hair Extensions, Salt Lake City, Orem, St George, Utah, Hair Salon, Beauty Salon

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Flat Iron Hair Extensions Safely

Straight hair
Moisture loss is the main cause of hair extensions to lose luster, resulting in dry frizzy hair. The best way to maintain the quality of hair extensions while still using styling tools is to use little to no heat. The occasional use of your flat iron on extensions is okay in most cases.
 
If you do decide to use a flat iron or curling iron, its ideal to follow these guidelines to prevent as much damage as possible to your extensions.
 
1) Always use a heat protector like Pureology’s Nano Glaze, and
only flat iron freshly shampooed dry hair. If your hair is dirty, the oils will adhere to the iron causing it to burn as it straightens.
 
2) Limit the frequency of use to reduce the amount of damage it can cause.
 
3) Make sure your hair is completely dry by letting it air dry, or blow dry sections before ironing.
 
4) Keep the temperature on low to medium heat and work with small sections. This allows you to achieve straight hair with less heat.
 
5) Be sure to use proper styling tools. Flat irons with tourmaline, ceramic and titanium metals tends to heat more evenly and are less likely to cause damage to processed hair.



Reposted by permission of Hair & Compounds, Inc (www.haircompounds.com), A Vanity Hair Extensions Supplier
Best Hair Extensions, Salt Lake City, Orem, St George, Utah, Hair Salon, Beauty Salon



Monday, February 28, 2011

Tousled, Sexy Locks

The hottest hair trend on the runway (and the Red Carpet) is the perfectly tousled look.  Sexy rumbled tresses is not a new style - it can be attributed to the 1970's natural flowing, textured (and sometimes wavy) hairstyle that borders on the side of 'bed head'.  Kate Moss has effortlessly brought this look back in vogue.  In recent Fall runway shows, hairstylists were using Kate's tousled look as inspiration.

The secret to getting it right is using our layered hair extensions to create volume and layers and the right styling tools and products.
tousled hair
Kate Moss (left), the inspiration. Jessica Biel (right), gets an A+ for her interpretation. 

Reposted by permission of Hair & Compounds, Inc (www.haircompounds.com), A Vanity Hair Extensions Supplier
Best Hair Extensions, Salt Lake City, Orem, St George, Utah, Hair Salon, Beauty Salon

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

The Value of Extending Hair Extensions

short hair saleAs a hair stylist, it is very important to understand that keeping your current clients is much easier than to finding new ones. This is especially true now that the economic climate has challenged the salon industry. Many stylists get comfortable with their services offered and end up losing valuable clients. Keeping clients happy (and loyal) is all about providing them with extras and adding value.

One way we add value is to extend the life of our clients' hair extensions. We use cylinder extensions that have a finely engineered tip that can be reattached without cracking or losing its shape. However, tips that no longer hold their shape can be replaced by a simple process called cylinder re-tipping. By making this process a part of our services offered, we are showing commitment to providing our clients with value and cheaper alternatives.

Reposted by permission of Hair & Compounds, Inc (www.haircompounds.com), A Vanity Hair Extensions Supplier
Best Hair Extensions, Salt Lake City, Orem, St George, Utah, Hair Salon, Beauty Salon

Monday, January 10, 2011

Hair Extensions for Men

VHE Web Photos 023Hair extensions are no longer just for women. A growing number of men are opting to try out hair extensions for different reasons. Some are looking to mask their hair loss; others are doing it to try a new color or style, while some may simply be seeking to cover up a bad new haircut. Here are some tips on how to best accommodate men seeking extensions.

1) Ease their worries. It takes a lot for most men to talk themselves into visiting a salon to try getting hair extensions, so it is important to make them feel comfortable about their decision. Let them know that they are not alone and that trying hair extensions is a growing trend among men.
2) Inform them. Talk about how thinning hair can be easily camouflaged by well-placed low and highlights. Discuss the types of products they should use to achieve the perfect natural look. Give tips on how to make their hair look thicker with the help of specific products and application techniques.
3) Show them examples of the end result. Photos from professional magazines or your previous clients will serve this purpose very well. Don't forget to point out that virtually all men who try hair extensions gain a new confidence from having them.
Men can be valuable clients too. As with any other customer, you should know them and their needs. Once you give men the attention they want to discuss a sensitive topic and give them guidance, they will quickly grow into a loyal customer.

