Hair Extension Tips for Stylists

Using natural human hair extensions and making sure that you get the right color match are fundamental in achieving a great natural finish, but there are secrets to the perfect application.

• By razoring or cutting the extensions into layers after they have been applied, the natural hair and extensions blend together better.
• When applying clip-on hair extensions, get a more secure fit by backcombing the roots slightly.
• For the majority of clients, the virgin hair at the root, that has not been bleached by the sun, is a different colour to the lighter sun-bleached ends. So, if you're matching extensions to the root then it will be too dark on the ends, and vice versa. To tackle this problem, choose a color that is in between.
• Pre-cutting the natural hair perfectly will enhance your extension hairstyle, maximising optimum blend between the natural hair length and the added hair.
• Make sure that the amount of hair introduced is sympathetic to the client's own hair, texture and length, otherwise it can make the overall style look unbalanced. Placement of the extensions can make or break a natural look. Place the extension so it falls naturally within the client's own hair.
• When applying a strand by strand method, work sympathetically with the client's own hair, matching each section weight for weight. Small bonds carefully applied should be virtually undetectable, even on very fine hair. Proper aftercare keeps extensions looking great. It's important that the products you're offering not only nourish the hair, but protect the bonds too.

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.

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.

Get Rid of Hair Extension Static

Static can be very strong in winter. Static electric shock happens more often because of the low humidity levels in our homes, heated by fireplaces and forced hot air. Static electricity can be a nuisance - clothes cling together and awful fly-away hair. What do to? Check out the tips below.

• Get yourself a humidifier- By using a humidifier, you get the air in your home back to normal humidity levels, and you will find that with increased humidity, the static will be reduced. For those of you with curly hair, your curls will get stronger with higher humidity.
• Dryer Softener Sheet- Another solution is to rub a dryer softener sheet over the brush, and even on your hair before brushing. It does wonders and cuts down of tangles!
• Wet Hair- Also wetting your hair and combing it will decrease hair static. 
• Hair Spray- Using hair spray can decrease the electrical charge in your hair. 
• Investigate Your Hair Products- If you still have trouble with static, investigate on your hair care products. Some shampoos wash your hair so squeak clean, that all natural oils disappear - they protect your hair shaft, and prevent static, too. If you do not wish to change your products, use jojoba oil after washing to add the natural amount of oil to your hair.
• Look at your wardrobe- If you can't seem to get rid of static, have a look at your wardrobe. Chemical fibers are apt to cause static - most important are viscose and polyester. Switching to natural (and electrically neutral) fibers like cotton, silk or wool also helps a lot in getting rid of static.

When Bad Hair Extensions Happen to Good People

This is not a good blending Job on Kate Gosselins extensions (see picture on the left). Remember when applying pre-tipped hair extensions to stay within 4-6 inches of your own hair length for the most natural result. As you can see in the second picture, she got it right.

Naomi Campbell's hair extensions pictures above look great, but at her front hairline is another story. Adding too much extension hair to the natural hair will pull and stress the roots of the natural hair, resulting in a receding hairline. This excessive tension leads to breakage and/or hair loss.

Lindsay Lohan's hair extensions do not blend with her natural hair. This picture is a great example of why it is important to make sure your color match is right. Before ordering your hair, make sure to check out our online hair color chart or purchase a hair color ring for more accuracy.

This picture of Julie Benz is a great example of why it is important to make sure to leave enough hair out around the perimeter or edges of your natural hair. This will disguise the hair wefts and allow you to have more versatility with your hair styles. You can wear your hair up in a ponytail or bun or half up half down, or all down without worrying about your hair extensions being exposed. Also see our article on Hair Extension Exposure.

This picture of Oprah Winfrey is another is another great example of why it is important to make sure to leave enough hair out around the perimeter or edges of your natural hair. This will disguise the hair wefts and allow you to have more versatility with your hair styles. Also see our article on Hair Extension Exposure.

Common Hair Extension Mistakes

Over the years Sultry Hair Extensions has gathered a wealth of information and common mistakes from many of our satisfied customers. You can benefit from their experience.

