Blame it on the Alcohol

It is amazing to me how so many products on the market claim to be the miracle wonder working hair transforming product; however, when you dissect the ingredients on the label, you will often find that they are damaging your hair. The biggest misconception is that only cheap products have these tress devastating ingredients and that is simply not true.

I have received emails from customers asking for recommendations for products or stating that they have used XYZ (higher end) product and their curls seem to be dry. When asking them about the ingredients, or when I look up the products and its ingredients...its generally the same culprit.....ALCOHOL.

Alcohol in different forms are used in a number of hair products, but in certain forms the ingredient can be extremely drying, stripping it of moisture, furthermore lessening the lifespan of your hair extensions; leaving them dull and lifeless.

To keep it simple, here are some tips on what to avoid when shopping for your curl popping products:

When shopping for mousse and gels and curl enhancing products, try to stay away from products that contain these certain types of alcohol: ethanol, SD alcohol, SD alcohol 40, Alcohol denat, Propanol, Propyl alcohol and Isopropyl alcohol. So now that you know you can no longer blame it on the alcohol.

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Check out this customer video review of our Malaysian hair extensions.

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Get This Look: DWTS Karina Smirnoff’s Long Wavy Hairstyle

During Perez Hilton’s Blue Ball 33rd birthday celebration at Siren Studios in Los Angeles, Dancing With the Stars pro Karina Smirnoff sported a sexy, long hairstyle to pair with her stunning, blue dress. Karina Smirnoff dazzled with a center-parted ‘do complete with undone waves.

Want This look?
Try our Couture Hair Shop's hair extensions in the longer lengths (18"-26"). After installing the hair extensions, do a middle part. Spritz a light holding spray. Curl your hair* using a large barrel curling iron. We like the 19 MM (3/4") Enzo Milano curling iron. A great alternative is to roller set your hair, so you do not use heat. Lastly, gently flip your hair upside down and back up to loosen the curls.

*A great tip when curing hair is to alternate the curling direction. For example, curl one small section of hair toward the front and the next section toward the back. This will keep your hair from curling into together.

Installing Your Extensions: Hire a Stylist or Do-it-Yourself?

Hire a Stylist:

Pro: Depending on the quality of your stylist, your overall look will be more natural than a do-it-yourself install. A stylist with the requisite experience can install your human hair weave extensions quickly and professionally, giving you a professional new look.
Con: Hiring a professional stylist can be expensive. Many women choose to install their own weaves to save funds.
Pro: Ease of use. What’s easier than having someone else style your hair? All you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the service.
Con: Inflexible hours. When you have your hair styled in a salon, you have to work around the salon’s hours. Many women have to wait for weeks for an appointment, or book during the busy night and weekend slots.
Pro: More versatility. By having your weave installed by a professional stylist, you can enjoy styles that are difficult to duplicate at home.
Con: If the style you’re looking for is unique, you may have a hard time finding a stylist that is knowledgeable in the technique.
Pro: Better equipment. When you have your hair extensions installed by a professional stylist, you have access to professional styling tools such as ceramic flat irons and hair dryers, styling shears, curling irons and chemical treatments.
Con: If you already own these tools, you may be paying an unnecessary premium at the salon.

Do it Yourself (DIY):

Pro: Save money. Probably the best reason for installing your own human hair weaves is cost. You can save hundreds, or in some cases, thousands of dollars by styling your own hair.
Con: If you are inexperienced, you can easily damage your human hair extensions. This can be more costly than having them professionally installed.
Pro: Style your hair own your own time. Don’t wait days or weeks for a salon appointment.
Con: Installing a weave can be time consuming and difficult. A professional stylist can work quickly and efficiently, saving you time and hassle.

So which is better? Hiring a stylist or installing your own hair extensions? We’ll let you be the judge.

Get This Look: Mila Kunis's Over-the-Shoulder Hair

We know that long, flowing hairstyles have made a huge comeback this year, but if you’re looking for some inspiration on how to wear your hair extensions a little differently, then why not try out this very on-trend, side-swept look, as recently seen on actress Mila Kunis at the Cosmopolitan Magazine's Fun Fearless Males Of 2011, held last week. Mila’s look is effortlessly glamorous and oh-so-easy to style.

Want This Look?
First, add our Couture Hair Shop straight extensions to give you that extra length and volume. Then, use a curling iron to create some gentle curls and waves. Lastly, Gather your hair over to one side, lightly spritz with a hairspray and there you have it – simple glamour in less than 15 minutes!

