eHairExperts is pleased to welcome the start of the London 2012 Olympics. We wish all the athletes the best of luck. LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!!

It seems like there are about a million different adhesives for lace wigs out there. So how do you choose?

To be honest, most of the adhesives on the market are just medical grade adhesives that are bottled under different labels. So, despite the cost differences, most are the same product or were manufactured to do the same exact thing.

Some products hold longer and better than others however it is the application technique that needs to be scrutinized. Example: some adhesives require you add  it to your skin and the lace and then wait for both to dry COMPLETELY before applying both glued parts together. Again, if not applied as specified, the adhesive will not hold as well.

Another thing to consider is if your skin and hair is completely residue-free before applying the adhesive. Any oils or leave-in conditioners that are left on the skin will diminish the effectiveness of the adhesive.

So, you are looking for the perfect wig. Which is more popular: short, medium or long?

It seems that medium length wigs are the most popular wigs purchased by wig wearers. Medium length wigs are perfect because they are not too short to pull back but not too long to get in your way. Since medium length wigs can be curled or worn straight, they  are very versatile.

Human hair wigs that are blended with futura high heat fiber is the perfect option for your medium length wig because they are much more cost effective yet they can still be styled with heat

There are pretty much only 2 types of hair to use for interlock (aka Latch-hook or Crochet): Braided or Loose…

Braided – this hair already comes braided,…straight from the pack, so there is nothing left to do other than interlock it on! Braids tend to be completely maintenance free. No need to worry about tangling or curling, just interlock and go! If you happen to lose a few, just add them back! V’wala!

Loose – now things get a bit tricky. If you prefer loose interlock hair, you will definately have to do some maintenance to prevent matting, tangling, etc. The trade off is that you will have beautiful locks that you will love without having to sit in a chair for HOURS while you get your hair braided.

Colorful eyelashes are perfect for costumes but is that all? No way!!

Colorful eyelashes are not only perfect for costumes but also for other holidays, year-round.

New Years – silver or gold will help you brighten your New Year’s celebration
Valentine’s Day – pink or red eyelashes are sure to add a spark.
St. Patrick’s Day – some green lashes are sure to keep the pinches at bay
Easter – any pastel lashes would please the little ones
July 4th – red, white or blue lashes will help celebrate independence
Halloween – any coordinating lashes will make your costume come alive!
Christmas – white, red, green, silver or gold will help you to celebrate the holidays

Colorful lashes are also perfect to go with any colorful wig you might have for any occasion. And don’t forget ladies, colorful lashes to match your lingerie are sure to bring a smile to your husband’s face.

More and more parents of African American children are holding off on applying harsh chemicals to their kids’ hair so finding natural hairstyles can sometimes be a challenge.

Natural twists seem to be a favorite because they can be worn “as is” or to set/tame natural spirals. No matter if the hair is curly or kinky, these natural twists are easy and always help to keep the hair neat.

Depending on the desired style, these natural twists can be done using a mist of water, light oil moisturizer, hairdressing cream, activator, light holding gel or a strong holding gel. If the hair is easy to manage, you may find that a light mist of water will work perfectly, however for more coarse hair that is going to be set and loosened, a strong holding gel might provide the hold you are looking for. Again, it all depends on if you plan to keep the twists “as is” or if they are only used to set the hair.

Section the hair in small plats and separate the section in two parts. If the hair is not already wet, spray a light mist of water on the hair or apply your cream or gel. Begin twisting the two strands together. For a tighter twist, roll the sections between your fingers as you twist. Once you get to the ends, apply a tad bit more cream or gel and roll the ends into a natural spiral.

Who ever knew that a simple braid could be the perfect bridal hairstyle?

When it comes to bridal hairstyles, we are noticing that more and more brides-to-be are moving away from those expensive hairstyles and sticking to something more simple. Just because it is simple or not expensive does not take away the fact that it can be absolutely gorgeous.
This simple hairstyles is created with the client’s hair braided in a hidden cornrow down the center and braided all the way to the ends. The cornrow begins at the back of the crown so that it does not reveal a visual “bump” from the front. There are no rhinestones, there are no roses, there are no angel’s breath, just a clean simple hairstyle that is full of beauty and elegance.
If your hair is not full or long enough, it is perfectly fine to add in some extensions for added length and volume.

