Ultimate Guide: Mastering Hair Washing with Extensions for Gorgeous and Healthy Hair

We talk a lot about hair washing and days between washes. And although hair washing can sometimes feel like a chore, it can also feel AMAZING.

Whether or not you wear hair extensions, it’s still important to wash your hair in a way that will promote hair growth. 

As a rule of thumb, we promote anywhere 3 to 7 days between washing depending on your hair type, if you have extensions, custom color, etc. Training your hair to go that long can be beneficial as long as you’re properly washing and caring for your scalp.  

We’ve compiled a list of tips to remember when hair wash day comes around. 

Kashmir Hair Washing Tips 

• Tip #1: Brush your hair BEFORE you wash it. Your hair is at its most fragile state when wet so try to brush it before you wash it so you can avoid detangling while wet. 

• Tip #2: Get that scalp. Another thing we love about the NBR method is being able to access your scalp. When you go longer between washes, be sure to lather your scalp to promote hair growth and get that scalp nice and clean. Scalp health = hair health.

• Tip #3: Double (or triple) shampoo. If you go long periods of time between washes, give your scalp one extra round of shampoo. Shampoo once, rinse partially, add more shampoo, lather and rinse completely. You want to feel the suds on your scalp. If you don’t feel the suds on your scalp, you’re not cleaning your scalp. 

• Tip #4: Mask it up. Use a hair mask in between your shampoo and conditioner. We LOVE ILes Hair Mask. Before applying the mask, squeeze out the water from your hair then work in the mask. Leave it for 10-20 minutes and then apply your conditioner. It’s important to still apply conditioner to lock in that moisture from the mask. 

• Tip #5: Section out your rows. If you wear extensions, section out your rows and wash them one by one. This will ensure your entire scalp is getting clean and all sections of hair are being properly washed. 

• Tip #6: Cold water rinse. Finish with a cold water rinse if possible. Cold water helps seal the hair cuticles, making your hair appear shinier and reduces frizz. 

• Tip #7: Towel dry gently. After washing, avoid rough towel drying as it can cause breakage. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water and pay your hair with a soft town or use a microfiber towel to absorb moisture. 

Pro Tip: No time? Do a top wash. We’re big fans of the top wash. It comes in handy when we need a quick refresh but don’t have time to dedicate to a full wash. Sometimes we just can’t plan every event around hair washing and need a quick refresh. Our version of the top wash will take you from wet to styled in less than 10 minutes! 

In this top wash tutorial, Emily wears 24” Natural Beaded Rows hair extensions and shows us how to do a Top Wash from wet to styled.

How to do a Top Wash:

• Section away all of your extension rows from your crown and secure the bottom half in a low bun.

• Shampoo and condition only the crown of your head, everything above your top row. We use Iles Formula shampoo and conditioner!

• Add product and blow out the newly washed top section. We use Serum from Iles Formula for weightless shine and heat protection.

• Re-curl top section to blend with unwashed curls.

We know hair washing days can be far and few between, so follow these tips and your hair will thank you for it. 

Text (310) 340-1053 to book your next appointment or click the link below to apply for a free consultation.

Artist Spotlight: Elia Gal's Transformation from Corporate Success to Hair Artistry Bliss

A career in hair was always in the plan for Elia. From a young age, Elia was in love with the art of hair. 

“When I was a kid my mom would take me to a hair salon in the mall. I used to flip through the big hair books (remember those?) and pick the craziest editorial look and ask the hairstylist to cut and style my hair like that.”

It didn’t stop with her own hair though. Growing up, Elia would insist on doing everyone’s hair. 

Although Elia had always known that hair was her true calling, she didn’t actively pursue it right away. Instead, she went to The University of Arizona where she received a degree in Psychology and Business. Following her graduation, Elia worked in a corporate career, for Target and then for Amazon. During this time, she made her first move to California. 

After 8 years of corporate life, Elia decided it was time to pursue her life long passion - hair. She quit her corporate job and moved back home to Arizona to start cosmetology school in 2019. 

Elia was then presented the opportunity to assist a celebrity hair stylist, Anh Co Tran. This opportunity quickly moved her to Los Angeles. After putting in a couple of years as an assistant, Elia decided to reach out to Kiki Tobar, owner of Kashmir Extensions, and shoot her shot for the open assistant role. 

Kiki was quickly impressed with Elia’s work ethic, professionalism and passion. Elia joined the Kashmir team earlier this year and started her NBR journey to become a licensed artist.

One roadblock that Elia hit early on in her career was believing in herself. Elia deeply knew her passion was rooted in the artistry of hair but didn’t pursue it because she felt she needed to use her degree and try out corporate life. What she didn’t realize was that the definition of success was different for everyone. 

“If I could tell my younger self anything, I would tell her that you will be much more successful doing something you love to do and what makes YOU happy.” 

And today, that’s exactly what Elia is doing. She is putting in her time in a job and environment that makes her happy and fulfills her passions. She’s growing and learning the art of NBR every day. 

“I just love the method and I believe in it! I couldn’t see myself doing something that I didn’t believe in. I love the transformations in the client’s appearance but even more so in their confidence!”

Elia has already learned a wealth of knowledge from the Kashmir team she gets to work with every day. 

“I’m excited to take all the skills I learn from each and every one of them and apply them to my own clients!” 

Elia is more notably known for her love of murder podcasts and ability to tell the most captivating story, making her a source of great entertainment for Kashmir clients.

Not to mention, Elia also has some of the best hair around - talk about an expensive brunette. Her natural locks, of course enhanced by Kashmir Extensions. Here are some of Elia’s tips to promote natural hair growth. 

Elia’s Tips For Promoting Hair Growth 

• Massage your scalp to increase blood flow and promote hair growth.

• Avoid over-styling your hair with heat tools and tight hairstyles that can damage and break hair.

• Get regular trims to prevent split ends that can stunt hair growth.

• Consider taking supplements like biotin, collagen, and omega-3 fatty acids that can promote hair growth.

• Manage stress through meditation, exercise, and self-care, as stress can impact hair growth.

Elia is currently open for NBR models as she continues her training. If you’re interested in being her model or know someone who is, send her a message on Instagram at @eliarenegal. 

Text (310) 340-1053 to book your next appointment or click the link below to apply for a free consultation.

Introducing Kashmir Talk - The Podcast That Will Unleash Your Mindset

🎙️ Get ready to level up your podcast game with the hottest show coming straight out of West Hollywood. 

Introducing "Kashmir Talk" - your passport to inspiring stories, hilarious banter, and captivating interviews. 🎧✨

Join our talented host, Kiki Tobar, as she takes you on an audio journey filled with captivating conversations that will spark innovation and drive meaningful change. From soul-filling inspiration to entrepreneurial fails, we've got it all! 🎉🔥

Episodes drop every other Thursday so be sure to subscribe and let your ears be delighted by the magic and REALNESS of "Kashmir Talk"! Available on all major podcast platforms - links below. 🎉🎙️

Iconic Hair Trends That Define Past Decades And Still Inspire Us Today

The thing about trends is that they always come back around. And we’re doing the work to inspire and predict those trends HERE and NOW.

Nostalgia and Fauxstalgia are real. 

Nostalgia has us yearning for a time in the past where we felt our happiest. 

Fauxstalgia has us yearning for a time we weren’t alive to experience but feel in our core we were meant to live in that certain decade. 

Shows like Daisy Jones & The Six and Pam & Tommy bring us back or take us to a time we wish we could experience (again or for the very first time). 

We can’t go back in time (yet) but what we can do is bring forward inspiration from our favorite decades. And that’s exactly what we did. 

So get ready for some ICONIC looks from past decades - Kashmir Extensions edition. 

From the groovy 60s to the rolling 90s, we’ve taken hairstyle inspiration from decade icons and recreated them with Kashmir Extensions to show how these styles can be brought forward in 2023. 

Let’s go way back to the 60s, where style EXPLODED. 

60s Bouffant Hair Look

Style in the 60s was diverse to say the least. The decade where style opposites in extreme form coexisted. The sophisticated and traditional 50s met the bold, revolting new generation of the 60s. Some would describe the 60s as an explosion of style that was suppressed in the 50s. 

Jackie Kennedy, Brigitte Bardot, and Sharon Tate defined the 1960s when it came to popular hair trends. The decade hairstyles grew more progressive as the years went on. From short hair in the early sixties to long hippie hair in the late sixties. Heavy volume was all the rage till the end of the decade introduced long smooth hair that transferred into the 70s. 

More notably, the iconic Bouffant Hair which inspired Skarlett Salazar’s look here. Today, inspo from the 60s lives on in various hairstyles we wear today and have worn for decades.

70s Farrah Fawcett’s Feathered Hair Look  

The 1970s is the decade where freedom rang when it came to style. This beauty revolution introduced the world to hairstyles they’ve never seen before and some we still wear today. One 70s icon who spearheaded this revolution was Farrah Fawcett with her infamous feather hair look. 

This look defined the decade and is one that comes back into trend again and again. Most recently with popularity on TikTok. Middle parts, length and feathered bangs are all hairstyles we see trending today that were totally inspired by the 1970s. Kashmir artist, Emily Flam, pulls this look off effortlessly with the help of her Kashmir extensions. 

80s Hair Band Look

Regardless of your style, high voltage volume was in. The 1980s saw the onset of big, voluminous locks on both men and women. Inspired by 80s band icons, Mötley Crüe, Poison and Vixen to name a few. 

