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Articles & Links – Hair Extensions New York City – Hair Care Tips

Articles and Links about Hair Extensions are written by Custom Hair by Catherine New York City.  There is an article on Hair Care Tips for extensions and how to find a good hair extensions stylist.

Avoid the Pitfalls – Beautiful Luxurious Hair with Hair Extensions

There are so many names for and types of hair extensions today that it is no wonder people are confused and disappointed when they don’t receive the luxurious hair they want – or worse, end up with damaged hair and/or less hair than they started with. While there are many “marketing” names and brands for types of extensions, they all fall somewhere in the following categories.   Tape In, Individual bonding, Individual Links, Braiding, Wefted hair with some type of “weave” or clips, skin wefts that are applied with adhesive, and hair attached to some type of base that can be clipped in, The following link gives a detailed description of many of the methods available. Hair Extension Guide

I started working with hair extensions in 1989 as a General Manager for a salon specializing in hair replacement for men, top pieces for woman, and hair extensions. My mentor, Linda, trained me in all aspects of these services including quality of hair, custom blending, methods of attachment, and styling extensions. I also learned many “trade secrets” that were handed down from master wig makers and stylists from all over the world. I continue to travel and research new techniques and products to assure my work is the highest quality available today.   Hair Extensions are my specialty – my goal is having long term satisfied customers.

Finding the Right Hair Extensions Stylist New York City: What You Should Ask.

Are hair extensions their specialty? How long have they been doing hair extensions in New York City? How many hair extensions have they done?   Generally, stylists that specialize in extensions, have several years experience, and that have applied at least 300 services – have a higher probability of giving you a quality result. You also want to make sure the photos’ in their portfolio are their own work and not photos’ purchased from a hair company.

How Many Methods of Hair Extensions are they familiar with?

While many stylists may prefer one method, you want someone who is very knowledgeable with all of the methods available. Are they customizing the extension to your specific situation? Ask them WHY they prefer the method they are using? Is it because it is the best method for you? Or is it the only method they know that is being sold to them by one company? A finer weave technique or links with wefted hair, I find in most cases, causes no or very minimal damage, gives greater fullness, and is the most cost effective in the long run. Tape Ins are also a good method of attaching hair extensions. If I think the client’s hair is too weak and damaged to begin with, I recommend a removable system so the clients’ own hair is not further damaged. I don’t make as much money as one would with weaving, bonding, or links, but it is the best method for that specific customer.

Are they concerned if your hair is fine?

Are they concerned about your hair integrity at all? If the stylist doesn’t seem to notice that your hair is very fine or seem concerned when you mention that your hair breaks easily – it is not a good sign.   Unfortunately, everyone “says” their method doesn’t damage the hair. The skill of the person applying the extensions and the condition of your hair is also a big factor.

Do they have detailed knowledge about the different hair quality types?

Hair quality and color match is probably the most important factor as to how “real” your hair extension will appear. Your stylist should have a thorough knowledge about hair quality. Human hair is a generic term as a lot of human hair is not good quality. There are many terms used to describe hair quality and it can vary with each wholesaler. Here is a general list from the highest quality down: Russian virgin unprocessed hair, Italian Cuticle blend, European Cuticle, European Remy, Indian Remy, Chinese human, and Yaki human.   Ninety-nine percent of the bonding systems out there use Indian Remy hair which is not the “best” hair available and does not match light colors in finer hair texture. Custom blending to match hair color and texture is extremely important so where your hair ends and the extension hair begins, is completely undetectable.   I custom blend to match tone, highlights, lowlights, two-colored hair, (etc.) EXACTLY.

Are they trying to help you or are they “yes-sing” everything to make a sale? You have to go with your gut on this one. But, if you have legitimate issues and concerns and they’re telling you everything is wonderful and not discussing the pros and cons – Beware.

Do they give you a detailed maintenance program?

If they don’t give you specific, written, maintenance care instructions – either they don’t care or they don’t know. I can’t believe how many people have come to me to remove matted hair extensions because they were never told by their stylist to braid the hair when swimming. You cannot dive in a pool with your hair “flowing” with ANY type of hair extension. It is also important to have timely maintenance, and proper hair care techniques. There are certain shampoos and conditioners that work well with extensions and others that do not. Price is not always the determining factor in this one.

Do they guarantee their work?

While hair is very expensive and custom made or ordered, it is too costly to refund because you “changed your mind” or your boyfriend or mother don’t approve. You should be 100% sure before proceeding with hair extensions. But, if the hair mattes, is falling out, or the color doesn’t match, the stylist should stand behind the work and make it right for you.