Whether you wear extensions or wigs, it is a must to learn how to deep condition your extensions to keep them lasting long and looking great.

If you plan to spend the extra money on high quality human hair, such as Remy, Premium Remy or Virgin, it is imperative that you properly condition the hair on a regular basis to protect your investment. Once the hair is removed from the donor’s head, the hair no longer is provided with natural scalp oils that keep the hair soft and shiny. This makes the hair more prone to damage and breakage, especially is it has been colored and texturized.

Here is what you will need to deep condition your extensions:

* Deep Conditioning Oils (i.e. Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Argan Oil, etc.)
* Blow Dryer
* Plastic Bag (i.e. a product bag or a Ziploc bag)
* Wig Brush

Apply a generous amount of oil to the extensions paying special attention to the ends. Once you have added the oil to the hair, using the wig brush, brush the hair to ensure that each strand is coated with the oil. Place the extensions in your bag and use the blow dryer to heat the bag. Keep the blow dryer moving so you do not melt the plastic onto your extensions! Once you bag is thoroughly heated, allow the extensions to remain in the heated bag until it is completely cooled. Remove the extensions from the bag and shampoo the hair with a gentle or sulfate-free shampoo. Be sure to rinse the hair in LUKE WARM water only! Using hot water will remove ALL the oils from the hair.

Depending on how frequently heated appliances and/or styling products are used, how much the hair was processed and weather conditions, you may need to deep condition your hair more often than suggested however we recommend a good deep condition every month.

Now that you have picked out her dress and shoes, how do you plan to style your flowergirl’s hair? Well, we are here to your rescue!

Spirals seem to be the most popular style on little girls, without a doubt, but there are a few ways to style these lovely locks of curls. If your flowergirl does not have natural spirals, spray on some hairspray and use a hot spiraling rod. These rods work wonders in creating stunning spirals regardless of her natural texture. If you prefer to not use heated appliances on your flowergirl, you can use the bendable styling rods or for more textured hair, you can set the hair using two-strand twists.

DOWN DOS:
If you plan to let your flowergirl wear her spirals down, you can also add in a princess crown, a headband, a ribbon and bow as a headband or a coordinating flower from the bride’s bouquet can be pinned in to your little one’s hair. These simple technique will turn a hair full of regular spirals into a work of art.

UP DOS:
If your flowergirl plans to wear her hair in a ponytail, you can still use the hot styling rod or maybe you would prefer to use a spiraled hairpiece. If you go with a spiraled hairpiece, she can either wear the piece loose “as is”, or you can use bobby pins to tack up the ends and create an beautiful bun. Try using some “angel’s breath”, a few coordinating flowers from the bride’s bouquet or ribbon to add to your flowergirl’s updo. A tiny comb-crown would also look great at the front of her ponytail.

COMBO DO (as pictured):
To achieve the style above, you will need to part the hair from ear to ear and place the hair at the top into a loose ponytail. Individually take the ends and tack them up around the base of the ponytail so the bun is nice and full. Use flowers and angel’s breath to accent the bun. To secure the flowers, simply use a glue gun to attach the flowers to bobby pins and insert the pins in the bun.

For the hair at the bottom, allow those spirals to loosely flow.

Summer is the perfect time to pull out headbands for your little girls. Here’s how to turn any headband into something more trendy.

Here’s what you will need:

1. Headband
2. Wide Ribbon
3. Glue Gun
4. Glue Sticks

Be sure the glue is completely warmed and melted before starting.

1. Cut approximately 12″ of wide ribbon and create a circle.

2. Glue the overlapping ends together. Lay the ribbon flat and be sure the glued end is in the middle, on top.

3. Pinch the center of the ribbon together.

4. Using a thin strip of the ribbon, fold the cut ends inward to create the center band.

Once your bow has completely cooled, apply a generous amount of glue to the headband and attach the bow. Hold the bow in place until the glue has cooled.

Part your girl’s hair in the center and place the bow over her head, positioning the band in the center of her forehead and the bow, neatly to the side.

When it comes to summer styles, there is something to be said about a style that will look great while it is “setting” and once it has been taken down.

If you are not familiar with braiding your hair, the style pictured above is a great way to add natural beach waves to your hair. Not only will it look great afterwards but this is also a cute little style to wear while your waves are setting.