It was often in the form of long, curly hair. Inspired by heavy metal and appropriately-named "Hair Bands," huge hair was EVERYWHERE. Bigger hair was better. 

And yet here we are, back in 2023 with the urge for more volume. Hair is getting bigger by the day and people are catching back onto that 80s vibe. New volume products from notable brands like Color Wow and beach waves bring us hints of this decade's hair moment and we can’t get enough. Raise those roots like Kiki Tobar has in this 80-inspired look. 

90s Roller Set Look 

Roller blades and hot rollers had a choke hold on us in the 90s and they’ve already made their way back. That big, bouncy Cindy Crawford inspired blow out had every woman in town leaving their house with a curler in their bangs to hold that volume as long as they possibly could. 

The blowout was first introduced as a popular hairstyle in the 1960s and then brought back in the 90s. We’re back into volume and big curls that bounce. Hot curlers are now a staple in most trending hair tutorials and we understand why. Kashmir’s very own Elia Gal turns on her 90s supermodel with this look!  

So there you have it. 

Decade hairstyles still very much inspire our hair trends today making them…well, timeless. 

Volume and length are two things Kashmir extensions can create, making them the perfect addition to any decade inspired look. 

Want to sit in a Kashmir chair? Text (310) 340-1053 to book your next appointment or click the link below to apply for a free consultation.

Artist Spotlight: From Cancer Survivor To LA Hot Girl, Emily Flam Shares All

You may know her for her infamous hot girl walks or welcoming demeanor when you walk into Kashmir Salon. Emily Flam is a midwest gal who had dreams of moving to the big city of Los Angeles. That desire gave her the reason to come but her Kashmir family, NBR tribe and beloved clients continue to give her a reason to stay. 

Emily didn’t always know what she wanted to do after high school. With parents who both went to a traditional four year college, she assumed they wanted the same for her. That was until her mom brought up beauty school as an option. Emily loved beauty and fashion but never thought about translating it to a career. Once the idea of beauty school was brought up, Emily was intrigued but her confidence wasn’t yet there. 

“I was never the girl who did my friends' hair, so I was worried I wouldn’t be any good. She [Emily’s mom] supported me and reassured me that’s why I would go to school and with hard work, I could become amazing.”

Although Emily’s mom believed in her, finding that same confidence in herself took a lot more effort. 

Back in high school, Emily wasn’t the most dedicated or enthusiastic student. She’d maybe skip a class here and there. But when she started beauty school, that quickly changed. She fell in love with artistry and couldn’t get enough. Her behavior as a student changed. She arrived to class early, sat in the first row, took detailed notes and asked all the questions. 

“There I truly fell in love with the art of doing hair as well as the education. I knew I never wanted to stop learning and growing. I wanted to and still want to always push myself to the next level of artistry. It was at school where I really found my passion.”

Once Emily completed school and started working at a salon, she faced some shocking news that would force her to fight for her life. She was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and would have to take a 9 month break to battle cancer. 

When she came back to work, she was broken and beat down, both physically and mentally. 

The salon she came back to did not properly communicate the reason for her absence and she lost 90% of her clientele. 

Emily was faced with a new battle. Starting over and rebuilding or making a career shift. After a lot of soul searching, Emily decided to get back into the salon. 

“I was reminded why I love to do hair. I am an artist and I love the art of doing hair but it was also more than that to me. I love being the highlight of someone’s day. I love being able to connect with women and to be able to give them amazing hair, which in turn, I have found helps their self confidence and inner beauty truly shine.” 

And in giving other people confidence, something amazing happened. Emily started to gain confidence in herself and her own dreams. She decided to fulfill a life long dream of moving from the midwest to the big city. 

“After having battled cancer, then the pandemic, I realized life is short and unpredictable. If you have a dream in life you need to be brave and go after that dream. That is exactly what I have done.” 

Los Angeles had diversity, top talent in all industries and it was a short drive from the ocean. Emily loves the ocean, it’s a place where she finds peace and serenity. She even has a mermaid tattoo to remind her of the feeling the ocean brings up for her. 

In Los Angeles, Emily found Kiki Tobar, Kashmir and NBR. NBR reminded her of the passion she felt in school. NBR prioritizes education and has created a tribe of artists who share a love of learning and evolving. 

“This NBR tribe is addicted to constant growth, in business and in their personal lives. Being a part of the NBR community has given me the confidence to go after my big scary dream of moving to LA and being one of the best hairstylists in the United States. It has given me the confidence that I could move here, start over and do hair with the big dogs.” 

Given the theme of Emily’s career path has been discovering her confidence, she’s put together the ultimate hot girl guide to confidence. 

“I say do the work, get feedback, grow, and the confidence will follow.”

Emily’s Hot Girl Guide To Confidence 

• When all else fails, get your hair done. Good hair brings confidence. 

• Visit the ocean whenever you can. 

• Trust your gut. 

• Find your passion and never stop learning. 

• No time to wash your hair? Do a top wash, here’s how. 

• Always use a heat protectant. 

• Take a hot girl walk every day. 

• Stop comparing yourself to others. It’s not a fair comparison. 

• Be different and celebrate that. Everyday. 

• See past failures as learning opportunities. 

• Figure out a morning routine that works for you. 

• Set value aligned goals for yourself. 

Want to sit in Emily’s chair? Text (310) 340-1053 to book your next appointment or click the link below to apply for a free consultation.

Summer Hair Care Dos And Don’ts For Vacation, Pool And Beach Days

If you’re in Southern California, you’re probably happy to see some normal and warmer weather return. And this warmer weather is giving us that sweet taste of summer.

We love summer but summer certainly doesn’t always love us, well our hair, back.  

Whether you’re going on a tropical vacation or taking advantage of our local beaches and sunny weather. Summer means extended time in the various bodies of water and the sun. 

We don’t want to limit you from summer activities. After all, summer screams carefree and we’re not here to make you more stressed out. 

Like your skin, your hair requires protection and regular maintenance. Summer fun can be damaging to your hair with or without extensions. So we’ve compiled a list of Dos and Don’ts to keep your hair radiant all summer long. So before you set off on your summer vacations, read the below Dos and Don'ts of summer haircare.

DO…

• DO remember that chlorine is a chemical and it is not hair friendly. We recommend applying a leave-in conditioner mid to ends and then tightly securing your hair in a braid or ponytail. 

• DO rinse your hair BEFORE you submerge it in saltwater or chlorine. If your hair is already wet or damp with freshwater, it’s less likely to absorb and hold as much saltwater or chlorine. Pro Tip: Cocktail ILES Formula Serum and Conditioner and apply on damp hair before any water activities.

• DO rinse hair with fresh water AFTER any time spent in saltwater or chlorine. Both saltwater and chlorine have their respective evils when it comes to your hair. So make sure you give your hair a good rinse immediately after any time spent in saltwater or chlorine. 

• DO bring a brush wherever you go and brush your hair thoroughly before it gets wet and very gently after it’s rinsed with fresh water. The goal here is to avoid matting at all costs. 

• DO wear a hat if you can. The sun can be damaging to both your scalp and hair. So if you’re not submerging your hair in water, wear a hat to protect that scalp and most of your hair. 

• DO contact your stylist immediately if your hair gets matted or turns orange. Don’t try to be the superhero here. You may be able to work out the matting with a fine tooth comb but still contact your stylist for suggestions. 

• DO keep up with your regular hair care routine. If you’re traveling, we recommend Iles Minis for emergency hair washing. Sticking to your normal routine will keep your hair from getting dry or worn from common summer activities.

DON’T…

• DON’T use just any sunscreen. The quality and type of sunscreen you use matters, especially for hair extensions. We strongly recommend using a mineral sunscreen that’s reef safe. Pay extra attention to the ingredients in your sunscreen. Some sunscreens can turn extensions orange. Orange is a no on the skin and in the hair. The two main ingredients to AVOID are Avobenzone or Octocrylene. Approved sunscreen brands include: Bare Republic Mineral Sunscreen, Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen and Coola Mineral Body Organic Sunscreen. 

• DON’T go in the sun without using a heat protectant in your hair. Heat protectants can protect your hair from the heat of the sun, too! We like to lather up with our holy grail, Iles Finishing Serum, before spending the day in the sun. 

• DON’T leave your hair braided after you get out of the water. Quickly remove braids, rinse in freshwater, apply more leave-in and gently brush out. Sometimes braids can tangle your hair so follow these steps to prevent that. 

• DON’T ignore hair matting if it happens. We get it, sometimes matting is inevitable. Bring a fine tooth comb with you on vacation. It’s the best tool to slowly work out that matting if it does happen. Leave-in, freshwater and consistent brushing will be your triple threat this summer to prevent matting of any kind. 

Now that we’ve reviewed the dos and don’ts, here’s a quick cheat sheet for packing the essentials. Whether you're packing your beach bag for a day at the beach or your suitcase for a vacation, we’ve got you. 

SUMMER HAIR CARE ESSENTIALS 

• Mineral Sunscreen - Bare Republic Mineral Sunscreen, Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen and Coola Mineral Body Organic Sunscreen. 

• Ibiza Brush 

• Fine tooth comb 

• Iles Finishing Serum (also included in the Minis linked below) 

• Iles Minis 

• Iles Mask 

• Hair Ties 

• Claw Clip 

• Hat 

• Fresh water (jk, but make sure you have access to some) 

So go enjoy your summer staycations, vacations, pool and beach days! Now you have everything you need to have the best hair this summer. 