Reposted by permission of Hair & Compounds, Inc (www.haircompounds.com), A Vanity Hair Extensions Supplier
Best Hair Extensions, Salt Lake City, Orem, St George, Utah, Hair Salon, Beauty Salon

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

The Science Behind Dyeing Hair Extensions

Model 10
Over the course of a client's lifespan of hair extensions, they may choose to change their hair color. This proposes the problem of how to properly match the extensions color with the client's real hair using demi-permanent or permanent hair dye. Additionally, over the course of time, hair extensions that have been reused multiple times experience color fading.

THE PROBLEM with applying any color to the hair extension is that the results can be very unpredictable. The hair does not take color like normal scalp hair since our Hair Extension Sources use only the highest quality permanent pre-metalized fiber dyes designed for the highest longevity and color integrity. Therefore, attempting to dye the hair extension would produce an outcome that could be drastically different from your normal expectations.

THE SOLUTION is applying a color that will be the same level or darker, which offers better results than trying to lift. Lifting involves bleaching which can cause damage to the already pretreated extensions. The safest solution if your client wishes to go to a significantly lighter color tone is to encourage them to invest in new extensions for a longer lasting and better appearance. As always, if you proceed with a demi-permanent dye, a strand test is strongly recommended.

Know the Facts About Our Hair and It's Capabilities
Russian Virgin Hair: This hair type can be bleached, colored and permed but contains the same risks as chemically treating normal scalp hair. Since this is cut hair its moisture levels are lower than scalp hair and may react differently to chemicals. Your risk is that the hair may tangle.

Indian Hair: This hair type may be a mix of various hair that was bleached, dyed and/or blended to obtain a custom color and texture match (all textures are 100% natural). It is advisable not to highlight, tint, dye, perm or apply any other type of chemical process since it is likely the hair has already been treated.

European Hair: This hair type may be a mix of various hair that was bleached, dyed and/or blended to obtain a custom color and texture match (all textures are 100% natural). It is advisable not to highlight, tint, dye, perm or apply any other type of chemical process since it is likely the hair has already been treated.
"Bleach" colors do not have any dye deposits. Only this type of hair can be easily highlighted, tinted and dyed. We strongly advise against further chemical treatments on light blonds. Your risk is damaging the integrity of the hair beyond repair.

Reposted by permission of Hair & Compounds, Inc (www.haircompounds.com), A Vanity Hair Extensions Supplier
Best Hair Extensions, Salt Lake City, Orem, St George, Utah, Hair Salon, Beauty Salon

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Hair Elasticity and Breakage

Hair's elasticity is the measure of how well the hair will return to a normal state after being stretched. When wet, healthy hair will stretch up to 50% of its original length and return to its normal shape without breaking, while dry hair will only stretch about 20%. Hair's elasticity comes from the side bonds in the hair shaft.  The better the elasticity, the stronger the hair. Listed below are the steps to help you determine the elasticity of your hair:

Elasticity Test
Step 1: Take at least four strands of hair from different areas of the hair.
Step 2: Make the hair wet.
Step 3: Hold one end of a strand in each hand and pull the hair taut to stretch it.
ElasticNormal elasticity = the strand stretches and then returns to normal after you release it.
Low elasticity = the hair snaps or does not return to its original length.
Test each of the four strands separately. Make your decision based on the average result of the "stretch tests."

If you have low elasticity, the bad news is that your hair is very susceptible to breakage and is a high risk for hair extensions. It is not recommended to apply extensions that attach with clips or rings. You would be better off with fusion type hair extensions with low volume (to keep added weight of hair low) and use small strands to reduce stress. When it comes time for removal, your stylist should make sure the hair is wet for added strength to avoid breakage. Wet the hair with coconut oil for best results - this will not only increase the hair's strength but reduce friction and help break down the bonds.

Reposted by permission of Hair & Compounds, Inc (www.haircompounds.com), A Vanity Hair Extensions Supplier
Best Hair Extensions, Salt Lake City, Orem, St George, Utah, Hair Salon, Beauty Salon



Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Big Hair Trend for the Summer

Big Hair
Hair texture is huge right now, whether it is voluminous body, curls or crimped hair. The hottest looks on the runway this season are large, crimped, beautifully sculpted hair.

