Sunday, March 24, 2013

Pink Hair Goes Wild With Celebrities

by Melissa L. White
Licensed Hair Stylist
Certified Hair Extension Artist

Today's headlines reveal that pink is the current hot hair color among celebrities and is being seen all over in events, parties, premieres, concerts and other trendy spots.

Lindsay Lohan
Photo Credit: kattty.buzznet.com

Hollywood A-listers such as Lindsay Lohan, Nicki Minaj, Lauren Conrad, Dakota Fanning and Helen Mirren have all recently sported pink hair successfully.

And, it's not just one shade of pink. It seems as though just about any shade from very subtle light pinks and bubblegum pink, to vivid fuchsia are popping up and grabbing attention. Whether the stars are using all-over hair dye with matching hair extensions to create the eye-catching looks, or using hair extensions for a simple "pop" of pink, the trend does appear to be growing in popularity.

Specialty hair extensions offer fantastic choices in color, texture and length. Colored hair extensions can create a small highlight to a head full of color that pops. Fades are extremely popular and come in a variety of blended colors.

If you think pink might be for you, you might want to consider hair extensions and the added bonus of length and fullness that can be obtained at the same time.

REFERENCE:
AOL.com - VIDEO - Celebs Go Crazy For Pink Hair Dye

ABOUT THE AUTHOR -
Melissa White is an experienced, licensed hair extension artist and stylist whose passion is to bring out the natural beauty in everyone by enhancing their own individual features with the use of exquisite hair extensions. Melissa has over 10 years of extensive training with the industries top hair extension companies in the newest techniques. Melissa is also a certified Brazilian Blowout stylist. Originally from Boston, Melissa has been in San Antonio for the past 8 years. She believes that everyone should be able to access and afford the hair of their dreams . . . thus the creation of Extensions of Yourself, San Antonio's first salon which specializes exclusively in quality hair extensions.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Great Lengths Reports Hair Extensions At All-Time High In Popularity

by Melissa L. White
Licensed Hair Stylist
Certified Hair Extension Artist

Great Lengths, one of the world's top three suppliers of high quality human hair extensions, is reporting a 70 percent growth in the last five years! That's huge by any standard, and it speaks volumes as to how popular quality hair extensions really have become.


According to a report by the Professional Beauty Association, there has been a  28.5 percent increase in the number of U.S. salons who offer hair extension services. This at a time when the economy has been in the pits is a pretty good indication that this trend is exceeding popularity predictions. While the hair used in hair extensions has not changed, other factors seem to boost their desirability.

So what is contributing to the success of the hair extension phenomenon? First, more and more celebrities are seen wearing hair extensions and are openly talking about them. In the past, movie stars didn't talk much about their beauty secrets, but in today's society everyone gets on the band wagon with sharing just about anything and everything. Sometimes it is in preparation for a launch of their very own product line, other times it is a way of staying in the news.

And, celebrities aren't the only ones talking. Women from just about every walk of life now wear hair extensions and are willing to talk about it with friends, family, co-workers and even acquaintances. It can be such a life-changing event that most women are excited, renewed and feeling so good about themselves that they want to share it with everyone.

What also contributes is the advances that have been made within the hair extension industry itself. The leading manufacturers of hair include Great Lengths, Hairdreams and So-Cap. "Glue" bonds have been replaced with high quality keratin tips that are far less damaging to the hair because keratin is a naturally found in hair itself. Also methods for installation of hair extensions has improved tremendously as more specialists have emerged with superior application techniques.

Outdated methods of glue-tips, sewn in extensions, beaded bands or clips still exist, and are often found in hair extensions of lesser quality. Even the quality of keratin tips can vary tremendously from one hair company to another. Doing research and finding trained stylists who are experienced in hair extensions will generally lead you to those who use more up-to-date methods and provide quality hair from one of the major hair companies such as Great Lengths, Hairdreams, So-Cap and select others.

