Hot fusion vs. MicroRing extensions

Hot fusion vs. MicroRing Extensions

For hot fusion extensions we buy bundles of loose hair, blend colours as we go and use a hot gun to put a blob of bonding material on the end.  We take this hot bond a little away from the root area of your hair then roll the hot bond to a narrow bead shape.  When the bond is cool, the extension is firmly attached.

Advantages:

• It's easy to get a perfect colour blend as different extension hair is blended strand by strand.
• Your stylist can adjust the size of each strand and bond according to where on the head it is placed and the thickness of your own hair.
• The bond is a smooth, thin bead shape without sharp edges or corners.

Disadvantages:

• This is the most time-consuming method of applying extensions
• It is difficult to re-use hair, so every application is the same cost again
• It is usually the most expensive method of extending hair

For MicroRing extensions we buy hair which has been pre-bonded with a keratin bond (or stick-tip).  The extensions are available in different strand weights, usually 0.6g - 1.0g each.  Your hair is pulled through a silicon-lined metal ring, the stick-tip slipped through and the ring is squeezed closed.

Advantages:

• This method is quicker to apply
• There are more suppliers of pre-bonded hair keeping costs lower
• If hair is good quality and looked after well it can be reused, making the second application cheaper
• Tends to be cheaper than hot fusion

Disadvantages:

• Pre-bonded hair can make colour match less convincing
• Bonds tends to be larger and can be more visible on some areas of the head or on very fine hair
• Rings can feel bulkier
• Hair comes in few lengths - there's a lot of waste if you want shorter extensions

As you can see, there are advantages and disadvantages to both methods.  One really isn't better than the other.  Your budget will probably dictate your choice but you should try to choose what will give the best result for your hair type and requirements.  Your extension technician will help you choose.

Phil xxx

phil@bravohair.com

Bravo Hairdressing, 57 Cheap Street, Newbury, Berks.  RG14 5DH (01635) 552323

5 ways to get a TERRIBLE set of extensions

5 ways to get a TERRIBLE set of extensions

Hair extensions are big business.  They're a great way of adding length and thickness and give a beautiful, glamorous look.  At least that's the theory.  I make a good living here in Newbury from rescuing a horrible set of extensions.  Sometimes it's a stylist being sloppy, sometimes a client.  Here are 5 ways you can stop yours being the next set I fix!

1.  Colour match
I've seen it so many times.  The shade ring comes out, the client gets a slightly glazed look and starts stroking beautiful rich chestnuts or shiny ash blondes.  Two rules here: match the colour at the ends, not the root and most importantly: match the colour it IS, not what you wish it WAS!

2.  Length
It's tempting when you're paying hundreds of pounds for extensions to pay the extra few pounds for the longest hair possible (usually 20" or 22").  Remember though: the longer you go the harder the extensions will be to blend, they will need more aftercare and maintenance and they may place more strain on your hair and scalp.  I recommend a maximum length of 14" - 18" for beginners.

3.  Aftercare
You know that long list of instructions?  And the piece of paper you signed to say you'd follow them?  It's not just your hairdresser covering themselves, it really is the tried and tested way of keeping your extensions looking their very best for as long as possible.  Ignore aftercare and your extensions will look like a bad wig very quickly.

4.  Maintenance
Your stylist will make it clear as part of the initial consultation how often they expect to see you for maintenance.  Don't scrimp: good maintenance gives your stylist the chance to correct any problems and extends the lifespan of your new extensions.

5.  When they're done, they're done!
Your stylist will give you a lifespan for a set of extensions (usually 2-6 months depending on application method and hair quality).  Good maintenance and aftercare will help but by the end of this lifespan they extensions may have started to shed, you'll have dropped bonds and they may start to look tired.  If you haven't followed your maintenance schedule they'll also be stringy, tangled and too far from the scalp.  Take 'em out but please don't try to remove them yourself.

