Wedding Wednesday... The Secret behind hair extensions (Part 2)

Last week I talked about the business behind the billion dollar hair industry. There is so much more to say in regards to the business side of it. I have educated myself in how the process works and how people are becoming so successful in this industry.
You do have to do your research if you want a supplementary income.
Research is vital in making sure that you end up with a quality product.
Quality=Longevity
A higher price doesn't always reflect a quality product.
The market is over saturated now, so the hair is being massed produced in order to keep up. The hair quality has drastically declined and your Brazilian, Indian, Mongolian, Peruvian, Moroccan, etc... hair extensions are coming from factories in China.
There are wholesalers that are selling hair for $10-20 per bundle and you "the customer" are paying
4-10 times the price.
However the customer trying to purchase the hair is in a difficult position because you want to get whatever is readily available. The average person isn't going to invest the time and energy going to research how they can get wholesale hair extensions. You are going to get hair that is familiar and has a good reputation.
The downside to buying the hair wholesale is that there are so many suppliers. All the hair isn't created equally. The hair despite it being labeled as "virgin remy ____ hair", it's been processed. The hair has been altered to get the curl pattern that you are seeking "deep wave", "loose curl", "body wave" etc...
It's not neccessarily bad hair, but it's not what you think it is. The hair in the beauty supplies are machine processed, it's not technically "human hair", but it works just fine.
I want to educate you on how this billion dollar industry works. It's all about brand marketing and producing what consumers want.
You want to look like your favorite celebrity, well it comes at a price.

Wedding Wednesday.... How to maximize your Extension installation

Are you bored with your extensions?
I have the perfect solution, switch up your look without having to get a new installation. I like to call it the 2 for 1.
When I wear extensions I usually get bored after about 6 weeks. I want a different look. I usually cut into it or I'll apply color to it. Normally my change consist of a haircut.
Some people spend a nice amount of money on their extensions and may not want to cut it so color may be the best option if you want to reuse the hair.
I don't normally spend $200-300 per bundle on my hair so I am always doing something new to my hair.
If you are someone who likes to reuse your hair, you can cut the hair when it's time to buy new hair. If you invest in really good hair it can last for 3 installs.
The client below has had her installation for 6 weeks and she decided to go for a big chop. Her natural hair is long and she's never worn short hair in her life so she wanted to try a new look and what better way to achieve a different look then with extensions.
The hair that she used is called 'Genesis' by Bobby Boss.

First install (2 months ago) 

The big chop

Wedding Wednesday.... My Favorite Humidity fighting products

With so many products on the market, it's often difficult to figure out which product would be the most effective?, right?
Well I'm going to let you know what products I have personally used on my clients that have the best results. It's so easy as a consumer to get bamboozled into spending hundreds, even thousands of dollars a year on hair products.
I have been the victim of buying the latest hair products, some work and some didn't. It's really about finding the product that works for your hair type. It's usually trial and error. I tend to buy my products from the professional beauty supply stores so that I can return them if it doesn't do what it says. It also guarantees that it's fresh, sometimes in regular stores (i.e, Target, Cvs, Walmart, etc...) the products sit on the shelf longer than they should. In professional supply stores the products have an expiration date, that way consumers and professionals are guaranteed a good product.
Tress tip: Most of the time the products that are carried at your local store (Walmart, Target, Cvs, etc....) are old product that the Professional supply store won't carry because it's been on shelves to long. It doesn't always mean that it's not useful, but the professional supply stores are strict about the shelf-life of products.
It's important to keep in mind that there is no product out there that can protect your hair from getting caught in a thunderstorm, running a full marathon, or reversion in 100+ degree temperatures. Hair will revert in those conditions. These "humidity resistant" or "anti-frizz" products will aid in creating a layer between your hair and some environmental elements.
Here are a list of my top ten humidity resistant products:

1) Paul Mitchell Super Skinny serum

2) Moroccan oil 

3) Kerastase' Nutritive oleo-relax serum 

4) Paul Mitchell "Hold Me Tight" finishing spray

5) Paul Mitchell Awapuhi wild ginger Hydrocream whip (Awesome for blowouts)

6) Stay 'n' shape lemongrass shaping spray (A stronger hold, I like this one for up-do's and more structured styles)

7) "Its a 10" Leave-in spray

8) Design Essential HCO leave-in (Awesome for manageability and leaves a great sheen) (Use before blow-drying)

9) Tigi Bedhead Wax stick (Great as an edge tamer or for up-do's)

10) Frederic Fekkai Pre-style Thermal/UV Protectant (It's a heat activated protectant, its awesome.)