Text (310) 340-1053 to book your next appointment or click the link below to apply for a free consultation.

Artist Spotlight: Skarlett Salazar Shares Her Why and What She Wants Her Clients To Know

A career in hair wasn’t always in the books for Skarlett. Skarlett worked as a Spanish translator for 10 years before realizing that hair was where she wanted to be. Deep inside, she always knew she wanted to do hair but she didn’t know how to transfer it into a successful career. 

In 2018, she was 28 with no clear career path in sight. She decided it was time to take a chance and sign up for cosmetology school. She immediately fell in love with the art and knew this was where she wanted to be. 

The hair industry was unfamiliar to her. She came from a more corporate work environment where health insurance and 401ks were provided. This gave her a sense of ease and security. She refused to let this unknown territory keep her from doing what she loved. She knew this would require her to step out of her comfort zone.

“I remember telling my mom I’ll make it work, I’ll figure it out.” 

From there, Skarlett applied to all the major salons in West Hollywood and West LA. 

At the time, Kiki Tobar was working at ALEN M and called Skarlett for an assistant job. Kiki was actually Skarlett’s color teacher in cosmetology school so the relationship was already there. 

Kiki had just begun her NBR journey and had a plan for success. And Skarlett loved a good plan. 

“What attracted me to Kiki and NBR was the plan and roadmap to success, she had a timeline for every step of the way for both of us.”

After three months of working with Kiki and witnessing incredible hair transformations, Skarlett was HOOKED. Not only did she want NBR for herself, she also wanted to start her own NBR journey by learning the skill because she saw the value in it immediately. 

“It wasn’t just cut or color for clients, it was a whole feeling and appreciation because we helped them get the hair they've always wanted. They were dealing with cancer, hair loss diseases, etc. and they felt like themselves again. I felt like there was a stronger purpose behind it.” 

During her NBR journey and the pandemic, Skarlett also became a mom to a baby boy. What Skarlett didn’t expect was how the intersection of NBR and parenthood would inspire her to step out of her comfort zone. NBR gave Skarlett the freedom to be with her family. Taking her five day work week down to three days. This extra time with her family encouraged her to value time in a completely new way. 

“I can’t even tell you if I remember who or what I was like before parenthood but I will say that as a person my time is much more valuable in every way. In NBR, they always ask what’s your WHY. My WHY for everything I do now is my son. I used to think things like I’ll be a better marketer later when I’m ready (because I was too shy) or I don't have time for ‘that’ because I’m always working or tired. There wasn’t as much urgency in me because it was only me. I look back now (with a toddler) and I think about what I was so tired from, ha! I want to provide the best life I can give to my son and that requires discipline from me every day and showing up and giving my best every day to him and to my craft. I don’t have time to be shy anymore, I just need to do it.”

Stepping into parenthood brought Skarlett out of her shell which is also helpful in the way of client service. Today, Skarlett no longer identifies as “too shy.” If you’ve had the pleasure of having an appointment with Skarlett, you know how much fun it can be. Skarlett puts so much heart into her client relationships and it shows in how she shows up every day. 

“Working with our clients is the best because I get to see them so often, we literally build relationships. Every 6-8 weeks, we meet again and catch up on life. (Did he end up proposing? Did you finally break it off with him?! Omg congrats, they finally called you for the job!) We have emotional mornings in the chair together and nights where we are laughing so much our stomachs hurts.”

So whether you’re a first time client or a returning client, here’s what Skarlett wants you to know when you come to Kashmir. 

How to prepare for your FIRST appointment:  

• It will be the most transformative appointment!🤩

• Be prepared to walk out FEELING like a whole different person.

• You will see multiple shades of hair prepped and ready for you, and yes it will all blend! 

• It will take a couple of days to get used to wearing hair extensions if you’ve never worn them before, especially at bed time. 

• The first week after an install is the easiest, you don’t have to do anything to your hair besides brush (and brush often). 

• Stay away from ponytails or doing anything that pulls on your hair the first week, as this is when your extensions are the tightest or most snug. You’re in the clear to throw it up in messy buns thereafter. 

Things for ALL clients to know: 

• Kashmir is your home away from home. We want our guests to feel as comfortable as possible when they’re with us. 

• Working from home is more popular than ever. It’s totally okay to bring a laptop and work, even if you’re holding meetings all 4 hours and can’t talk. 

• We always have snacks and yummy lattes for our girls, but if you want to order some Postmates for lunch, we encourage it! And please get your grub on while in our chair. Your comfort makes us happy. 

• This is YOUR time, as a mom, Skarlett understands how hard it is to get a couple of hours to herself. She wants you to enjoy your hair appointment and relax while you’re in her chair, whether that means catching up on all the things, having a silent appointment, or closing your eyes for most of it. She gets it!🤍

Text (310) 340-1053 to book your next appointment or click the link below to apply for a free consultation.

TUNE IN: Kashmir Short Film Premiere

If you’ve been following along on social media, you know we have something special planned for you. Get ready, because here it is…

THE KASHMIR SHORT FILM PREMIERE 🎥

Presented by Kashmir Salon, basically The Hills…without the drama.

Text (310) 340-1053 to book your next appointment or click the link below to apply for a free consultation.

How To Travel While Keeping Your Hair Looking And Feeling Flawless

Living from event to event or traveling from city to city means little time for your hair.

Traveling with extensions should never be difficult. Like your color blend, we want it to be SEAMLESS. 

Wearing Kashmir extensions should make your life easier, not harder. You can have great hair and still carry on with an eventful and fun lifestyle. 

In fact, wearing Kashmir Extensions actually means less maintenance. Once they’re washed and styled, they require little daily effort. 

We want our clients to have it all. So we’ve curated some of our favorite tips for traveling and living a busy lifestyle while wearing Kashmir Extensions.

Whether you’re traveling for work or taking a vacation, these tips will cover you to keep your hair care routine THRIVING no matter where you are. 

Visit Kashmir Salon to get a blow out before your trip. This way you won’t have to wash your hair or if anything you will just need a top wash. A top wash is where you only wash the top crown of your natural hair, excluding your extensions. This is a great hack for traveling. It’s easy, fast and gives you a fresh look without having to restyle your extensions. 

Style your hair in loose braids after a quick rough dry for a comfortable style while on long trips or planes. Your hair can still finish air drying but in a more controlled hairstyle. Plus, when you remove the braids, you will have effortless beach waves to exit the plane or end your travels with. 

Stick to your hair routine without adding weight to your luggage. If you travel or live a busy lifestyle, keep some stability in your life by sticking to your hair care routine. We know your routine requires products and who wants to lug around big, heavy product bottles? And sometimes there’s just no time (or desire) to fill a bunch of travel size containers with our favorite products. Iles Formula makes it so easy to travel with their products. So when traveling, snag the Iles Mini Set set to keep up with your hair routine while you’re away. The Iles Mini Set is curated with 50ml travel sizes of their shampoo, conditioner and travel serum. 

Help your hair grow, even on the go. Use Iles Scalp and Hair Rejuvenating Booster, a powerful leave-in treatment that promotes hair growth. This is the perfect treatment for a busy lifestyle because it’s so easy to apply and you can apply it to wet or dry hair. Hair health can be easy, even on the go - that’s why we love this product so much. 

When it comes to hair washing, save time where you can. Hair turban towels are a great travel necessity if you’re planning to wash your hair while you’re away. A hair turban towel will help your hair dry faster while still being gentle on your wet hair. Plus, bringing a hair turban can help create a sense of home. 

Bring a serum that works in all climates. ILes Finishing Serum is our holy grail while traveling. Use this serum as a heat protectant before heading out into the sun for the day and/or styling your hair with heat. It also helps manage your hair in all climates. If you’re in a humid climate, use the serum to take away the frizz from your hair. In cold weather, you can use the serum to add moisture back into your hair and nourish split ends. And remember, you can use it on your hair wet or dry. See why it's our holy grail? 

Protect your hair from matting. Braid your hair tightly if you’re going in water, especially salt water. Use ILes Finishing Serum before and after swimming in salt water. Rinse your hair with fresh water immediately after, apply the serum and then gently brush it. Bring a fine tooth comb in addition to your brush in case your hair does get matted. If you have any matting, comb it out as soon as possible. 

When all else fails, throw your hair in a messy bun. For travel days and/or windy weather, throw your hair up in a messy bun to keep it out of your face and from tangling. Done right, a messy bun can still look chic. To get that perfect messy bun, secure your pony with an elastic 2x. Then flip the pony towards your face, secure a fold and fan out the fold to create fullness. Then wrap the tail around the fold and tuck it inside the elastic. And there you have it, the perfect messy bun.

We know how busy life can get and we guarantee that these tips will help make your life easier. Include these tips into your travel prep and your hair will thank you. 

Whether you live for the hustle or lead a life of travel, we want you to know how to take care of your hair when you’re away from home. We’re not saying ditch the glam squad. We only want to empower you to live the life of your dreams with the hair of your dreams and that means no restraints. 

So the point is, Kashmir extensions make your life easier. They make your hair look better with minimal effort daily care. Following a few tips from the experts will only make your experience with Kashmir extensions that much better. 

So go ahead, live your life like you’re not wearing hair extensions. 

