What To Do Before Applying Hair Extensions

1. Find an experienced Stylist- Choose a hair stylist that is skilled in the specific hair extensions that you are seeking. There are several different ways to install hair extensions, so ask if they are certified and experienced in the hair extensions method you desire. Ask around...word of mouth referrals are the best way to find a hair extension specialist. 
2. Purchase quality hair extensions- At Sultry Hair Extensions we use only the world’s finest Indian Temple Double Drawn Remy Human Hair. Remy means cuticle correct or that only the finest virgin hair (not treated or previously colored) is used. The high level quality of our hair extensions is matched only by the level of our passionate commitment to create your prefect experience.
3. Properly care for the hair extensions- Click here for our hair maintenance guide.  
4. Don't neglect your natural hair- Make sure when shampooing/conditioning the hair extensions that you also shampoo and condition your own natural hair. If possible, depending on your hair extension method, when detangling your hair extensions also be sure to comb through your natural hair to, so your hair does not tangle and matt. 
5. Don't leave them in for too long-How long hair extensions can be installed depends on the type of extensions, the quality of the extensions, the skill of the stylist and the application method. Click here for our hair extension removal guide.

What To Do After Removing Hair Extensions

While you may have hair growth wearing weaves because your own  hair is not being manipulated, you want to maintain healthy hair by following the steps below to ensure your natural hair grows long and healthy.  
Shampoo- it's important to remember that you still need to be gentle. Excessive rubbing and massaging can cause the hair to become tangled. 
Deep Condition- Don't neglect your natural hair, it needs hydration. Work a moisturizing conditioner through your hair from root to tip.   
Detangle- When removing knots or tangles start at the ends and work your way up.
Trim Your Hair- No, trimming won't help your hair to grow faster. But by trimming you are snipping away the dead ends. How often you trim depends on the state of your hair. You should trim as soon as you start noticing dead end or breakage. Otherwise, you should have at least a half inch snipped off every three months or so.
It is perfectly fine to reapply after removing hair extensions, as  long as your own hair gets the necessary hydration it needs.

Thin Skin Closure & Swiss Lace Closure Comparison

What is the difference between the swiss lace and thin skin closure?
The difference between the swiss lace and thin skin closure is that the swiss lace closure is made with a transparent nylon lace material that has many tines holes; which allows for ventilation. The thin skin closure is made of a non-transparent polyurethane material that resembles a scalp and gives the appearance that hair is growing from the scalp. Thin skin closure can also accommodate any kind of attachment whether it is bonding with glue or tape, or sewing. They are both very durable and natural looking.

Hair Extensions Trends for Summer 2010

It seems summer is finally here, and as well as a new wardrobe, it's also the perfect opportunity to try out new hairstyles, shapes and colors. If your clients are leery to commit, but are feeling adventurous and experimental, hair extensions could provide the excitement they crave. Whether it is a splash of color, or extra length for a special occasion, extensions are versatile and can transform hair in a matter of minutes. They are still a favorite with celebrities, especially for adding volume and length, and an essential part of any session stylist's kit bag. So, what are the trends for the summer? Paul Falltrick, of Paul Falltrick Hairdressing in Essex, talks through the top three trends you should be offering your clients.
Hair Extension Trends:

Thickness
Using hair extensions to add thickness and volume is on-trend this season. Jennifer Lopez would not be able to create the different looks she reveals week after week without hair extensions. She provides the perfect platform to display the versatility of hair extensions. They can be styled and curled easily as they have slight natural movement, but they can also be applied to enhance fullness within the hair.

Color
Extensions are available in a huge array of colours, so there's the perfect colour match and blend to suit each and every individual, whether they have a block colour or a mixture of highlights and lowlights. Using a mixture of tones is popular this season as it gives a beautifully natural result. There are also fashion shades that are typically used for panel work to create flashes of colour to update a client's look instantly and enhance the cut. This is a key trend for summer as it gives the style more personality, particularly with shorter choppy cuts like Frankie from The Saturdays.

Length
Long hair extensions with gloss and lustre are still really popular with clients. Extended tresses look timeless and beautiful, especially when smooth and sleek. A lot of clients love the bed-head tousled look to keep up with fashion trends this season, copying celebrities like Paris Hilton, who has added length and body to her style using extensions. Adding length is also popular for those trying to grow out a bob.

