And we are back...

While overseas, our limitations to social media and blogging were unexpected. Happy to be home and on our own soil. That said, our trip to China was eye-opening. Everyone was more than accommodating.

Our days were filled with factory tours, meetings and eccentric lunches. My diet consisted of tea and rice. I was not as open minded with eating as my associates. I made the mistake of mentioning that I wanted to have “authentic” chinese food. My own stupidity, thinking that authentic meant fried rice and Sweet & Sour Chicken. I felt like Andrew Zimmerman from Bizarre Foods; without the desire to actually eat anything in front of me.

Years I have viewed photos of so called “Factories”. I wouldn’t say it’s a “factory”, however, it’s more like a workshop employing over 150 men and women. Each piece, made by hand. An art form, in it’s own way! I have waited since 2002 for this journey. This trip was a dream come true for me. My eyes began to water as soon as I witnessed men and women working with their hands, creating something that means SO much to me.

I shared smiles with the workers. Of course, doing business in China is unlike the norm. I have spent years living in Japan and Hong Kong. I am familiar with the Asian business culture. A female business owner with 20+ years of experience doesn’t instantly receive respect. Nor did I imagine I would. I am highly educated and experienced within the Hair Extensions Industry. I know when I am being lied too. I remain humble in those thoughts, as I still appreciate the time that was given to me by each and every person. I flew 17 hours for a reason. To network, meet, create and learn. I did not come to China to be arrogant. I wanted to make sure that if I partner with a particular company, that I would be employing fairly. Fair trade is not just for large companies. It’s for a small business entrepreneur, like myself, to make sure that workers are happy and enjoying their daily grind. It’s a karmatic approach to business. I witnessed smiles, lunch breaks, laughter and great working conditions. I also am wowed by how closely men and women work. Literally inches apart. Dare I say that in America, we require so much more personal space?! With specific demands, my focus is stronger than ever. I have created a career for myself, with raw materials. The material just happens to come from a human. And the story of women surrendering their hair to “God” and it making it to my salon is something that I cherish. The journey from point a-z of hair extensions is unique. The amount of labour that goes into each and every piece is mind blowing. Consider the initial source and all the steps it takes to produce quality hair extensions…it makes complete sense why hair extensions are a luxury item. To have the best raw material, the source is first considered. Followed by how many hands actually work and process the hair. It would be fair to say that each extension goes through 10+ pairs of hands before it arrives to the salon! Even the beginning stages of storage to assure it is remy is a vital process that takes time. With that, I have a whole new UBER sense of respect for a industry that I am already in love with.

Remy Hair Extensions and Shingles on a Roof...

We've all seen and heard about Remy hair by now. For hair extension veterans, it would seem as if this name just appeared from nowhere. Hence the name "Remy" is one of the most confusing titles among human hair consumers. The hair extensions industry exploded with one word..."REMY". Remy is sometimes spelled remy OR remi.

Remy. no dictionary results. dictionary.com Remy. Remy is a name of French origin, and is associated with the Latin name Remi. Wilkepedia. Non Remy is what you see on temple floors. The hair has been cut off the head and is collected lose. This typically is the less expensive hair you may find in plastic bags being sold at low end beauty supply stores. Non remi hair is most commonly available. To eliminate these tangles, they remove the cuticles through an acid bath process. However, acid bath processes are extremely damaging since it melts the cuticles of the hair, making it more prone to breakage and dryness. The hair also have lost its shine. Non-remy hair is satisfying at first sight. But after only 3-4 washes, the dry and matted texture of the hair comes out. It will have a rubbery texture, and gets drier with every wash. Non-remy hair is the source of numerous complaints for human hair extensions. In the long run, you will end up shortchanging yourself. Non-remy hair is like shingles on a roof! They all should be going in the same direction. IF NOT, friction happens and the hair swells.

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".