Monday, October 24, 2011

Cinderella Hair Extensions Training

I made it to Birmingham today, 10/24/11 to spend the night and get up bright & early for the Cinderella Hair Extensions Training & Certification Class.  I have had SO MANY clients ask me about Hair Extensions over the past 6 months to a year that I decided it was time to get serious about doing some research into hair extensions.  I've looked at the time, expense, material involved in numerous name brands and companies.  I've looked at the hair, felt of it, seen some people who have had the hair extensions put in and asked what type or where they had it done and I actually CALLED a few salons to find out what type of hair extensions they used.  Most times because they looked poor quality after being worn for months and I don't want MY CLIENTS looking like that.  After a year long search, reading, researching and attending numerous hair shows along with hearing sales pitches & watching video's, I have decided to use Cinderella Hair.
Why Cinderella Hair company?  They have been in business since 1994.  WAY before the new hair extension craze come about.  So, these "Johnny come lately" companies aren't as established as Cinderella hair and I'm afraid they may not be in business later down the road when I need a rep for assistance.  Cinderella Hair also only sells to licensed cosmetologists who establish an account in a salon AND that have attended their training.  So you can't find this hair on E-Bay or in Sally's and have a "Kitchen Cosmetologist" put in your hair from her house.  If the stylists don't meet their certification requirements they aren't allowed to buy or use Cinderella Hair or their tools.  They have standards!  I have standards and I love this about their company.  
They offer only 100% Remy hair.  That means the hair cuticle is facing in the same direction which prevents tangling and matting. Remy hair allows the blending with your own hair to give the appearance of natural, healthy looking hair.
They also use an organic bonded tip in one method of application which allows for damage free application and removal of the hair extensions.  In the tape method, they use a keratin bond tape and it's damage free.  If you are already a client of mine, then you know how important this is to me in a product.  You fully understand how I rave about the Keratin relaxers and the keratin shampoo's.  This is a damage free tape that will stay in the hair for 4-6 months!!  AND they are RE-USABLE!!!  We can take them out and use them again.  You can get 2 or 3 uses out of the hair IF it's taken care of.
The color possibilities are endless with this company.  If you want highlights, but don't want to damage your hair, this is the way to go!  Want a funky hot pink streak??  This is the hair to do it! Blue?  Got it too.  Dark underneath and light on top?  We can do that too.  
I am so excited to get started in the morning.  Can't wait to see all the ways to use this hair and finally do a whole head of extensions on a mannequin and create a style.  In honor of my niece who went with me to the Birmingham hair show, and wants her beautiful long hair even longer for her Senior prom (and has pushed me to do extensions) I will name my mannequin for the Cinderella Hair Extensions Class "Shelby #2".

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Finding the right stylist!

Wow!  I remember ALWAYS being in search for that "right" stylist!  Even when I found one I really liked, I always seemed to see a friends hair and say "I wish my stylist could do that to my hair!"  Here are some helpful tips.


1.  If you are impatient and wait til the last minute, then you more than likely won't get in with a more experienced stylist unless you just LUCK UP and they have a cancellation.  So BE CAREFUL about waiting to the last minute and being impatient.  If you just "HAVE to have your hair cut THAT DAY", then you will get what you pay for!  Most stylists that have experience do have a steady stream of loyal customers who don't want to miss out on their time and cherish their stylist and they are willing to wait a day or two or sometimes even a week to get in with their stylist!!  Book ahead for your cut or color.

2.  If you go to a new place, look for the State Board Inspection & Citation Report.  (My Score has never been less than a 100)  It is REQUIRED to be displayed for the public to see.  If it's not visible, ask to see it.  You can see what state board has found the salon in violation for.  (ex. contamination, disinfection problems, etc.)


3.  Look to see if the stylist is licensed or student.  If they are a student then there has to be a managing Cosmetologist on duty.  Ask how much experience the student has.  Some people don't feel comfortable with a student cutting their hair.  Some are fine with it.  But the public has a right to know.


