Since last November 2018 I have dove deep into educating myself about Hair Extensions!
I’ve fallen in love with the feeling I can give my guests by changing their overall look.
Because of this new found passion I have naturally transitioned over 75% of my guests into Extensions and Color together, specifically the experience of Natural Beaded Rows (NBR).
A huge majority of my first time guests have NEVER worn permanent hair extensions before.
This is due to mainly hearing experiences of friends and/or horror stories read on the internet about most extensions methods.
Then after more extensive research they usually stumble across NBR because if it’s reputation for offering a lot of positive benefits including:
•least damaging method
•painless installation and removal
•most natural-looking and invisible results
If hair extensions are taken care of properly they will be easily manageable and you can often extend the life of the hair you are wearing.
Whenever we have a new NBR client visit us we make sure to teach that guest the best ways to take care of their new investment.
You will always leave your first appointment having a full knowledge of wash and care products, styling tips, and the best tools to use.
Because the majority of my clients are now wearing extensions I feel that it’s important to echo this information and share some helpful hints I’m currently doing!
WASHING
Washing your new extensions can be intimidating because you are now wearing more hair than usual. But this can be a positive experience if it is worked into your schedule with a good ritual.
How often should you wash your hair with NBR?
We recommend it’s best to wash your hair 1-3x per week. After getting NBR most clients have found that it’s not necessary to wash their hair every day any longer because the extensions can hold your style and curls for multiple days.
Is it best to wait as long as possible to wash my extensions?
Not necessarily. Washing can take time but waiting too long in between shampoos can lead to product buildup and could result in dry, tangled hair.
Can I touch my scalp when I wash NBR?
YES! The best part of washing NBR is that as it grows out your rows will become flexible and moveable. You will actually be able to stick your fingers in between your wefts and scrub your scalp.
Lazy washing can lead to buildup and irritation on the scalp so it’s importation to properly shampoo.
What shampoo should I be using?
The general rule for hair extensions across the board is to always use a sulfate free shampoo.
Choosing a shampoo that free of “per sulfates” will reduce the amount of buildup on the hair as well.
When choosing the right shampoo it’s safe to stay with “professional only” products purchased from your salon or stylist.
ISLES FORMULA
Iles (pronounce like “aisles”) was founded by celebrity stylist Wendy Iles out of Southern California.
It’s suitable for all hair types and textures and offers shine and bounce to the hair without leaving buildup or residue.
You can purchase Iles shampoo, conditioner, and serum in our salon separately each for $35 each, or in a bundle together for $105.
We have found that this formula has done wonders for our clients and their extensions!
For more hydration is times like summer, or if you have blonde hair, we recommend the Iles mask to use once a week for 5 minutes.
BLOWDRYING
Whether you are getting a blowout or doing it yourself at home it’s important to blow dry the correct way to extend the life of your extensions.
Before you round brush you must rough dry your hair at least 90% dry.
This will help your rows stay secure and avoid any necessary pulling.
This client was at 4 weeks from her last tightening and came in for a blowout. I always like to start with the bottom row and move my way up as I go to keep it organized and clean.
STYLING
Brushing your hair is an essential and vital part to maintaining your hair extensions.
I always help my “lazy brusher” clients develop a habit to brush their hair 3x per day. Once in the morning, during the day, before bed, and always before a shower!
Most hair extensions methods discourage brushing at the scalp because it can disrupt with bond or glue.
With the NBR method we require you to brush ALL THE WAY up to the scalp to avoid any matting or tangles.
Being able to brush all the way up helps your experience with hair extensions feel more like your real hair as well!
My most recommended brush for extensions is pictured above made by IBIZA.
The reason I love this brush is because of the metal bristles which is good alternative that helps get into deep tangles without pulling on the hair.
The brush is handmade out of wood and we all use them in the salon because they are so durable. We like to call it a “lifetime” brush!
We retail this brush at the salon for $60 each.
CURLING
Long hair and waves is the perfect way to rock any occasion whether it’s big or small.
Waving your hair can be challenging once you have longer lengths so we’ve found an iron that makes things a little easier.
The Bioionic Long Barrel styler was made extra long to avoid getting long lengths stuck in the iron.
The spring is also super flexible and easy to maneuver for even the most beginner curlers!
We like to use the 1 1/4” size most at the salon!
My favorite feature is the double tap button that locks all the buttons and heat setting into place so when you are holding the wand you never accidentally turn the iron on/off or the heat up/down.
You can purchase the iron at the salon or buy it beforehand and bring it to your appointment we can teach you how to use it!
This iron retails for $160.
SLEEPING
Before going to bed it’s super important to brush and wear it in a proper style to avoid tangles and damage.
It’s best to wear your hair in a loose, dry, side-pony or 2 braids.
We don’t recommend going to bed with it wet, as it can cause tangles on any type of hair extensions.
My favorite way to wear my extensions is in 2 twist braids.
I can achieve a heatless wave when I air dry my hair all the way and then do these twists.
I also like to do a looser version of these twists when I’ve curled my hair with an iron and I want it to last for a few days without touching it up.
Then the next morning I only have to touch up a few curls before heading out the door.
This is me teaching my cute guest how to do twists on herself!
You can view my twists tutorial on my IGTV here!
I am currently offering NBR and Color at Alen M Salon located in West Hollywood, CA.
If you would like to know why the majority of my clients have switched to NBR click here.
If you are ready to see if you are a good fit for NBR fill out my quick form here.
To see another blog post about the craziest transformations I’ve done click here.