Get This look: Actress Tika Sumpter's Sleek Long Hair Do

Actress Tika Sumpter (The Game & Gossip Girl), glowed with her super long locks during designer Rebecca Taylor's store opening on Wednesday (March 23) in New York City. We are lovin' her dark, long, sleek straight hi-gloss hairstyle. Tika Sumpter kept her look fabulously feminine with her floppy hat and sexy dress.

Want This Look?
Try our Couture Hair Shop Indian straight or Malaysian hair extensions in the longer lenghts (18-26"). When wearing long hair extensions, it is best to add layers to give your hair more style versatility and a more natural appearance. Part the hair down the center. Next add a dime size amount of hair gloss. We like Biosilk. Remember less is more. Too much will weight your hair down and make it greasy. Finally, flat iron and wear your hair straight as pictured above.

What is Remy hair?

You hear this term thrown around, rather loosely I might add, but do you know what "Remy" means? Remi hair, which is more commonly spelled "Remy hair," is the highest quality of hair available for hair extensions. It is made from 100% human hair. Remy hair can be treated and styled just like natural hair.

Cuticles
The biggest characteristic of Remy hair is that the cuticles are kept intact. This means that all the roots are at one end of the weft, and all the tips are at the other. Keeping the cuticles in the same direction not only replicates the natural growth of hair, but also prevents tangling. In non-Remy hair, tangling and frizz are common, because the cuticles rub against each other. The sleek look of Remy hair is part of what makes it so desired, expensive and natural-looking.

Virgin or Non-Virgin
Remy hair is divided into two initial categories: virgin and non-virgin. Virgin Remy hair has never been colored, permed, straightened or chemically treated in any way. This is the most desired type of hair, as it is stronger and healthier. Non-virgin Remy hair has undergone some sort of chemical treatment, usually coloring.

Single or Double Drawn
After being categorized as virgin or non-virgin, Remy hair is divided into two further categories, based on how the wefts are made. A single drawn weft of Remy hair has hairs of all different lengths. These wefts replicate the natural growth of human hair and look very realistic. The hair in double drawn wefts is all the same length. Because of the time and effort required to sort hair into the same length, double drawn wefts are the most expensive type of Remy hair.

Geography
Remy hair can be found in many portions of the world. The most popular type is Indian remy hair. Its texture and color can be easily matched to the majority of ethnic groups in the world. Remy hair also comes from South America, East Asia and Europe. The origin of the remy hair an individual purchases is not as important as the kind of care that was given to the hair when it was first collected from the donor.

Benefits
Remy hair extensions doesn't matt and tangle. Remy hair also gives a more natural appearance than regular human hair extensions. Remy hair has a smoother, shinier, and healthier appearance than regular human hair. When washed, it will not mat and tangle. Virgin remy hair has not been chemically processed; this hair is raw and natural in other terms. Non-virgin remy hair underwent some sort of chemical processing in order to achieve another texture/color.

At Couture Hair Shop offer the finest 100% Remy Virgin Indian human hair extensions. No synthetic additives- just naturally beautiful hair. We only use the finest and most beautiful human hair, throughout the entire manufacturing process.

* Pictured above is our Indian Curly hair.

Can I Dye Human Hair Extensions?

Human hair extensions can transform your look and allow you to change and try out new hairstyles. Our Indian Remy hair extensions are the longest lasting extensions, and can be worn for a year or longer. Some women who wear human hair weaves wonder whether it’s safe to dye their human hair extensions.

Yes, you can dye your human hair extensions! You can do anything with human hair extensions that you can do to your natural hair. This includes dyeing, cutting, heat styling and chemically processing your human hair. Many weave wearers dye extensions to get an exact match to their natural hair color.

Do a strand test first
Even though you can dye your hair extensions, you should first test to see how they will handle the coloring process. Mix the dye as directed, then apply to one small strand or section of the hair. Take note of the end result before continuing to dye the rest of your hair.
Virgin hair extensions are the best type of weaves for dyeing.
Virgin Remy hair extensions have not been chemically processed in any way, they can be dyed with minimal damage to the hair. While it’s best to avoid overly harsh chemicals, virgin Remy extensions can be lightened or darkened as natural hair. Experts advise that you don’t attempt to dye non-Remy hair weaves. These hair extensions have been chemically treated, stripping the strand to its weakest. They are generally not strong enough to be dyed.

