Do Your Research Before Getting Hair Extensions - Beware of Misleading Information

by Melissa L. White

There is a wealth of information on the Internet concerning hair extensions, but not all of it is true. Sometimes the information is exaggerated, other times it is more than just a little misleading - it can be completely false.

Note the bald patches
after removing extensions

This may come as a shock to some, but there are people out there who use inferior hair products and try to pass them off as quality! Many who do this offer hair extensions at "too good to be true" prices, or make bold statements that those who charge more are just ripping off consumers. I've even heard outrageous claims that Great Lengths hair extension bonds are not keratin and are glue! It's hard to believe that people can still fall for bold claims like this when for years we've been warned that if something looks too good to be true, it probably is.

But, it happens time and time again. You read a story about someone who finds a great price on hair extensions, then gets them installed, only to find out that it was a huge mistake. Not because they had hair extensions, but because they had extensions that were not top quality, using methods that can be problematic, and more importantly, installed by uncertified, unqualified or inexperienced stylists.

Just this week an interesting story of a British actress named Jodie made the news. Her case was newsworthy because the hair extensions she had put in caused extreme damage to her hair. The photo above shows the actress after she had to remove the hair extensions herself.

The stylist who installed her long blond hair extensions had used wax bonds (not a recommended method) and hadn't explained that you couldn't use any type of heat on them. This caused a big problem when Jodie attempted to blowdry and straighten her new hair. She explains, "It was great waking up feeling like Cinderella with long, blond hair. But when I went to straighten my hair, the wax bonds started to melt. My hair started matting and sticking together."

Jodie was left with short, thinned hair and bald patches

There is a reason that high quality hair extensions are more expensive than the hair extensions that you can purchase yourself at a beauty supply store. Quality hair extensions are sold only to licensed hair stylists who have been trained by their company. They are not available at beauty supply stores anywhere. Companies such as Great Lengths and Hairdreams sell the world's highest quality hair extensions. They are more expensive than other brands, but they use the highest quality of hair, and the bonds used are designed to be gentle on your hair (unlike glue, wax, tape, weaves or even clip-ins).

I could get technical with all of the specific differences that determines the "quality" of hair, but we'll cover that in another article. The point that I'd like for everyone considering hair extensions to get is that this is an investment in you. Don't take short-cuts or do it solely based on price or you may end up with a look that is far worse than the one you are unsatisfied with now.

You need tips in finding the best hair extensions, and don't want to fall for misleading claims. So what do you look for? Beware of claims like these:

• Name-brand such as Great Lengths, Hairdreams or So-Cap are not the best
• Name-brands use bonds that are not Keratin-based (a protein found in hair)
• Glue is the best method
• Prices are good because they get hair from a local beauty supply store
• They send you to purchase your own hair
• You can get a head full of quality hair extensions for under $500
• Claim training and/or certification without naming the companies certified by
• Has your hair in stock already (hair should be custom ordered for each person)
• Clip-in extensions are the only "safe" method
• Synthetic hair can look just as good as 100% human hair
• There is no maintenance needed for their hair extensions
• Tape is a good method of applying hair extensions
• You can wear your extensions for a year or more
• Micro-rings can't damage your hair
• You need to change your extensions every 1-3 months

These are just some of the outrageous claims I've seen from stylists who venture into the world of hair extensions without having done their homework! Stylists who spend a lot of money for training from the top companies don't hesitate to mention those companies by name. If you have received certification from Hairdreams or Great Lengths, you flaunt it because they are the two best in the world. Your equipment is the latest technology and your training is unequaled.

Yes, quality hair extensions do cost more than those you purchase from a beauty supply store. And, the professionals installing them usually charge more than a stylist who doesn't use quality extensions. You need to ask yourself whether you feel comfortable taking the risk with hair and stylists who are questionable.

Do you feel saving a few dollars is worth the possibility of ending up with an experience like Jodie? Read all the details on Jodie's bad hair extensions and let me know what you think!

RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:
The Daily Mall - Actress left with matted hair after "dodgy" hair extensions
Extensions of Yourself - Facts About Hair Extensions
Extensions of Yourself - The Hair
Extensions of Yourself - What's Best

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 hair extensions. Melissa has over 14 years of extensive training and experience 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.

Hair Extensions For My Little Pony Fans - Is This Too Young?

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

I've addressed this question in the past. Moms with teenagers often struggle with what is an appropriate age to allow your daughter to get their first set of human hair extensions. But what if it was your five or six year old asking for extensions?

Apparently, the appropriateness isn't a major concern to Hasbro, who announced in December that it would be releasing a collection of hair extensions to young girls. The single and multi-colored clip-in hair extensions are being launched as "My Little Pony" hair extensions. You KNOW that this will appeal to little girls everywhere. What little girl doesn't love ponies!

And, the marketing doesn't stop there. There are also accessories like hair charms and cutie marks accented with crystals. The pint size fans will be able to accessorize to look like their favorite My Little Pony character. According to Kidada Jones, "My Little Pony-inspired hair styles and hair accessories allow fans to channel their inner pony." Fans are encouraged to visit the My Little Pony Parlor website and share it with their friends.

What do YOU think? Are these children simply too young to be marketing this type of product to? Or, do you feel there's nothing wrong with it? Let me know.

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 14 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 accord the hair of their dreams...thus the creation of Extensions of Yourself, San Antonio's first salon which specializes exclusively in quality hair extensions.

