It takes two to make a thing go right!
Would the REAL hair extensions junkie please stand up?!
Here I go...the 9th year developing and creating my own brand! What took so freakin long?! Trust me when I say...cracking the code to this niche market is a challenge.
Hardest part? Finding product that rocks! Developing a brand that is fierce enough that it creates positive relationships?! YES! I want to develop a brand that keeps the clients coming back to the stylist~client retention is the name of the game. And by creating a brand that is amazing, well...its a win/win.
I have been lied too, spent tens of thousands of $'s. Years of packages, Skype dates, emails and bad english/chinese conversation. I haven't given up. The more disappointed I became the more I new that I was on to something. It has fueled my obsession to find the mother ship of hair!
That said. Hair extensions are a 2 part recipe. First, the Remy hair. Second is the bond that holds the loose bulk strands together.
We source Remy hair directly from Russia and temples of India(photo below). We have also bought directly from Collectors in Brazil. Kilos of virgin hair have arrived to our offices, gorgeous colors as light as level 7.
We have touched some of the best and worst hair in the world. According to every International Sales rep, their hair is the best hair! It's been a painful process and yet so exciting.
Formulating the keratin bond required us to learn everything and anything about keratin. Keratin is Protein. There are several types of low quality keratin, keratin wax(thumbs down), keratin polymer, Italian Keratin and so on. Pre-tipped is always a keratin or poly-eurathane bond/tip. Both are ways of keeping loose hair together in the extension, so that it can be bonded to the natural hair. Being that most bonds are patented it makes it difficult to discover the magic combination of "keratin", and to make a bond that is different than the others. Our brand mustn't have any of those cheap keratin bonds attached to our hair extensions. To my surprise, there are various large companies that sell fusion hair extensions that have polymer in the bond. Polymer is a fancy word for...glue. YIKES! Polymer is made from white glue. It is the less expensive way to make a keratin bond but it is the first way to damage the natural hair.
Great hair extensions are about amazing quality Remy hair AND method of attachment. It is vital that it doesn't damage the integrity of the natural hair, undetectable appearance, quality and longevity.
We are happy to announce that we are in the final phase of creation. The method of attachment is vast. A full line of keratin bonds, tips, tapes, clip-ins and lace front wigs.
As we visit our factories, although we can't publish the names and places, we do intend to publish photos of our trip. Our hope is that one day we will be able to provide all bonding to be done in the USA. But for now, we will travel 26 hours each way! Formulating, creating and designing an all methods brand for Professional Stylists.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact us or post them on this blog.
Showing posts with label hair extensions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hair extensions. Show all posts
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Friday, March 23, 2012
Stickin To It!
A few years ago, well lets just say...when the economy sank...I began a search for great quality hair extensions that wouldn't break my clients budget. My business was not effected with the negativity of the economy. Of course I hate to hear stories of anyone losing their job! However, when we look good ... we feel good! Unfortunately women are still losing their hair, still struggling with the lack of volume and still want to pass by the mirror and smile! Yes I am the first person to say the beauty comes from the inside. But looking good on the outside sure makes for an easier ride!
Back in the day there was a method called, "Skin Wefting". Wefts of hair were attached to the natural hair with some form of cold fusion. Cold fusion can be liquid adhesives, keratin tape or links/beads.
2012 this method is called "Sticker/Panels/Tape 2 Tape/Skin Wefting/Double Sided Tape Hair". What has changed? The weft now is made in 1.5 inch panels. Pre-tapped and re-usable. When I hear the name sticker hair extensions, I am less than excited. However the concept is there. Imagine a method of hair extensions that are applied "sandwich" style. Each panel marries to the other, with a thin section of the natural hair in between.
I have been wearing this method for the past 2 years. I love the volume this method achieves. Oh and I love that it takes under an hour and re-usable. I have experienced minimal damage. To be honest the damage that is done is because I often go to bed with wet hair. I am a late night bath addict! It's impossible to keep my hair dry!
Maintenance is every 8-10 weeks. The hair (if its the right brand)is re-usable for 8+ months. I have a few clients that have re-used the panels for over a year!
Back in the day there was a method called, "Skin Wefting". Wefts of hair were attached to the natural hair with some form of cold fusion. Cold fusion can be liquid adhesives, keratin tape or links/beads.
