All about extensions!

Everyone meet Fran! She is one of our extension specialists in salon.. Earlier on this year she got asked to do a feature on extensions for Pro-Hair Magazine all about the possibilities of getting that longer length! It was earlier in March so we thought we would share her question and answer session for you to enjoy.

What types of extensions are available for clients to try in salon and which are available for home / non-professional use?

We are currently exploring all brands and types of extensions to really offer the best service and advice for our clients. As a great length certified salon we use them most in our salon and love them!   

- What sort of technology is available today? Which problems are catered for (thin hair can become thicker etc) and how many different shades are available?

The hair extension game is so vast and endless nowadays from bonds to tape-ins, to microlinks to a weave! The benefits really are versatile and you can always find something that will help you with what you're looking for. In salon we cater to a lot of people who want length and fullness. Bonds and tapes are a great way to strengthen up the front of your hair or any weak areas like the base line of your hair, we are seeing an increasing demand for these and we are ready to supply!  

- Which have proven to be the most popular with clients? 

U-tip hair extensions are by far the most demanded in salon as a some of our stylists and technicians have them in their own hair. The versatility of bond extensions are incredible because you can have a full head or apply them where you want length or fullness like the sides. 

- What are the main reasons for clients to want to try hair extensions?

Curiosity is a big factor to why our clients delve into the world of extensions. People have hair dreams and goals and with hair extensions those goals become reality. It's no secret that woman love to play with their hair and try different things or they are unhappy with their hair and want a change. As hairdressers are goal is make someone look and feel amazing and extension can do just that!  

- What are the main problems of using extensions that clients discuss with you? 

The main issue clients have with their hair extensions are the thought of them not looking natural. A big part of getting hair extensions is having them cut in afterwards, this ensures that the hair is blended with your natural hair and  matches the texture and finish you desire.

- Do you recommend different types of extensions for different clients? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each type?

We only really offer Bond extensions to our clients as we are experienced in them enough to deliver a perfect service and result. we are exploring other extension techniques to provide a wider range. We recently looked at tape extensionsfrom Kapello hair and they seem very good for a cheaper alternative to Bond extensions so they may be gracing our salon soon!

- Can you colour each type?

it's very important that the extensions your get are 100% human hair, we would never offer a synthetic hair extensionas the quality is just lacking. The best thing about human hair is that it that these are completely colourable.  A consideration has to taken into account for the colour of the bond/tape, they will not colour so slight colour changes are best recommended. You should always contact your provider as some brands do not recommend to change the colour of their extensions and some will offer guidance on assisting you to achieve what you are trying to do. 

- What is the cost of maintenance?

A good set of extensions will grow out in time and not need to much maintenance, a good brush to stop them from tangling, a good oil to keep them silky and some love and attention will mostly do it. The best way to treat your extensions is look after them like you would your hair. Be more cautious near the root of your own hair as catching them is not healthy for your natural hair.   

- Approximately how many clients choose to keep their extensions for as long as the hair is healthy? (this question is a bit warped haha)

There's a running joke with one of our clients that once you experience hair extensions it is so hard to not get them again! They are a game changer for people with thin hair or broken hair because you can add thickness and length! We have a very high percentage of clients who will always have extensions

-How often does hair need to be maintained? How do you encourage clients to keep up with this?

A great set of hair extensions can last anywhere to 2-4 months before they really have grown out. It's completely dependant on how fast your clients hair grows which will be the defining factor. Most client will come back if their hair has shed or their extensions have grown out too far. Most brands have rebounding techniques so you can reapply a fresh bond to the hair or replace a tape which really proves that quality hair can be re-used. (nothing beats a fresh set of new hair though, it feels amazing)

- What training is available for applying extensions? 

The best way to go about training your technicians the way of the weave is to contact the brand you're looking to use. They will most likely offer a training service and make the trainee certified to use their product. 

 

- How do you recommend selling extensions to clients?

A consultation is not just before your clients get their hair shampoo'd! Many stylists forget that when someone comes to see you, they want to talk about their hair, if they're growing their hair long or suffer from having thin hair, throughout their service you have the opportunity to educate your clients on the benefits of them. This is the best way to recommend extensions because the cost and lifestyle of having hair extensions may not be for them. 

Fran has some extensions booked in in the next few days just in time for Christmas so keep your eyes peeled for them in the next few days on Instagram and on this very blog! If you're looking to have some hair extensions yourself come see us in salon for a consultation.. To book this give us a call on 01603 761176