CONSIDERATIONS

Always do your research! Unfortunately the hair extension industry is generally unregulated. It doesn't have the same training considerations and standards as general cutting and colour. Don't be afraid to ask to see certificates and qualifications - it's an expensive mistake if you don't! Also be mindful that some extensionists are not even qualified hairdressers. Whilst there are some 'dodgy' stylists out there, there are also some exceptionally talented stylists as well. Just be careful!

Before you go ahead with any application, make sure you have a thorough consultation. Remember all costs should be tailored to your needs.

Try to have realistic expectations!

To communicate effectively with your stylist, I would recommend taking a picture a long with you.

It is also good to bear in mind that:

- You may need to cut your hair prior to the extensions, to allow them to blend more naturally.

- The extensions may take some getting used to, in terms of the extra weight and length.

- Some bonds may fail! (More than 10-14 in the first month is NOT ACCEPTABLE!) This is often not a reflection of the application, but a mere   consequence of weight distribution. You will always have one side of your hair which is naturally thicker than the other. You may simply lose a few bonds as a reflection of adjustment.

- You may need to improve the condition of your hair before you are suitable for extensions.

NOT EVERYONE IS SUITABLE FOR EXTENSIONS.

- You will need to use the recommended range of aftercare, and follow ALL the provided advice.

- You hair will now require more TLC. It is not so much that extensions are more difficult to look after, but that they will require more of your time. If you imagine you now have more hair -   that is at least twice as thick and considerably longer. It will obviously take longer to dry!

FAQ'S

DO HAIR EXTENSIONS DAMAGE YOUR HAIR?

As mentioned earlier, they will only damage you hair if the application is poor (potentially due to inexperience or bad training) or if you fail to follow the recommended aftercare.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN REAL AND SYNTHETIC HAIR?

Real hair is 100% natural. Synthetic hair is essentially plastic.   Synthetic hair   was created to allow for more vibrant tones of colour and easy attachment (you melt it to seal the bonds). Technology has allowed for better application techniques and for better quality products. Why settle for plastic, when you can have the real thing? If requested I can offer you a synthetic alternative however, I personally do not encourage it as it has blow drying and straightening implications (it can melt).

WHERE DOES REAL HAIR COME FROM?

The truth is most hair comes from real people. There is a story that stipulates it is harvested from dead people - this is not true. It only comes from willing sources. Most hair is sourced form Asia (even so called 'european' hair - European is simply a term to denote the hair is cuticle intact. This means that hair has undergone very little processing) ALL HAIR COMES FROM ETHICAL SOURCES.

HOW LONG CAN I KEEP THEM IN FOR?

That will depend entirely on the method. Clip-in extensions are normally worn for a day, then you reapply them whenever you want to wear them. Temporary weft extensions will last up to 2 weeks. The more permanent methods will last 3-4 months. That said, permanent extensions do not simply fall our after this time, they grow down with your hair. After 3-4 months they become attached to approximately a 1/3 less of your own hair (due to natural shedding). As a result they need to be removed by TRAINED PROFESSIONALS, and if desired re applied.

CAN I RE-USE THE HAIR?

Provided the condition of the hair is still acceptable, you can re-use the hair. The only exception is the Prebonded. Whilst you can reuse the Prebonded hair with the traditional fusion system, it is not possible to create new prebonded extensions from old ones -successfully.

The European hair I use is the finest quality, which is reflected in my pricing structure. It is prepared to the highest standard, and MOST  clients are able to re use it. This enables your cost to be reduced for the next application. Think of your hair extensions as an investment!

CAN I CUT THE EXTENSIONS INTO ANY STYLE?

It is safe to say that I could cut them into any 'realistic' style, but I wouldn't suggest cutting them yourself! Provided you have an application that allows for natural hair mobility, it is more than likely you can then cut the extensions into a majority of styles. It is always best to analyse this process in the consultation.

WILL THEY LOOK NATURAL?

I always guarantee a natural looking result!

CAN I GO SWIMMING? CAN I GO ON HOLIDAYS?

Yes you can. However, you need to remember  that you have extensions which are human hair. Human hair - extended or not - will dry out   with excessive sun exposure. You need to be mindful of all the aftercare considerations at all times. With direct reference to swimming, it is definitely possible however you need to make sure you cleanse and dry it off thoroughly - and that your bonds are kept dry as much as possible. If you ever have any concerns, contact me directly.

IS IT TRUE YOU CAN'T USE SUNBEDS?

Not necessarily. To be honest, the threat of skin cancer should be enough to deter you from sun beds. Sunbeds essentially make you sweat.   Through sweating you can develop an unnatural amount of natural oil on your scalp. Should you not cleanse this thoroughly, it can soften the bonds over time. The other concern is that excessive exposure to UV can dry your hair out - not just extensions, but all hair in general. As long as you take the necessary precautions, it should all be ok!.

CAN I USE STRAIGHTENING IRONS AND CURLING TONGS?

You most certainly can! As it is 100% natural hair you can treat it just as you would your own.

CAN I WASH MY HAIR? CAN I BRUSH IT?

It is essential that you both wash and brush your hair. Essential maintenance requires you to ensure it doesn't get tangled and is kept clean.

ARE THEY HARD TO LOOK AFTER?

To be completely honest, they are not more difficult to look after. It just requires more time. Instead of taking 20 mins to dry, you are looking at a minimum of 45 mins depending on how long and how thick your final result is.

WHAT IF I DON'T LIKE THEM?

It is crucial that we test out your suitability to extensions in the consultastion. If you have any doubt I recommend that you try out the temporary ones first. That way you can at least visualise the final result. All methods are reversible without damage.

CAN I COLOUR MY HAIR?

You can easily touch up your regrowth, whilst you have extensions in. As the extension hair itself comes in a variety of tones and shades, there is no need to colour it. I do not recommend colouring extensions, just as I would not recommend trying to colour your hair yourself at home! What it takes to colour the extensions is going to require a different forumla, as to what it takes to colour your own hair!