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.

Lauren Conrad Dishes on Getting Hair Extensions

Reality TV star Lauren Conrad recently confessed to having hair extensions. When asked about her famously long wavy hair, she replied, "these are all extensions." "I chopped my hair off to my shoulders. I thought I was doing a chic bob. It was so bad," says the chick novelist and designer. 


To get Lauren Conrad inspired hair our Indian Straight hair extensions  preferably in lengths 18"-26" with some long layers in it to break it up a little. It’s always better when wearing your hair so long to have some kind of curl and shape in there to help it appear natural.

Top Five Reasons People Get Hair Extensions

1. Add instant length, volume or thickness to their hair. They have always wanted long hair or thicker hair and for whatever reason have never been able to grow their own hair out.
2. Cover up a really bad hair cut. So, you got a really short shag hair style and you absolutely hate it? Solution: Hair Extensions
3. Add bold or subtle highlights to your hair without chemical processing.
4. Get a new look for a special occasion (wedding, prom, special occasion).
5. Just for fun! Some people like to experiment with their hair styles. Hair extensions offer an instant new look without the commitment of a haircut or permanent color.

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.

Kim Kardasian- Get her look with Hair Extensions

Kim Kardasian has recently caught our hair extension radar. The socialite and entrepreneur is known for your curvy figure and sultry long wavy hair. We get often get customer inquiries about how to get their hair to look like hers with our hair extensions. So we decided to address it in our blog. To achieve this look.

A customer wrote us and asked, "I always thought that Kim Kardashian had the most gorgeous hair, but on last week's episode of Keeping up With the Kardashians, she mentioned her hair extensions. How can I get this look with Sultry Hair extensions?"

To get Kim Kardasian inspired hair our Indian Wavy hair preferably in lengths 18"-26" with some long layers in it to break it up a little. It’s always better when wearing your hair so long to have some kind of curl and shape in there to help it appear natural.

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.

Hand Tied Weft Versus Machine Weft

What is a weft?

A weft looks like a little curtain of hair attached together at the top and free flowing at the bottom. Wefts are made by machine (machine weft) and hand made (hand tied weft). Wefted hair is hair can be sewn, or bonded with glue or tape.

What is the difference between hand tied and machine weft hair?

 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.

All About Seamless Hair Extensions

What are Seamless Hair Extensions? 

Seamless hair extensions also known as Skin Wefts and Invisible Wefts are hair extensions attached to a base made of a thin poly base, the hair is injected into the base for a very natural look. This allows for it to look like it is growing out of your scalp. 

Will the Seamless hair extensions damage my hair?

The Seamless hair will not damage your own hair, if installed and removed properly. The seamless hair is easy to apply and remove. In addition, hair extensions help to protect your hair from curling irons, blow dryers, styling heat and environmental damage.

What makes Seamless hair different than any other method? 

The hair is not sewn, braided, or cliped in. The seamless weft is attached laying the seamless skin weft flat on your hair and securing it with adhesive. This allows for a natural looking, flat hair extension application that looks like it is growing out of your scalp.

What adhesives can I use?

Seamless hair extensions can be applied several ways. It can be applied with hair glue such as Liquid Gold Glue, or with hair tape such as Super Tape and True Blue Tape. If one adhesive does not seem to be holding as long as you would like, it is recommended that you try a different type until you find one that works for you. What works for someone else, may not work for you and vice versa, as everyone has different body chemistry  (ie. produce more/less sweat and oil).

How long does it last?

The Seamless hair can last up to several installs, with proper care. Click here for our hair extensions guide for more information.

How long will the seamless hair last until I have to take it out and reapply? 

On average it lasts from 4 to 6 weeks. It depends on the adhesive you use, if your hair is oily and if you use oils or conditoners in your hair. 

Can you wash your hair with the skin wefts? 

Yes, you can shampoo and condition with the hair extensions in tact. Just make sure to not apply condition directly to the bond area. The oils in hair conditioner may cause the slippage. If it starts to loosen up because of oil in your hair, then simply take it out, shampoo and condition your hair and the Seamless hair to remove excess oil and adhesive. Then, reapply the adhesive and put it in your hair again. It's really a fast and easy way of applying extensions. 

How many packs of skin wefts will I need? 

For added volume =1/ 2 pack (2.2 oz)*

For highlights=1/2 pack (2.2)*

For a full head application = 1 pack (4.4 oz)

* Sold by the pack (4.4 oz).

How is it applied? 

Step #1- Shampoo your hair to remove excess oils and dirt. Use a condition to the botom half of your hair only. If you apply it to the top half, it may cause slippage.

Step #2- Starting at the bottom of your head, make a part. It is recommended to make your first part, just at your ears. Be sure to leave enough hair out at the perimter and bottom of your head to cover the hair extensions. 

Step #3- Measure the desired length by holding the Seamless hair up to the parted area of your scalp. Then, cut the desired length of the Seamless hair. 

Step #4 - Apply your adhesive of choose to the Seamless weft area.