• Never sleep on wet hair- You will wake up in the morning with tangles and matts. It's 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.
• Use less Heat - 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.
• Moisturize 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.
• Shampoo Less- Shampooing can damage the best of hair extensions. We recommend washing with a moisturizing shampoo no more than three times a week and following with a moisturizing conditioner.
• Get loopy- We recommend using a super looper brush. This works best at detangling hair extensions. Brush gently to avoid any excess root tension. Always brush hair from the bottom up, small sections at a time.

Flat iron/Curl Hair Extensions Safely

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 while still using styling tools is to use as little heat as possible.
If you do decide to use a flat iron or curling iron, its ideal to follow these guidelines to prevent as much damage as possible to your extensions.
1. Always use a heat protector spray and only flat iron freshly shampooed dry hair. If your hair is dirty, the oils will adhere to the iron causing it to burn as it straightens.
2. Limit the frequency of use to reduce the amount of damage it can cause.
3. Make sure your hair is completely dry by letting it air dry, or blow dry sections before ironing.
4. Keep the temperature on low to medium heat and work with small sections. This allows you to achieve straight hair with less heat.
5. Be sure to use proper styling tools. Flat irons with tourmaline, ceramic and titanium metals tends to heat more evenly and are less likely to cause damage to processed hair.

6. Extensions do not receive nourishment from your scalp, so it is important to keep them moisturized. When washing and conditioning human hair extensions, avoid harsh products. Instead, use those with extra moisturising agents. It is also advisable to deep condition hair extensions at least once, to soften and moisturise.

Top 5 Hair Extension Myths

Myth: You don’t have to condition hair extensions.
Truth: You should always treat your extensions like your natural hair and should be washed and conditioned weekly. We recommend a light leave in conditioner.

Myth: You don’t have to comb your hair when wearing extensions.

Truth: You must treat your hair extensions like your own natural hair. Combing your hair extensions is very important to keep up the quality and life of the hair, as well as your current hair style.

Myth: Hair extensions require low or less maintenance. Truth: Hair extensions need to be treated like your natural hair. Wash, condition your hair extensions weekly and style regularly.

Myth: All hair extension brands are the same.
Truth: The best hair for hair extensions is non-processed virgin hair. Regular store bought hair brands are processed with a silicone coating. For the very best virgin hair please visit us at Sultryhair.com.

Myth: The best candidates for hair extensions are women with damaged hair.
Truth: Hair extensions are worn by women with healthy hair. Most wear extensions because they want to extend their hair length, protect their natural hair from being over exposed to heat/styling products and to try a different texture of hair.

How To Avoid Hair Extension Exposure

We've all seen someone wearing hair extensions that were exposed for everyone to see. To make sure that your tracks are never "on display". There are several ways you can prevent your hair extensions from showing and making sure that nobody knows they aren't as natural as they look.

• Make sure your colour match is right. Before ordering your hair, make sure to check out our online hair color chart or purchase a hair color ring for more accuracy. Click here for more color selection help.
• If you are bonding the wefts in with glue or tape, try pulling down a fine layer of your own hair over the weft and securing using liquid gold glue. This will disguise the weft even if your own natural hair blows up.
• If you have fly-away, fine hair like Pamela Anderson pictured above, try using a light mist of hairspray. Lightly backcomb the top layer of your hair before brushing smooth and misting with spray to secure. Backcombing and spraying your hair before applying clip-in extensions also prevents slipping.
• If you have a sew-in weave, make sure it is installed by an experienced professional hair stylist. A licensed stylist will make sure to leave enough hair out around the perimeter or edges of your natural hair. This will disguise the hair wefts and allow you to have more versatility with your hair styles. You can wear your hair up in a ponytail or bun or half up half down, or all down without worrying about your hair extensions being exposed.

By following these tips you can keep the truth about your extensions between yourself and us (and we won't tell).

Caring for Hair Extensions

Hair extensions, or weaves, give the option of length and versatility. Depending on the quality, fiber and texture of the hair extension, it can last from two weeks to several months. Hair extensions are available in either synthetic or human hair. You can most from our hair extensions if we take the time to care for them.

