Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Hair Extensions So Desired Some Will Steal For Them

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

We've seen popularity in hair extensions grow tremendously over the past several years, but who knew they'd be in such demand that it would cause some to resort to theft in order to get them. Bizarre stories surface of those who can't seem to do without.

Augusta Hair Extension Theft
Suspects Caught on Camera
Courtesy WJBF

Forget copper theft, baby food thefts and even Tide detergent theft trends as some of the more bizarre to surface in the past couple of years. There have been reports of thieves bypassing cash registers and flat screen TVs to get to their goal...hair extensions! This is a trend which has been reported all across the country, from small shops to large distribution stores. And, thefts can be from several hundred dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars!

Last Friday it was reported that two Texas beauty supply stores had hair extensions stolen by women posing as customers. The stores, both just North of Dallas, Texas, were surprised to be hit within a short time of each other, raising the possibility that the crimes were committed by the same group of women. Last year, a Houston salon was robbed of $150,000 worth of hair extensions, causing headlines that read "Nation Plagued By Rash of Hair Extension Thefts", and other similar stories to appear.

In Chattanooga, a woman's vehicle was broken into and her hair extensions were stolen among other items. I'd also heard story of a man who had stolen hair extensions to get in good grace with his girlfriend who wanted some good, quality hair extensions!

Bigger yet was a story out of Chicago where thieves broke into a beauty supply store taking $230,000 worth of high quality human hair extensions. According to the owner, Don Shin, "They knew what they were doing. They didn't take any of the cheap stuff." And, this wasn't a small theft. The theft of hair was the equivalent of six duffel bags!

In my specialty salon, I do not stock hair because I prefer to custom match colors and textures of hair for each of my clients to ensure the very best result. I custom-order all the quality hair I use for my clients, even for those who are having their extensions installed the day following their consultation! While I am glad that hair extensions are popular, and that people enjoy wearing them as much as they do, I hope that these disturbing events don't become a growing trend.

REFERENCES:
chattanoogan.com - Police blotter: Woman Has $3800 in Items Stolen...
estarnews.com - Police report: Hair Extensions Missing
inquisitr.com - Hair-Raising Burglary: $230k Of Natural Extensions Stolen In Chicago
jezebel.com - Nation Plagued By Rash Of Hair Extension Thefts

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, January 28, 2013

Celebrities Talk Openly About Using Hair Extensions And Even Flaunt Using Them

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

You may have seen the headlines a few weeks ago when Kelly Ripa took off the hair extensions she was wearing that day - all while on-air! She later revealed that her hair extension stylist's bonding equipment broke as he was preparing to reinstall her hair extensions, so he had given her temporary extensions to wear until they could rebook the appointment. The stir it created was unexpected and memorable for many viewers that day, and brought the subject of hair extensions into mainstream America due to the popularity of her morning television show.

Also in the news has been Rihanna, who earlier this month had new hair extensions installed to instantly change her looks, giving her a beautiful long ombre' hairstyle. While Rihanna has worn hair extensions many times in the past, she is also known for changing her styles frequently, and she always seems to create quite a stir when she does. This was evident with today's photos of her sporting a short pixie once again. She is certainly one who loves her hair extensions and the flexibility they give her!


Photo Credit: www.hollywoodlife.com

Ten years ago, Hollywood stars and other celebrities kept their fashion secrets quite close to the chest. But in more recent years, they're much more open about what they wear and products they use. Even cosmetic plastic surgeries are no longer taboo. And hair extensions are something that is being talked about all the time. Stars are not afraid to go from a short bob one day to long luxurious locks the next, and they're even going out of their way to show them off and talk about the hair extensions they use.

This trend has also spread into everyday America. Women in the workplace are less afraid to try new styles, colors and even hair extensions as a way of putting their best foot forward and making a statement. Just as hair extensions are seen as accessories to women in Hollywood, they are gaining popularity as fashion accessories to women from all walks of life in everyday life. Hair extensions in San Antonio are growing in popularity as they are all across the country.

You don't have to be a movie star to see the benefits of using quality hair extensions to boost your spirits and give you a look you love! Hair extensions can give confidence to those who have medical conditions which cause balding, thinning hair or short hair. They can provide more length and fullness, or create an entirely new look. The reasons women get hair extensions are many, but the thing they all share in common is the love of them once they try them.

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. Melissa is a Certified Brazilian Blowout stylist who has used Brazilian Blowout on her clients for several years.

