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

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