Step #5 - Apply it the sectioned area.

Step #6- Make another part about 1/2" above. Pepeat the steps above, until you have added the desired number of rows.  Be sure to leave enough hair out at the perimeter and bottom of your head to cover the hair extensions. 

All About Fusion Hair Extensions

The basic concept behind fusion bonding is to fuse the extension with the keratin protein onto the natural hair, strand by strand. This unique process involves applying pre-tipped hair that consists of a small group of hair to form a strand. Fusion hair extensions can be applied in different ways: hot or cold fusion. As with any service, it is advisable that you buy quality hair extensions and get an experienced, trained extension technician to install.  

Hot Fusion

Hot fusion uses heat to soften the bond of the extension before attaching it to a section of your hair.  The type of hair extensions needed for this method is u-tip hair. You will need about 200-300 strands, depending on the fullness desired. This method will last 6 months or longer with proper care.

Cold Fusion

This newer technique uses no heat which makes it gentle on your natural hair and scalp. This method uses a keratin-based polymer in the shape of a shoe string, that is inserted into a copper cylinder attached to the natural hair, that is then securely cramped together. As this method uses no heat, it is good for fine or thin hair. The type of hair extensions needed for this method is i-tip  hair. You will need about 200-300 strands, depending on the fullness desired for a full head application. This method will last 6 months or longer with proper care. 

How to Choose a Hair Stylist

•  Word of mouth referrals are the best way to find a hairstylist. Ask for referrals from friends, family, co-workers, or even strangers that have a fabulous hairstyle you like. Ask for names of hair stylist or salons they recommend as well as one's that should be avoided. You should know, that just because a hairstyle looks great on someone else, that doesn't necessarily mean it will look great on you.
  
• Verify that the hairstylist is licensed. Hair stylist are required to display their license in their place of business.
  
• Choose a hair stylist that has a good reputation.
• Choose a hair stylist that specializes in your hair type. There are many hair styles and many hair stylists. For example, some hair stylist specialize in hair extensions, or curly hair, while others specialize in African American hair. There are also hair stylist that specialize in a broad range of hair styles, and hair types, regardless of gender.   
• Choose a hair stylist that is skilled in the areas that you are seeking. Ask the hair stylist about their expertise in hair extensions, cutting, color or whatever service you desire.
• It is also important to ask the hair stylist for their prices, before getting your hair done.
• Click here for our hair stylist/salon directory. 
  

Hair Extension Application Methods

There are many different ways to apply hair extensions and just as many hair extension types. Below we have compiled a list.

Weaving

When weaving your hair in, the hair is sewn with hair weaving thread onto tracks on your head. The tracks are made with your own hair and it is braiding into cornrows against your scalp. 

Type of hair extensions: machine weft hair or hand tied weft hair

Adhesive needed: n/a

Items needed: weaving thread and weaving needle

How much hair needed?: 1.5-2 packs, depending on the length and fullness desired

How long does this method last?: 3 months

Braiding

With this process, the hair extensions are braided into your own hair, using a variety of braiding methods such as tree braids, braid weave, individual braids, cornrow braids and french braids

Type of hair extensions: bulk hair (hair without the weft)

Type of adhesive: n/a

Items needed:  n/a

How much hair needed?: 1.5-2 packs, depending on the length and fullness desired

How long does this method last?: 3 months

Bonding

This process involves bonding hair adhesive onto the hair extensions and then applying them onto the root of your own hair.

Type of hair extensions: machine weft hair, hand tied weft hair, or seamless hair

Type of adhesive: hair glue or hair tape

Items needed:  n/a

How much hair needed?: 1-1.5 packs, depending on the length and fullness desired

How long does this method last?: A few days to one month, depending on the hair adhesive used.

Clip In

Hence the word clip on, you basically clip on hair extensions at the root of your own hair. To clip on, you first snap open the clips attached to the hair extensions, slid them onto the sectioned hair, and then snap shut. The hold should be snug and comfortable and you should be able to tug at them without the extensions sliding down. If not, take it out and reapply.  

Type of hair extensions: clip on hair extensions. 

Type of adhesive: n/a

Items needed:  n/a

How much hair needed?: 1-1.5 packs, depending on the fullness desired

How long does this method last?: Lasts a day, but can be taken out and re-applied.

Strand by Strand

This unique process involves applying pre-tipped hair that consists of a small group of hair to form a strand. These strands held together with a either polymer bond for hot fusion or keratin shoe string shaped bond for cold fusion.

Type of hair extensions: u-tip hair for hot fusion or i-tip hair for cold fusion

Type of adhesive: n/a

Items needed for u-tip: u-tip hair, fusion iron, hair shield, finger protector

Items needed for i-tip: i-tip hair, pliers, metal pulling tool, hair shield, and micro links

How much hair needed?: 200-300 strands, depending on the fullness desired

How long does this method last?: 6 months

  

Beginner's Guide to Hair Extensions

So you're interested in hair extensions, but don't know where to start. Below are a few Do's and Dont's for newbies.