For Voluminous body:
- Style using large Velcro rollers just at the roots of the hair after washing and let it air dry.
- Apply layered hair extensions to build body.

For Crimps and Curls:
- The best bet to get curls is to use steam rollers. These provide heat so hair can conform to the shape of the rollers, and yet won't burn hair like curling irons can.
- For tiny crimps, separate hair into sections and put in 15-30 small braids depending on how much hair there is. Brush through lightly with fingers.
- Add a few rows of curly hair extensions for additional waves

Reposted by permission of Hair & Compounds, Inc (www.haircompounds.com), A Vanity Hair Extensions Supplier
Best Hair Extensions, Salt Lake City, Orem, St George, Utah, Hair Salon, Beauty Salon

Saturday, May 15, 2010

TWILIGHT ECLIPSE MOVIE PREMIER.........

ELEMENT SALON AND VANITY HAIR EXTENSIONS have assigned seating tickets available for the June 29th midnight premier of the Twilight saga, "ECLIPSE", at the University Orem Theatre.

Purchase your tickets in advance for $10.00, then plan to join us for a parking lot party, before the movie. Your ticket number will be entered into a drawing for, Salon Services, Gift Certificates and Hair Care Products give away! *

We will also be having a Grand Prize Drawing, for a FREE SET OF HAIR EXTENSIONS and a Before and After Photo Shoot with a professional fashion photographer. Total valued at over $1200.00.

To become eligible for the Grand Prize Drawing, the following steps must be followed, then confirmed by Element Salon and Vanity Hair Extensions.*

1. Become a VANITY HAIR EXTENSIONS and ELEMENT SALON blog follower. For Vanity Hair Extensions a follower link has been provided on this blog and on Element Salon at
http://elementsalon-mindi.blogspot.com/ to sign up as a follower.

2. Join the Facebook Groups of Vanity Hair Extensions and Element Salon.
VANITY HAIR EXTENSIONS:
http://www.facebook.com/?tid=1274930241851&sk=messages#!/group.php?gid=27402577854&ref=ts
ELEMENT SALON:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1324117181&ref=profile#!/pages/Element-Salon/282925924057?ref=ts

Note: If you are already a Vanity Hair Extensions and Element Salon Facebook Group Member post a review on each of the groups pages!

3. Post a review on the following sites;
1.
http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Element.Salon.801-375-8990#close
2.
http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Vanity.Hair.Extensions.800-266-9568
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Once you have followed all of the steps above contact us at
info@vanityhairextensions.com and provide your seat number and contact information to confirm your eligibility into our Grand Prize Giveaway!

WINNER OF THE GRAND PRIZE GIVE AWAY WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON THE FACEBOOK GROUP PAGE OF VANITY HAIR EXTENSIONS AND ELEMENT SALON WITH IN 72 HOURS AFTER PREMIER!

*Note: You must be the original ticket holder to win. Grand Prize Giveaway is not transferable, is not redeemable for cash and must be redeemed within 60 days of winning!

Tickets are limited and will go fast. Want a good seat? Don't wait! Call to get your tickets now!

For Tickets and info contact:
Mindi at 800-266 9568 ext 701 or
mindi@vanityhairextensions.com
Donovan at 800-266-9568 ext 702 or
donovan@vanityhairextensions.com

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Characteristics of Different Types of Human Hair

Hair Extension quality is the most important factor responsible for your looks and the life span of the extensions. So it is necessary to know more about it before you go to a salon or start to shop around for extensions.

Cuticle HairThis is one kind of good human hair, its cuticle is healthy and undamaged. The cuticle locks in essential moisture and protects hair against outside elements, more important is that much of the shine is due to the cuticle, which together with the pigment within the cortex, gives hair its healthy and natural characteristic appearance, so without cuticle, hair would appear dull and lifeless, dried out and brittle. This kind of hair is very expensive. The majority of hair sold today is non-cuticle, which is less expensive, and is suitable for restyling and coloring when they are human hair.

European Human HairThis kind of hair is not necessarily from Europe, which is just one hair name of having similar structure and character. Indian hair, American hair, and European hair all can belong to European hair. Typical European hair is relatively thin and has an oval cross-section. This kind of hair is very popular for human hair products.