Top 10 Things You Can Do For Your Hair Extensions

1. Condition More- Extensions do not receive nourishment from your scalp, so it is important to keep them moisturized. It is also advisable to deep condition hair extensions at least once a week , to soften and moisturize.
2. Use Less heat- I've said is before and I'll say it again. Moisture loss is the main cause of hair extensions to lose luster, resulting in dry frizzy hair. The best way to maintain the quality of hair extensions is to use as little heat as possible. Be careful when using heat. If you must, seal in moisture by using heat protectant products. and  follow these guidelines to prevent as much damage as possible to your extensions.
3. Shampoo Less- Shampooing can damage the best of hair extensions. Use salon quality products on your hair extensions. We recommend a sulfate free moisturizing shampoo, with PH no higher than 7. Shampoo no more than three times a week and following with a moisturizing conditioner. When washing human extensions, avoid harsh shampoos. Instead, use those with extra moisturising agents. 
4. Avoid Alcohol- Avoid styling products that contain alcohol. Not all alcohols are drying. Fatty alcohols (like stearyl and cetyl) found in shampoos and conditioners help hydrate hair. The alcohol ethanol (typically found in hair sprays) can be drying.  
5. Brush Gently-  Combing your hair extensions is very important to keep up the quality and life of the hair, as well as your current hair style. Be gentle when brushing the hair. Brush it softly from the bottom up, to gently release tangles at the end and to avoid tugging and releasing the hair. We recommend a paddle brush or a super looper brush.
6. Braid Hair Before Going to Sleep- It is always good to brush your hair and put it into braids or tied up in a bun before going to sleep. This will avoid any unwanted tangles.
7. No More Than 3 Months- Never leave your extensions in over three months. The root hair needs to be brushed out completely to avoid tangling and dreading of your natural hair.
8. Go with a Pro- We recommend getting your hair extensions installed and removed by an experienced hairstylist. A great hair stylist can do wonders while a bad stylist can cause pain and heartache over your hair. Take the time to make sure you are completely comfortable with a new stylist before you trust them with your hair.
9. Use the Right Adhesive- If you plan on bonding your hair extensions or hairpiece, be sure to use the correct adhesive. There are so many types of hair adhesives to choose from that it can be confusing. Click here for our hair adhesive guide.
10. Buy Premium Human Hair Extensions- If you want your hair extensions to last, do with the best. It may be more expensive, but it is well worth the cost. Remy is the best of the best in regards to hair extensions. This grade of human hair will maintain its quality well under everyday styling. The reason for this has everything to do with cuticle alignment. Remy hair has all of its cuticles aligned in the same direction from root to end. This makes the hair less prone to tangling and matting and is much more durable. At Sultry Hair Extensions, we only sell the finest quality human hair extensions.

DWTS and Clip On Hair Extensions

 

Dancing With the Stars head hairstylist Mary Guerrero admits everyone on the show wears clip in hair extensions. “The secret of locking in the hair extensions, says Mary, is using products, hairclips and rubber bands that we criss-cross pins to, so that it will be ready for stunt hair.” So don't feel bad if you don’t have as much hair as Pamela Anderson . . . it’s a fantasy! You too can enhance your natural beauty with our Clip-On Hair Extensions for bigger, longer hair.   

Donate Hair to the Oil Spill Clean Up

Did you know a pound of hair can absorb a quart of oil in one minute and can be reused up to 100 times?  Founded in 1998, Matter of Trust has been collecting and making hair mats and booms to help in oil spill clean up. Their method is genius; donated hair and natural fibers are collected, stuffed into hose and used to soak up spills.
Why hair? Hair easily collects oil and is really good at it. Ever go a day or two without washing it? Exactly. Since the spill, Matter of Trust has opened several warehouses within the Gulf States to collect hair donations and make hair booms. 
Want to donate to the effort? Click here to sign up and for donation instructions. You can donate shampooed head hair, fur and natural fibers. Any type of fur or waste wool, horse hair, dog fur and feathers are also accepted. Nylon stocking or hossery are also accepted for donations. Check out this video on how it's done. 