Friday, January 25, 2013

You'll Get Excited About This Easy-To-Wear Hairstyle With Endless Possibilities!

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

We can all agree that there are essentially only a handful of basic ways to wear your hair: down, some-up/some-down or all-up!  Of course, there are a lot of variations, and this is what keeps hair styles and fashion interesting. Trends come and go, and every time they do make a comeback, they're done just a bit differently. Lucky for us, they're looking beautiful for 2013.

Easy-to-wear Half Up
Hairstyles Fresh for 2013

Today, Heidi Klum takes a look at variations of another hair style which has been a staple for hundreds of years....the "some-up/some-down", or what she calls the "half up".  This is a trend which is catching on fast, and the variations are almost endless, are beautiful, and look great with long hair as they break up the bland and deliver "Wow".

Most girls have all gone through stages in their childhood where their mothers loved to put their hair up in this way, as it is easy to do, yet much more sophisticated than wearing your hair all down, especially if you don't have the time to curl or style your hair.

Many of the looks in Heidi's gallery of half up hairstyles incorporate the use of braids, semi buns, curls, or teasing to create height and visual interest.  I recommend clicking through this interesting gallery of styles that might inspire you to get creative.
 
Some interesting ways to vary a look may include braiding, crimping, curling, straightening, waves, spirals, etc. The addition of clips and other types of hair accessories make the possibilities almost endless. We'll take a look at the artful use of hair accessories in a future article, as many of my hair extension clients ask about their use.

Intricate Braiding
Makes Ponytail Pop
With Glamour

Every now and then, new techniques are created that render totally new and refreshing looks to something as basic and ancient as braids for example. We've recently seen some examples of beautifully artistic braids that would knock your socks off, such as this great cascading braid (shown to the left).

As you'll see from the gallery of half up hairstyles (link below), many of the women shown have beautiful long locks, and many are given added length and body with use of hair extensions. Women with hair extensions have so much more flexibility with their hair, and it's nice to challenge yourself to try out as many as you can rather than sticking to one style.

Many of my clients return for their tidy-up visits so full of excitement and enthusiasm for the ability to wear their hair (thanks to their hair extensions) in ways they've never been able to do before. Even those who aren't the type to spend hours in front of a mirror find that once they have their new hair extensions, they find that it's now actually fun to spend the extra time on themselves. 

With so many styles coming out, it doesn't have to be too difficult to create unique styles that look great on you. The beauty of half up styles is that they're easy and look great. I encourage you to experiment and have some fun with the vast array of great hairstyles that are so in-fashion today!

REFERENCE & PHOTO GALLERY:
Heidi Klum on AOL - Trend to Try: Half Up Hairstyles

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. Melissa is a Certified Brazilian Blowout stylist who has used Brazilian Blowout on her clients for several years.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Cold Weather and Extremes in Temperature Can Affect Hair Health

by Melissa L. White
Licensed Hair Stylist
Certified Hair Extension Artist
Certified Brazilian Blowout Stylist
This past summer, I wrote on how hot weather can affect the behavior and health of your hair, but did you know that extreme cold affects your hair as well? Last summer unleashed extreme heat over much of the country, and just this week, much of the Northern states have been socked with cold temperatures that have not been seen in several years.

Cold Dry Air Is Hard On Hair!