Click here or text (310) 340-1053 to book a consultation/schedule your next appointment with Kashmir.

Ever Wonder How Impactful A Growth Mindset Can Be To Business Success?

Kashmir Salon owner, Kiki Tobar, speaks to her growth mindset and how it’s impacted her transition and success as a business owner. 

Kiki has a distinct outlook on entrepreneurship. Throughout her career she’s undergone a mindset shift that’s helped her not only grow her business but also sustain it.

Kiki has always stayed true to her uniqueness while building a business, being a leader and becoming a mom. 

Read on to find out more about Kiki’s story and how her mindset shift has translated into success. 

At what age did you start doing hair and what (or who) influenced you to start? 

I started doing hair at the age of 20 and at this point I already had a degree in business and entrepreneurship. I delayed starting hair school because my parents wanted me to explore other industries since hair was the family business. 

And by family business, I mean I was born in the hair industry and watched my mom do hair throughout my childhood. My mom started doing hair in the basement of our house where she built a clientele from neighboring families. She then started teaching at a hair school which inspired my parents to open a hair school of their own which they still have today. 

While obtaining my degree in business and entrepreneurship, I met my husband Austin. When I was done with school, I realized hair was still the industry I wanted to be in. With my parents' blessing, I started hair school. 

Although I always knew I wanted to do hair, I am still grateful that I waited and explored other industries. My degree has only helped me be more knowledgeable in what I am doing today.

Did you always know you wanted to be in the hair industry? If not, what else did you aspire to do? 

I had an interest in graphic design and copywriting. The college I went to didn’t have a program specifically for that so I studied business and entrepreneurship. Once I got my degree and started my career in hair, I knew this was what I was meant to do. 

I grew up in the hair industry and always knew this was what I wanted to do. It wasn't because it was the easier option, because it wasn’t. I started hair because it’s what I always dreamed of doing. 

What inspired you to open your own salon? 

So I’ve actually owned two salons in my career, Kashmir being the second. 

My first salon was opened with my best friend and it was a suite model before suites even existed. We were motivated to open our own salon after working in Utah salons that had an environment and culture we didn’t want to be a part of. 

Our salon specialized in color and cutting and it was called the K Lounge.  

When I moved to Los Angeles, I started working at a high end salon as the only one offering NBR extensions. After a couple years being there, I grew out of it and needed to step into a bigger box. 

That’s when I opened Kashmir - going from one chair in someone else’s salon to five chairs at my own salon. 

What’s crazy is the pandemic is what gave me the stepping stone to step into that bigger box. 

When everything shut down I was forced to do house calls where I went to the homes of clients to do their hair. The demand for clients wanting their hair done during the pandemic drove up my revenue that I’d later put towards my own salon. 

At that point, I realized that I could and needed to do it on my own, in my own salon. The demand was there. 

Why did you name your salon Kashmir? 

Between the pandemic and building a salon, I got pregnant with my beautiful daughter Kashmir. 

I knew I was naming my baby girl Kashmir and didn’t have the mental capacity to come up with another name for my salon. So I thought why not name the salon after my daughter. 

Kashmir is also (and more famously) a Led Zeppelin song and my dad is a huge Led Zeppelin fan. My daughter Kashmir has my dad’s name as her middle name so having her first name be his favorite song felt right. 

What’s the most important thing to you when it comes to client service at Kashmir? 

It’s hard to compete in Los Angeles. 

In the hair industry, art is a standard. You have to deliver to that standard but that standard doesn’t bring you long standing clients. What sets a salon apart is the client experience. 

Elevating the client experience is fun because you can take it as far as you want. We’ve gone from offering drink service to ordering a masseuse to come in to give our client a leg massage during her appointment. 

There should be a new standard for the client experience and we’re changing that for our clients. 

We want our clients to arrive in a welcoming and friendly environment. We want them to be excited about coming to their appointment. We want them to feel comfortable ordering lunch to the salon chair, bringing their laptops to work or just treating it like a relaxing spa day. 

They deserve that standard. 

What do you think sets Kashmir apart from other salons? 

The biggest theme we hear from clients is how much different the energy feels at Kashmir compared to other salons. 

They feel welcomed, peaceful and excited to come to Kashmir. 

Everyone has their own space and everyone is welcome. We want our clients to feel like they deserve the absolute best because they do. 

We go the extra mile for them. We enjoy our conversations with them just as much if not more than they do. 

We care about the details - not just in the art of their hair but by remembering how they like their drink, what their career is, what their significant other's name is, and how old their kids are.

We always want our clients to know that they're our main priority during their appointment so we never double book or overbook. 

That’s our standard.

Extensions are an investment and considered a luxury, can you speak to that statement? 

Kashmir extensions are a choice, just like anything else in luxury. 

It’s a choice to have a luxury and everyone has a choice to use their money where they see fit. You’re paying for a feeling and as a result you’re giving that to yourself with a service we offer. 

I like to use the example of handbags. You might buy a Lululemon crossbody bag and it may be really functional and cute. It may be exactly what you want and that is great. 

Then there’s a Chanel bag and that bag will make you feel totally different. It makes you feel something. It makes you feel good. 

You don’t NEED hair extensions, you CHOOSE to feel amazing and you CHOOSE to wear extensions because they help you feel amazing. 

Your hair is the one thing that you can change that will instantly give you a completely new look. 

Hair extensions aren’t invasive and you can be completely transformed in less than 4 hours. It’s a quick transformation resulting in immediate gratification. 

If you could give three pieces of advice to a new business owner, what would it be? 

1. Be addicted to the process, not the outcome. As a business owner you have to fall in love with the process. You have to find enjoyment in the process. There’s always something that needs to be done and that’s normal. So when you learn to enjoy that and you shift your mindset from the outcome to the process, it is so rewarding. 

2. Expand and then learn to stabilize. Grow and then stabilize that growth and sustain it. Sustaining growth can be the most challenging part but learning how to sustain it early on will make you that much more successful. 

3. Understand that your team is who will get you there. And the team that got you there may not be the team that is always with you - there will be turnover. Find a team that will take it as high as you and sometimes higher than you. That love and service inside of being a business owner means you see those transformations. Always keep open communication with your team so there’s trust. You’re helping them jump to the next step whether that’s with you or without you. You’re guiding and mentoring them, it’s all give and take so I always recommend taking the human-first approach.  

How do you balance parenthood and being a business owner? 

I have been so lucky to have friends and mentors in this business. I’ve been able to learn from their past without living it. I’ve had friends struggle and show me what not to do and how to set boundaries. 

Boundaries are different for everyone. What works for you and makes you happy is the balance. 

My perfect balance is working three days in the salon and four days off with my daughter, Kashmir.

I do administrative work on my days out of the salon which works for me but that may not work for others. 

Everyone wants balance in their lives and you need to do what works for you. It’s a custom approach, not one size fits all. 

This also may change throughout the seasons of your life so assess yourself and make adjustments as you see fit. 

What have you had to overcome in order to take the leap and open a salon? 

For me it was a mindset shift. 

Opening up the possibility of doing something that felt impossible and then giving myself permission to actually consider the fact that it could happen.

I was allowed to give myself the permission to think about it and that permission gave me the confidence to do it. 

There was a time when I didn’t feel good enough or experienced enough. I played the comparison game and living in Los Angeles, it’s easy to do.  
I had to open my mind and shift my mindset. I had to have hard conversations and make several difficult decisions. 

The conversations I had to have and hoops I had to jump through felt enormous at that time. 

Now I understand that those things needed to happen for me to take it to the next level and get out of my comfort zone. 

I look back and I realize that those hard conversations and challenges weren’t so scary and I did them step by step. 

As my mom says, “eat the elephant one bite at a time.” 

Pushing yourself to have those hard conversations and do those difficult things will help you jump through bigger hoops in the future. 

When you think of your career journey up to this point, what comes to mind? 

When I think of my career journey as a whole I catch myself starting to get frustrated because if I had this mindset shift in my early 20s, I can't help but wonder where I’d be today. 

On the other hand, I’m so proud of where I am today so maybe if I did have it in my 20s, I wouldn’t have used it the way I am using it now. 

I don’t think time was wasted because I think I needed that time to become who I am today. 

During my 20s, I spent a lot of time being mentored, learning and discovering - staying curious. So in a way I am grateful the mindset shift came later because when I stepped into this role, I felt more than prepared. 

My mental game is what has changed the most. I am a completely different person than I was four years ago. 

I’m just grateful I gave myself permission to see myself in a new light. 

What are you most excited about in the near future? 

I am most excited about where the Kashmir team will go. 

I’m so proud of the team we’ve created. Everyone who is at Kashmir, belongs at Kashmir. We’ve curated a team that works so well together. 

I want to showcase them as individuals in addition to us as a team. I am excited for fans and followers to see more of them and learn about who they are. 

How do you see Kashmir evolving in the next 5 years? 

I don’t like to put a number on it because I don’t think quantity is best in this game.

I believe quality is. 

In the next five years, our team will be bigger but we aren’t trying to be the biggest salon. We want to continue being and growing into being a household extension brand in Los Angeles that puts quality and client service before anything. 

You need time in this city. The more time we have in this city, the more credibility we will have.

The Kashmir team has set lofty goals for the next year and I’m excited to see them and support them in accomplishing those goals. When we hire new team members, I am looking forward to seeing the current Kashmir team mentor the new team members. This mentoring has already happened with our newest team member and I only see it growing. 