Training should come from the company itself. In other words, the stylist should be certified by the companies they use, i.e., Great Lengths or Hairdreams (as I am), and not by the salon they work for. All hair extension professionals that are certified have been trained in similar classes. Where stylists differ is in the quality of hair they choose (or that their salon chooses) to use, and the techniques and skill level they have in applying the hair extensions. This is what can make a world of difference in your hair's outcome. Some stylists have a natural "feel" for placement and bonding, while others simply have textbook knowledge. Some see a lot of clients, others may do extensions only once a week, once a month, or perhaps even less.

The bonds used by companies also can vary greatly, and each has specific suggestions for installation, care and removal of hair extensions. As the first salon in San Antonio to specialize exclusively in hair extensions, I quickly realized that too many stylists try a "one size fits all" solution for all of their clients, and some choose short-cuts using cheaper hair or even synthetic hair. I use several of the top companies because my client's needs are all different and I choose what is best for each individual person I see.

The news remains - it looks like hair extensions are here to stay. Not only in San Antonio, but areas around the country are seeing increases in the numbers of women seeking hair extensions as a matter of looking better, feeling better, and many times taking care of medical conditions which would otherwise leave them depressed and hopeless. I'm glad that hair extensions have come out of the woodwork and are no longer seen as taboo.

RELATED ARTICLES:
Jan 17, 2012
A top-of-the-line hair extension system like Great Lengths, HairDreams and So-Cap, will cost more because of the premium nature of the hair used in these extensions. This hair is not as readily available as lower end hair, ...
Jan 12, 2012
HairDreams and So-Cap are a close second to Great Lengths and their 10 year head start in the hair extension market. With the huge response to hair extensions, people are innovating new and creative techniques and that ...

ABOUT THE AUTHOR -
Melissa White is an experienced, licensed hair extension artist and stylist whose passion is to bring out the natural beauty in everyone by enhancing their own individual features with the use of exquisite hair extensions. Melissa has over 10 years of extensive training with the industries top hair extension companies in the newest techniques. Melissa is also a certified Brazilian Blowout stylist. Originally from Boston, Melissa has been in San Antonio for the past 8 years. She believes that everyone should be able to access and afford the hair of their dreams . . . thus the creation of Extensions of Yourself, San Antonio's first salon which specializes exclusively in quality hair extensions.
 

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Domestic Battery Case Involves Yanking Out Woman's Hair Extensions

by Melissa L. White
Licensed Hair Stylist
Certified Hair Extension Artist

Strange news comes from almost every area of everyday life, but one piece of news out of Indianapolis seemed to hit home because it involved an assault on hair extensions! An Indiana couple were in the midst of an argument on Sunday March 10th when things took a bad turn for the woman who wore hair extensions.

Woman Fights Off Attack
Photo Credit: indianexpress.com

Police responding to the disturbance call found the 48 year old woman clutching her hair extensions as she described that her boyfriend started yelling at her and began ripping out her hair extensions! Officers also found extensions scattered about on the pavement in the alleyway where the couple had been walking after visiting a local gas station.

The 51 year old boyfriend denied fighting with the woman, claiming that she was "his old lady", and that he would never hurt her. According to reports he was, "visibly intoxicated on the scene". Taken into custody, he faces preliminary charges of domestic battery, battery with injury and public intoxication.

Perhaps a bad choice in "boyfriend material", but none-the-less this sounds more like something you'd hear about in a fight among girls at the high school soccer field. I recall witnessing fights among girls where the first thing they grab tends to be the hair. A frightening thought for someone who has hair extensions.