4.  Once you get to the chair, make sure the stylist ask questions that make you feel comfortable.  "Are we changing styles today?"  "Do you want me to trim and how much?"  Make sure the stylist shows you how much before they make the initial cut if it's a new stylist just to put you at ease.  If you are changing styles they need to ask "How much time do you spend on your hair?"  and questions about styling products and tools, etc.  If they don't ask these types of questions then there is a break down in a communication and you will more than likely be dissatisfied with your style.


5.  Ask your stylist questions!  If the stylist isn't aware you aren't understanding what he/she is talking about then they may just go on to the next step in the process and you may not be happy with the service.  Or maybe it's still that break down in communication, stop the stylist and ask what you are concerned about.


6.  Find out about the products or chemicals BEFORE the stylist puts them on your hair.  Don't wait until after the process.  If you are concerned about damage, please bring those concerns up first and allow the stylist to address them.  If the stylist can't tell you about the ingredients or color or product he/she is about to use then stop the process from going any further.  Find another stylist to perform the color or chemical process.  You want to be sure your hair is kept safe!!


7.  Just because a stylist is expensive doesn't necessarily mean they are the best!!  You may just be paying for atmosphere.  Keep that in mind.  Stylist who aren't in a Franchise can set their own price.  Just because a stylist is affordable doesn't mean they aren't skilled.  Maybe they are catering to all levels of society.  

8.  If you have a special event coming up, pre-book.  You won't be the only girl going to that homecoming dance, prom or pageant; so get the jump!!  Be the smart one and book way in advance and your stylist will appreciate it.  You two can communicate about what works with your face shape, hair texture, and dress.  It allows time for maybe a practice session or two.  You BOTH will benefit.  It's worth it!!  Pre-booking alleviates stress on you and the stylist.


Ask around about stylists.  Ask your friends about who does their hair.  If you do find a good hair stylist, keep a good line of communication with her and encourage him/her to stay up to date on the latest trends.  Alot of times stylists get burned out and that's when you see the stylist stop learning the new styles.  Sad, but true.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Ombre Highlights

It looks like the ombre hair color trend might actually be here to stay...at least for a little while longer. That’s great news if you color your hair, since the upkeep is less frequent than traditional highlights (and, hence, easier on the pocketbook). Just don’t expect to see drastic two-toned shades this upcoming Fall 2011 season. Instead, opt for color that looks more natural and gradually changes tone, says Jose Eber Salon Senior Hairstylist and Colorist Karen Smith. Here, she shares tips if you're thinking of trying ombre hair color.


Find your inner surfer girl: For a natural ombre effect that feels more surfer girl, than a rock star, Smith recommends only going about 3-4 shades lighter at the ends of your hair. Also, adding a few light streaks of balayage (hand-painted highlights) from roots to ends will make your hair look more sun-kissed and keep the color flowing through your strands. “You just want it to start very natural at the roots and get heavier towards the bottom,” she says.


Maintenance is minimal, but it still exists: “You only need to [touch it up] a couple of times a year because you don’t get roots,” says Smith. But you should switch up your hair care to keep your strands looking healthy and the color vibrant. “I would definitely use a much more nourishing shampoo and conditioner on it because you are lightening the hair." Her favorite pick? “Phyto shampoo and conditioner always work," she says. "They’re really good and nourishing.”


Don't let bleach scare you: If you love ombre hair color, but you’re afraid the bleach might damage your hair, Smith says not to worry. “As long as there’s an experienced person bleaching it and they’re paying attention as it’s being done, the hair will not be destroyed,” she says.


Research is the key: Since ombre hair color is a newer technique, Smith recommends finding the right hair colorist. “Make sure they have done it before,” she says. “Show them a picture of what you like and make sure they’re on the same page with you. They have to be creative and have an eye for it.” Celebrities with ombre hair color she likes: Sarah Jessica Parker and Jessica Biel.


Second time's a charm: Now that you’re ready to get your ombre hair on, there’s one more tip. Remember that your hair color might not turn out the way you want it the first time, so don’t be afraid to go back to your colorist and explain the issue so he or she can fix it and get the color just right. Usually, you won't be charged for a color correction.