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

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Nobody wants to feel like their stuck in a hair rut, so to help you follow the trend for lighter, brighter Summer hair we're giving away a FREE full-size KMS Blonde Shampoo to everyone who adds blonde to their 'do throughout June.

Full head tint, foils or a few slices through the fringe can give a real lift - ask your Bravo stylist for suggestions.

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5 Steps to Shiny Hair

I've come to the conclusion that there is no good time of year for hair in Britain. The weather is either cold and wet, warm and wet or warm and humid - not exactly conducive to glossy, groomed locks.

It's almost impossible to eliminate all frizz from hair all the time, but these tips should help your lok your best:

1. Get off to a good start. A conditioning treatment will get your tresses looking glossy – time it with your cut to get rid of dry ends
2. Moisture = Shine. Make sure your shampoo is moisturising and condition EVERY time
3. Always dry your hair pointing the dryer from root to tip – this keeps the cuticle (outermost layer) of the hair closed to reflect light
4. High hold products don't tend to have much shine. Swap hair spray for a shine mist or serum for a glassy finish
5. Straight hair shines more: consider Kerastraight straightening for shiny hair every day, or use GHD straighteners sparingly to tame the frizzies.

Phil x