It may take multiple applications to lighten your hair extensions
To dye black extensions to blonde or light brown color, you must first strip the hair of its natural color. Then you must bleach the hair to the desired shade. This may take more than one try to get to the right color. As usual, do a strand test first to avoid ending up with a head full of orange locks.

Just as strong chemicals can strip and damage your natural hair, harsh chemicals can also damage your human hair extensions beyond repair.
Indian Remy human hair weaves have the cuticle layer intact. This outer layer of the strand gives the hair its natural shine and body. By using chemical dyes that are too strong for the hair you can strip the cuticle, making your extensions weak, dull and brittle.

Hair Closure Installation FAQ's & Tips

How are closures applied?
Closures are attached to the horseshoe section of your head from just behind your hairline to the top center of the head. Closures can be applied many ways.

• The most popular method used to attach a closure is by sewing it into your hair. This is done by attaching it to cornrow braids along the perimeter.
• Since our closures have a lace frontal you can also sew the back of the closure into your head and glue the front lace base part using hair tape or hair glue.
• You can also bond the closure onto your head, by using hair tape or hair glue.
• You can also add clips to the closure and clip it on.

Where should the hair closure be placed?
The closure should be placed slightly in front of the braid (at your hairline) and then sewn down. This will prevent the braid from showing, and allow the lace to blend better with the scalp.

What type of adhesives can I use to apply the hair closure?
There are a couple adhesives used to apply lace closures. C-22 and secure, with the C-22 being the most popular. We sell it in different size bottles and combo packs with the remover and scalp protector.

Do I have to use scalp protector?
No, but the scalp protector goes give the adhesive you use a longer hold.

Should I apply the hair extensions before or after I install the hair closure?
It is best to apply the closure before installing the hair extensions.

What Braid pattern is best?
Start with a part down the middle. For each braid that will sit under the closure, begin a braid about 1.5-2 inches from the part. Take each braid and braid around in a half circle, then braid it down. Sew the closure as flat to you head as possible. Make the braids as small as possible so that the closure can lay flat.

How many packs of hair will I need with a hair closure?
You will need 1.5 to 2 packs of hair, depending on how full you like your hair style.

How long does the closure last?
Our hair closures last for several installs. With proper care, it can last up to a year or longer.

How can I style the closure?
Our closures are freestyle closures, which allows for styling freedom. You can style your hair any way you choose. This includes a part down the middle, a side part, and no part with all your hair pulled back. The hair closures are made with 100% human hair and can be curled, flat ironed etc to achieve any hair style you want.

What is the difference between the swiss lace and thin skin closure?


Swiss lace closure:

• Made with a transparent nylon lace material that has many tines holes; which allows for ventilation.
• It can also accommodate any kind of attachment whether it is bonding with glue or tape, or sewing.
• It is very durable and natural looking and can be applied for many installations.
• Free style parting
• It is the most popular of the two types of hair closures.

The thin skin closure:

• 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.
• It is very durable and natural looking and can be applied for many installations.
• Free style parting

Nine Tips Your Stylist Won’t Tell You

Hair Extensions get a bad rep for the damage they can cause. If you properly care for your hair underneath, weaves can be a great way to add fullness and length, change up your look or give your natural hair a break from styling. Follow these simple steps and you’ll minimize damage and optimize growth!

1. Quality Hair Saves You Money
Synthetic hair might seem cost-friendly but it can make your natural hair brittle and even irritate your scalp. Look out for brands that claim to be 100% human hair but are really mixed with synthetic fibers. They only last for one install and you will end up throwing it away, only to purchase another two packs of hair for a new installation. This will end up costing you more money and hassle in the long run. Couture Hair Shop Extensions is 100% Remy virgin human hair extensions. Our hair lasts up to a year or longer with proper care (So worth the money).

2. Condition
It’s crucial that you deep condition your natural hair before attaching a weave. Apply a product like Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Replenishing Pak (Sally Beauty, $1.29) to damp hair then sit under a hooded dryer wearing a plastic cap for 20 minutes. No hooded dryer? No problem. Leave the conditioner in for 45 minutes to 1 hour with just the plastic cap. Then rinse. It's a good idea to condition your natural hair every time you re do your weave.