News like this is uncomfortable for a number of reasons, and one can only imagine how this woman feels after this "very personal" type of violation. Women who get hair extensions are sometimes looking for solutions to hair loss, balding, or a medical condition that leaves them unable to grow their own hair. I see a great many women who have undergone medical treatments such as chemotherapy or other drug treatments that causes them to lose their hair. Even women returning from military service often look for a way to quickly transition back into civilian life and ways to make them feel more feminine. It is tragic when you hear of someone being violated in this way.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR -
Melissa White is an experienced, licensed hair extension artist and stylist whose passion is to bring out the natural beauty in everyone by enhancing their own individual features with the use of exquisite hair extensions. Melissa has over 10 years of extensive training with the industries top hair extension companies in the newest techniques. Melissa is also a certified Brazilian Blowout stylist. Originally from Boston, Melissa has been in San Antonio for the past 8 years. She believes that everyone should be able to access and afford the hair of their dreams . . . thus the creation of Extensions of Yourself, San Antonio's first salon which specializes exclusively in quality hair extensions.
 

Friday, March 15, 2013

"The Salon Down The Street Said..."

by Melissa L. White
Licensed Hair Stylist
Certified Hair Extension Artist

Whew! You wouldn't believe how often people bring up something that another stylist said, or something a friend told them, or something that they read in a magazine. Sometimes it's not that they're confronting your knowledge or experience, but rather trying to make sense out of conflicting or confusing information out there. Sometimes the information isn't very up-to-date, doesn't apply to your hair type, or is based on mis-information.

Trendy Highlights Hair Salon
on Newbury Street in Boston, Massachusetts
Photo Credit: celebrateboston.com

Face it, as women, we're faced with daily bombardment of beauty tips, trends and ever-changing no-no's. It's hard to keep up with them. To make matters worse, they sometimes contradict each other.

You may read a magazine article that advises to avoid shampoos containing certain ingredients because they can interact with hard water, for instance. But not everyone has hard water, and for those that don't, why should a product be tarnished when there is nothing harmful about using it for those people.

We also deal with never-ending changes in trends. What's hot one season will be replaced with something else the next. Just read through some of my previous posts and you'll see that predicted trends for this Spring have already changed several times. And that's just in what colors will be hot this year! Sometimes predictions are just a shot-in-the-dark and it's best to wait until the season is upon us and see what's popular. But, if you like to be on the cutting edge of fashion, makeup and hair, it's a risk you just have to take.

In terms of conflicting recommendations from one salon to another, it's a bit more complicated. Just like other professions, there are a lot of sub-specialties for a hair stylist. Some find that they prefer giving men's haircuts, others just love color, are talented at creating stylish up-do's. Others perhaps haven't developed a feel for what they truly love, don't really care, like variety or just like the rapid pace of a quick in-and-out place like SuperCuts or ProCuts. Nothing wrong with that at all. The point is that most people tend to gravitate towards what they love to do. This can be something that gives them tremendous satisfaction, or it can be something that they simply excel at. Or both.

Myself, I'm passionate about providing quality hair extensions. When I first graduated and joined a salon, I did a bit of everything. The salon owner saw that I had a real talent for color, and began pushing me towards that specialty, sending me to trainings with Goldwell, Paul Mitchell and Redkin. I did like color, and loved using color on myself. But it just didn't excite me. After a couple of years, and a great offer from Paul Mitchell to join their group of colorists, I knew it wasn't for me. Instead, I continued pursuit of something that I'd developed a growing interest in.  

Extensions of Yourself
San Antonio Hair Extension Specialty Salon

From my own problem of thinning hair, I began my quest for a solution. After experimenting for several years with all types of weaves, wigs, braided extensions, and hair pieces, I eventually found my true passion in hair extensions. That was eleven years ago, and hair extensions is now my exclusive service in my own specialty salon in San Antonio. Everything I do at my salon is focused on providing services that ensure gorgeous hair extensions, including the conditioning services, color, highlights and cuts that my clients with hair extensions need.

Not all stylists are so specialized, or as passionate about what they do, but we all still have our preferred procedures and services.

