Monday, February 28, 2011

Tousled, Sexy Locks

The hottest hair trend on the runway (and the Red Carpet) is the perfectly tousled look.  Sexy rumbled tresses is not a new style - it can be attributed to the 1970's natural flowing, textured (and sometimes wavy) hairstyle that borders on the side of 'bed head'.  Kate Moss has effortlessly brought this look back in vogue.  In recent Fall runway shows, hairstylists were using Kate's tousled look as inspiration.
The secret to getting it right is using our layered hair extensions to create volume and layers and the right styling tools and products.
tousled hair
Kate Moss (left), the inspiration. Jessica Biel (right), gets an A+ for her interpretation. 

Article reposted by permission of Hair & Compounds, Inc.
http://www.haircompounds.com/hairextensions/



Wednesday, January 26, 2011

The Value of Extending Hair Extensions' Life

short hair saleAs a hair stylist, it is very important to understand that keeping your current clients is much easier than to finding new ones. This is especially true now that the economic climate has challenged the salon industry. Many stylists get comfortable with their services offered and end up losing valuable clients. Keeping clients happy (and loyal) is all about providing them with extras and adding value.

One way we at Vanity Hair Extensions add value is to extend the life of our clients' hair extensions. We use cylinder extensions have a finely engineered tip that can be reattached without cracking or losing its shape. However, tips that no longer hold their shape can be replaced by a simple process called cylinder re-tipping. By making this process a part of our services offered, we are showing commitment to providing our clients with value and cheaper alternatives.

Article reposted by permission of Hair & Compounds, Inc.
http://www.haircompounds.com/hairextensions/

 


Monday, January 10, 2011

Hair Extensions for Men

VHE Web Photos 023Hair extensions are no longer just for women. A growing number of men are opting to try out hair extensions for different reasons. Some are looking to mask their hair loss; others are doing it to try a new color or style, while some may simply be seeking to cover up a bad new haircut. Here are some tips on how to best accommodate men seeking extensions.
1) Ease their worries. It takes a lot for most men to talk themselves into visiting a salon to try getting hair extensions, so it is important to make them feel comfortable about their decision. Let them know that they are not alone and that trying hair extensions is a growing trend among men.
2) Inform them. Talk about how thinning hair can be easily camouflaged by well-placed low and highlights. Discuss the types of products they should use to achieve the perfect natural look. Give tips on how to make their hair look thicker with the help of specific products and application techniques.
3) Show them examples of the end result. Photos from professional magazines or your previous clients will serve this purpose very well. Don't forget to point out that virtually all men who try hair extensions gain a new confidence from having them.
Men can be valuable clients too. As with any other customer, you should know them and their needs. Once you give men the attention they want to discuss a sensitive topic and give them guidance, they will quickly grow into a loyal customer.

Article reposted by permission of Hair & Compounds, Inc.
http://www.haircompounds.com/hairextensions/


Tuesday, December 21, 2010

The Science Behind Dyeing Hair Extensions

Model 10
Over the course of a client's lifespan of hair extensions, they may choose to change their hair color.  This proposes the problem of how to properly match the extensions color with the client's real hair using demi-permanent or permanent hair dye.  Additionally, over the course of time, hair extensions that have been reused multiple times experience color fading.
THE PROBLEM with applying any color to the hair extension is that the results can be very unpredictable. The hair does not take color like normal scalp hair since our Hair Extension Sources use only the highest quality permanent pre-metalized fiber dyes designed for the highest longevity and color integrity. Therefore, attempting to dye the hair extension would produce an outcome that could be drastically different from your normal expectations.
THE SOLUTION is applying a color that will be the same level or darker, which offers better results than trying to lift. Lifting involves bleaching which can cause damage to the already pretreated extensions. The safest solution if your client wishes to go to a significantly lighter color tone is to encourage them to invest in new extensions for a longer lasting and better appearance.  As always, if you proceed with a demi-permanent dye, a strand test is strongly recommended.
Know the Facts About Our Hair and It's Capabilities
Russian Virgin Hair: This hair type can be bleached, colored and permed but contains the same risks as chemically treating normal scalp hair. Since this is cut hair its moisture levels are lower than scalp hair and may react differently to chemicals. Your risk is that the hair may tangle.
Indian Hair: This hair type may be a mix of various hair that was bleached, dyed and/or blended to obtain a custom color and texture match (all textures are 100% natural). It is advisable not to highlight, tint, dye, perm or apply any other type of chemical process since it is likely the hair has already been treated.
European Hair: This hair type may be a mix of various hair that was bleached, dyed and/or blended to obtain a custom color and texture match (all textures are 100% natural). It is advisable not to highlight, tint, dye, perm or apply any other type of chemical process since it is likely the hair has already been treated.
"Bleach" colors do not have any dye deposits. Only this type of hair can be easily highlighted, tinted and dyed. We strongly advise against further chemical treatments on light blonds. Your risk is damaging the integrity of the hair beyond repair.

Article reposted by permission of Hair & Compounds, Inc.
http://www.haircompounds.com/hairextensions/

Monday, August 30, 2010

Hair Elasticity and Breakage

Hair's elasticity is the measure of how well the hair will return to a normal state after being stretched. When wet, healthy hair will stretch up to 50% of its original length and return to its normal shape without breaking, while dry hair will only stretch about 20%. Hair's elasticity comes from the side bonds in the hair shaft.  The better the elasticity, the stronger the hair. Listed below are the steps to help you determine the elasticity of your hair:
ElasticElasticity Test
Step 1: Take at least four strands of hair from different areas of the hair.
Step 2: Make the hair wet.
Step 3: Hold one end of a strand in each hand and pull the hair taut to stretch it.
Normal elasticity = the strand stretches and then returns to normal after you release it.
Low elasticity = the hair snaps or does not return to its original length.
Test each of the four strands separately. Make your decision based on the average result of the "stretch tests."
If you have low elasticity, the bad news is that your hair is very susceptible to breakage and is a high risk for hair extensions. It is not recommended to apply extensions that attach with clips or rings. You would be better off with fusion type hair extensions with low volume (to keep added weight of hair low) and use small strands to reduce stress. When it comes time for removal, your stylist should make sure the hair is wet for added strength to avoid breakage. Wet the hair with coconut oil for best results - this will not only increase the hair's strength but reduce friction and help break down the bonds.

Article reposted by permission of Hair & Compounds, Inc.