Synthetic Hair

These tend to be more affordable than human hair extensions. They come in a variety of style options and have the amazing ability of maintaining whatever style they are in, curly or straight. And for those who shy away from using them because of how ‘fake’ they might look, innovations in the manufacturing of synthetic hair have led to high quality fibres that are very similar to human hair.

Also, new types of synthetic hair tend to be tolerant of heat, and can be restyled to add more versatility to one’s hair style. To keep your synthetic hair extensions looking better for longer, here are some tips to bear in mind:

1. Synthetic hair is prone to tangling and shedding, more than human hair. Use detangling spray on the extension, to ease the tangling.

2. Avoid using lots of products, e.g. pomade and hair oil, on synthetic weaves. This usually leads to product build-up, which makes the hair feel lifeless, or flaky when you brush it.

3. Synthetic hair is for temporary use, so discontinue use once the weave has lost its style and become unmanageable.

4. Find out if your preferred brand can handle heat, because most synthetic hair extensions are not heat resistant.

Human Hair

These are more expensive than synthetic weaves, but they last longer, can be styled using hot tools, and can be coloured. Human hair extensions are the best option when deciding on hair weaves. They vary in texture - from straight Chinese hair to wavy Brazilian and Indian hair. To maintain the quality of your human hair extensions, bear the following tips in mind:

1. Treat the hair as your own. In other words, wash and condition every two weeks. Extensions do not receive nourishment from your scalp, so it is important to keep them moisturized. When washing human extensions, avoid harsh shampoos. Instead, use those with extra moisturising agents. It is also advisable to deep condition hair extensions at least once, to soften and moisturise.

2. 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.

3. Be careful when using heat. If you must, seal in moisture by using heat protectant products.

4. For more hair care tips, read our hair care guide.

How Long Can You Safely Keep Hair Extensions In Before Removing & Reinstalling?

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. There are weaves that can last as much as three months and bonded extensions that can last as much as two months, but should be checked every 4-6 weeks to make sure there are no problems developing with the scalp, and to make sure the adhesive is holding well.

Your natural growing hair sheds about 100 hairs a day. These are the hairs you find in your hair brush and in your shower drain. Hair shedding plays a critical role in determining the safe amount of time an extension attachment can be worn.

When extensions are in your hair, your natural hair is still shedding at its normal rate, and the shedding hair becomes trapped in the hair extensions. So if you have the hair extensions are installed longer than the recommended time, your natural hair that has shed may matt and tangle with the hair extensions.

Consult your hair stylist about how long you can keep the hair extensions installed. Make sure you follow your stylist’s instructions for caring for your extensions. Keep your hair clean and conditioned and follow your hairstylist instructions.

Need Help Choosing Your Hair Extension Color?

Choosing the right color is easy with our color chart and color ring.  We offer three options:

1. Online hair color chart.
2. Purchase a color ring.
3. Color ring on loan program

Tips:

• When selecting a color, keep in mind that an exact match may not be possible. Try blending a hair color that is slightly lighter or darker than your own hair, as it will likely look more natural and will add depth and variance to your hair color. 
• When choosing a hair color, keep in mind your skin tone. You'll look best in a hair color that complements your natural skin tone.
  

How Much Hair Will I Need?

How much hair will I need? We get asked this question a lot.  So we created a hair quantity guide. The amount of hair you need depends on a few things things: (1) the length of the hair, (2) the hair extension method used, and (3) the fullness you desire.

Full sew in weave:

1-1.5 pks= 10"-12"

1.5-2pks= 14"-16"

2-2.5 pks=18"-20"

2.5-3 pks-22"-26"

Bonding (with glue or tape):

1 pk- a full head application

1.5 packs- a fuller look with lots of body

Braiding: 

1-1.5 pks= 10"-16"

1.5-2 pks=18"-20"

2-2.5 pks=22"-26"

Strand by Strand:

2 pks (200 strands)- A natural look

3 pks (300 strands)- A full look

4 pks (400 strands)- A full look with lots of body

Hair Extensions Care & Maintenance Guide

Shampoo/ Conditioner

• Wash your hair at least once a week.
• Wash your hair extensions with a moisturizing shampoo that is no higher than PH 7
• Condition your hair with a moisturizing conditioner.
• Brush and detangle hair before applying shampoo.
• Wash your hair in a downward motion, working shampoo from the top down in one motion. When washing your hair, don`t pile the hair on top of your head
• This creates tangles. Instead gently shampoo the hair in one direction only.
• Follow with the conditioner in the same manner.
• Do not use a volumizing shampoo or conditioner.
• This will cause the hair to mat and tangle, instead using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner is recommended.
• If the hair feels dry or heavy with build up, wash it with a clarifying shampoo.
• Do not apply conditioner directly to the bond area.