First, spray a light mist of holding spray or water on your hair and place your hair into a ponytail. It does not need to be extremely neat, just a simple ponytail. Using ponytail holders, simply add them down the ponytail approximately 2-4 inches apart. The closer the rubber bands, the smaller the waves whereas the further the rubber bands are apart, the deeper the waves.
Once your rubber bands are neatly spaced apart, hold the ends and push each rubberband upwards so that each section of hair in between the rubber bands buckles outward. This is how the waves will be created. The more you get the hair to buckle out, the deeper the wave will be.
Once the hair has dried thouroughly, gently remove each rubber band starting from the bottom up. After all of the rubber bands have been removed, shake your hair. V’WALA!!!

So St. Patty’s Day is right around the corner and you need something to wear. How about a green costume wig? Girl or guy, a costume wig is the best way to show your fun side while out on the town.

When it comes to “big hair”, how big is TOO big?

Well, how full one prefers their hair is actually their own personal preference and the limits are ENDLESS. Some prefer to have very straight, thin hair while others like to go for the gusto, and opt for thick, big, curly or wavy hair. Either way, there is no limit to how big you can go, however, if you want a more natural look, you might opt for thinning your mane down a bit. Extensions that are TOO full and thick might not appear natural.

Obviously, textured hair that is full is mainly a result of texture and some “natural” hair guru’s opt for a natural looking, “big” look.. Whether it is an afro, spirals or waves, having naturally big hair is definitely a trend however if you plan to weave in extensions to obtain this look, you might consider going with a tighter curl instead of more tracks. The tighter curl will give you all the volume you are looking for without all of the weight associated with adding too many tracks.

Another option is to try mixing a few different but similar curl patterns together. This variance in curl pattern will prevent the curls from grouping together. You can also try flipping tracks of the same spiral pattern. Usually on track extensions, all of the curls go in one direction however if you flip the track so alternating tracks are going in the opposite direction, again, this will help to prevent the curls from synchronizing together and will give more volume.

Finally, if you really want to go big, try styling the hair once it is dry. Generally, we recommend only styling curly/wavy hair when it is wet and then allow it to dry on it’s own to help keep the curl pattern together. When going big, the more you can get those curls to seperate, the more volume you will get. You can individually split curls into two sections or you can use a rat-tail comb all over for maximum volume.

When it comes to selecting a red shade, this fire-hot red is always going to be the “hottest” selection.

Natural redheads tend to have more strawberry or orange undertones. No more pale red, no more orangey reds when you can have a more vibrant, deep, natural looking red. This new red is completely the opposite of what we have known in the past. It is bold, it is deep, and it is HOT.
If you are unsure about the exact shade of red that you are looking for, try a few colors out. Before you consider permanently changing your hair color, perhaps adding a red wig to your daily routine may help you test it out before making such a long-term commitment. If you already have red hair and are looking for a color boost or something to liven up your natural color, this may be the perfect shade for you. You would be amazed at how a simple change of hair color can turn out to be an entire makeover for you. Go ahead, we dare you to wake up that color!

We have all heard of lace front wigs but what the heck is a silk lace front wig?!

A silk lace front wig is a standard lace front wig with a small piece of silk material at the crown. The hairs are injected into a pure Chinese silk material. Since the hairs are injected and not knotted or tied, the result is a completely natural-looking, knot free crown.

Silk lace front wigs are perfect for those who prefer wearing a part in their unit. With the finer laces, it was virtually impossible to part your hair without seeing your hair underneath or having to wear a wig cap under the lace wig.

Thin skin was thought to be a great alternative because no knots were visible however it was very difficult to blend at the hairline and most importantly, thin skin is NOT breathable. Silk lace is proving to be the best of both worlds with a minimal additional charge.

This face shape has a wide chin and a narrow forehead. When looking for a wig with this face shape, your goal will be to narrow the chin and widen the forehead. Be sure to select those styles with full volume at the sides to balance your face shape. Wear your hair wide and full at the temples, brushed away from the face and up toward the chin to soften and narrow a strong jaw. Your best hair length is chin length or longer.

Both men and women alike can experience hair loss. Despite the fact that there aren’t too many things that can be done to prevent it, there are plenty of options out there to help you conceal it.

Think about getting a toupee  hairpiece. Hairpieces can be customized to fit your remaining hair or balding area. They also can be worn while swimming and even during other physical activities.