Asian Hair
This kind of hair is mostly Chinese hair, which is thicker than European hair and has a round cross-section. It is always dark black, so manufacturers will do an acid bath wash on the hair to make it thinner and lighter. The hair can then be processed into many different styles and colors. This type hair is less expensive as usual.

Indian Hair
Just because someone tells you that the hair is “Indian hair” doesn’t mean that the hair is of the highest quality. Quality depends on the collection method. When different types of hair are mixed with the cuticles aligned in different directions, the cuticles must be removed to prevent tangling and therefore hair will be covered with silicon making it a less quality product and therefore less expensive.

Indian Remy Hair
The finest quality hair and most beautiful hair in the world with all cuticles present and aligned in the same direction!

With over 20 years experience as a TOP-RANKED HAIR EXTENSIONS ARTISTS Mindi Memmott and Donovan Eastman, invite you discover the world’s finest Human Hair Extensions.
The high level quality of our hair extensions is matched only by the level of our passionate commitment to create your prefect experience. Without compromise, We are dedicated to making your image revolution more than just satisfactory – it has to be exhilarating!

SUPERIOR PROCESS, SUPERIOR HAIRVanity Hair Extensions use only the world’s finest Indian Temple Double Drawn Remy Human Hair. Remy means cuticle correct or that only the finest virgin hair (not treated or previously colored) is used. "Double Drawn" means that all hairs are the same length from tip to tail.


Best Hair Extensions, Salt Lake City, Orem, St George, Utah, Hair Salon, Beauty Salon

Friday, January 8, 2010

ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT GETTING HAIR EXTENSIONS?

There is a method that will work with thin hair, thick hair, curly hair, thinning hair, straight hair, damaged hair and more.

clip_image002There is not one BEST method that will work for everyone. What will work for your hair, may not work for someone else. This is why it is very important to schedule a consultation with a stylist that offers different methods so you can compare and decide which method is best for your hair.

Attaching and removing them requires special training and education.

If you end up going to a stylist that has no training and is inexperienced, you could end up with permanently damaged hair.

There are no regulations or imposed standards in the human hair industry. There are many unscrupulous suppliers.

Vanity Hair Extensions utilizes 100% human hair of the best quality. This is Indian silky hair in virgin condition. Genetically, Indian hair is very similar to Caucasian hair in its basic structure and is optimal for the manufacturing of hair extensions. The quality is extraordinary since it has never been exposed to harsh chemical treatments.

Hair Extensions require extra work on your part to maintain and keep healthy.clip_image004

Many stylists advertise that you treat extensions just like your natural hair, with no extra special maintenance required. The fact is that long hair requires extra work. It takes longer to wash, condition, blow dry and style. If you don't take care of long hair you will quickly have damaged hair.

No type of hair extension is completely undetectable.

Most salons advertise with the words "completely undetectable" If extension hair is attached to your natural hair, there will be a visible point of attachment. The skill of the stylist will eventually determine if the extensions are well disguised with your own hair.

Hair extensions have come so far today that they are really undetectable, when attached by an experienced stylist.

At Vanity Hair Extensions we have over 27 years experience in Hair Extensions. All of our hair extensions artists are licensed cosmetologists that have been thoroughly trained in all of the latest different methods of hair extensions, as well as hair extension color matching, placement, cutting and blending.

clip_image005You can get beautiful long hair just like all those celebrities and no one will know you are wearing them- unless of course you tell them.

But, there is much more involved than simply scheduling an appointment. If you go with the wrong stylist or pick the wrong method you could end up with damaged hair and spend a lot of money.

We offer FREE hair extension consultations in order to determine which hair extensions method would be best suited for your particular needs, desires and budget.

Locations in Salt Lake, Orem and St George, Utah.



Call 800.266.9568 or email info@vanityhairextensions.com to schedule your Free Hair Extensions Consultation

Best Hair Extensions, Salt Lake City, Orem, St George, Utah, Hair Salon, Beauty Salon

Monday, November 2, 2009

Methods of Attaching Hair Extensions - Which One is Best For You?