All About Hair Weaves

Why a weave?
 This particular hair extension method reduces the everyday stresses your hair undergoes from heat, chemical and weather damage. It enables you to have carefree hair without the added time. A weave is perfect for someone who wants to remain chemical free but wants a textural or color change hair. A weave can allow you to shampoo and go, swim freely, wear a carefree ponytail and still be presentable. Weaves are for people with extremely short hair to long mid-back length hair. See how much your hair grows in a weave.
Does everyone need a net?
Not everyone needs to wear a net. I recommend using the net for people with balding or very thin hair, because it plays an important role in the longevity of the weave. With a net weave you are able to shampoo your weave more vigorously and manipulate your hair and scalp underneath. The net reinforces the cornrows and will keep your hair intact. that you won’t have your natural hair sticking out between your commercial hair.
How are the cornrows done underneath?
The cornrows underneath a weave are very small, thin and close together. To the touch your head will be smooth with no bumps or lumps. The pattern varies with every person. They are done in a way that will allow you the most “grow out” as possible.
What makes a weave look the most natural?
Several things, including the quality hair extensions, the application, the blending and the cut. These are key ingredients to a natural looking hair weave. If you have a horseshoe open top or part, then relaxer touch ups or pressing should continue as well as color to maintain your look. The upkeep and maintenance is just as important
How long does it last?
A hair weave lasts 2-3 months, then you can remove, deep condition and re-install if desired.
Is a closure piece necessary?
If you hair blends well with the hair extensions then it is not necessary. It is recommended for balding/thinning hair or hair that does not blend well with the hair extensions. A closure piece will give you the illusion of hair growing from your scalp.
How much hair do I need?
First we need to understand the packaging. Each bundle or pack of hair contains 4 oz of hair.
Partial weave: 1 pack or 4 oz.
Full weave: 2 packs or 8 oz.
These are only approximate, more or less hair may be needed depending on your head size, length and fullness/volume desired.
Can I remove my own weave?
We recommend getting a sew-in weave removed by a hairstylist. So you don't run the risk of cutting your own hair. Its always good to have another pair of eyes when using scissors and working with your hair. Pull your weave up into a ponytail at the top of your hair. Take last track in the back and release from pony tail. This is the back of your hair some people can just feel the different between thread and their own hair. Place a mirror behind you so you can see the track cut one piece of the thread. Cut the thread, not the track. Start from where you cut the thread and lift remaining thread with your fingers. Repeat with rest of weave. You may have to make extra cuts but if you find where the knot is which is usually at either end and cut there then you can easily remove the weave. It is best to use a razor or slim hair cutting scissors
How do I maintain my hair at home?
Once your hair is weaved in, it’s yours! For short to long lengths, the hair can be wrapped, pin curled or rolled up and tied up. For Curly to extremely curly, plait or twist hair in several sections to retain curl pattern. Tie hair up in a silk or satin scarf of bonnet. Brush and detangle your hair daily as needed. If your hair looses its shine and luster brushing can revitalize your hair. Do not excessively oil your hair as this will lead to heavy, lifeless hair and can also cause skin irritation. Moisturize your scalp with a loose oil based oil in an applicator bottle for ease of application. When shampooing at home use a gentle or sulfate free shampoo, shampoo twice and follow with a moisturizing conditioner. Be sure to completely dry cornrows underneath with a hooded dryer.

Contest on Facebook

Contest: There are quite a few hair extension application methods on the market. What method do you prefer and why? The best answer will win a prize. Simply join us on Facebook and respond to the question on our page.  Contest ends 05/17. Winner announced 05/18. Good luck!!

Facebook Giveaway: Mixed Chicks Set

Congratulations Shelly White-Estrada!!! You are the lucky winner of the Mixed Chicks Set. The set includes Mixed Chicks Shampoo, Deep Condition and Leave-in-Conditioner. Thanks for everyone that participated. There will be giveaways and contests weekly so be sure to join us on Facebook.

Kelly Rowland Has A Big New Hairdo

She was recently spotted at the book launch for make up artist Scott Barnes new book “About Face”. To get this look, try our Sultry Deep Curly hair extensions.  

Cassie Changes Her Look Once Again

and We LOVE it. The R & B singer Cassie was seen last night at the Metropolitan Museum debuting her new hair color. She added a little spark to an already funky hairdo by adding color. Cassie looks stunning in her golden blonde hair swept to the side with big waves. What do you 
think, hot or not? Want to get this look, try our Sultry Wavy hair extensions.