Top pieces are also a great and inexpensive way to help conceal thinning hair. They are generally applied to the top portion of your hair and can be clipped or sewn on, depending on how you prefer to have it attached. Whether you like something short, with bangs or longer, top pieces are a must have.

Skin wefts are also very popular as they can be adhered directly to the balding area and looks like the hair is growing from your scalp.

Consider concealing thinning hair with wigs, weaves or extensions, no matter which ethnicity you are. There are a host of extension options out there that will be a perfect fit for your hair needs.

Check with your stylist to see which options will allow you to regrow your hair while you conceal the area(s) as some extension techniques are more prone to causing hair damage and/or breakage than others.

No matter where we look, it is a fact that most brides prefer to have up-dos for their wedding. So, here is yet another style that will help to make your special day even more beautiful.

In order to achieve a perfect donut bun, you may need to purchase a donut filler. This is a formed, firm sponge that will help to form your donut with ease. Here is what the piece will look like:

You will need to do the following:

1. Place your hair in a ponytail where you wish to wear your donut bun.
2. Slide the donut to the base of the ponytail.
3. Neatly separate the hair around the donut and using another rubber band, secure the hair around the base of the donut.
4. Hide the ends of your hair underneath the donut.
5. Attach a flower (or ribbon, angel’s breath, pearls or rhinestones) to accent the bun.

There are several shades and tones of blondes out there. So, which one is for you?

When it comes to selecting any shade, the first thing you will need to do is to find out which tone will match your skin best. Using a silver and a gold object, see which shades looks better on you. If the silver is the best fit for you, you should always look for a shade with “ash” or “champagne” in the name. If gold happens to look better on you, you should look for the word “warm” is your color. If either will work, you might be able to get away with a “neutral” tone which is neither too cool nor too warm.

Neutral blondes are very popular and can be easilyachived for women who have naturally darker shades or natural light tones. If you have naturally light, ash hair, toners will be needed to add more golden tones to your hair to achieve a neutral blonde. For natural darker shades, a more thorough toning will be needed to neutralize out all of the golden tones to achieve this neutral tone.

If you are looking for wigs and extensons in this neutral blonde shade, you might go with 16/22, 18/22 or any mixture of an ash and a golden shade together . Just make sure that you view the color chart before making a purchase online and keep in mind that there will always be a variance of shades from human hair and synthetic as well as a variance in your monitor settings.

If you like colored eyelashes, you will just love feather eyelashes!

Feather eyelashes are regular eyelashes with colored feathers on the outer edges. They have a wonderfully elegant appeal to them and are a favorite for showgirls, dancers and performers. Not a dancer or performer? No worries, these feather eyelashes are also perfect for costumes and for dress up.

Are you tired of trying to find people to practice on when you are learning a new extension technique? We have found a solution!

This mannequin has human hair that can be heat styled. Learn how to do cornrows, individuals, micros, tree braids, twists, kinky twists, weaves, cold fusion, hot fusion, as well as any other extension or styling methods you want to learn.

Don’t want to learn extensions but still want to learn how to style hair? Or do you have a little girl and want to learn how to style her hair? Once again, the student mannequin will help you practice.

It is just about every man’s dream to be nursed back to health by a hot nurse,….so why not fulfil his bedroom fantasy?

Costumes were once only used to dress up during Halloween and maybe for theme parties however we are seeing a huge increase in costume and wig sales this year. Could it be because of the “Fifty Shades Fever”? We have no idea but it is clear that couples are now looking for new ways to add that spark back to their bedroom and there is no better way than to incorporate bedroom costumes, themes, characters and roles.

There are a vast amount of nurse costumes to choose from so make sure that you select one that makes you feel extra sexy. If you feel uncomfortable in your outfit, odds are, you will not be able to play your role properly. Try adding some white thigh highs, a wig and a stethoscope to go along with your outfit. Pay close attention to the needs of your “patient” and help him get better fast!

There are several ways to do twist outs however the twisting method directly determines the quality of the style once the hair has been untwisted. So, how do you do the corkscrew twist out?

