Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Hair Extensions Generate Buzz With Colorful Controversy

by Melissa White
Licensed Hair Stylist

As you know, I follow anything that's related to hair extensions, whether it be the most recent techniques and training, new products, accessories that make wearing them more fun, or even to what celebrities are doing with hair extensions using color, styles and cuts. Celebrities have helped to shape trends with hair extensions including the use of feathers, color blocks, colored tips, braided extensions and more.

Lauren Conrad's "Rainbow Hair"
is created with Hair Extensions

Britney Spears recently created quite a controversy when she showed up for the huge iHeartRadio event in Las Vegas sporting brightly colored hair extensions. Some criticized her for wearing them, stating she was copying other artists, when in reality she's worn brightly colored hair extensions before. In her 2011 video she wore several colors blended throughout her hair.  Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Gwen Stefani are just a few of the many celebrities who have all worn brightly colored hair extensions. Lauren Conrad (shown above) created a look that many have rushed to duplicate.

No, vividly colored "fantasy" hair extensions aren't new, but they don't appear to be going away either! They're still appearing on celebrities and they are still very popular among younger women who want a bold or unique presence. They are available in a variety of vivid colors and can be worn as accent pieces, colored tips or as color throughout the whole head.

REFERENCES & RESOURCES:
The Hollywood Reporter - Britney Spears' Technicolor Hair Extensions Make a Comeback (video)

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. 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, October 18, 2012

Fall's New Leather Fashions Glam Up Long Locks

by Melissa White
Licensed Hair Stylist
We're seeing a big trend this Fall, with the use of leather leading the way. Leather jackets, pants, skirts and boots are everywhere, and it's not just black.  As a matter of fact, Kim Kardashian made news again this week with her fashion mis-step with leather (mixing a bulky yellow jacket with short black shirt that wasn't very flattering on her).

Poor wardrobe coordination aside, this is a great opportunity for women with long hair, especially those with quality hair extensions, to flaunt their stuff. Leather fashions throughout the years, have always seemed to look better when the woman wears her hair long, loose and full. Just notice the leather-clad women in the videos below.


Video Credits: Vanessa Lachey on Fall Leather Trends

So, consider bringing out your daring side and go for long, full hair with your leather fashions. Here's some looks to consider:


Fall Leather Trends

What's really different with the Fall 2013 Leather Trend is that it appears it'll be here to stay for awhile. Sneak peaks at the Spring lines show that they continue to have strong offerings in leather even as the warmer weather makes it's way back!

It certainly looks like a touch of leather here and there can serve to accessorize your hair extensions quite beautifully! Have some fun with the new trends.

REFERENCES / RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Elle - Celebrities in Leather
MillionLooks.com - Black Leather - Hottest Fall 2012 Trend
NBCNewYork.com - Fall Trend: Leather, Leather, Everywhere
Neiman Marcus - The Leather Leg
SecretsofaGoodGirl.com - Fall Trend: Lots of Leather!
StyleBistro.com - Leather Gloves - The Top Trend from New York Fashion Week Fall 2012
USMagazine.com - Kim Kardashian Puts Herself on Worst-Dressed List for Bright Yellow Top

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. 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, October 15, 2012

How Young Is Too Young For Hair Extensions?

by Melissa L. White
Licensed Hair Stylist

Like all hot trends, it seems like all different age groups want to jump into the fray once the trend becomes popular. Hair extensions is one that, primarily because of price, hasn't been drawn into the controversy much. But, what would you do if your 15 year old asked for hair extensions? Your 12 year old? Your 10 year old! It does happen.

Seems like every generation complains that the youth of today are growing up much too fast for their own good, and even at my age I can see it. The girls going through junior high and high school are growing up quite different than just 10-20 years ago. I thought that we were pretty fashion conscious, but it pales to what today's teens are demanding. Hair extensions are one of those "luxuries", along with cosmetic surgery and fancy cars, that we didn't expect in generations before.