Right now there is a major Arctic cold front making it's way across the upper states and into New England. Having lived in New England much of my early life, I got used to half a year or more of cold temperatures. It was "normal", and you found ways to deal with it. Now, having lived in Texas for the past eight or nine years, I have much more difficulty dealing with cold. And, I notice that my hair does too! 
Chilly weather can wreak havoc on even the healthiest hair and skin and is especially damaging when there is wind with the cold. Winter air brings dryness.  We all know that it can suck the moisture out of our skin and lips, but many women overlook that it can be extremely drying to our hair as well. It can actually zap nutrients from your hair, giving you dry, brittle hair - even for those who wear hair extensions. If your hair becomes dry enough, you might find yourself with a bad case of dandruff. Add to this wearing hats, scarves, earmuffs, turtlenecks and other things that interfere with our hair and our hair styles, and you've got a recipe for disaster! Think static - that especially troublesome winter standby. It can hit unexpectedly, be persistent, and can ruin your "look" in an instant.
There are steps you can take to minimize cold's effects on your hair. Try these basics:
  • Dry your hair thoroughly before you leave the house
  • Wear low maintenance styles including up-do's, braids, buns or ponytails
  • Keep hair hydrated
  • Deep condition your hair - ask your stylist for one that best for you
  • Splurge on a hot oil treatment once a month at your salon
  • Try the Brazilian Blowout
We've all heard the saying, "Don't go out with wet hair or you'll catch your death of cold," but there's much more to it than the risk of developing a sneeze. Cold dry air actually pulls moisture out of your hair! Completely drying your hair will help keep hair manageable and less prone to static, frizz and dryness. Remember how your lips become much more dry and chapped when you spend time licking them to keep them moisturized? Your hair also becomes more dried out and brittle in the cold. It's best to dry your hair once, thoroughly, then style it with protective products that will help seal the moisture in, and the cold out. Avoid glycerin products and heavy gels and opt for products better suited for cold weather.
After you've styled your hair, leave your hair alone! Wearing your hair up, or in a style where you won't spend time touching it or running your fingers through it will help minimize the stress to your hair. You'll notice less dryness, less shedding, less split-ends and less static if you can keep your hands away from your hair. We're lucky that buns are very popular this season, and braids, ponytails and any type of up-do is perfectly acceptable and fashionable.
Keeping your hair hydrated doesn't mean keeping it wet. Although there are a few hydrating sprays which deliver a thin film of moisturizing conditioners, some can weigh down your hair. It's best to try to go a little longer between shampoos. A good dry shampoo can get you through an extra day or two during cold snaps. Remember to comb through your hair each night to distribute natural oils from your scalp down the entire hair shaft. This is great in helping to prevent static, just don't be walking across a rug when you do it!
Conditioners and treatments can be tricky. Not everyone is blessed with "perfect" hair, and products you purchase in the store aren't always formulated well for your specific hair, which can leave you with a sticky mess or limp locks that you can't do anything with!  I recommend you seek advice from your professional stylist who knows your hair. He/she can suggest products that you can use at home that will actually deliver protection and style. It's worth the effort and expense.

Consider the Brazilian Blowout, which can help to seal your hair cuticle, minimize static, as well as smooth your hair. Women who use the Brazilian Blowout seem to have an easier time with winter cold weather. Their hair dries faster, requires less product and styles easily. Their new Volume aftercare products allow you to wear "big" hair styles with control.
If you wear hair extensions, you'll want to have a talk with your stylist. Let them know if you see an increase in split-ends on your extensions, or if your hair has become excessively dry or brittle. Quality hair extensions should not "stress" any faster than normal healthy hair. Hair selected for the best brand hair extensions tends to be high quality hair, and should remain in good shape through the season. That said, you still want to take preventive steps to ensure that your investment stays looking great. Your stylist can recommend products to use during the cold season that will work great for you and help your hair extensions last.
REFERENCES / RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION
Extensions of Yourself - We're In The HEAT in Texas - What Can You Do To Help Your Hair?
Extensions of Yourself - Popularity of Brazilian Blowout Soars
prevention.com - Best Cold-Weather Skin Tips
thebeautyinsiders.com - Good Hair Care in Cold Weather
youbeauty.com - Hair Tips for Cold Weather

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. Melissa is a Certified Brazilian Blowout stylist who has used Brazilian Blowout on her clients for several years.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

How Your Own Hair Can Trap Allergens And Make Symptoms Worse During Allergy Season

by Melissa White
Licensed Hair Stylist
Certified Hair Extension Artist
Certified Brazilian Blowout Stylist

I like to talk about timely news that may have importance to my clients. Today's Internet features a video segment where The Doctors discuss how allergens are most likely spread, and one surprising conclusion is that hair can be a surprising culprit.

Hair and Your Allergies
Photo Credit: deliciousliving.com
Yes, when you're out and about in allergy season, which is in full swing here in Texas, your hair can actually aid in carrying allergens on you, into your home, and even onto your pillow where you'll feel heightened effects. Right now we're experiencing the effects of mountain cedar, and for those that have this annoying allergy, you know how bad things can get. So what does your hair have to do with your suffering?

The Doctors (thedoctorstv.com) describe that hair has many surfaces that allergens can cling to. Use of hair sprays and hair products can make the hair shaft even easier for allergen particles to adhere to. Wearing your hair down means that these particles are close to your eyes, nose and mouth where they can irritate and trigger allergy symptoms and possibly even sinus infection for those prone to severe allergies.

