This is an extension care guide from Joshua Bernard, President & Hair Artist of Retro-Chic International:

A great way to start caring for extensions is in the shower by using Retro-Bonding Shampooing Potion along with Retro-Bonding Remedy deep conditioning masque. This shampoo and conditioning treatment are both designed to cleanse and replenish the hair and the scalp. The Retro-Bonding remedy contains Vitamin Enriched Microcapsules which help to maintain a healthy scalp and also strengthen the hair. Sometimes extensions can add stress to the scalp and natural hair. This will help the hair to stay strong and healthy and prevent breakage where the extensions are attached. The Retro-Bonding Remedy will also keep your new locks replenished with just the right amount of moisture and condition which in turn will help them to stay soft, smooth and remove unwanted tangles. The new extensions along with your existing hair will comb out very easily reducing the amount of stress.

Once out of the shower, apply Glazz Reconstructing Shine Potion. Glazz is a leave in, alcohol free, thermal protector that detangles and adds incredible shine without adding weight. You can add Superstruct Gel to your wet locks in conjunction with Glazz to help smoothen and add body to your tresses. Superstruct Gel is also alcohol free and does not get sticky or build up on the hair.

Once the hair is blown out, you can finish with Shakeable Hairspray also by Retro-Chic by Joshua to hold and maintain your style. You can spray a little Shakeable on individual sections and either flat iron or curl over it to ensure your work to be more smooth and to stay in place throughout the day. Shakeable does not contain any lacquers and has a very low alcohol content.

Retro-Chic products do not build up on the hair or extensions and will ensure that the extensions will remain in optimal condition and can be reused again and again.

It is very important to upkeep and maintain your new hair extensions. It is definitely worth using the right quality products to protect your new investment and your new look.

Your hair is your number one fashion accessory,

Joshua Bernard, President & Hair Artist
Retro-Chic International

www.retrochicbyjoshua.com

Bonnie Clevering has worked with several stars from Hilary Swank to Julia Roberts and highly recommends White Sands products.  Please read!

“I’m very excited about using White Sands products. I’m a Hair designer in the Motion Picture Business. I was introduced to White Sands Liquid Texture a few years back from another Motion Picture Hairstylist. As my friend said & it is so true. If used to flat iron or using a curling iron for curl either one really holds beautifully. With the Movie Business we have very long hours & under all weather conditions we need products that are long lasting & keep the continuity flowing. I work with several big actors & try to always give the Production the look that is needed. I also work with very expensive wigs that take alot of work from special wig makers. I have always been in search for the right shampoo & conditioner & recently found WHITE SANDS Nourishing Shampoo & Conditioner. It really works beautifully. I am anxious to try more of White Sands products in the future.”~~~~~Bonnie Clevering

For a more complete list of which stars Bonnie has worked with, go to http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0166527/ and read more about White Sands Products at http://www.whitesandsproducts.com/ .

Fusion hair extensions can be applied in different ways: hot or cold fusion. Hot fusion or bonding uses hot glue to attach extensions to your hair. This is the more traditional method. While it does have many happy followers, others say that the glue causes the extensions to feel stiff and unnatural. These extensions can last up to 4 months.

Cold fusion is a new method, and is meant to be gentle for the hair. This method uses a keratin-based polymer to attach extensions to the root. As this method uses no heat, it is good for fine or thin hair. The polymer offers more flexibility than hot-glue, and results in more natural-feeling hair. These extensions can last up to six months.

Fusion hair extensions are more expensive than other methods. If you want long-lasting, natural-looking luscious hair, they just might be the extensions for you.

Thought about adding services to your salon to keep with current trends? Try adding hair extension services. One way to add this is by adding a stylist who already has experience in the industry. To try to generate interest, offer coupons and discounts to first time hair extension users in your salon. Another method is to have already established stylists get trained in hair extension. There are often seminars located all across the country offering training in hair extension and information can be found on the internet or at your local beauty school. Once trained, try to advertise by having some of the female employees get extensions put in by those newly trained and show off what the salon can now offer. You could send out a press release announcing the addition of new services at your salon. Make sure to figure in all factors when adding the new pricing-time, products, etc. You will now have to keep some extensions in stock or to make things simpler, have a consultation with a client beforehand so you only have to purchase what you need and they now exactly what they are to expect.

Good luck and have fun!

Hollywood celebrities have always been known for presenting the latest fashion trends. We tend to do our hair, nails and make-up in the same way and using the same products and methods that are sported by our favorites.  Why? The answer is simple: celebrities have the best stylists at their service. By copying or succeeding celebrity hairstyles we are trying to keep the step with fashion.