It's all about the BRAIDS!

Today I was looking in People magazine and I came across an article on summer styles. It stated how braids are a great option in the summer, because it's easy and fun. It also doesn't involve any heat. Your hair can have a break from hot tools. Heat less hairstyles are always a great option in the summer, whether you opt for a natural curly style or a funky braided style make sure your making a statement. I have been experimenting with braids for a little while now, so let's just say I was a step ahead. I love creating styles that clients can duplicate at home or at least maintain while at home. If you want a carefree, low maintenance style try one of these cute braided looks.
*Tip* When your braiding use a pomade or wax to secure the hair in place and for a better grip.


Look #1

Look #2

This look was achieved by using synthetic braiding hair. I braided it, made it into a headband and pinned it in. 

*Bonus braid pictures

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!

Whether you have a significant other or your single. I wish you a Happy St. Valentines Day. The name Valentine is derived from Valens which means worthy, strong and powerful. This day is a day that should be celebrated with love. Whom ever you love, make sure you let them know, not only today but everyday. Life is too short, enjoy those who mean the most to you.

Oooo Girl who does your hair? (How to avoid a bad hair day)

Some people think that after your salon visit you don't have to maintain your hair. Just because you go to a stylist doesn't mean it's alright to neglect your hair. It's important that you sustain your hair after leaving the salon. After all it's your responsibility to build upon the foundation that your hairstylist has laid out for you. We do our part to restore and build your hair and its your part to preserve it. If you shampoo your own hair, always use professional products to ensure that hair is getting all the nutrients it needs. If your hair requires wrapping or pin curling, make sure you are being consistent until you see your stylist. The #1 NO-NO is using heat on your hair daily, this is sure way to damage your hair. If your a person whose hair needs to wrapped or pin curled make sure you use a satin scarf or bonnet. If you don't require a head wrap, use a satin pillowcase, this will lock moisture in your hair.

Are you the Hairstylist or am I?

This post is for those clients who think that they can do "YOUR" job better. As a hairstylist you encounter many different personalities. A hairstylist wears many different hats, not only are we the stylist, but we can also act as therapist. Coming to a salon can be therapeutic because people can get a lot of things off there chest without an unbiased opinion. The number one pet peeve of most stylist is when a client tries to tell them how to do their job. When you sit in that stylist chair, you have the right to have a consultation before your service, letting him/her know what it is you are seeking. After the brief consult, let them work their magic. If you want to tell them what to do, step by step, DO IT YOURSELF! because obviously you can do it better. I know when clients interfere in my craft it effects the outcome. I'm no longer in my element, now I'm a robot. If you are going to a licensed professional, trust that they know what their doing and let them. The salon is our stage, let us perform with no distractions. PLEASE!

Pin up those curls!

Wondering how you can keep those body curls that your hairstylist gave you? Well I'm here to help with that. The answer is pin curling. Women have been pin curling their hair for decades. It's a way that you can keep shape, body, and volume in your hair. Pin curls are awesome right after a blow-out to secure your curl pattern. Many women wrap their hair and that flattens the hair, which gives it a sleek look. If you want to keep curls, the pin curling technique allows you to do so, and curls last for a long period of time. The technique is very simple. Pin curling works best when hair is curled first. You don't have to take really small sections, take medium sized sections.

1. Take a (medium) section of hair
2. Start at the bottom where hair is curled
3. Roll hair in the direction of the curl using both index fingers 
4. Roll hair to the base of the parted section
5. Hold with one hand while you slide the clip onto the hair 
6. Once secured with clip, start the next section

In order to prevent marks that clips my leave, you can use end paper before you slide the clip on the hair. You can use bobby pins or all-purpose clips for this technique. You also want to use a comb to comb each section before rolling hair to the base.

http://www.sallybeauty.com/Jumbo-End-Wraps/SBS-157990,default,pd.html?cm_vc=SEARCH

http://www.sallybeauty.com/metal-clips/SLNCAR21,default,pd.html?cgid=Hair09&cm_mmc=CJ-_-AFFILIATE-_-2178999-_-10650864

Hair pressed and curled

Hair pinned after being pressed and curled