The corkscrew twist out is simply done by using smaller sections to allow your own natural curl pattern to help set the twist. In addition, a softening moisturizer (i.e. an activator) or a beeswax is applied to the hair and the strands are carefully rolled between the fingers as the hair is being twisted. This helps keep the sections separately spiraled and neat, instead of more fuzzy. Note: The more the sections are twisted, the tighter the corkscrew and the longer they will keep their neat look. Once the strands are untwisted, they are simply shaken into place with no additional manipulation or styling as this will result in the separation of the sections and a more fluffy result.

When it comes to wigs and all of the color combinations, how do you know what looks like what? Boy have we found some answers for you!

When it comes to buying a wig online, it might be difficult to figure out what blend types look best even if you are familiar with the specific colors. So here are a few definitions and descriptions.

MIXED (M)- a mix is literally a 50/50 mix of 2 colors to create it’s own solid looking color. You should not easily be able to see the 2 different colors, rather one solid color.

FROSTED (F,FS)- this generally means that 2-3 colors are blended together mainly at the crown, similar to if you were to go to a salon and get your hair frosted. The blend should be subtle and well blended even if it is a 50/50 frost, however you should still be able to see the 2 colors mixing.

PIANO (P)- a piano mix is a more bold highlighting than “frosted”. It will have much larger chunks of each color to create a bold contrast.

TIPS(T)- this wig will have a 50/50 mix at the roots however the ends will only be the highlighting color. So, if your wig was 16″ long, it would have 14″ of the dark color and 16″ of the highlight color. Again, since the roots are “blended”, it would look like a solid color with lighter ends. This color is more subtle than a two-toned color.

TWO-TONED (TT)- this wig will be one solid color at the roots and another solid color at the tips. The 2 colors are not mixed or merged together, just kept separate to look like someone who has colored their hair and now their roots have grown out completely.

Please note that each blend type will look slightly different from manufacturer to manufacturer. Also, each product will not look exactly the same as another product, even if from the same manufacturer, because one manufacturer may use several different factories for different products. An F4/30 might look one way for this wig but completely different for another wig down the street. Again, even if the same colors are used, some factories use higher amounts of highlighting colors whereas another might prefer to use lower amounts. Be sure to look at their Color Chart so you have a better idea of how it will look.

Many times we think “more is better” however when it comes to lace wigs, the last thing you want is a wig that is too thick for your preference. If you have a naturally thin or normal hair volume, you might find that you will have to get a custom unit made that will allow you to customize your density and go with a lower density lace wig.

Most custom and stock lace wigs come with 85-100% density (depending on where you purchase it). Despite the fact that this density tends to be appropriate for many people, there are quite a few shoppers who would like something more natural-looking for them. So what are your options:

#1: find a store that offers 100% customizable units that will allow you to choose a lower density

#2: find a store that offers Chinese Remy human hair as it tends to not get as “fluffy” as Indian Remy human hair

#3: try to stick with straighter textures instead of wavy or curly. The added texture will only add additional volume to the  hair.

#4: whatever you do, DO NOT attempt to remove the hair or knots from your unit as you risk ripping the lace and causing irreparable damage.

Now that summer is in full swing, hairpieces are the perfect way to add length and volume to your ponytail style.

One of the most popular types of hairpieces are drawstring ponytails. They have a comb at the top and bottom as well as an elastic drawstring that can be pulled to secure the piece to your ponytail.

There are also ponytail hairpieces with jawclips and banana combs,  buns and human hair pieces to fit all of your ponytail styles and needs.

When it comes to hair accessories, they are not just for you, but also for your little princess,…even if she may still only have “peach-fuzz”.

Making your own headbands for your princess may not be as hard as you think. Here is what you will need:

1. A Baby Headband
2. Flower
3. Glue Gun
4. Glue Sticks

Be sure your glue has completely warmed and melted before starting. Apply a generous amount of glue to the headband and attach the flower. Be sure to hold your flower in place until it has completely dried. DONE!!

With all of the different color options out there, how do you know which color is perfect for you?

When it comes to selecting a hair color (for your own hair or for extensions), you first need to know which tone to look for. The best way to find out which tone best suits you, use a silver object and a gold object, hold each tone up to your face and determine which looks best on you.

Silver: Look for tones that are more ash or cool
Gold:  Look for tones that are golden or warm

Again, if you are still unsure about which color to choose, try blending a few colors that belong to the same tone family. Like the image above, if your hair is similar to a strawberry color, add golden blonde (caramel) highlights but tone it down with some auburn low lights. If you love color, you can add two highlight tones from the same family.