Today’s hairstyle fashion presents Sedu hairstyles, and many celebrities including Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Lopez, and Jessica Simpson are the brightest stars of Sedu hairstyles.  These people are known for their long, silky and smooth locks that are flowing freely down their necks, underlying the gorgeous beauty and chic that appears to be so natural for them.  But with all filming, photo shooting and constant change of their hairstyles is it possible for them to have naturally long hair?

This question is rather hard to answer because you can’t be one hundred percent sure that you’re telling the truth. Jennifer Aniston is definitely against extensions because during the filming of Friends constant use of extensions has almost killed her beautiful hair. So, those fabulous long locks of hers are to the smallest strand her natural length.  Jessica Simpson is known for her beautiful hair, but her stylist Ken Paves uses extensions to keep that famous Jessica Simpson Sedu hairstyle.

So, what lies behind the beautiful hair of Hollywood celebrities?

Extensions are the strands of hair arranged in such a way that they can be easily attached to your natural hair, increasing the length and the thickness of your hair.

They come in two main types:

• Individual strands;

• Wefts.

These two types of hair extensions differ by the way they are attached to your hair and the quality of the hair itself.

Individual strands are applied in small sections by weaving, heat fusing, gluing, or clamping with metal rods. Such method of hair extension includes applying to your own hair various chemical or foreign substances or objects. Of course, as every method this one also has its own advantages and disadvantages.

The main advantages of such method are:

• Long hair;

• Ability to make any hairstyle;

• Ability to use hair of any color, texture, or quality.

The greatest disadvantages of individual strands are:

• Application of foreign chemical or metal substances or objects to your hair;

• Hair damage during the removal of the extensions;

• Inability to use certain hair care products in order not to damage extensions or your own hair.

Generally, the method of individual strands extensions is not popular among celebrities because of the risk of hair damage. When you need to have one hundred per cent beautiful look all the time, you cannot allow yourself to risk losing one of your most important beauty signs.

On the other hand, wefts represent the little curtain of hair attached together at the top and freely flowing at the bottom. Wefts come in two types:

• Hand made;

• Machine made.

Wefts are much more expensive, but they almost completely eliminate any risk of hair damage. Both hand made and machine made wefts are of natural human hair only. There are four main types of human hair used in hair extension:

• Asian hair. This type of hair is very straight and dark. You may use it if you are Asian yourself or if you can’t afford using more expensive extensions.

• European quality hair. Such hair is collected in India and Pakistan. It is usually of dark colors and is not chemically treated. But due to darkness this hair is difficult to dye and it is not suitable for blonds and redheaded people.

• European hair. This hair is gathered in Italy and Spain. It may be wavy and is usually of dark shades. Such extensions last up to a year.

• Raw/Virgin hair. It is the best quality hair possible. It is very expensive and you can be absolutely sure that it is not chemically treated. If you buy blond hair, it has grown on the blond head.

To apply weft to your hair the stylist braids a horizontal track (very small plait) to which he/she attaches the weft. Such types of applying the hair extension allow you to keep your own hair undamaged by chemicals and keep the same extension for several years. All you need to do is to come to the salon once in 6-8 weeks and reapply the extension.

Among celebrities wefts of raw hair are the most popular because they can be dyed in any color and there is no risk that such extensions will fall out or became thinner. This is the best way to add length to your Sedu hairstyle and let your own hair grow healthy.

So, if you want to have long and beautiful Sedu hairstyle, but unfortunately your hair is to short or grows slowly, consider the Hollywood method of making hair miracles and get yourself a hair extension.

About Clip on Hair Extensions

If you want fuller hair or a super long pony tail for the night, clip on extensions will do just the trick. Clip on hair extensions are becoming more and more popular for many reason. I think one of the biggest appeals of clip on hair extensions is that it’s so instant and not so permanent. You can be dramatic one day and back to your normal self the next. Clip on Hair extensions are all the rage on the red carpet. How do you think celebrities keep changing up their look. It doesn’t take hours in the salon to get a super sexy mane.

When deciding to use clip on extensions you should have some length to your natural hair. You want the extensions to blend in with your hair and not reveal your beauty secret.

I would recommend using human hair extensions, they last longer, meaning you can use them over and other and if you choose the correct texture that matches your hair, no will no the difference.

Clip on extensions can be pricey, but don’t go to cheap or you’ll end up with a tangled mess at the end of the day. Here are some of the brands we recommend:

Do you wear clip-on extensions? If so share your thoughts and hair type suggestions.

Do you suffer from hair loss or are just bored with your hair? A lace front wig may be a viable option for you. There are so many styles available with many realistic looking choices. Also, there are different types of adhesives allowing you to try out a wig for a day or have one for a whole month. Have a consultation with a stylist to make sure this is the route you want to go. He or she can help you understand the procedure and then you can decide what you want. If you feel comfortable and ready, then go for it! Another great resource is the internet where you can look up pricing, how-to’s, and see examples of people wearing the lace front wigs. Do whatever makes you feel more beautiful.