Although AOL's headline "Your Hair May Be Making You Sick," may be sensationalizing things a bit, for those who suffer from bad allergies, anything that can help is worth considering. Luckily, there are several easy to do things that can help limit the effects of pollen and other allergens that can make life miserable during allergy season. First, check your local pollen counts daily and on bad days with high pollen counts, try the following:

  • Wear a ponytail or wear it swept up and away from your face
  • Wear a hat to keep your hair covered
  • Try wearing less hairspray, gels or hair products
  • Shampoo frequently and/or when pollen counts are high 
  • Wear sunglasses to keep pollens from your eyes
  • Use saline nose spray or better yet use a nasal rinse system (neti pot)
  • Use antihistamines or prescription products to help block allergens

If you wear hair extensions, you are no more or no less susceptible to clingy allergens. While shampooing frequently is probably one of the best solutions to eliminating the allergens from your hair, you risk drying out your hair even with use of gentle shampoos. You can still benefit from your current shampoo regimen with rinses of just water in between when pollen counts have been high. If you have concerns, or notice that your hair is becoming dry or split ends are developing, talk with your hair extensions stylist and get his/her advice on what to do.

REFERENCES / RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION
TheDoctorsTV.com Video - Allergens in Your Hair
TheDoctorsTV.com Video - Sinus Infection Explained

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 in San Antonio, Texas. Melissa has over 10 years of extensive training with the industries top hair extension companies in the newest techniques. Originally from Boston, Melissa received strong training in color with two major color lines. She has been in San Antonio for the past 8 years specializing in hair extensions and the services which enhance them. 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, January 14, 2013

2013 Golden Globes Show Long, Full Hair Styles Are Hot

by Melissa White
Licensed Hair Stylist
Certified Hair Extension Artist
Certified Brazilian Blowout Stylist

The 2013 Golden Globes brought a slew of attention on Hollywood celebrities and had fashion-conscious women around the country watching for the latest fashion styles. Not to be disappointed, this year brought out the very best and worst in fashion, and the hair extension industry has taken note.

Hairdreams hair extensions took note of the many celebrities sporting fashionable hairstyles that benefit from the use of quality hair extensions. Their take on the fashions were that celebs such as Kate Hudson, Amanda Seyfried, Rachel Weisz and Jessica Alba all wore beautiful full hair and WOW'd the audience.

I've talked about the fashion runways looking to long silky hair styles, "big" Texas style hair, and wonderfully wavy locks. It certainly looks like these trends will be HOT for the upcoming Spring and Summer looks for 2013.

The beautiful thing about hair extensions is that even those with thin hair, fine hair, and even short hair can achieve these looks. An experienced hair extension stylist knows that proper placement of the hair extensions is critical. It's not just about the number of bundles used, or the length of hair used. The best artists know how to frame their client's face with quality hair extensions that emphasize the best features and characteristics of their hair. It is one of the things I find most challenging and most rewarding in working with women of all ages, hair types and lifestyles. It's more than the hair. As with Hollywood celebrities whose careers often hinge on the public image they portray, hair extensions can indeed be an extension of you!

Have fun showing the inner you. Hair extensions continue to be a HOT fashion accessory here in San Antonio because they can help give you what nature may have failed to...beautiful, glamorous, dreamy hair!

REFERENCES
Golden Globe - Official Site of the 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards
Hairdreams - Hairdreams Official Website
Facebook - Hairdreams on Facebook
TMZ - Red Carpet Photos of 2013 Golden Globe Award Ceremony

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 received strong training in color with two major color lines. She has been in San Antonio for the past 8 years specializing in hair extensions and the services which enhance them. 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.

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Popularity of Brazilian Blowout Soars As More Celebrities Show Off Amazing Hair

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

The Brazilian Blowout, once making steady progress into hair salons in Hollywood and slowly slipping into progressive salons across the country, is now breaking into the mainstream at remarkable speed. 

Brazilian Blowout's Volume Aftercare Product Line
to be featured on television

Just two days ago, I reported on stories that predict that the Brazilian Blowout will be a huge fashion statement this Spring. Celebrities have been making use of the fantastic hair smoothing qualities for some time. Now, fashion models on top runways are displaying hairstyles emphasizing looks that are achieved with use of the Brazilian Blowout and it's making an impact.

More and more people, both in and out of the fashion industry, are talking about the Brazilian Blowout and creating quite a buzz. So much so that Brazilian Blowout has launched a new product line, Brazilian Blowout Volume, which are aftercare products designed for those who want to maintain their Brazilian Blowout smoothness with body-boosting volume!