There are many different ways in which you can attach real hair extensions. The method you use will mainly depend on what salon you go to, and what kind of extensions you choose to have. Although they are all very straightforward, it is useful to know a bit more about the different methods so you are aware of what the attachment entails. The first point you need to know is that attaching hair extensions should never hurt the wearer, regardless of the method so if you experience any discomfort, you need to speak to your stylist as soon as possible. Hair extensions are also believed to be able to be worn for up 4 months, but some stylists suggest that extensions should be worn for no longer than 2 weeks. This is something you can discuss with your stylist during your consultation.

Fusion is one of the more permanent methods of attachment and is the method in which extension hair is applied in wefts. Infusion attachment is when the hair is attached strand by strand. In both cases, the hair is attached using either a hot or cold form of the adhesive formula. The formula is often a keratin based product as this is known to be less damaging to both your hair and the extension hair as is a natural based protein which can also be found in your natural hair and your nails.

Bonding is one of the most commonly known methods as it is much quicker than fusion, but also as it is the most temporary method which will last up to 8 weeks, so is perfect for those who don't want to commit to a more permanent method of attachment. Bonding consists of using a glue or adhesive material which is added on to the weft of the extension hair and then applied to the roots of the wearers' hair. These are then removed with a bonding remover which dissolves the bonding formula for an easy removal.

Micro attachments can involve links, sleeves, shells or locs which the extension hair is added to before being attached the individuals' hair. Some of the micro products can be made out of special polymer materials, and can often be matched to the hair colour or be clear so that they are less visible on the head. Some of these micro methods are mainly used on over processed, very fine or silky straight hair as this type of hair may have trouble holding bonding formulas or adhesives which could lead to their extensions falling out and a waste of money for the customer. However, the advantage of using a micro method is that the shells and links can be used up to three times, giving the wearer more value for money.

Whichever method you feel is best for you, it is important that you firstly discuss with your stylist what kind of look you want and how long you ideally want to wear your extensions for. Most importantly though, you need to let your stylist give you the advice of which method would be best for you so you get the best quality for your hair. By Suzanne McMicholas

Best Hair Extensions, Salt Lake City, Orem, St George, Utah, Hair Salon, Beauty Salon

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Transform the look and feel of your hair with hair extensions

A lot of the problems that we experience with our hair can be solved with the help of hair extensions. This may seem like a vast statement to make but think about it; a lot of us often wish our locks were longer or had more volume; extensions solve both of these issues as well as give you the option of experimenting with colour and shape. Think about it, whatever style you want to achieve for your hair you are likely to achieve with the help of hair extensions.

They allow you to wear your hair both up or down with ease and can easily be applied by a licensed professional hair extensions specialist. If you do decide to have hair extensions applied there are a number of aspects that you need to keep in mind, one of these aspects revolves around the fact you look after your extensions in the same way that you would look after your natural locks. You can wash dry and style them quickly and effectively. However it is important to keep these following points in mind; you need to use extra moisturizer on your locks every two to three days, the reason for this comes down to the fact they don't receive your natural scalp oils so they need moisture added to them with every wash. So what would happen if you failed to provide your extensions with the moisture that they require? Basically your hair would become brittle, leading it to break easily causing you to suffer split ends.

When you are washing or styling your locks, it goes without saying that you should always treat them with respect, this is a thought that is backed up even more when it comes to your hair extensions. Remember, unlike your natural locks they can't grow back so pulling hard on them with a brush or burning them with a blow dryer could cause severe damage; they cost you a lot of money so make sure you get as much use out of them, rather than overly damaging them.

When it comes to treating your extensions with respect it is important that when brushing them you use what is known as a paddle brush and slowly work your way through the hair. It is important that you ensure you have all of the knots out of your locks before you wash them, go swimming or go to sleep.

Another important consideration to keep in mind where your extensions are concerned is the fact your natural locks will grow on average about 1 to 1 1/2 inches every six to eight weeks. When you have had your extensions in for this amount of time it is important that you return to your salon to have the bonds between your locks and extensions checked for damage; it is also during this time that your stylist will be able to remove the extensions and replace them if you want them placed back in.

Regular aftercare such as the above will ensure that your hair continually looks gorgeous and that everything is still ok with your bonds; this will also ensure that you get as much wear out of them as possible, so make sure you keep all of the above in mind when it comes to gaining hair extensions.