So what does this all mean? Just keep in mind that the stylist you see at a particular salon has his/her own interests, and probably a good deal of knowledge about it. But no one stylist can be truly up-to-date on all trends, all products, and all the answers to every question. When you understand this, it's easier to see why then that you can get quite different answers from different stylists. Each is looking at the question from their own unique perspective and knowledge base. If you're seeking specialized information, try to get your answers from those who specialize in that area. You may save yourself some time and money!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR -
Melissa White is an experienced, licensed hair extension artist and stylist whose passion is to bring out the natural beauty in everyone by enhancing their own individual features with the use of exquisite hair extensions. Melissa has over 10 years of extensive training with the industries top hair extension companies in the newest techniques. Melissa is also a certified Brazilian Blowout stylist. Originally from Boston, Melissa has been in San Antonio for the past 8 years. She believes that everyone should be able to access and afford the hair of their dreams . . . thus the creation of Extensions of Yourself, San Antonio's first salon which specializes exclusively in quality hair extensions.
 

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Cool Barber Buzz Reveals Great Artistic Talent

by Melissa L. White
Licensed Hair Stylist
Certified Hair Extension Artist

While I don't usually comment on men's hair, I saw a picture of an interesting buzz cut yesterday and just had to comment on it. The barber who created this artistic cut deserves some attention and praise.

Photo Credit: mom.me

Having spent time learning how to cut men's hair, and in particular, giving buzz cuts, I know how tedious and exacting it can actually be. Most people couldn't draw something like this, much less take a pair of clippers and create a near-photograph rendition on someone's head!

The story comes out of Texas, where almost everyone celebrates "hometown" hero Johnny Manziel, who was the first college freshman to win both the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award and the Heisman Trophy. In January 2013, Manziel led Texas A&M to victory in the Cotton Bowl, making him extremely popular in his hometown of Kerrville. 

So when Christian Chavez, a student at Hill Country High School in Kerrville, when in for a haircut at his local barber, he daringly accepted the barber's offer to cut a portrait of Manziel into his hair. Chavez went to school with his unique hairdo and was promptly sent home by the school principal. And, the school allegedly didn't want him to come back until all images were removed.

A story of another dress code (or in this case "hair code") violation, or perhaps that the school's principal just wasn't a big A&M fan? Whatever the case, koodos to the great barber whose talent with the clippers really shines!

What do you think about the artwork?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR -
Melissa White is an experienced, licensed hair extension artist and stylist whose passion is to bring out the natural beauty in everyone by enhancing their own individual features with the use of exquisite hair extensions. Melissa has over 10 years of extensive training with the industries top hair extension companies in the newest techniques. Melissa is also a certified Brazilian Blowout stylist. Originally from Boston, Melissa has been in San Antonio for the past 8 years. She believes that everyone should be able to access and afford the hair of their dreams . . . thus the creation of Extensions of Yourself, San Antonio's first salon which specializes exclusively in quality hair extensions.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Little Girl Kicked Out Of School Over Hair

by Melissa L. White
Licensed Hair Stylist
Certified Hair Extension Artist

School has certainly changed. Today a story emerged about a little 4 year old girl who was kicked out of school over the hairdo she wanted to wear for school picture day. She wasn't allowed to have her picture taken AND had the embarrassment of being asked to leave school because her hair violated school policy!

Photo Credit: mom.me
Yes, little Marcella's school has a policy against wearing braids in their dress code. This apparently includes bows and goodness knows that else. Really....a braid ban!

I think back to some of the incredible hairstyles my friends and I wore to school and feel sure that by some of the ridiculous rules that some schools now choose to impose, we would surely have been asked to leave as well. This young girl isn't even old enough to wear an outrageous style in order to make a statement, rebel, or test school officials patience. At four years of age she's still "innocent".

The hairstyle is a bit easier to understand once you learn that Marcella wanted to look like a princess for her school pictures. What little 4 year old girl wouldn't? Apparently, her dad had styled her hair for her, which explains the very unusual style! Maybe next time mom will me able to step in to ready Marcella for the rescheduled photo shoot. Nevertheless, it's hard to see that her exquisite little princess"bow" should violate a school's hair policy.