2012 this method is called "Sticker/Panels/Tape 2 Tape/Skin Wefting/Double Sided Tape Hair". What has changed? The weft now is made in 1.5 inch panels. Pre-tapped and re-usable. When I hear the name sticker hair extensions, I am less than excited. However the concept is there. Imagine a method of hair extensions that are applied "sandwich" style. Each panel marries to the other, with a thin section of the natural hair in between.
I have been wearing this method for the past 2 years. I love the volume this method achieves. Oh and I love that it takes under an hour and re-usable. I have experienced minimal damage. To be honest the damage that is done is because I often go to bed with wet hair. I am a late night bath addict! It's impossible to keep my hair dry!
Maintenance is every 8-10 weeks. The hair (if its the right brand)is re-usable for 8+ months. I have a few clients that have re-used the panels for over a year!
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
A good "head" on my shoulders...
Providing women with the hair they have always dreamed of is an opportunity of a life time. Sure you can say that this is a HUGE exaggeration. However, roll with me here...
If you came to me and said you wanted to lose weight, knowing that I am a BCRPA Certified Trainer. I would guide you to the ways of weight loss that would be healthy, increase your metabolism and practical. I would also kick your butt in the gym. Personal Training was my first real job, or was it my second? I have had so many jobs. I think somewhere in there I worked at McDonalds and Wendy's for a hot minute. I have been working since I was old enough to have a paper route. ANYWAYS.
What I know to be true is this...goals takes time. Plastic surgery we have to heal, actually first we have to save the money. Followed by take time off work, then the surgery and finally healing time. Weight loss is similar. If you want to lose 10 pounds, I am going say give it two weeks and here is the detailed plan. There are no short cuts or overnight success stories in fitness and nutrition.
That said, in less than 2 hours I can change your life. Sure that may seem like a stretch. But I have found this statement to be more true than not. A "bad hair day" turns into being a "bad day". This phrase hit in the 80's. I remember it like it was yesterday. Bad Hair Day hats, t-shirts, websites...
I have never NOT had hair extensions. I actually don't own photos nor have I taken a photo (for that matter) of myself without hair extensions. Call it what you will. I am honest in my lack of confidence with out some type of extension. I have had and worn it all. Weaves, wigs, clip-ons, synthetic bang pieces(huge mistake), wrap around pony's and last but not least...used to make my own fusion hair extensions from bulk hair. Why? Because I have hair of a little girl. My pony tail resembles a 3 year old. Cute on a little girl, not so cute on a 30 something (ok almost 40) year old. The good news of this is...I can relate.
When a female calls, visits or emails and shares her challenges, I instantly want to be the one to give her what God didn't. A Good head of hair! I joke and say that God couldn't' give me this wowing personality and a good head of hair at the same time because it wouldn't be fair to others. This always makes me feel better when I see a gorgeous Brazilian lady walking down the street wearing a size 0 pant and has a full head of gorgeous hair! SO unfair. Why her? How come she has the Victoria Secret hair without the clip-ins that the Victoria Secret models wear to get that hair?!
Ok back to the point...
Once I have provided her with the perfect set of Tresses, blended, cut and styled her hair; she now has volume, length and the hair she always dreamed of. She will walk taller, look and feel younger and have a sense about herself that she didn't have before. Her stress level is minimized and so are the hours she used to spend trying to get ready every day. Trying to manipulate thin fine hair to do "something"/"anything" is a challenge. I have seen the transition with with my own eyes. Phone calls, emails and testimonials back up what I am sharing. The key is selecting the right technique, texture of hair and placement of extensions. Of course always protecting the integrity of the clients hair first and foremost.
Having a good head on my shoulders simply is the new way of turning something negative into a positive. Bad hair days are a thing of the past. We all should have a good head on OUR shoulders. And by that I mean, we all deserve a good head of hair.
If you came to me and said you wanted to lose weight, knowing that I am a BCRPA Certified Trainer. I would guide you to the ways of weight loss that would be healthy, increase your metabolism and practical. I would also kick your butt in the gym. Personal Training was my first real job, or was it my second? I have had so many jobs. I think somewhere in there I worked at McDonalds and Wendy's for a hot minute. I have been working since I was old enough to have a paper route. ANYWAYS.
What I know to be true is this...goals takes time. Plastic surgery we have to heal, actually first we have to save the money. Followed by take time off work, then the surgery and finally healing time. Weight loss is similar. If you want to lose 10 pounds, I am going say give it two weeks and here is the detailed plan. There are no short cuts or overnight success stories in fitness and nutrition.