Seeing the work I’ve put into the culture of Kashmir and witnessing how it’s starting to catapult is incredible. The culture of Kashmir is so rich in quality, empathy, and growth. It’s in the chemistry the team members have and how they delegate, support and mentor one another. 

Even when I am not physically present at the salon, I know they’re living the brand and culture of Kashmir and that’s how I know the next five years will be nothing shy of exceptional. 

Click here or text (310) 340-1053 to book a consultation/schedule your next appointment with Kashmir.

9 Hair Care Mistakes That Are Keeping Your Hair From Being Its Healthiest

We’ve said it before and we will say it again. Your hair is OUR priority. We want to help you take care of your hair in and out of the salon chair. 

We see and hear of common hair care mistakes every day. Let’s be real, we’ve all made a few hair care mistakes throughout our journey. There is so much information out there about how to care for your hair that it’s hard to know what to trust. 

That’s why we’ve come to the blog to compile common hair care mistakes in one place. 

But we won’t just focus on the mistakes. We’ve also provided recommendations for how to turn that mistake into a step in the right direction for you and your hair. 

We’re not here to tell you what you’re doing wrong. We’re here to identify the mistake and more importantly, tell you how to fix it. 

So, let’s get into it! 

1. Not using a heat protectant. Not using a heat protectant on your hair before styling means you’re putting heat directly on your hair without a protective layer in between. Doing this will cause breakage and even damage your color. We love and regularly use the Iles Finishing Serum for protective styling. Use it on wet or dry hair before styling. 

2. Using your hot tools on the highest setting. You don’t need to burn or damage your hair to style it. Styling your hair at too hot of temperatures can dry your hair out. We recommend keeping your hot tools temperature settings at 360 degrees or less. 

3. Brushing your hair when it’s wet. Your hair is most fragile when it’s wet so be as gentle as possible. We recommend brushing before you get into the shower to avoid needing to go hard with the brushing when your hair is wet. Gently wrap it up in a microfiber towel and let the water be absorbed for faster dry time. 

4. Using too hot of water to wash your hair. Believe it or not, you don’t need scalding hot water for your hair to get clean. You aren’t doing the dishes here. Similar to using too hot of styling tools, too hot of water can also dry your hair out. Dry and brittle hair leads to breakage. We recommend setting the water at a lukewarm temperature when washing your hair. 

5. Wearing the wrong extensions. Choosing the right method of extensions is crucial for your hair health. If you have fine hair, tape in and glued in extensions could damage your hair. When choosing the right hair extension method, consider weight distribution and application technique to avoid pulling and damage. Kashmir extensions are glue and tape free and are evenly distributed by rows that are customized to fit your head size. 

6. Sleeping with wet or damp hair. We get it. Sometimes you have to wash your hair before bed and that means your hair may be wet or damp when you go to sleep. Your hair is its most vulnerable when wet. Sleeping on it wet can cause irritation and dryness at your scalp. If you have to wash at night, carve out time to blow dry before hitting the pillow. Your scalp will thank you. 

7. Ignoring your scalp. Don’t sleep on scalp care. Seriously. Your scalp health is your hair health. Your hair needs your scalp in order to grow. Taking care of your scalp will keep it from getting itchy, dry and irritated. It will also help your hair grow stronger. To achieve a healthier scalp, use gentle products that avoid sulfates and other harsh chemicals like alcohols or fragrances. Wash less and shampoo gently, lathering and accessing your scalp without being too rough. 

You can also use a scalp treatment to promote hair growth. We love Iles Scalp and Hair Rejuvenating Booster. Spray it generously and evenly to a damp or dry scalp every day. Massage it into your scalp to activate circulation. For the best results, use it with Iles Shampoo and Conditioner, which will help with hair breakage while the booster will help with hair growth. 

8. Washing your hair too often. So your scalp produces natural oils called sebum. Sebum protects your hair from losing moisture. Over-washing your hair will strip it of sebum and dry out your scalp. As a result, your hair will feel dry, brittle and be more vulnerable to breakage. The solution here is simple - wash less. How much you wash will be dependent on where you live, seasonality and if you have dry or oily skin. We recommend washing 1-2 times per week but again, it will be largely dependent on the factors above. 

9. Not using a hair mask. Hair masks are such an easy step to add to your hair care routine. With the right hair mask, you will nourish and strengthen your hair with every use. We recommend Iles Hair Mask Haute Performance - it’s truly our holy grail. Use the hair mask after shampooing and before conditioning. Apply it from your scalp to your roots. Leave it on for 10 to 20 minutes, rinse and then condition. 

Taking care of your hair and scalp doesn’t have to feel intimidating. Taking or changing a few simple steps will make a big difference in your hair health. 

When establishing your hair care routine, remember that it should be customized to you and your hair. Not all hair care routines are alike, nor should they be. 

There are so many factors to consider and all hair care routines will look different. Your routine may also change over time and that’s ok. The above recommendations are to help you know what not to do as you’re discovering what works for your hair. 

We’re excited to be on this hair care journey with you. 

Click here or text (310) 340-1053 to book a consultation/schedule your next appointment with Kashmir.

14 Ways To Practice Self Love This Valentine's Day

Valentine’s day can be controversial. As a holiday, it’s either loved or hated…

What we LOVE about Valentine’s Day isn’t your relationship status. We love that it’s a day to celebrate love. All kinds of love - starting with YOU. 

The Kashmir team loves love, especially self love. 

So the below is a mix of fresh ideas along with some of our favorite ways to celebrate ourselves. 

Here’s 14 ways to celebrate yourself on Valentine’s Day. 👇🏼

1. Make yourself your favorite dinner or order takeout. Have you been wanting to try out a recipe or get creative in the kitchen? What better way to celebrate yourself than making a delicious and home cooked meal. If cooking isn’t your thing, takeout is the answer. Cozy up on the couch to a good movie and veg out while you eat your favorite meal. Of course, be sure to leave room for dessert. 

2. Take yourself on a day date. Go to coffee, get yourself breakfast then head to the bookstore. Pick out a book (or a few) that you’ve been wanting to read. Snuggle up to some candlelight or find a nice outdoor area and lose yourself in your new reading material.

3. Order yourself some flowers or chocolates and have them delivered to your workplace. If you need inspo, think Cher from Clueless. Have them delivered to your workplace or wherever you will be that day. Sign them to me, love me or leave everyone questioning if you have a secret admirer. There’s just something about having flowers or chocolates delivered to you that make you feel like the queen we know you are. Embrace it. 

4. Treat yourself with your favorite service. Or services - we are not here to stop you. Get your hair done (come visit us at Kashmir Salon). Get the TikTok nails you’ve been wanting. Get your eyebrows done. Book a massage or a facial at that place you’ve been eyeing. Try a new service like floating therapy or acupuncture. Book a Reiki session. Botox or filler, anyone? 

5. Pamper yourself. This could be soaking in the bath with your favorite bath bomb. Doing a face mask, hair mask and some skincare. How about taking the extra time to do your own Lashes? This is one of our favorite ways to pamper ourselves at home. We love Lashify because it allows us to do our own lashes in a few simple steps, see below. 

• Lashify Bondage X Black (apply like a thin coat of mascara) 

• Lashify Whisper Light, Black (same application as above) 

• Apply Lashify Lashes B.12 underneath natural lashes for inner and outer corners (3 clusters for each eye) 

• Lashify Lashes B.14 for inner eyes (2-3 cluster for each eye) 

• Lashify Fuse Control Wand to fuse natural lashes to Lashify Lashes. 

• Wear for 4-6 days, replace with a new set and repeat

6. Take a solo scenic drive or walk that ends with a view. This solo adventure could be movie iconic. What better way to celebrate yourself than to romance yourself like THIS. Catch a beautiful sunset or sunrise, sit there and soak it all up. 

7. Write yourself a love letter. Remember the Valentine’s Day cards we’d pass around in grade school? Why not do that, but to and from yourself. Whether it’s a sticky note on your mirror with affirmations or a full on essay declaring your love for yourself, write it down. Then read it twice. Read it out loud. Read it to your pet. Act it out, get dramatic. Think Shakespeare. Love thy self. Record yourself reading it so you can listen to it every day. Make it part of your morning routine so it becomes habitual to start your day with self love and gratitude. 

8. Buy yourself a gift. We’re talking gift wrap and all. Leave it on the counter for you to wake up to. There’s something about opening a beautiful gift that will set your day off on the right note. To me, from me has a nice ring to it, don’t you think? Take self care to the next level and treat yourself. It doesn’t have to be some grand gift, it can be anything - it’s about the gesture of giving and receiving from yourself.  

9. Move your body. Spend time stretching your body, go to the gym or take a yoga class. Spend extra time there, stay present and thank every part of your body as you go. Our bodies help us get through every part of life - show some appreciation. Thank your legs, your arms, your heart, your lungs. It may sound odd, but self love and gratitude go hand in hand. 

10. Get dressed up. Get full glam - hair, makeup, outfit. Grab your favorite book and go sit at the bar of a nice restaurant. It takes confidence, yes but you will be so mysterious and who cares what other people think. Let them think while you serve 10s.

11. Get a blow out. We know this technically falls under services but blowouts deserve their own moment. Blowouts make you feel a kind of way. A fierce, unstoppable kind of way. Get your blowout on and then hair flip every chance you get.