Reposted by permission of Hair & Compounds, Inc. (www.haircompounds.com), a Vanity Hair Extensions Supplier.
Best Hair Extensions, Salt Lake City, Orem, St George, Utah, Hair Salon, Beauty Salon



Saturday, August 1, 2009

Hair Extensions – Added Value

Extensions not only add length and density to your clients' hair, but can also significantly increase your salon's bottom line.

Thanks in part to celebrity style icons like Gwyneth Paltrow and Jessica Simpson, who seem to have a different hair length at every public appearance, consumer awareness of hair extensions is at an all-time high. "We're in the middle of a boom right now," says Sheila Stotts, who regularly works with A-listers on movie sets, editorial shoots and even in the privacy of their own homes. "But extensions are going to stay popular. People today have a 'right now' mentality, and hair extensions give them instant gratification."

"Victoria's Secret hair," is still very popular.

With an increasing number of clients requesting extensions, salons not offering this service could be missing out on a lucrative opportunity. "If you don't offer extensions, your neighbor will," says Stotts, who suggests hiring an experienced subcontractor if you don't have a certified extensionist in your salon.

Along with providing your clients with a popular service, hair extensions are a great way to boost your salon's bottom line. "We're hearing from salons across the board that clients are spreading out their cut and color appointments, causing them to lose money," says Brett Butcher, national program director for Great Lengths, a division of Hair U Wear. "However, extension clients are extremely loyal and aren't cutting back on their services. In this challenged economy, it's nice to know that extension services can add back the money that salons are losing from other services." Fernando Fischbach, vice president of Cinderella Hair, also points out that because extensions need maintenance every four to six weeks, salons are continuously servicing the client and adding to their income.

Stotts, emphasizes the importance of partnering with a reputable company that provides a strong education program. While not everyone needs to be trained on application techniques, Stotts stresses that all stylists should have a basic knowledge of the process and its benefits so that they can answer questions and sell the service.

The training required for extensions might be pricey, but the high price tag you can attach to the service makes it a very sound investment. Great Lengths recently used data collected from its salon customers to determine that the income from only two and half extension applications yields enough net profit to pay for educating the stylist. "No other service can bring in that type of revenue so quickly," Butcher says, noting that their reports showed that a salon can make more than $50,000 dollars a year from extension services.

Men can wear hair extensions, too.

One of the main reasons that extensions are both popular and profitable is because they offer clients a wide range of options for changing their look. Many people think of extensions as simply providing length—what Butcher refers to as "Victoria's Secret hair"—but they really foster creativity from the stylist and client. "Because they can be removed, extensions allow stylists to convince their clients to experiment with new styles or accents," Fischbach says. "It's highlights without chemicals and styles without commitment."

One of the big trends that industry experts are seeing is the use of extensions for increased density. "In the past, people would request a horse mane of hair, but now the volume is in the width of the head," says Stotts, who notes that more and more women are asking for extensions near the occipital, whether its because their hair is thinning on the sides or they simply want a fuller look. Stotts also notes that extensions are a quick—and noncommittal—way to give a client bangs. "Even small touches can instantly change the cut," she says.

Butcher is noticing a similar trend. "We're seeing the most growth in what we call 'corrective' work," he says, referring to adding length to broken hairs from tool overuse or creating density for clients with fine hair to help them achieve popular short styles, like Victoria Beckham's bob. "Even clients who had never considered extensions wanted them in order to achieve the strong lines in that look," Butcher says. He also notes that this often leads to more extensive extensions in the future. "When you give a client a little, they always come back wanting more," he says.

Their increasingly popular use for extensions is to add highlights and lowlights to clients' hair. Colorists shouldn't be wary of losing their clients, though. "It's a great way to introduce hesitant clients to color because there's no commitment," Stotts explains. "Colorists should be involved in the process of choosing the colors and placement."

Stotts also insists that extensions aren't just for women or Fabio-wannabes anymore. Men are increasingly turning to extensions to give their hair more density and versatility. "I'm putting extensions on the top of their heads to thicken the appearance and add texture," Stotts says. "Even just a few pieces in the front give men new options for styles, like Zac Efron's popular heavy bang."

Stylists can use extensions to come up with all sorts of new looks to make their clients happy. "Extensions allow stylists to create more interesting design work," Butcher says. "Growing your salon's business really comes straight from the stylists' creativity."

 —LORI MORRIS, American Salon Magazine
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