Would You Rent Clip-On Hair Extensions?

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

One of my trade magazines had an article that caught my eye about a salon which just announced a new service of renting out clip-in hair extensions. It made me think back to my childhood and hearing from my mom how I shouldn't share a hairbrush with friends because it isn't sanitary. Sure, catching lice or some other unwanted "ichy thing" from a fellow schoolmate WAS something to avoid.

I think that, for most women, lessons learned early on do carry on to adulthood. Most women I know wouldn't share a hairbrush, much less human hair extensions that have been worn by someone else. Doesn't really matter whether they've been washed in-between, it just seems "gross".

Women who purchase real human hair extensions have already accepted a level of comfort with wearing hair that was cut from someone else. The name manufacturers of human hair extensions all follow strict procedures to properly clean and sanitize the hair before it is sold in bundles as human hair extensions.

But would a persons "comfort" extend to rented hair extensions that have been affixed and removed from the scalp of many other women?

One Beverly Hills salon, Nelson J, is boldly exploring this new concept. The new program allows salon clients to check out clip-in hair pieces for $75 a week. (Still a hefty price for high maintenance clip-in hair extensions in my opinion.)

In-Style did an on-line poll that looked at this question. As of noon on Sunday, results clearly showed the majority of people would not.

What do you think? Let me know.

REFERENCE:
InStyle.com - Rented Hair Extensions Poll

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 14 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.

Flow Strands from Great Lengths Offer Brilliant Transitioning Color

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

Great Lengths has been one of the leading hair extension suppliers for many years, and for good reason. They have remained successful by staying in step with what their customers want and providing a top quality product. With their recent introduction of "Flow Strands", they prove once again that they're up to the challenge.


Great Lengths
Flow Strands


Great Lengths' Flow Strands are the talk of towns across America because they're in tune with trends that are extremely popular. Brightly colored with shades such as orange, magenta or turquoise flowing from base colors of blonde or brunette, these unique hair extensions offer a pop of color.

With many women who wear hair extensions opting for looks that are different from everyone else, Flow Strands are being offered as limited editions from Great Lengths. It was announced that they will be available only through May 31st, 2013.

Will Flow Strands be popular in San Antonio? That remains to be seen, as San Antonio is a bit more conservative than some of America's larger cities when it comes to hair color. But even those not as brazen enough to try a full head of eye-popping color may conjure up the courage to try a splash of color that is different than what most others get with synthetic clip-in hair extensions dipped like Easter eggs. These are bold colors that transition beautifully.

As a Great Lengths certified technician, I can use Flow Strands to create a single area of color, or a headful of playful color that really makes a statement.

Flow Strands should not be confused with ombre' highlights. Although the two transition hair colors, the use of brilliant, bold color is what makes Flow Strands stand out. The Flow Strands are available for a limited time from certified Great Lengths stylists in 16 inch lengths which can be cut to your desired length.

If you're looking for something different, ask for Flow Strands while they last!

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.

A Closer Look At Clip-In Hair Extensions

Melissa L. White

Licensed Hair Stylist

Certified Hair Extension Artist

Certified Brazilian Blowout Stylist

Clip-On hair extensions have an appeal to those who don't want to make a huge investment in quality keratin-bond extensions. Many younger women like the instant look they can get from a set of clip-in's that they can put in for a night out or a special event. But, even the highest quality clip-in's can cause big problems.



Clip-in Hair Extensions



 Let's not kid ourselves. Clip-in extensions tend to use hair that is not as high in quality as hair selected for keratin-bond hair extensions. Price usually dictates this, as the cost of higher quality hair cannot be recouped with clip-in pricing.

Hair used for clip-in extensions is often synthetic, or a combination of synthetic and poor quality human hair. (Just try flat ironing hair that is synthetic on high heat and you'll end up with a mess of gooey strands and a ruined flat iron!) When human hair is used, it is usually never true "remy" hair, and is hair that has usually been processed in order to achieve consistent coloring. Processed hair does not last as long without looking damaged, and will develop split ends, frizz from dryness, brittleness, and dullness.

Once you wear hair extensions, most women never want to give them up. They can give us the hair we've always dreamed of, and having them allows us to wear our hair and style our hair in ways we would never be able to without them. But, most women quickly tire of putting in and taking out their clip-in extensions on a daily basis. Even once you've become proficient at it, this is a process that can take a half hour or more depending upon how many wefts you use, and how big they are. Placement is critical in order to achieve a look that doesn't look like you're wearing them. They can look clumpy or show through depending on the style you wear them in. Up-do's are often very difficult.

And, clip-ins can actually cause more damage to your own hair than keratin-bond hair extensions. Because you tend to put them in the same position day after day you're stressing the hair with a block of hair that is quite heavy. This weight, anchored to your own hair strands, will cause cause breakage.

In my experience, when you do make the decision to try quality human hair extensions, you'll never want to go back to clip-on extensions again. While clip-ons might satisfy for the short-term, they're usually not the answer women stay happy with.

In San Antonio hair extensions continue to be a popular choice for women desiring longer, fuller hair, and the preferred choice appears to be quality hair extensions applied by certified salon stylists. Many of the women I see in my specialty salon remark that they've tried clip-in extensions and want a change that is better quality, more permanent, and that work better with busy lifestyles.

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.