12. Meditate. Mindset is everything. Celebrating yourself doesn’t have to be grand gestures. It can be as simple as taking 5-minutes for yourself to meditate. Search guided meditations in Spotify to find one that works for you. 

13. Get outside. Go for a run, hike, hot girl walk, take an ice bath “cold plunge” outside, the list goes on. Vitamin D is so good for the soul. So get outside and soak it up. If it’s not sunny, still get out and breathe in some of that fresh air. Even if it’s only for a few minutes. 

14. Take a digital break. Again, celebrating yourself may look different for everyone. A digital detox day may be exactly what you need. Stepping away from the screen, and social media, could help you focus more on you. And less on what others are doing. It may even leave you feeling inspired and more present. We love that for you.  

So remember, Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about anyone except YOU. Gone are the days of believing Valentine’s day can’t be a vow of love to yourself. So go ahead, practice self love. Fall in love with yourself. 

After all, Miley said it best. 

…I can buy myself flowers

Write my name in the sand

Talk to myself for hours…

Kashmir Team Must Haves

We will never gatekeep. 

How you care for your hair is our priority. So we’ve compiled our favorite hair care essentials that we can’t live without. 

Finding a hair routine with (or without) hair extensions can be overwhelming. Social media can leave us wanting (and impulse buying) many products and tools that sometimes are just not worth the hype. 

So here’s a list of all our favorite products and tools right now. This way, you can leave the research, time and investment for testing to us. We will never recommend a product we wouldn’t use on our own hair. 

Let’s start with the holy grail, shall we? 

ILES Finishing Serum Haute Performance

Why we love it: It’s lightweight, making it a perfect leave-in for extensions. It acts as a heat protectant and frizz preventative. This serum leaves your hair feeling smooth and looking glossy. 

How to use it: Apply to wet hair after washing and before blow drying and styling. Work it into your wet locks prior to brushing to help with the detangling process. Remember, your hair is most fragile while wet. 

For product pairings, this serum is part of the recommended triple threat. Keep reading along for the two other products that complement the serum. 

Where to buy it: At your next Kashmir appointment or directly on their site here.  

BIO IONIC Long Barrel Curling Iron 1.25”

Why we love it: Talk about holy grails, this curling iron is IT. It gives big soft waves and helps to achieve those Kashmir curls. The extra long barrel on this iron makes for a much easier time curling long extensions. 

How to use it: This iron has multiple heat settings. We recommend you keep your hair at 320-360 for perfect (and heat safe) waves. 

For a curling tutorial, check out the Kashmir Instagram here. 

Where to buy it: At your next Kashmir appointment or directly on their site here.  

ILES Hair Mask Haute Performance

Why we love it: If you want the softest extensions, this is the product for you. 

This mask hydrates and nourishes your hair making it feel it’s healthiest between washes. 

Like all ILES products, it’s lightweight and completely color safe. Oh, and it’s perfect for those extra dry winter months - hydration here we come! 

How to use it: Apply to wet hair after shampooing and before conditioning. 

Use a generous amount and work it in from your scalp to your ends. Leave in as long as you can (5 to 20-minutes), rinse and condition. 

For product pairings, this hair mask is part of the recommended triple threat. Keep reading along for the third product. We recommend using this mask with the ILES Finishing Serum. 

Where to buy it: At your next Kashmir appointment or directly on their site here. 

Fresh New Wefts 

Why we love it: There is nothing better than new hair. New hair wefts (even 2-3 new pieces) will give you that renewed feeling. 

Remember how you felt walking out of your first install? The confidence you had, that red carpet moment feeling? 

New hair will give you that. 

How to use it: We recommend replacing your hair every six months at least. Another option we love and recommend is replacing wefts as you go.

Replacing 1-2 pieces every appointment will not only break up the cost but also give your extensions a freshen up at every appointment. 

Come on, what’s not to love?
Where to buy it: At your next Kashmir appointment.

TECHNI.ART Next Day Hair 

Why we love it: First things first, this product smells SO GOOD. 

Probably the best smelling hair product we’ve used. When we use it on clients after a fresh curl, the first thing we hear is “WOW this smells so good!” 

Aside from the glorious smell, Next Day Hair is an elite texture and finishing spray. It helps you achieve that undone, effortlessly tousled look. 

How to use it: We use it after curling and typically before (and sometimes after) the comb out. 

Where to buy it: At your next Kashmir appointment.

ILES Curl Revive Haute Performance

Why we love it: What’s not to love? This product was created for textured hair but works on all hair types. It’s a heat and humidity protectant. 

Compared to other ILES products, it leaves a weightier result but still lighter than other leave-ins. Curl Revive leaves your hair feeling like cashmere, or should we say Kashmir. 

How to use it: For straight hair, apply to wet hair after conditioning and before blow drying. For curly hair, apply liberally to curls and blow dry. 

For product pairings, this product is part of the recommended triple threat. We recommend using it with the ILES Finishing Serum and ILES Hair Mask for best results.  

Where to buy it: At your next Kashmir appointment or directly on their site here. 

We’re confident that adding these essentials to your hair care routine will keep your hair looking its best all year round. 

Click here or text (310) 340-1053 to book a consultation/schedule your next appointment with Kashmir.

Exposed: 7 Myths About Hair Extensions

Hair extensions are a popular way to get the hair you've always wanted. 

From luscious volume and mermaid length to bangs and even mullets. You can have it all with the right hair extensions.

But with the good, comes the concerns that will often hold us back from having the hair of our dreams.

Information is power and we want to help you make the best decision for your hair goals.

So below we're going to expose some common myths about hair extensions.

Myth #1: Hair Extensions Damage Hair

 This is a common misconception. 

Understanding what hair extension method works for you, your routine, and your hair type will prevent damage. Natural Beaded Row Hair Extensions (NBR) have hand-tied wefts so they blend with thin hair and don't cause breakage. 

The rows allow the weight of the wefts to be evenly distributed, preventing any pulling. There is no glue or tape used so removal is quick and painless. 

Sure, you may see some shedding at your tightening appointments but that’s normal with or without extensions. Everyone sheds hair daily. With NBR, that shedding may build up and release when the extensions are removed. 

We’ve all heard those horror stories about poorly glued or taped-in extensions. There are many reasons for extensions to turn into horror stories. The installation wasn't done correctly. The method wasn’t right or the aftercare was ignored. 

Following simple aftercare steps will be a game changer for the longevity of your extensions and the health of your natural hair. 

This is a photo of a client’s natural hair before and after wearing NBR extensions for 9-months. This shows how wearing the right extensions can actually foster hair growth and health.

Myth #2: Hair Extensions Are For Vanity Only

Hair extensions benefit how you feel and that brings confidence, what’s not to love about that? Hair extensions offer a solution for those affected by hair loss and thinning hair. 

Nearly 50% of women and 60% of men experience hair loss in their lifetime. Although many hair loss conditions are treatable, it may take time for your hair to grow back. 

Hair extensions that are right for fine hair can bring back confidence and help you feel like yourself again. 

Hair extensions are so much more than how you look to other people and more about how you feel. It’s 2023, the year to embrace and encourage confidence.

Myth #3: Hair Extensions Are High Maintenance

If anything, hair extensions make you less high-maintenance. 

Washing once a week means less product usage, less blow drying and styling time. You can wake up, brush your hair, and walk out the door looking (and feeling) great with hair that hasn’t been washed for five days. 

Trips become less of a hassle because if it’s for less than seven days, you don’t have to bring products or a blow dryer. Of course, you can wash more than once a week but the beauty of not having to is something we celebrate. 

Sleep with a loose braid to hold on to your curls and keep those long locks from tangling. Speaking of tangling, brush, brush, brush. Simply brushing your hair will keep your hair extensions in excellent condition.

Myth #4: Hair Extensions Will Keep You From High-Intensity Workouts

Wrong. 

Those who believe hair extensions will keep them from a high-intensity workout may be looking for excuses to miss a workout. 

Secured right, the high pony is still an option. Also, braids will forever be your friend. You can even wear a secured low pony with a headband. 

We promise your high-intensity workouts will not be affected by your hair extensions. NBR hand-tied extensions are invisible in a high pony or braid. 

So you can still look like you have a natural mane while hitting those box jumps and burpees. 

If you sweat a lot, just wash more than once a week. If you don’t sweat much then use some product to freshen up and brush out after a workout and you’ll be golden.

This is an example of how blonde NBR extensions look in a ponytail.

Myth #5: Hair Extensions Are Expensive

Hair extensions can be an investment but that’s why it’s essential to find the method right for you, your hair type, and your budget. 

With proper maintenance, your hair extensions don’t have to be a continuous high expense. 

With NBR extensions, your installation will be the highest price you pay. You’re getting a full custom process with color, new high-quality hair, and an installation. 

From there you will pay a lower cost per tightening appointment. Pricing will vary based on custom color options or if you want new hair. 

Your tightening appointments are every 6-8 weeks and with proper care, your hair can last up to six months. After one appointment, you will see and feel the return on investment.

Myth #6: Hair Extensions Will Never Look Natural

With the right color and blending techniques, your hair extensions will look natural. From a high pony to wearing your hair straight, your NBR hair extensions will be invisible unless you decide to show them. 

The goal is to have you walking out of the salon and people saying, “wow, your hair looks great!” not “are those extensions?”