That said, in less than 2 hours I can change your life. Sure that may seem like a stretch. But I have found this statement to be more true than not. A "bad hair day" turns into being a "bad day". This phrase hit in the 80's. I remember it like it was yesterday. Bad Hair Day hats, t-shirts, websites...
I have never NOT had hair extensions. I actually don't own photos nor have I taken a photo (for that matter) of myself without hair extensions. Call it what you will. I am honest in my lack of confidence with out some type of extension. I have had and worn it all. Weaves, wigs, clip-ons, synthetic bang pieces(huge mistake), wrap around pony's and last but not least...used to make my own fusion hair extensions from bulk hair. Why? Because I have hair of a little girl. My pony tail resembles a 3 year old. Cute on a little girl, not so cute on a 30 something (ok almost 40) year old. The good news of this is...I can relate.
When a female calls, visits or emails and shares her challenges, I instantly want to be the one to give her what God didn't. A Good head of hair! I joke and say that God couldn't' give me this wowing personality and a good head of hair at the same time because it wouldn't be fair to others. This always makes me feel better when I see a gorgeous Brazilian lady walking down the street wearing a size 0 pant and has a full head of gorgeous hair! SO unfair. Why her? How come she has the Victoria Secret hair without the clip-ins that the Victoria Secret models wear to get that hair?!
Ok back to the point...
Once I have provided her with the perfect set of Tresses, blended, cut and styled her hair; she now has volume, length and the hair she always dreamed of. She will walk taller, look and feel younger and have a sense about herself that she didn't have before. Her stress level is minimized and so are the hours she used to spend trying to get ready every day. Trying to manipulate thin fine hair to do "something"/"anything" is a challenge. I have seen the transition with with my own eyes. Phone calls, emails and testimonials back up what I am sharing. The key is selecting the right technique, texture of hair and placement of extensions. Of course always protecting the integrity of the clients hair first and foremost.
Having a good head on my shoulders simply is the new way of turning something negative into a positive. Bad hair days are a thing of the past. We all should have a good head on OUR shoulders. And by that I mean, we all deserve a good head of hair.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Hair Gone Wrong! Hair Extensions drama
Recently I met someone who "appeared" to have great extensions.
As a salon owner/Platinum Extensionist, I was interested in finding out more about her stylist and the method/product used. I was also in desperate need of someone to actually do my hair, that I trusted.
I announced my name to the salon and booked an apt. I was eager to have my own hair done and hopefully, if this was a good thing, have something new to offer at Studio She. I am all about working together - there are enough women who want "good hair days" and I love to share my passion with other stylists.
I drove 2.5 hours to the destination. Finally, I thought I had found someone who has shares the same JOY for extending hair. I was elated to have someone pamper me because usually it is the other way around. Excited to finally have someone do my hair!
4 weeks later - I have spent a little less than $1000.00 and I am totally not satisfied. The hair I am wearing is probably from China. All the silicone that the hair was soaked in has come off, which has led me with hair that knots easy and feels awful. The color matching was less than perfect.
My point is this...there are so many salons out there that claim great reviews. But at the end of the day, when it comes to good hair extensions you have to do your research. The stylist told me that I could re-use this hair - her placement was amazing but what good is placement if the hair is bad quality?
It just makes me wonder - clients - are to make happy and to continue to bring them back over and over again. Trust is a huge word, especially when spending money!
Get to know your stylist and ask for testimonials.
Even though I am a stylist, I still sit in the same "client" chair and I understand the feeling of being let down when it comes to wasting money on something I really wanted. Not to mention - it is just another company that doesn't get the "seal of approval".
As a salon owner/Platinum Extensionist, I was interested in finding out more about her stylist and the method/product used. I was also in desperate need of someone to actually do my hair, that I trusted.
I announced my name to the salon and booked an apt. I was eager to have my own hair done and hopefully, if this was a good thing, have something new to offer at Studio She. I am all about working together - there are enough women who want "good hair days" and I love to share my passion with other stylists.
I drove 2.5 hours to the destination. Finally, I thought I had found someone who has shares the same JOY for extending hair. I was elated to have someone pamper me because usually it is the other way around. Excited to finally have someone do my hair!
4 weeks later - I have spent a little less than $1000.00 and I am totally not satisfied. The hair I am wearing is probably from China. All the silicone that the hair was soaked in has come off, which has led me with hair that knots easy and feels awful. The color matching was less than perfect.