So, what IS an age where hair extensions would be appropriate? Unfortunately, I don't think there is a set answer to the question. In my experience, some 14 year olds are more mature and grounded than some 20 year olds, and vice-versa. I think it is a matter of needing to assess, along with the parent, whether the teen is a good candidate.

There are many considerations that would go into this decision. How mature is she, how responsible? Are there any behavioral issues? Does she regularly demonstrate the ability to take care of her clothes, her room, as well as other people's things? How much time does she have in her schedule? How does she manage her time?  Can she articulate why she wants hair extensions? Is there a special reason for wanting the hair extensions? Are there other personal considerations? This isn't Hollywood, and getting hair extensions simply because "everyone is getting them," just doesn't cut it with me.

Sure, hair extensions can sound like a whole lot of "fun" to a teenager, but let's look at why these things might be important. For one thing, hair extensions do require more attention then usual. Along with changes in the way one washes their hair, styling is different as well. It can be more time consuming, especially in the beginning when you are getting used to the added fullness, weight of the hair, added drying time, changes in styling, use of products, etc. You must routinely brush through your hair as instructed in order to prevent the hair from wrapping around itself and causing mats. It's best to return to your salon for upkeep visits in order to remove hair that is naturally shed from your head but is bound by the extensions. These are some important considerations, and for most young girls, they're probably not ready for the challenges that this may present in their relatively carefree lives!

But, there are also a variety of choices that might make them work well for a teenager. Sometimes there are compelling reasons why hair extensions might actually be a very benefiical thing for a young girl who perhaps is rebounding from an illness which has left her with short, sparse or thinned hair which makes her feel awkward and an outcast with her peers. Teens can be very sensitive to how they're treated by their peers.

I know first hand what it's like. I've tried just about every type of hair extension, wig, clip-on, weave, thread, and fall that's been done, even including hair used on ethnic black women because I made the decision long ago that this was going to be my specialty. I know there is nothing like first hand experience to help guide others to the best solution for their needs and wishes. And this is why, for now, I like to assess a teen's readiness by meeting with both her and her parent so I can give my recommendation. I will not put hair extensions on a teenager without meeting with at least one of her parents, as I feel this is a very important part of assessing whether she's ready for this investment.

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. 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, October 10, 2012

San Antonio Hair Extension Salon Supports Breast Cancer Awareness In A Very Pink Way

Melissa White, owner of Extensions of Yourself, a San Antonio hair salon that specializes in hair extensions has shown support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in her own unique way.

Melissa White
Extensions of Yourself
Sporting flowing pink hair extensions to show her support, Melissa explains, "Anyone who has had a friend, family member or co-worker who has gone through breast cancer understands how devastating this type of cancer can be." Even though treatments are so much more effective than twenty years ago, the anxiety and stress that it causes a woman to go through can be extremely difficult.

"I often provide hair extensions to women who have successfully undergone chemotherapy and are now trying to get their lives back," Melissa elaborates. "Many share the difficulties they've had. I know that it can seem overwhelming without a strong support system and a return to feeling good about yourself. I saw my grandmother struggle unsuccessfully with cancer, and know first-hand how it affects the entire family, too. It's one of the reasons that I enjoy helping women who have fought the battle of breast cancer. It is very important to me."

Indeed, a woman typically has to worry about her work, her home, her husband and her children, and forcibly take a look at the "what-if-things-don't-work-out-quite-right". It's something we all dread, and the stresses it can cause can significantly worsen an already difficult situation.

Thankfully, there are now venues for all types of support and help. Here are some places to go for more information, or to find help for someone in need:

American Cancer Society - Breast Cancer Facts
Cancer Treatment Centers of America - Breast Cancer Info
Mayo Clinic - Breast Cancer in Men
MedicineNet.com - Breast Cancer Symptoms, Signs, Stages, Prevention, Detection, Facts, Treatment
NBCAM.org - National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
National Breast Cancer Foundation - Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Pink For October - Raising Awareness For Breast Cancer
Pink Ribbon - International Breast Cancer Awareness & Funding
Susan G. Komen for the Cure - Breast Cancer Awareness, Info & Resources
WebMD - Breast Cancer Facts