An example of how invisible and natural NBR extensions look when you part your hair.

Myth #7: Hair Extensions Are Uncomfortable

NBR hair extensions are known for being lightweight, natural and the most comfortable to wear. 

After your first installation or tightening appointment, they may feel a little tight but within a day you will forget they are there. 

The rows allow for scalp access so you can get underneath to scrub or scratch whenever you need to. 

Again, you will want to have your tightening appointments every 6-8 weeks to avoid grow out discomfort but to each their own.

All this is to say that your hair dreams can be a reality. We’ve found the perfect method of hair extensions that will make a want turn into a need with one appointment. 

With the right method and specialist, you can have it all. Life is too short not to have the hair you want.

At Kashmir, we want to partner with you to give you the hair that will change your life.

Click here or text (310) 340-1053 to book a consultation for hair extensions with Kashmir. 

10 SELF-CARE ITEMS YOU NEED

It’s my 21st day quarantined. I’ve never spent so much time at home, I’ve never cleaned my house so much, and I’ve NEVER caught up on laundry…until now! 😂

But to be honest it can feel a little restricting sometimes. When negativity sets in there is one thing that has really helped my spirits and that’s doing something for MYSELF!

With all this time spent at home I’ve definitely been focusing on a self care routine more than I normally do.

Check out my top 10 self-care product I’m currently obsessed with 👇🏼

Listed below are all the products and where to purchase them!

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Rodial Skin Tint (Shade #2 Hamptons) 

My go-to lightweight CC Cream. Perfect for effortless lightweight look with SPF 20 included!
Click HERE to purchase

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TIGI Copyright Violet Shampoo

My favorite purple shampoo! Smells amazing (hints of sandalwood), sulfate-free, and not too strong so it won’t turn your hair green! Tip for Extensions: Wash your own hair first, leave in for 2-3 min. Dilute purple shampoo with some regular shampoo and emulsify through extensions and rinse immediately.
Click HERE to find a TIGI Copyright Salon near you!

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Loving Tan Mousse (Dark)

My holy grail self tanner! Fool proof formula that is able to get you multiple shades deeper without getting splotchy or streaky.

I prefer the original formula (Deluxe Bronzing Mousse) in the shade Dark. Would definitely recommend their application mitt, exfoliating mitt, and back applicator!
Purchase HERE!

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BLVD Cosmetics Brush Cleaner

This brush cleanser never fails to get out al the gunk out of my brushes! The size is huge and will last you at least a year!
Purchase HERE!

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Natures Cure Acne Treatment

Never fails to cure my bad break-out spots! Put a very small amount on area before bed, remember we do not take the pill pack!
Purchase on Amazon HERE!

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PMD Beauty Tool

Skip the microdermabrasions at the spa! This cool home device exfoliates and suctions any dead skin or debri off the face leaving your skin prepped to absorb you skin care!

Austin loves this one too, we use the same tool and just switch the exfoliating head and clean in-between each use.

Purchase on their site HERE!

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Natura Bissé Extreme Glyco Peel

Tap into your inner boujee with this at home peel. I use 1-2 times a month to brighten my skin, increase blood flow, and smooth fine lines.
Purchase HERE!

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ILES Formula Finishing Serum

A salon favorite and my personal go-to lightweight leave-in for extensions. This formula plumps the hair, makes my hair so glossy, and acts as a heat protectant. Apply on wet hair.
Purchase on their site HERE!

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PCA Detox Mask

Detox the blackheads with this clay-based mask. I apply after the shower when my pores are open. I also recommend all PCA skincare in general!
Purchase on their website HERE!

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Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, Sol de Janiero

Smooth out cellulite on your legs and butt with this magic moisturizer! Perfect for vacations or anytime you are showing your legs!
Purchase HERE!

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BMSCON 4

I wanted to touch base with you all, because so much has happened in the last few months and i wanted to share some of the amazing insights and reflections i’ve had.

Thanksgiving is approaching and it has me thinking about how grateful i am to my clients and the happiness my business has brought me!

Doing hair and making my clients feel amazing truly is my passion, and that’s honestly what gets me out of bed every single day. You all fulfill me!

BMSCON4

I just got home from a 6 day event with NBR in Laguna Beach and Irvine, CA.

As most of you know, i am apart of a mastermind group with NBR called “BMS” which consists of about 100 NBR artists around the nation where we get together 4-6 times per year.

Our mastermind group met up the first 2 days where we talked more advanced techniques of NBR, business, marketing, and sales training.

The next 3 Days were the annual BMSCON with 300 new students who flew in from all over the world to be certified in NBR!

As many of you already know, i was asked by NBR to be a Platform Artist on stage! This entailed doing a model from start to finish Color, Installation, Cut and Style.

We started our week off with Color Prep!

We got to execute the color before hand at the Mecca of NBR, DKW Styling Salon in Laguna Beach, CA! It was so fun to work in the actual official NBR salon!

This was our team of trainers and Platform Artists, minus a few others. These people are some of my most valued friends in life. I have know all of them for less than a year, since diving into NBR, and i know they have my back and want me to succeed.

It was our job as a team to share our knowledge and experience with the newbie artists who were getting certified.

Most of you know i moved to LA a little under 2 years ago, and i started from scratch rebuilding my clientele from the ground up. It was a very challenging experience and NBR was an amazing tool that helped me grow fast! Many of those students were going through those same challenges and i was able to mentor them through on how i did it.

It was such an honor to be up on that stage with Danielle, the founder of NBR. I was in that crowd of 350 people last year getting certified and it felt so good to see what one year of hard work and dedication did for me.

This was my model, Amber, all styled and finished! We did 2.5 rows of 22” ISLA hand tied hair.

Meeting all the artists and hearing their stories was surreal. I was in their shoes last year and it was so amazing to be able to share my story with them!

This was my good friend Brette, who i have known for almost 12 years. She has been doing hair longer than i have and when i went to BMSCON i told her she had to do it. She is married now, but raised her son as a single mom the majority of his life. She is such a hard worker and i knew she deserved the life she has wanted for so long which is our BMS motto:

“Make More, Work Less, Love Your Life.'“

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Tobar Time Podcast

Austin and i have recently launched our very own podcast!

We have been married for 8 years and we feel like we have a different dynamic being a younger married couple living in LA.

You can listen to us on Apple Podcast here

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Skarlett got NBR!

Skarlett is my sidekick almost every day. She helps me so much with relieving my workload for installations and maintenance appointments.

It only took her a few months of helping out to realize she wanted the NBR experience!

This week we signed Skarlett up for her first Intensive training in February with NBR with Danielle K. White (the founder) and Coach Ani in Laguna Beach, CA. I am so excited to see her grow!

The holidays are approaching fast and we have been busy booking new installs for Christmas! We are currently booking through mid-December for appointments.

If you are ready to book with us click here and apply for NBR

We can’t wait to see you!

I want to share one last thought before i go that my brother shared with me this week:

If I don’t see you before Christmas have a happy holidays and we will see you in 2020!

Best Wishes, Kiki ❤️

Taking care of your Hair Extensions

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.

The NBR™️ Difference

If you follow my work at all you know I am a lover of hair extensions. The reason being is because it has the possibility to change so much about my clients. Aesthetically on the outside and the way they feel on the inside.

There are so many methods of hair extensions. Beaded, Keratin/glue fusion, tape-ins, clip-ins, braided weft… the list is endless. I have worn almost every method on myself for many years, mostly because I loved the way hair extensions made me feel about myself.

I was always eager to try the newest and greatest method, to see how it would do with my own hair. I never saw myself being a “hair extension specialist”, and honestly looked down on that term. None of it was working great for me so for about a year I gave up all together with extensions and cut my hair into a bob.

It was the best my hair would look without hair extensions so I committed to the style.

This is the part of the story where you are probably anticipating that NBR™️ magically popped into my life and changed everything.

But it didn’t.

Because it had been there the whole time.

I had several close friends that knew about the NBR™️ way. It was the only method I had not tried. I watched these friends from a distance. I saw their before and after pictures, and I thought “Oh that’s cute, good for them.”

They never pushed me into doing the method, and we all kept to ourselves.

Until one day I was scrolling on instagram. And a post from the Natural Beaded Rows Instagram caught my attention…

and for one split second, I knew in my soul that I had to give this thing a try.

I signed up for a class within minutes. It’s like I had been guided. I can’t even explain the feeling of urgency I had but I knew it was the missing piece.

3 months later I was in Huntington Beach, CA with 349 other stylists from all over the nation, and world, who were all there for the same reason as me…

a change.

Something had to change within all of us. The quality of our work, the way our business was structured, or the mindset of being a stylist, or all of it.

And finally I saw it..

NBR™️ or (Natural Beaded Rows), was different.

It WAS the difference.

It was natural looking, so full on the ends, and practically undetectable no matter which way you held it, split it, or looked at it.

NBR™️ is the method we use to install the hair, Hand Tied Hair is the type of hair weft we use in the installation.

Premium Hand Tied Hair is known for being thinner at the top in comparison to the more widely used Machine Tied Hair. Hand Tied is thinner at the top which mean you can layer more pieces together to achieve more fullness at the ends but still have weft at the scalp that lays more flat and seamless than Machine Tied Hair.

Many extension methods use Hand Tied Hair.

NBR™️ is known for being the first “Beaded Row” hair extension method. The foundation of NBR™️ involves a string track around the head in a halo section by using small aluminum beads attached to your own hair.