Am I alone in this? Let me know what you think.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR -
Melissa White is an experienced, licensed hair extension artist and stylist whose passion is to bring out the natural beauty in everyone by enhancing their own individual features with the use of exquisite hair extensions. Melissa has over 10 years of extensive training with the industries top hair extension companies in the newest techniques. Melissa is also a certified Brazilian Blowout stylist. Originally from Boston, Melissa has been in San Antonio for the past 8 years. She believes that everyone should be able to access and afford the hair of their dreams . . . thus the creation of Extensions of Yourself, San Antonio's first salon which specializes exclusively in quality hair extensions.
 

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Bull Sperm Used To Super Condition Hair

by Melissa L. White
Licensed Hair Stylist
Certified Hair Extension Artist

Just when you think you've heard it all, news resurfaced recently of a hair treatment that will leave your hair shiny and smooth but it may make you think twice about using it!

Longhorn Bull
Photo Credit: VanishingTattoo.com
Yes, farm has come to Hollywood with promise of treatments that your hair will love. I'm familiar with fish pedicures and chocolate body wraps, and I've even heard of solid gold facials. But, several strange beauty treatments seem to all originate on the farm. 

For instance, hay body soaks are said to stimulate your metabolism and boost your immune system by laying on a 100 degree waterbed while you're cocooned in a wet hay wrap. Or placenta face creams that promise to revitalize and moisturize your face with a potent lotion derived from lamb placental extract that is rich in nutrients. Or the technique dubbed "birds poo facials" that Japanese Geisha girls have used which has enzymes that brighten their complexion.

Even bull's sperm had gained momentum in Hollywood and became one of the strange in beauty trends! Calling it "Viagra" for your hair, the conditioning treatment combines bull sperm with a protein-rich Katera root extract. It is said to be 30 times stronger than Vitamin E, and is thought to be a pure form of protein.

But, trends come and go, and while Hari’s, one of London's top salons, has made good use of the bull semen, it didn't quite take off in the same way here in the U.S., even with the interest of celebrity stars. But, it does make you pause and wonder "What's next?"

REFERENCE:
Discovery Fit & Health - Top 5 Weirdest Beauty Cream Ingredients
NaturallyCurly.com - Bull Semen The Latest Hair Miracle


ABOUT THE AUTHOR -
Melissa White is an experienced, licensed hair extension artist and stylist whose passion is to bring out the natural beauty in everyone by enhancing their own individual features with the use of exquisite hair extensions. Melissa has over 10 years of extensive training with the industries top hair extension companies in the newest techniques. Melissa is also a certified Brazilian Blowout stylist. Originally from Boston, Melissa has been in San Antonio for the past 8 years. She believes that everyone should be able to access and afford the hair of their dreams . . . thus the creation of Extensions of Yourself, San Antonio's first salon which specializes exclusively in quality hair extensions.



Monday, March 11, 2013

Ever Wonder What Your Hair Really Says About You?

by Melissa L. White
Licensed Hair Stylist
Certified Hair Extension Artist

We all know that the clothes we wear reveals a bit of who we are. With a simple switch of clothes, we can go from office librarian to sex kitten in just a few minutes (or a few hours...who are we kidding). But, just as the clothes we select to wear, or the jewelry we adorn ourselves with, our hair also speaks volumes about us. And our "hair personality" is something that we don't always think enough about.

Photo Credit: Great Lengths

Sure, many of us spend hours selecting just the right outfit to wear to the office party, or the special night out with friends we haven't seen since high school or college. But how much time do we devote to our hair? And why should we? Or should we?

