A WORLD of POSSIBILITIES

Many clients will think of hair extensions as a way to add length to the hair, but they can provide a wealth of solutions for your clients and bring in new business too

For clients that are lacking volume, hair extensions are the perfect solution to helping them reach the hair height they’ve been dreaming of. “Only place hair extensions in areas where clients need extra volume though,” says Simon Stainton, Head of Zen Hair training programmes. Paul Malhi of Glamlox Hair Extensions tells us: “14” to 16” hair extensions are perfect for adding thickness to client’s natural hair, but don't neglect shorter lengths to thicken up fringes and sides.”

It’s all about layering the extensions with your client’s natural hair to create the illusion of more volume. But which technique is best? “Tape hair or Keratin bonded extensions are the most discreet methods to add volume,” says Paul. Simon also recommends clip-in extensions for those who want more freedom.

Adding volume with hair extensions also allows for more styling options. Hairdressers can create styles that have greater body, giving the appearance of thicker hair overall. But in order to get the most out of their investment, it’s important for clients to follow the recommended maintenance and product guidance. Paul recommends telling clients to use a soft bristle brush to help prevent breakage and Simon adds that sulphate, paragon and sodium chlorate free shampoos and conditioners are ideal. “They cleanse and condition the hair without causing damage or weakening the bond between the extensions and natural hair,” he says.

Hair extensions can also be the perfect solution for clients who like to switch up their style or those who may not have the hair density and thickness required for a desired look, such as a fringe. Remi Cachet Super Stylist, Asya Cannur of Asya Cannur Hair Chelmsford says: “I have seen a massive trend in clients wanting curtain bangs and face framing layers. Injection Tapes are brilliant for this type of work as you can angle them to sit around the face and go higher in the application due to the injected tape top mimicking the hair growth.” Using a method that looks seamless is integral when creating fringes as it is so close to the hair line. Michael Binder, Showpony Educator at Michael Franks Salon, Liverpool tells us: “Tape hair extensions can easily be added to create bang style and shaggy fringes, and can even thicken full fringes. Showpony skin wefts or slimline tape extensions along with single sided tapes can subtly enhance and create these styles – we are able to choose to work with a single or paired application so that it matches perfectly with the client’s hair density.”

And it’s essential for clients to use the correct aftercare for maintenance for tapes. “As well as the hair, you want to make sure the tape itself is looked after,” advises Michael. “Regular salon visits between four and six weeks are required to remove and refit the tapes, depending on the speed of hair growth.”

In the UK, 20% of women under 50 experience hair thinning and two-thirds of all men will eventually be affected by male pattern baldness, according to Great Lengths. Clients experiencing hair loss can find their situation extremely distressing and will therefore look to extensions as a solution. “Strategically placing hair extensions to conceal areas of thinning and hair loss can provide additional coverage and create the illusion of a full head of hair, and in turn boost self-esteem,” says Nick Allen of Rapture Hair Extensions. “We assess and advise depending on each client, their lifestyle and degree of hair loss,” says Inanch Emir, Salon and Creative Director, who tells us that for their Extension Specialists every client is an individual.

But it’s regaining self confidence that is key for clients dealing with hair loss. Kirby Blythe, Great Lengths Master and owner of Hair by Kirby Blythe, tells us: “Visible thinning at the hairline often chips away at a client's self-confidence, which is why I find the customisable Great Lengths bonds perfect. I can discreetly place them exactly where needed – to rebuild that shape with the hope the hair may grow back in time.” Furthermore, multi award-winning Great Lengths Specialist, Jade Searcy uses perfectly colour-matched half and quarter bonds to ensure any bald patches are covered, while using the Great Lengths Guard Tool ensures the correct amount of hair is used for the weight of the bond.

Hair extensions also work to give hair a well-needed rest from the effects of styling. “Extensions help the condition of already weakened hair and allow it to improve in its own time,” says Imy Chowdhary, Great Lengths Master. “Great Lengths bonds behave just like natural hair, they expand when wet, retract when dry and they always move with natural hair.” Nick adds that Rapture’s Hair Extensions are trichology approved: “We have a system that can spread the weight and minimise the stress and tension on the client’s hair and scalp, but it is imperative that a full consultation is carried out on every client to ensure they are a suitable candidate for hair extensions.”

Hair extensions are the perfect way for clients to play around with colour, without the commitment. “They allow you to add highlights, lowlights, slices, balayage, high-contrast colours or more subtle blends,” Bradley King, Celebrity Hairstylist tells us. “With Gold Fever Hair Extensions, you can customise the hair by selecting up to five different colours in a single bond as well as the size of the extensions to achieve the desired effect, whether you want tiny bonds for babylightened blondes or larger bonds for a 90s style stripy look.” And where toners or vibrant shades fade, hair extensions go through extensive processing to ensure they keep their colour, for a long-lasting result. “A large portion of my salon work is creating hair colours that just wouldn’t be possible with salon colour without damaging the natural hair,” says Lawrence Taylor, Head of Education at Racoon International. “Racoon has four methods of professional application that all work for switching up hair colour. You can also colour Racoon hair extensions with up to 6% developer without damaging the natural colour.”

For those who enjoy changing their colour often, Antoinette Ale, Founder of Haircrush, uses pre-coloured or ombre ponytail extensions. She says: “Ruka Hair provides a synthetic ponytail extension that comes in an auburn colour. This is an affordable alternative for clients to experiment with colour as the ponytail can be worn without having to colour their own hair.” Furthermore, Bradley recommends Gold Fever Tapes as a great option to consider: “They are quick and simple to apply and only require adjusting every six to eight weeks. You can play around with different colour combinations by applying the tapes in different ways, or even create a collection of hairstyles with multiple sets of tapes.” Likewise, Lawrence says: “Racoon’s Luxe Bond System is a loose hair system and allows the stylist to mix and blend beautiful shades together to create bespoke looks for clients, whether that’s adding a little warmth creating a beautiful balayage, or a pop of vibrant colour – the possibilities are endless.”