Deep Condition 

• To keep you hair in tip top shape, use a simple deep conditioner or hot oil treatment in your hair about every two weeks or once a month when needed. More or less, depending on what styling methods you apply to your hair.

Brushing 

• Always keep your extension tangle free.
• Brush gently and avoid any excess root tension.
• Always brush hair from the bottom up, small sections at a time. The more careful you treat your extension the longer it will last. Support your attachment when brushing or combing your hair.
• A super looper brush works great at detangling hair extensions, hairpieces, and wigs.

Styling

• An advantage of 100% human hair is you can style it like you normally would your own hair. You can brush, comb, blow dry, curl with curling iron, straighten with a flat iron and style it any way you want.
• It is best to use styling products that are alcohol free.

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.
• Do not sleep with your hair wet, as this will create matting and tangling.

Swimming/Sauna

• It is not recommended that you swim with extension hair. However if you do, the following precautions are recommended.
• Never wear a swimming cap or anything that covers your hair, the friction may cause matting.
• It is always good to brush your hair and put it into braids before swimming or wading in any type of water (fresh or salt water). This will avoid any unwanted tangles and matting.
• Try to keep head above water, do not swim under water, no diving.
• Immediately after showering undo braid, comb hair and let air-dry.
• Follow with appropriate shampooing and conditioning.

Other tips

• Although the hair extensions are made with 100% human hair, it is not receiving nutrients from the scalp like your own hair. Heat is your hair extensions’ biggest enemy. The more you use on it, the shorter the life span of your hair. We cannot guarantee that the hair will remain silky if you use the blow dry, flat iron, or curling iron frequently.
  
• Never leave your extensions in over three months. The root hair needs to be brushed out completely to avoid tangling and dreading.

Hair Closure FAQ's

How are hair 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.

1. 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.
2. You can also bond the closure onto your head, by using hair tape or hair glue.
3. Since our closures are lace frontal closures 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.
4. You can also add clips to the closure and clip it on.

How can I style the closure?

Since our closures are freestyle closures, this allows for styling freedom and 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 just like our hair extensions can be curled, flat ironed etc to achieve any hair style you want.

How many packs of hair will I need with a closure?

How much hair you will need with a closure depends on how long the hair extensions are and how full you prefer your hair.

10"-12"- One pack is enough, unless you like it full. Then you will need 1.5 packs.*

14"-26"- Two packs are enough, unless you like it full.Then you will need 2.5-3 packs.*

*Our hair is sold by the pack.

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

The difference between 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 swiss lace closure is best used when used for sewing and not bonding. 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.

What is the difference between hand tied and machine weft?

The difference between hand tied weft and machine weft is that hand tied wefts are done by hand and are much thinner than machine wefts. Hand tied weft lay flat against your scalp to give you a more natural look and significantly reduce bulkiness. Hand tied wefts come in pieces of about 24" long, you get about five pieces per pack more or less, depending on the length of the hair. The hand tied wefts must be reinforced before cutting and must be sewn around the weft, not through the weft. You can do this either with a glue (nail or fabric glue works great) or by sewing the weft down before cutting. Machine wefts done by machine and have a thicker weft. They do not need to be reinforced or secured before cutting and you can sewn through the weft.

What is the Best Way to Cut/Sew Wefts?

Hand tied wefts should never be cut before securing. If it is cut without securing the weft, it may shed. If it is cut, we recommend that you seal it with a hair sealer or glue (nail glue or fabric glue). Also, one should never sew through top of the weft and it is recommended you sew around the weft.
With machine wefts, you can cut where desired. We cannot stress how important this information is, the main reason for wefts shedding is because the weft is not cut or sewn properly.