My point is this...there are so many salons out there that claim great reviews. But at the end of the day, when it comes to good hair extensions you have to do your research. The stylist told me that I could re-use this hair - her placement was amazing but what good is placement if the hair is bad quality?
It just makes me wonder - clients - are to make happy and to continue to bring them back over and over again. Trust is a huge word, especially when spending money!
Get to know your stylist and ask for testimonials.
Even though I am a stylist, I still sit in the same "client" chair and I understand the feeling of being let down when it comes to wasting money on something I really wanted. Not to mention - it is just another company that doesn't get the "seal of approval".
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Strand by Strand Hair Extensions
Strand by Strand So.Cap Hair Extensions
Transform a bad hair day with confidence. Strand by Strand So.Cap Hair Extensions add volume and length and are also fade resistant. With 90+ colors to work with, color matching is perfect!
The hair you have always dreamed of is absolutely possible. Strand by Strand Hair Extensions are undetectable and allow you to wear your hair up or down. Styling with strand by strand extensions is absolutely a huge time saver. The extensions hold curl longer than our own hair, which makes gorgeous curls possible with holding power!
So.Cap Hair Extensions are 100% Remy human hair (the cuticle is going in the same direction). This is very important, as typically lower grade extensions that tangle are usually not Remy and after a few weeks typically look and feel like a “hot mess”. The bond is pre-dipped in keratin (protein) which is then warm or cold fused to the hair cuticle. Unlike competitors, So.Cap has zero polymer in the bond which helps with minimal damage and long lasting extensions.
It is no surprise why the biggest stars of the entertainment industry are among its loyal users.
So.Cap extensions are not re-usable and are taken out with a professional remover solution and tool. Damage can be done during this process so it is very important that it is done by a Certified So.Cap Extensionist.
Protecting your investment is vital. Using So.Cap 4 U products is important to care for your extensions.
Transform a bad hair day with confidence. Strand by Strand So.Cap Hair Extensions add volume and length and are also fade resistant. With 90+ colors to work with, color matching is perfect!
The hair you have always dreamed of is absolutely possible. Strand by Strand Hair Extensions are undetectable and allow you to wear your hair up or down. Styling with strand by strand extensions is absolutely a huge time saver. The extensions hold curl longer than our own hair, which makes gorgeous curls possible with holding power!
So.Cap Hair Extensions are 100% Remy human hair (the cuticle is going in the same direction). This is very important, as typically lower grade extensions that tangle are usually not Remy and after a few weeks typically look and feel like a “hot mess”. The bond is pre-dipped in keratin (protein) which is then warm or cold fused to the hair cuticle. Unlike competitors, So.Cap has zero polymer in the bond which helps with minimal damage and long lasting extensions.
It is no surprise why the biggest stars of the entertainment industry are among its loyal users.
So.Cap extensions are not re-usable and are taken out with a professional remover solution and tool. Damage can be done during this process so it is very important that it is done by a Certified So.Cap Extensionist.
Protecting your investment is vital. Using So.Cap 4 U products is important to care for your extensions.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Change Your Look With Hair Extensions
Switch it up with Hair Extensions
Hair extensions can be a great change to your look and style! Using Hair Extensions will give you the makeover that you have been searching for.
The decision to get hair extensions is constantly on the rise. Hair extensions are the simple answer to all of your hair challenges. Not only do they allow us to experiment with our style, they also give us the option of adding length and volume. Simple to advanced layers, color dimension and curls are all options without doing anything to our own hair. This is the key to obtaining the best of both worlds! Get the style you want without damaging your own hair.
Since the popularity of Pixie Cuts, Rhianna/Posh Spice Inspired Elongated Bobs we have noticed an increase of those that want hair extensions. Why? Simply put, not everyone has the “face” or “hair” for the short sassy cut. That said, once the mistake has been made the best option is some form of hair extension.
Another great way to achieve highlights and color is to use fade resistant hair extensions. This is great because your own hair will not be damaged while the cuticle usually is being broken down during color processing.
For those that have thin, fine hair (like myself), hair extensions are one stop shopping. You will get the volume you wish God blessed you with and you will also be able to style your hair and have the “look” last. What a concept! If you struggle with lifeless hair then you completely know what I am saying.
