Extensions: expert advice on education and aftercare

Published 25th Jul 2011 by rachael
Extensions: expert advice on education and aftercare britney-spears-hair-extensions.jpg
Hair extensions have never been more popular, with clients using both clip-in and more permanent solutions to add length, volume and colour to their locks.

Celeb-savvy clients inspired by A-list style chameleons have cottoned on to the concept of changing their looks in an instant, using extensions to transform a bob into tumbling waves or trying a new colour with minimal commitment

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However, although clients may be aware of the results they can achieve with extensions, without the correct education and aftercare advice, clients can end up confused and with locks that look more lifeless than lustrous.

Every client is a walking advertisement for your salon, and although they may leave their appointment with immaculate extensions applied by an expert, maintaining and styling them at home can be more problematic.

Extension education

  • Prescribe suitable products for your clients - use shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for hair extensions, ideally the aftercare range from the brand used.
  • Explain to your clients how to apply their products. Wash hair from the crown down, in an upright position to prevent knotting. To dry, squeeze out excess water and gently pat with a towel to remove moisture - avoid rubbing at the scalp and hair. Use a low heat on the hairdryer and avoid sleeping with wet or damp hair.
  • Comb hair when wet with a wide-toothed comb, starting at the bottom and gently working up, avoiding pulling or tugging.
  • When dry, use a soft-bristle brush and be careful around the bonded areas.
  • Brush the lengths regularly throughout the day to keep hair seperated and looking natural.
  • To avoid matting, seperate bonds regularly - at least once a day. Gently tease apart by hand any extensions which are locked together.

  • Invite clients to return to the salon if they have any problems or are unsure about how to maintain their hair - why not offer a complementary wash and blow-dry after the first week to walk through the maintenace process?
  • Advise clients to return every four to six weeks for maintenance.

  • When it comes to removing extensions, why not add on a backwash treatment or post-removal blow-dry so that hair looks at its best. Encourage clients to book in for their next extension reapplication before they leave.
  • Even if extensions look and feel fine, it can be sensible to give hair a breather with a rest period. During this time - a couple of weeks is fine - get hair as healthy as possible with plenty of TLC and deep-conditioning treatments.

  • Why not product a hand-out or homecare maintenance guide for clients to refer back to?

rachael

rachael

Published 25th Jul 2011

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