While many of the women I see in my San Antonio hair extension salon know the look they desire, others just know that they want volume or length, and haven't really given much thought as to how they'd like to wear their hair once they get their new hair extensions put in. Personality plays a part, as does lifestyle and time factors. I'm accustomed to talking about these things, but I know that many don't realize that we are often judged by the way we wear our hair - whether the judgement is accurate or not.

I found an interesting self-test online today that drew me in. What does your hair say about you? Could they really say from an on-line survey?

The format was easy to use, with answers selected from multiple choice. You're then given insight into your answer for each question as you go, and what was most interesting was that they showed how your hair care habits could land you in trouble, and steps you might try in order to avoid it. For instance, if you answered that you find it very important to keep your roots and highlights done, you're cautioned, "While your love of color may take years off your age, it can also do a lot of damage to your hair. A post-color clear glaze will seal the cuticle of the hair, add glossy shine, and help give a healthier appearance and smoothness to hair. And don't forget to maintain hair health with weekly deep-conditioning treatments."

While the answers don't really give you real insight into your "self" (no, they don't really tell you "you're a diva get over yourself" or "you really need to vamp up your style"), it's somewhat entertaining. It could give you a few things to think about, and other things that you might want to ask your stylist about!

REFERENCE:
Daily Glow - What Does Your Hair Say About You?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR -
Melissa White is an experienced, licensed hair extension artist and stylist whose passion is to bring out the natural beauty in everyone by enhancing their own individual features with the use of exquisite hair extensions. Melissa has over 10 years of extensive training with the industries top hair extension companies in the newest techniques. Melissa is also a certified Brazilian Blowout stylist. Originally from Boston, Melissa has been in San Antonio for the past 8 years. She believes that everyone should be able to access and afford the hair of their dreams . . . thus the creation of Extensions of Yourself, San Antonio's first salon which specializes exclusively in quality hair extensions.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Soft, Rich, Dimensional Color Predicted to Influence Spring 2013 Hair Styles

by Melissa L. White
Licensed Hair Stylist
Certified Hair Extension Artist

We all know how rapidly trends can change with hairstyles, and how some just don't seem to get off the ground while others skyrocket with excitement and enthusiasm in the glamour community. Just as we seem to get ahold of the latest advice, we're getting new looks from other sources.

Richer shades are predicted
for Spring 2013 
Focus is on more dimension
for all hair colors and shades.
Photo Credit: behindthechair.com

Just today for instance, a leading beauty site came out with a story stating that the new spring trend in hair color will be "softer, richer, more dimensional designs" in every shade.

They described the following examples of color blending that will add dimension and beauty to a wide range of basic hair colors:

"golden copper reds with strawberry, salmon and rose gold highlights"

"soft golden shades positioned next to cooler blonde sections"

"golden brown with milk chocolate highlights"

Reports of soft pastels are being reported as "enticing" to clients. Some of them sound down-right delicious. I especially like the milk chocolate highlights!

It will certainly be interesting to keep a close watch on the types of color that will emerge as we enter our Spring fashion season. The ombre' highlights are still hot, and we're seeing more and more variations created every few weeks as stylists from around the country continue to experiment with the look. San Antonio hair extensions have been influenced by the look, as well as renewed interest in highlights as we approach the warmer weather and change to Spring fashions.

As the predicted "collage of tones" look develops, I'm sure that there will be some predictable and other very unpredicted looks developing, and we'll keep you posted as they do.

REFERENCES:
behindthechair.com - Come See The Softer Side
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR -
Melissa White is an experienced, licensed hair extension artist and stylist whose passion is to bring out the natural beauty in everyone by enhancing their own individual features with the use of exquisite hair extensions. Melissa has over 10 years of extensive training with the industries top hair extension companies in the newest techniques. Melissa is also a certified Brazilian Blowout stylist. Originally from Boston, Melissa has been in San Antonio for the past 8 years. She believes that everyone should be able to access and afford the hair of their dreams . . . thus the creation of Extensions of Yourself, San Antonio's first salon which specializes exclusively in quality hair extensions.