My own clients are excited about what the new Volume products do for their hair, especially when they're looking for body and fullness in their hairstyles. I have a lot of clients who have thin, fine hair. While the Brazilian Blowout does a great job in keeping the hair smooth and frizz-free, many want to be able to wear styles that have fullness and volume. That's one of the reasons they come to me for quality hair extensions. I have several clients who are currently using the new Volume products and they're reporting that these aftercare products are giving them volume and allowing them to wear styles they previously had difficulty with. I'm happy that Brazilian Blowout has stepped up and addressed the needs of those who want body and fullness along with manageability.

Today's headlines reveal that Brazilian Blowout Volume aftercare products will be featured on tonight's edition of Extra hosted by Maria Menuonos. Britney Huinker, Brazilian Blowout President, will talk with Maria about the celebrities who are loving the new product line. It is reported that stars such as Jennifer Lopez and Ashley Greene are hooked on Brazilian Blowout's Volume product line.

REFERENCES & RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Brazilian Blowout - Watch VIDEO on new Brazilian Blowout Volume Products
Brazilian Blowout - Volume Aftercare Products
Extensions of Yourself - Brazilian Blowout Services at Extensions of Yourself
Extensions of Yourself - Sleek, Smooth and Polished Hair Predicted as Hot Fashion for Spring 2013

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 
Melissa White is a Certified Brazilian Blowout stylist who has used Brazilian Blowout on her clients for several years. She carries a full line of aftercare products including the Volume product line. Melissa 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, January 10, 2013

Key To The Artful Use Of Highlights

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

Fads and trends come and go as quick as we begin using them. But, some are much more enduring than others, and one popular trend that is making another big comeback is the artful use of highlights in hair. Celebrities are once again in the news showing off their creative and sometimes exquisite highlights!

Penelope Cruz
Photo Credits: Stylist.com
 Highlights have always been popular. But, the type of highlight, the colors of the highlights, and the ways in which they are used can and do change. We've seen thin strands of highlights added to the hair by the stylist using a cap in which thin strands of hair are pulled through all over the head. And, we've had wild chunks of highlight usually added to the top layer of hair only. The ombré highlight trend hit us with tip-only highlights, and we've also seen wild colors used to create highlights.

While it seems that almost anything goes, what has made a comeback is the creative and artful use of highlights that compliment the face as well as your hair color. Done correctly, they can create a fresh, sun-kissed look, or create mysterious enchantment!

When going to your stylist for a new look using highlights, consider the type of effect you would like. What overall look do you want others to see? Are you looking for a warming glow? A mysterious allure? A outdoor sun-kissed look, or sultry sex kitten? Bold, in-your-face "look at me" highlights, or something more subtle? Do you need easy maintenance, or don't mind frequent visits to your stylist for touch-ups? Would face-framing highlights enhance your look, or are you looking to draw attention away from your face? Revealing these goals to your stylist can help him or her achieve the look you want.

Lea Michele
Credits: Stylist.com

Jessica Alba
Photo Credits: Stylist.com

 Copper highlights are popular and can look great on women with darker hair, where use of blonde highlights often don't work well. Auburn highlights are very effective on women with very dark hair. Honey blonde highlights in an ombré spectrum leaves roots darkest and your tips sunny blonde. If you've got darker hair and really want honey blonde highlights, your stylist may need to lift your natural hair color several shades to a dark blonde or a very light brown so that the highlights blend well and look great.

Some stylists favor the use of two or more highlight shades to create a natural beach-lightened look. The use of low-lights can be extremely effective in keeping highlights fresh in hair that has been getting highlights for some time. It can also buy you extra time between visits to your stylist, as the style is very low maintenance. Another secret weapon of an experienced stylist is effectively using quality glosses that not only give your hair extreme shine, but enrich the colors and make them pop with depth and richness.

The good news is that women who want hair extensions are not limited to an existance without color! I often use a blend of several colors of hair extensions in order to achieve a natural look that blends well with your own hair without the need to color. Placed artfully around the head, lighter color extensions can frame your face and create interest. If you already highlight your hair, getting extensions does not prohibit you from maintaining them, although I recommend that you always have them done by a stylist experienced with hair extensions and color so that you do not damage your hair extensions. 
And remember, highlights don't have to go all over. Sometimes the most dramatic looks involve the use of just a few well-placed hair highlights!

RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:
google.com - Hair Highlights - Google Search (photos)
Huffington Post Style - Hair Highlights Can Look Awkward
stylelist.com - Photos of 27 Celebrities with hair highlights (photo gallery)

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 received strong training in color with two major color lines. She has been in San Antonio for the past 8 years specializing in hair extensions and the services which enhance them. 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, January 9, 2013

Sleek, Smooth and Polished Hair Predicted As HOT Fashion For Spring 2013

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

Fashion experts are predicting that this spring will reveal hair styles that are long, shiny, sleek and straight. Luckily there are options for those who were not born with this type of hair naturally. Fashion runways are going wild with the look when debuting this year's Spring fashions.

From the Facebook page of
Brazilian Blowout
Brazilian Blowout has been steadily gaining ground as the method of choice for achieving smooth, sleek hair without frizz and fluff that often accompanies hair dried with blowers. It is not a hair straightener, but rather a smoother.

I've found that Brazilian Blowout works great with hair extensions. It not only gives the hair the polished, silky look you crave, it also helps the extensions blend beautifully with your own natural hair. The added benefit is that it can help lay a layer of protection for your new extensions as well.  I find that my clients who add Brazilian Blowout to their quality hair extension regimine enjoy their extensions longer than those that have not.

Contrary to what many believe, having the Brazilian Blowout does not mean that you can only wear your hair stick straight! While it is possible to achieve one of the smoothest, straightest looks you'll see, your hair can still be styled with a curling iron, hot rollers, curlers, etc. to produce waves and/or curls that are free from frizz and unruliness. All this in a fraction of the time.

The Brazilian Blowout is the most innovative and effective professional smoothing treatment in the world! The Brazilian Blowout actually improves the condition of the hair by creating a protective protein layer around the hair shaft to eliminate frizz and smooth the cuticle. The end result is smooth, healthy, frizz-free hair with radiant shine!

Find out what the Brazilian Blowout can do for your hair! Those who try it usually say, "I don't know why I waited so long!" Once you see what it will do for your hair, you'll never want to do without.

REFERENCES/RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION
Brazilian Blowout - Brazilian Blowout website
Extensions of Yourself - San Antonio Brazilian Blowout (see before/after photos)

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.

Friday, January 4, 2013

Best of San Antonio Award For Hair Extensions and Hair Replacements

by Andrea Algar

Extensions of Yourself has received 2012's Best of San Antonio award for Hair Extensions, and 2012's Best of San Antonio for Hair Replacement!

As the first salon in San Antonio to specialize exlusively in hair extensions, Extensions of Yourself has earned this award for the outstanding services provided to the clients who come to them for quality hair extensions. And, the work that Melissa performs for those with thinning hair, whether from heredity, a medical condition, or recovery from medical treatments such as chemotherapy has won them the distinction of a second award in Hair Replacement!

Melissa White, owner of Extensions of Yourself, states, "I'm honored to receive this award. To have been selected from salons all across San Antonio is special. I'm so happy that the clients I see are happy with their investment in hair extensions, and especially that they're appreciative of the services they receive. My work is very rewarding to me. Everything I do at my specialty salon is designed to accentuate your own beauty through hair extensions - whether adding fullness, adding length, blending your own hair with highlights, lowlights, corrective color, treatments for damaged hair or custom services. I thank all my clients for their support and faith in me and my services."

Extensions of Yourself is a specialty salon specializing exclusively in hair extensions and the services which keep your extensions looking great. Using the very best in quality human hair extensions from top companies such as Great Lengths and Hairdreams, services are customized for each person according to the look desired.

Melissa's enthusiasm for her work really shows. "All my research led me to discover my true passion," she explains. "I began practicing the methods I had learned on myself. I had a fantastic opportunity to work with women who for one reason or another had medical issues that made them suffer from hair loss. I volunteered to work with these amazing women, trying to give them back what they lost and missed most - their hair. Some cases were far more challenging than others, but this also forced me to be as creative as possible. Since then I have focused all of my resources and education to staying current and up to date with the latest hair enhancement and hair extension trends. Over the last 11 years I have maintained my own extensions using the EXACT methods I use on my clients. I know what is like to wear them, style them and take care of them. My goal is to to make hair extension services convenient and, more importantly, affordable."

Extensions of Yourself offers convenient and flexible hours. Melissa herself is a licensed hair stylist and a certified specialist in hair extensions. Visit their website at www.extensionsofyourself.com for more information.