Phil xxx

phil@bravohair.com
Bravo Hairdressing, Newbury, Berkshire

5 Hair Resolutions you won't want to break!

5 Hair Resolutions for 2014

Be kind to yourself.  We're too hard, too critical, too quick to judge ourselves harshly.  Do your best and look for resolutions you can actually enjoy keeping!  Here are my suggestions.

1. I will visit my salon regularly.  "Regularly" doesn't have to mean every four weeks, but a little maintenance on a regular basis saves time, reduces bad hair days and can save you money too.  If you don't believe me compare the "regrowth" price on your salon's price card to the "colour correction" one!
2. I will pay for the best I can and expect the best in return.  Your hair is the part of your outfit you can't take off.  You know good shoes make all the difference: great stylists do too.  That said, don't put up with second-rate service if you're paying first-rate prices.  You deserve better!
3. I will buy a few good quality products and use them.  One of the reasons your hair doesn't look as good as it did in the salon mirror could be the shelf full of crusty mousse and 3-for-2 hairspray you're using.  Detox in January and bin the lot (trust me, you'll only feel bad for a day) then buy one or two good quality styling products and use them as directed.  It will make all the difference.
4. I will see my hair with a fresh pair of eyes.  New Year is a great time to review.  What do you want your hair to say about you?  What is it saying right now?  If the two aren't the same start moving towards your goal.
5. I will make a plan and stick to it.  Set your hair goals, work back from big events and holidays, make your appointments and stick to them.  I'll bet that leads to less stress and less frantic phone calls two days before that family wedding where you simply CAN'T have 2" roots.

That's got to be easier than dropping 20 pounds and living off lettuce hasn't it?

Phil xxx

phil@bravohair.com
Bravo Hairdressing, 57 Cheap Street, Newbury, Berks.  RG14 5DH (01635) 552323

Why hairdressers LOVE ravers!

Why hairdressers LOVE ravers!

The very best stylists from the most magnificent salons with the very highest levels of customer care STILL lose clients.  As a rough estimate I'd say between 3% and 10% of clients disappear from a stylist's appointment page each year despite being delighted with the salon and service.  That hits any stylist working on commission HARD.

The reasons are diverse: clients relocating, reconciling a drop in income or even unfortunately dying, or a stylist's change in working hours or promotion to a new grade.

Whatever the reason the biggest favour you can ever do a stylist is to RAVE about them!

This isn't such a big ask any more: check in on Facebook when you're in the salon, or send a tweet or pic of your new 'do.  It shows the world that your stylist is fab (and if they're not why are you still with them?) and it makes a real difference to how busy a stylist is.  What's more they feel good about their work too.

Some salons also offer a more structured recommend-a-friend scheme which can earn you money off or free products and services.  In my experience, few clients do this well but those that do tend to do an awesome job at it.  I even have two lucky clients who rarely pay for any services in my salon!

So ...

IF YOU'RE HAPPY AND YOU KNOW IT

TELL YOUR FRIENDS!

Phil xxx

phil@bravohair.com
Bravo Hairdressing, 57 Cheap Street, Newbury, Berks.  RG14 5DH (01635) 552323

6 ways you can get FREE hairdressing from the most expensive salons

There aren't many salons that don't give away some free services occasionally.  With a little flexibility you can enjoy the very best hairdressing at no cost at all!

1. Make a deal
Don't be afraid to ask - I have a very good, long term hair extension client who NEVER pays for her hair. How? She paid for her first set some four years ago before a wedding where she was bridesmaid.  She loved them and came back a month later with a proposition.  She said:

"Phil, I love my new extensions and my hair looks great but I can't afford your prices on a regular basis.  My friends love them too and I have four who are serious about having them."

Now every time she wants a new set of extensions (about twice a year), she brings me four new extension clients.  She works in a busy department store and always has my card in her purse.
PROS: I LOVE a win-win!
CONS: I can't think of any!! Make sure you're asking an owner/manager.