3. If It Hurts Get Out of There
Tracks should be sewn in firmly but comfortably. You should not leave the salon in pain. Keep a weaving thread and needle handy at home for any tracks that come loose. It’s not worth losing your hair.

4. Add a Net
Attaching a weaving net can relieve some of the tension. You can even have the tracks sewn onto the net instead of your actual hair. This makes getting to your scalp when washing easier and makes weave removal simple.

5. Wash It
Part your weave into four quadrants. Create loose knots and secure with clips to reduce tangling. Use a spray bottle with diluted shampoo and diluted conditioner to reduce buildup. Saturate each section then massage product into scalp and hair as you would your natural hair (using your fingertips, not nails and carefully maneuvering between tracks and under braids). When conditioning, use a wide-tooth comb to detangle. Rinse section by section, loosely wrapping back up in a knot when moving onto the next. When all product is removed, create four braids. Finally, sit under a hooded dryer so that scalp and hair can thoroughly dry.

6. Styling Products: Less Is More
Remember less is more when it comes to styling product. Too much will weight your hair extensions down and make them look and feel oily. It is best to use styling products that are alcohol free; which tend to dry your hair out.

7. Use Heat Styling Tools In Moderation
An advantage of human hair extensions is that you can style it like you would your own hair. Heat is your hair extensions biggest enemy. Too must heat can damage human hair extensions, just as it would your own natural hair. Avoid constant heat and use heat protection spray when using hot styling tools.

8. Moisturize Your Edges and Scalp
Rosemary herb combined with an oil like jojoba or almond can condition hair and stimulate growth. Mix in a squirt bottle so that you can direct the oil to your scalp and avoid the contact with your weave. Try Aura Cacia 100% Pure Essential Oil, (Amazon, $2.99).

9. Take a Break
Giving your hair a rest from weaves doesn’t necessarily mean your locks have to go from long and curly to cropped and relaxed overnight. If you want to keep up one consistent look even in between weaves, try ponytail or half-wigs.

Hair Extensions: What Length is Best For You?

We often find customers are uncertain about what length hair extensions they should buy. Most of the decision should simply come down to personal preference.

Extension Weight
The longer the hair, the more it weights. So if you have thin or damaged hair a shorter length is a healthier solution for you. The longer the hair is the more it weights. Since each pack is 4 ounces, you will need more hair extensions for the longer hair lengths. For example, if you want to do a sew in weave with 10" hair, you will only need 1-1.5 packs of hair. Compare that to a sew in weave with 26" hair. You will need about 2- 2.5 packs of hair. Click here our hair quality guide.

Hair Texture
When choosing hair length you should consider texture. The more volume the more maintenance. Choosing a curly hair texture in 22", for example, will require more maintenance, than a straight hair texture in the same 22" length.

Shorter Hair= Less Maintenance
The key word when choosing your hair length is MAINTENANCE. Generally speaking, the less hair you have the less it will take to maintain. That is of course unless you want a super trendy layered hair style and color. This is where your comfort level comes in. If you are accustomed to short hair and are not sure about wearing long extensions, go with what you are comfortable with.

Longer Hair = More Maintenance
Again, the key word when choosing your hair length is maintenance. The longer the extensions, the more you’ll need to look after them. So if you think you can’t be bothered dedicating time to maintenance, then don’t get longer hair extensions. They’ll just frustrate you and you may just end up cutting them shorter or taking them out altogether. If you want to be adventurous, that is fully encouraged but remember to get something that will suit you and not someone else.

Long hair= More Styling Options
If you think you’ll be fine with the maintenance then adding longer extensions definitely gives you more hair style versatility and possibilities. Long hair looks amazing down or in an updo.

Questions to Consider
What hair length are you most comfortable with? What hair length is most conducive to your work environment? What hair style would you like to achieve? What hair texture would you like? What hair color would you like? And last, but equally important...what is your personal preference?

All things considered, I prefer our Couture Hair Shop's Curly hair extensions in 22". Our hair extensions are soft and tangle free, so I do not have to fuss over my hair even in the longer lengths. They are low maintenance in any length. I can wash and go if I want to wear it curly. It is also just as easy to flat iron and curl if I want a different look.

What looks good on one person will not look good on everyone. Focus on accentuating YOUR physical features and the hair style you want to achieve. Whether you decide to go short or long or somewhere in between, your possibilities are endless. Our hair extensions are available in lengths 10" to 26".