Beadwork is the foundation of NBR™️.

Once the foundation is layed we clip the hand tied hair weft by weft until the color blend and desired thickness is achieved.

Every piece of hair is custom colored prior to the installation. This makes the extensions look more seamless and invisible.

After the hair is clipped we sew the wefts onto the string track. This prevents further damage and makes the experience more comfortable to wear.

The NBR™️ difference is in the details.

It’s not one, or even two little things that make it better. It’s the method and the idea of never letting anyone leave your chair without seamless, custom, natural-looking and feeling extensions.

This is why I feel comfortable referring my clients to other members certified in NBR™️. We come together 6 times a year for education to learn and grown as artists.

We are an NBR™️ Tribe.

If something is not working for your current Extenstion method, or if you’ve never worn extensions and you are ready to try the most Elite method available, click here to fill out my application.

You can also view more of my work, including before and after transformation, on my instagram here.

To check out the official website of NBR™️ Click here.

Vacation Season

It’s been a few weeks since we’ve been back from our trip in Ibiza.

Lots of people have asked us how it was!

Of course we had an amazing trip! but it’s hard to explain in words so I wanted to share a little bit of the huge amount of content we got.

This blog is going to be covering a lot of why we love Ibiza, what we did there, and lots of details on my outfits and hairstyles!

Let’s first clear the air. Where is Ibiza?

It’s a small island located about 175 miles off the coast of Barcelona in the Balearic Sea. It’s closest island is the more familiar, Majorca.

Some know of Mike Posner took a pill there…

but that wasn’t quite in our agenda.

This was our second time back to Ibiza.

We first went about 3 years ago while traveling through all of Spain and ended our trip there.

And we absolutely fell in love.

We wished we would have booked a longer stay and promised each other we would come back ASAP!

This time around we were already pretty familiar with the Island and had a better idea of the best places to stay and hang out.

We booked the majority of our stay at the Rock and Roll themed hotel, Dorado Suites located in Playa de en Bossa Beach, where every room was decorated after famous rock artists through our history.

We stayed in The Rolling Stones Room!

I packed super light for this 10 day trip. Only bringing a carry on suitcase and a backpack which was sufficient to impress my husband.

Snaps for me!

Very little room didn’t allow many accessories so I had to be super selective about what I brought, and this was the perfect choice for a bag and shoes.

This is the Camera Bag from YSL which fit everything I needed for day trips, including my Sony a7rii, which isn’t the smallest in size!

You can find this bag on their website here.

I also love a good pair of slides for traveling because my feet swell a lot being on planes and also lots of walking. These were amazing! I even wore them to the club one night!

You can purchase a similar pair here.

We went out for some exploring in Old Town Ibiza which caused a mini photoshoot because it’s so picturesque!

Ibiza was founded in 654 BC.

Within the old town coast is the city walls high on a hill where the original historic center remains.

You are not able to take a car through the majority of the walls. It’s mostly all walking and locals still live there.

This was Austin’s favorite outfit for the trip. He loved how flowy and comfy it was. He loves wearing sets because he doesn’t have to worry about matching outfits haha!

You can find it on the ASOS website here.

I have been obsessed with red lately!

Most of my outfits were red for this trip and it made packing a lot easier!

To get my hair like this I used my Twist Waves technique which uses NO heat!

You can find a video tutorial on my IGTV here.

I found this floral set for only $33 total!

You can get it from Pretty Little Thing here.

Climbing all those hills called for a cold Diet Coke!

This was the bartender who insisted I drink my DC out of a Sangria glass!

If you go to Ibiza all the buzz is in Bossa Beach.

This is where the majority of the nightlife exists so all the fun resorts and day activities exist there.

This swim suit was one of the most comfortable I found! I purchased it on sale at Lululemon.

You can find the same suit in different colors here.

Austin’s loves getting most of his suites from Volcom. You can find his suit here.

This biggest reason we love Ibiza is because of the live music and nightlife.

Ibiza is a huge hub for the biggest names in House and Electronic music and holds residency parties every day of the week all summer long!

You can attend parties around the clock! Any time of day you can find good music and cool people to meet!

Ushuaïa was one of our favorites spots which has a day to night club located in the center of the hotel. They throw massive parties with huge DJ’s where the hotel guests can experience it all right from their balcony view of the club!

The parties go all night long and every 15min planes fly right over your head as you are dancing along!

We saw some of our favorite artists like Claptone, Afrojack, FISHER, and David Guetta, and also discovered some amazing artists new to us like Sonny Fodera and Nic Fanciulli.

Most nightclubs don’t open until 12am, and if you are a seasoned visitor you know not show up until 2am!

The clubs usually go until 6am, but a few we attended were open until 7 or 8am!

Because we were up so late most nights we spent a lot of time relaxing at pool, suntanning, and ordering food poolside.

This suit was less than $26 from Pretty Little Thing!

You can find it here.

Sunnies from YSL. You can find a similar pair here.

Austin is obsessed with the water and was loving jumping from the pool to the ocean and back!

We loved staying at the Dorado because we were able to used all of the facilities for their affiliate hotels through out the island! This pool was at their sister hotel Solano!

I took every opportunity for Austin to take pics of my outfits before the sun went down!

I found this cute Free People dress on sale through ASOS! It’s the most comfortable beach dress ever!

It’s not available anymore but you can find the same dress in lots of different colors here

This was my first time experiencing my long NBR on vacation so I was having fun experimenting with different styles.

When you have extensions you want to protect them as much as possible. They can be vulnerable to sun, wind, chlorine and harsh chemicals.

You can definitely swim and do water sports with NBR as long as you wear them in braids to avoid tangling.

This was my favorite way to wear my hair at the pool to avoid getting hot. This scarf was made from silk which I like because it protects your baby hair!

I purchased this one in Italy, but any square scarf will do!

My suit is from Pretty Little Thing.

Sunnies are from Gucci, you can find a similar pair here.

One of the days we mixed things up and went on the water on a catamaran excursion!

This Was my favorite outfit I wore for this trip!

Having long hair inspired me to take lots of pictures.

It might sound dumb or superficial but having pretty hair makes me feel put together!

Its given me a lot of confidence and I love how my hair looks in every picture I take!

This set from Pretty Little Thing is sold out but you can find a zebra top similar to this here.

Studded Sandals are Balenciaga

I am currently wearing 3 rows of Natural Beaded Rows Extensions.

To learn more about NBR and what that experience entails click here.

To check out some major transformations click here.

Changing my Look

I told myself last year when I cut my hair to a bob that I would NEVER wear long hair again!

Im eating my words.

I did something no one thought I would do.

I went back to long hair.

And I’ve had a lot of people curious why I decided to make that decision!

Its been 3 weeks since the big change. Now that I’ve let it marinate a bit I want to share my thoughts with you on the matter…

The biggest question I got asked was WHY?

I do transformations like this all the time in the salon. I love being able to put a smile on faces and often bring tears to their eyes. The possibility for enormous change can be physical but also very emotional.

but I’ve never felt that amount of change on myself.

I wanted to feel what it felt like to have a big transformation with NBR Extensions.

So I flew to Utah, and I booked and appointment with Mckenzie Sellers who has been mastering NBR Extensions for over 5 years.

It was my full intention to have a true “client experience” just like my clients receive. I sat in Kenzie’s chair as a guest, and gave her full control to do whatever she felt like would like best.

I initially found out about NBR over 5 years ago when Kenzie and I worked in the same salon in Utah.

We have stayed in touch ever since, and I owe everything to her for influencing me to do NBR after years of watching her from a distance.

I sent her pictures of my dream hair, and she did the rest!

It’s kind of an unspoken rule with the artists at NBR that when we visit other artists we pay them the full price they would charge a regular client.

We choose to do this because we respect each other’s time and craft but also we feel it’s important to have that same experience, that our clients have, including the investment. This helps us connect with our clients and understand the process of NBR on a personal level.

The most important thing that mattered was that it looked Natural. This is Kenzie’s specialty, all of her clients are natural and “lived-in” with a lot of depth!

She custom prepared 6 different shades for my hair in order to get the right amount of dimension and blend. The whole installation was very custom, she was even coloring the hair during the installation if things didn’t match exactly perfect.

So everyone wants to know how I like my new hair…

YES, it was a huge change!

But people who have known me for a many years weren’t too shocked. My hair was actually this long when I was in high school.

Except now it feels different. Why?

Its longer, fuller, and prettier than it ever was naturally, even when my hair was in my prime as a teenager!

At first I didn’t notice something.

But when my husband picked me up from the airport he pointed it out straight away…

My demeanor changed.

I was acting different, because I felt different.

My hair had never been this long and full before, and that made me feel amazing.

Because I felt so amazing it made my relationship with my husband even better.

It’s not that he loved me more because my hair was pretty, it was that because I felt good about myself that our relationship thrived off that.

My husband likes to call it the “NBR Magic”, because there was Kiki before NBR and Kiki after NBR, and they are definitely different women.

A highlight about this transformation is that my clients and I have been able to bond more over having long hair and extensions together.

We talk about the way we curl it, braid it, wear it to the gym, and even the infamous wash day.

If you want to see what the buzz is all about with NBR extensions and why I made the big change click here.

To see more NBR transformation click here.

If you are ready to experience NBR Extensions with me fill out my short application here.

We can’t wait to meet you!