If you are considering hair extensions but you’re unsure about the aftercare that is involved be sure you speak to your stylist. These types of questions should be answered fully the day of your Hair Extension Consultation. It is also suggested that you have an “aftercare sheet” to help guide you and to help protect your investment. I will say this, using products that are not created for hair extensions can cause shedding, dryness and slippage. If your Stylist is saying to use any products on the extensions then I would keep searching. Oil is the number one cause of losing extensions and 99.9% of products out there contain oil.
Styling hair extensions is typically the same as styling your hair without extensions. However, hair is dead and the heavy use of blowdryers, curling irons, flat irons etc are not suggested. Basically, if you want to protect your investment and your hair you need to back off on all the heat. I am assuming that we are talking about human hair during this article. If you have synthetic hair, you are advised to not use any form of heat as typically the hair will melt. There are a few companies on the market that have synthetic hair extensions but they usually lack in the color matching department.
The use of human hair as your hair extensions means that your extensions can be treated in exactly the same as you would treat your own hair; you are able to wash them, style them and tie them back in the same way and method that you would with your natural hair.
If you are considering hair extensions, I would highly suggest going to a professional Hair Extensionist. There are several different methods on the market and not all methods are created for everyone. It is important that you are educated as to what method is right for you. Unfortunately most Stylists are only certified with one company. There are several guidelines that should be followed while deciding which type of hair extension is right for you. Selecting the right method will help you achieve your “hair goals” and also prevent damage.
Please read more of our articles about Hair Extensions I am confident in directing you to good hair days!
Hair = Power.
For more information about hair extensions and the author of this article please visit www.mylongtresses.com or www.studio-she.com or www.hairextensions619.com
Hair extensions can be a great change to your look and style! Using Hair Extensions will give you the makeover that you have been searching for.
The decision to get hair extensions is constantly on the rise. Hair extensions are the simple answer to all of your hair challenges. Not only do they allow us to experiment with our style, they also give us the option of adding length and volume. Simple to advanced layers, color dimension and curls are all options without doing anything to our own hair. This is the key to obtaining the best of both worlds! Get the style you want without damaging your own hair.
Since the popularity of Pixie Cuts, Rhianna/Posh Spice Inspired Elongated Bobs we have noticed an increase of those that want hair extensions. Why? Simply put, not everyone has the “face” or “hair” for the short sassy cut. That said, once the mistake has been made the best option is some form of hair extension.
Another great way to achieve highlights and color is to use fade resistant hair extensions. This is great because your own hair will not be damaged while the cuticle usually is being broken down during color processing.
For those that have thin, fine hair (like myself), hair extensions are one stop shopping. You will get the volume you wish God blessed you with and you will also be able to style your hair and have the “look” last. What a concept! If you struggle with lifeless hair then you completely know what I am saying.
If you are considering hair extensions but you’re unsure about the aftercare that is involved be sure you speak to your stylist. These types of questions should be answered fully the day of your Hair Extension Consultation. It is also suggested that you have an “aftercare sheet” to help guide you and to help protect your investment. I will say this, using products that are not created for hair extensions can cause shedding, dryness and slippage. If your Stylist is saying to use any products on the extensions then I would keep searching. Oil is the number one cause of losing extensions and 99.9% of products out there contain oil.
Styling hair extensions is typically the same as styling your hair without extensions. However, hair is dead and the heavy use of blowdryers, curling irons, flat irons etc are not suggested. Basically, if you want to protect your investment and your hair you need to back off on all the heat. I am assuming that we are talking about human hair during this article. If you have synthetic hair, you are advised to not use any form of heat as typically the hair will melt. There are a few companies on the market that have synthetic hair extensions but they usually lack in the color matching department.
The use of human hair as your hair extensions means that your extensions can be treated in exactly the same as you would treat your own hair; you are able to wash them, style them and tie them back in the same way and method that you would with your natural hair.
If you are considering hair extensions, I would highly suggest going to a professional Hair Extensionist. There are several different methods on the market and not all methods are created for everyone. It is important that you are educated as to what method is right for you. Unfortunately most Stylists are only certified with one company. There are several guidelines that should be followed while deciding which type of hair extension is right for you. Selecting the right method will help you achieve your “hair goals” and also prevent damage.
Please read more of our articles about Hair Extensions I am confident in directing you to good hair days!
Hair = Power.
For more information about hair extensions and the author of this article please visit www.mylongtresses.com or www.studio-she.com or www.hairextensions619.com
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