Do- Buy premium human hair extensions, if you want your hair extensions to last. 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.

Don't- Expect inexpensive hair extensions not to tangle, mat, or shed. Cheaper human hair extensions are simply placed on the weft with no regard to the cuticle placement.

Do- Choose hair extensions and application techniques based on how long you want to wear the hair extensions.

Don't- Purchase synthetic hair.

Do- Use salon quality products on your hair extensions. We recommend a sulfate free moisturizing shampoo, with PH no higher than 7, as well a moisturizing conditioner.

Don't- Use styling products contain alcohol, as it can cause the hair to dry.

Do- Use heat styling tools in moderation. 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.

Don't- Sleep with your hair wet, as it will create matting and tangling.

Do- Use a super looper brush. It works great at detangling hair extensions, hairpieces, and wigs.

Don't- Apply conditioner directly to the bonded area.

Do- Use a deep conditioning treatment every two weeks, more or less, depending on what styling methods you apply to your hair.

Don't- Hesitate to contact us with with any questions or concerns. We sell the finest 100% Human Hair extensions contact us to place your order. Our email address is info@sultryhair.com and our toll free number is (877) 278-5879.

Best and Worse Cities for Your Hair

Where you live impacts your hair. Totalbeauty.com has compiled a list of which cities have the best and worst conditions for hair, based on several factors such as: humidity, pollution, rainfall, average wind speeds, sun, water hardness, and hair salons per capita. Check out the list below, to see where your city falls.

Best Hair Cities:

1. Santa Barbara, California

2. Honolulu, Hawaii

3. San Diego, California

4. Anchorage, Alaska

5. San Francisco, California

6. NYC, New York

7. Miami, Florida

8. Los Angeles, California

9. Denver, Colorado

10. Boston, Massachusetts

11. Chicago, Illinois

Worst Hair Cities:

1. Corpus Christi, Texas

2. Olympia, Washington

3. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

4. Las Vegas, Nevada

5. Phoenix, Arizona

6. Pensacola, Florida

7. Fresno, California

8. Houston, Texas

9. Tucson, Arizona

10. New Orleans, Louisiana

11. Cincinnati, Ohio

12. Albuquerque, New Mexico

13. Eugene, Oregon

Hand Tied Weft Versus Machine Weft

A hair weft is the horizontal attachment base that the strands of hair are sewn into. There are two types of hair wefts available on the market, machine and hand tied. 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 wefts 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 are done by machine and have a thicker weft. They do not need to be reinforced or secured before cutting and you can sew through the weft.

Human Hair Versus Synthetic Hair Extensions

There are two types of hair extensions: synthetic and human hair. The pros and cons are listed below.

Synthetic Hair Pros and Cons:

Pros

• It is cheaper than human hair.
• It comes in many colors and textures.
• It can be attached several different ways: with glue, tape, or it can be sewn in.
  

Cons

• It looks and feels fake. Artificial or fake hair cannot match the silky shine or luster of human hair.
• It is limited in styling- Synthetic hair will melt when exposed to high temperatures of styling products, such as a curling iron or flat iron.
• It cannot be colored.
• It cannot be reused. You wear it once and threw it away.

Human Hair Pros and Cons:

Pros

• It looks and feels real, because it's made from the real thing.
• It can be colored.
• You can use hot styling products, such as a curling iron or flat iron, to achieve any hair style desired.
• It does not tangle and matt excessively.
  
• It comes in many colors and textures.
• It is reusable. It can be reused for several installs, making it a worthwhile investment.
• It can be attached several different ways: with glue, tape, or it can be sewn in.

Cons

• The hair costs more, but it lasts longer.

And the winner is...
Let's face it, most of us do not want anyone to know we are wearing hair extensions. So for the most natural looking hair extensions, the real choice is human hair extensions.

Customer Pictures

Click here to check out our customer pictures. Send us quality headshots (front or back) of you wearing our hair extensions. If your picture is selected, you will receive $10 off your next purchase. Email your original (large) picture to info@sultryhair.com.

Super Looper Hair Extension Brush

A super looper brush works great at brushing and detangling hair extensions, hairpieces, and wigs.

Shorter Lengths Available in Swiss Lace Closures

We have listened to your suggestions and now offer hair closures in shorter lengths.  For those of you who prefer a shorter hair style, we offer swiss lace closures in 12". Visit us at sultryhair.com for more details. 

Miss June Sultry Hair

We are excited to introduce our first Miss Sultry Hair.  To read her story and see her picture, click here. You too can enter for a chance be Miss Sultry Hair of the Month and win a $50 Sultry Hair gift certificate. One winner is chosen at the end of each month. Click here for contest info.  Customer is wearing our 18" clip on hair extensions in color #1b.

New Item: Indian Body Wave Hair Extensions

We are excited to introduce our new item, Indian Body Wave.  This hair is so soft and has lots of volume and body. It has a nice "S" wave texture, that you will be sure to love.  Click here to view more pictures and details.