2. Model cuts
Everyone has to learn and young, eager stylists often offer free or very cheap haircuts to built their portfolio and level of experience.  Salons closely supervise their students to prevent disasters!

PROS: Cheap/free, regular training means a continual need for models
CONS: May be set training times, can be a very long appointment, you need to be flexible

3. Recommend a friend
Lots of salons offer some kind of recommend-a-friend scheme.  It's a great way of rewarding loyalty and building a stylist's clientele and Facebook fiends should find this really easy! Our scheme lets you earn up to £135 a year in free services but schemes vary a lot from salon to salon.

PROS: You still choose your stylist and appointment slot
CONS: Usually only works when you introduce new clients to the salon

4. Demos and client evenings
The best salons are continually communicating with their clients about products and services.  Offering your head for a client evening or demo is a great way of getting even very expensive services for free.

PROS: Even high-ticket services like hair extensions can be offered
CONS: Not a regular need for models, you may need to give up an evening

5. New service models
When a salon takes on a brand new service they often hold in-salon training to familiarise the team with the process before carrying it out on a paying client.

PROS: Reliable models are called on again and again, can be very high-ticket services
CONS: Not a regular need for models, services can take a long time

6. Giveaways and competitions
Checking your salon's Facebook page regularly, following on Twitter and signing up for newsletters will give you a head start when giveaways happen.  Also check your local paper.

PROS: Usually free to enter, you can choose which to enter and which don't interest you
CONS: You need to be quick - giveaways are always popular, you will probably end up on the salon mailing list

Phil x

5 tips for going blonde this summer

Every year we get a mini-flood of customers who want lighter hair for the summer. This year is no exception: in fact the hotter weather has made our customers more sociable and even more eager to lighten!  Here are 5 tips for those thinking of going blonde this year.

1. Plan ahead

How much commitment do you want? Is this a "just for the summer" lightening or a long term affair? Look at ultra-trendy ombré and balayage techniques if upkeep might be an issue. 

2. Condition, condition, condition

Beach blondes rock, knackered or salt-frazzled locks do not. Condition before you lighten to get hair in its best shape possible, the condition after every wash to maintain moisture and shine levels.

3. Change you routine

Lightened hair needs extra care - you may need to change your shampoo, conditioner or both. 

4. Use protection

Protect lightened hair from UV with a good leave-in conditioner or styling product and protect from heat damage during styling. Frizzy blonde is ALWAYS awful!

5. Choose your tone

Very dark hair will look better with caramel and toffee blondes. Lighter hair can take ash, light beige and white blondes. Check against your skin tone too - very tanned against very ash blonde can look trashy.

Enjoy the sunshine and yes, blondes really DO have more fun!

Phil xxx

Rinsing your hair in cold water WON'T make it shiny!

First, a bit of science.

The outer layer of the hair is called the cuticle - rows of little tiles that open and close. Things that make them open include heat and alkaline products (perm lotion, hair colour, bleach etc.)  Things that close the cuticle are cold and acid products (vinegar, lemon juice, pH balanced conditioners etc.)

So why won't cold water make your hair shiny? Well, it's true that the cuticle will close with cold water - but then what? Unless you're an otter, your hair is going to need drying at some stage. Either you're going to rough up the cuticle with a towel, or your going to apply heat in the form of a hairdryer, or both!

So how do you get hair to shine?

1. Products. There are a ton of shine products for all hair types.

2. Condition. Parched hair is prone to frizz, flyaways and will never look glossy.

3. Colour. Artificial colours, especially semi- or demi-permanents bring bags of shine. That said, you'll struggle more with shine on lighter shades and blonde due to the way colour pigment lies in the hair.

4. No colour! Ask your stylist about a clear glossing service. It's literally a clear shiny coating for the hair.

Be kind to your hair, and enjoy warm water!

Phil xxx

phil@bravohair.com

Bravo Hairdressing, Newbury, Berkshire

(01635) 552323