Do Your Homework.

Familiarize yourself with the types of extensions available and the terminology used in the business. The internet has extensive information and will give you insight. When you are informed, you’ll be able to ask better questions to determine if what the stylist has to offer is right for you. Quality hair extensions are an investment. It’s a shame when clients receive sub-quality work and/or damage to their own hair. Unfortunately, I have clients where I was the third person they came to before finally receiving beautiful, quality hair that looks like their own.

Hair Care Tips for Extensions

Having long, luxurious, healthy hair has been desired by women over the centuries. Egyptian women created the first human hair wigs. Roman women of the upper class dyed their long hair red to show their status. Women’s hair has been curled, pinned, permed, colored, and decorated.Hair extensions have been a big trend the last several years and have been around at least 30 years.   Hair extensions began with women of color and developed from there. The methods include weaving, bonding, micro-links, seamless, clip-on, and skin attached.My 23 years of experience with hair, hair extensions, and custom made wigs and hairpieces have developed into a comprehensive program to obtain long, beautiful hair.   My method’s for attaining long hair consists of several components which may be utilized in part or full depending on your individual situation.Taking proper care of your of your hair is of utmost importance. The longer your hair, the longer it’s been exposed to the elements, (heat, drying, sun, styling, color, etc.). Therefore, the hair requires more attention and care.

Coloring or Highlighting Your Hair Extensions

Coloring and/or Highlighting your hair extensions should be done by a professional that is knowledgeable and experienced to achieve optimal results. I use Schwartzkopf color because it is one of the best color systems available, has conditioning agents, and has higher pigmentation resulting in color that is shiny, natural looking, and fade resistant.   Permanent color or highlights should not be pulled through the hair shaft as it strips the cuticle resulting in dry, damaged hair that won’t hold the color. A non-ammonia color and developer is used on the ends to maintain healthy hair. Drugstore color is no comparison to a quality salon product.

Using quality shampoos and conditioners is a must. Shampoos without sulphates will not strip the hair of its natural moisture and will allow your color to hold better.   Use shampoos and conditioners that are made for your type of hair whether it is fine/flat, coarse/curly, etc. Generally, I find you get what you pay for. The majority of drugstore quality products just don’t do the job.   There are several new lines of salon products that are organic, sulphate free, and really condition your hair. Unfortunately, it can be trial and error to find out what works best on your hair, but it is worth the effort.A wide tooth comb is best to use on Long Hair. It won’t pull and break the hair like most brushes. The one exception is a Mason Pearson brush on very fine hair that really knots. This brush does not break and tear at the hair. Always start at the ends and work up to the scalp. Other types of brushes should only be used for styling.Have your hair trimmed every 10-12 weeks. The devil is in the details here. Trim means ½ inch. Unfortunately, many stylists cut 2-3 inches. Hair grows an average of a ½ inch per month. In 10-12 weeks your hair has only grown 1 ½ inches so cutting your hair 2-3 inches makes it shorter whereby you think it’s not growing. By trimming minimal amounts off your ends, your hair will not split up the hair shaft and continuously break off resulting in no growth. The ends will look healthy and have the weight to grow into long healthy hair instead of being thin and stringy which makes your hair appear shorter.

Smoothing Therapy Keratin Complex Hair Treatment is an amazing treatment for frizzy, uncontrollable hair. It basically works by infusing keratin into the hair cuticle. The result is shiny, healthy hair that does not frizz even in high humidity. It also relaxes the curl and the end result depends on the type of hair to begin with. I have used the Smoothing Therapy treatment 10 times personally in the last five years and it’s changed my life. There is less drying time and my hair does not frizz – I use to be a slave to humidity. I have clients who have come back several times. The treatment lasts 4 to 7 months depending on how often you shampoo your hair as it gradually washes out. The hair is not dry or damaged and in fact looks and feels in better condition than originally. Smoothing Therapy Keratin is the only product I’ve found that truly has 40 parts protein keratin listed as the second ingredient. Most other “Keratin Treatments” have very little protein keratin. I have found Smoothing Therapy to be a great tool in achieving long, beautiful hair.

Hair Extensions Salon NYC

Hair Extensions are a great way to achieve instant beautiful hair. If desired, hair extensions can also be utilized as a tool to grow out your own hair without having to wait for the end result. It is very important to use non-damaging methods and proper maintenance for this to become a reality. A consultation is always needed to determine your specific situation as everything from blending and matching hair to the method of attachment is custom designed for you.  https://customhairbycatherine.com/hair-extensions-methods/

Hair Extensions New York City | Free Consultation (917) 482-6493

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