When it comes to selecting colors for your extensions,  the same process is used. For subtle variances, simply select your extensions to be a shade lighter than your natural color. If you are blending your own hair, it will look like your ends are gently sun-kissed.

For those who are pretty familiar with hair color charts for extensions and wigs, here are a few color combinations that tend to blend well and are popular color blends:

DARK:
1B/12
1B/27
1B/30
2/12
4/27
4/30
4/27/30

REDS:
30/33
130/33
27/30
27/33
27/30/33 (pictured above)

BLONDES:
14/24
16/22
18/22
27/613

When it comes to extensions, we have seen our share of “bad weaves”. So, here are a few tips to ensure that your weaves are nothing like these pictured.

DO:

* make sure your stylist is NOT a beginner. Don’t be a guinea pig or you will end up looking a mess!
* make sure there are no visible tracks showing. There is nothing worse than a weave with tracks showing.
* wear your hair in the style it was indeed to be worn in. Many stylists only focus on visible areas however if you change the style, you might end up exposing some tracks.
* talk to your stylist and inform them of any styling variations you wish to have so they can be sure that all tracks are hidden no matter how the hair is worn.
* consider other extension applications if you want more styling versatility with no visible attachment.

DON’T

* pull your weave/wig back if it was not intended to be worn that way.
* pull your hair behind your ears ESPECIALLY if you have thin edges!!
* pull your hair up in a ponytail without FIRST checking to see if you have enough hair at the nape to cover the tracks in the back.
* attempt to blend thin edges with a full bodied weave.
* attempt to blend kinky hair with a silky straight weave. Flat iron the hair or go with a more textured weave.

When customizing your synthetic lace wig, there are a few things to consider when choosing a hair texture. Straight, wavy or curly?

Despite the fact that you can customize any hair texture for your synthetic lace wig, we do not recommend very wavy or curly textures. This will result in too much tangling and will reduce the life of your unit.

Straight textures tend to last the longest when it comes to synthetic lace wigs simply because there are no waves or curls to manage.

There are several shades and tones of blondes out there. So, which one is for you?

When it comes to selecting any shade, the first thing you will need to do is to find out which tone will match your skin best. Using a silver and a gold object, see which shades looks better on you. If the silver is the best fit for you, you should always look for a shade with “ash” or “champagne” in the name. If gold happens to look better on you, you should look for the word “warm” is your color. If either will work, you might be able to get away with a “neutral” tone which is neither too cool nor too warm.

Golden blondes are very popular for women who have naturally darker shades. This is because once the dark shade is stripped away, you are left with brassy tones. Even with toners, you can still be left with very golden tones, which happen to look amazing, especially during the summer months. If you have naturally light hair, toners will be needed to add more golden tones to your hair to achieve a golden blonde.

If you are looking for wigs and extensons in this golden blonde shade, you might go with 10, 12, 14, 24 or 27. Just make sure that you view the color chart before making a purchase online and keep in mind that there will always be a variance of shades from human hair and synthetic as well as a variance in your monitor settings.

When it comes to curling and styling a human hair wig, there are a few things you might need to know…

Most human hair wigs on the market are made with Chinese human hair. This hair is very straight and the strand diameter is amongst the thickest available. Because of this, you might find that straight wigs might not hold a curl very well.

Electric rollers tend to not give off enough heat to fully set a curl, especially for longer hair. Some might not even have long-lasting success with a hot curler. The best solution is to spray a holding AND a shine spray in the hair before beginning. This will help hold the curl and the shine spray will keep the curls from looking too “starchy”.

If using a hot curler, begin rolling from the ends. For more advanced users, ceramic flat irons can be used to create the curls in the image above. Starting at the root, press the flat iron onto the hair and flip the flat iron so the ends are now flipped towards the roots (the hair should create a “U” angle around the edge of the flat iron). Slowly run the flat iron through to the ends of the hair and you will have created an amazing loose spiral curl. Faster runs create loose spirals or natural flips in layered hair.

If you still have problems with curls holding, you might need to layer the hair to reduce the weight of the hair.

When it comes to adding extensions, does it matter if you have layered hair? Absolutely not!Even if you have short, layered hair, it is still possible to add extensions that would look completely natural.

If you plan to add additional length to your layered hair, you should only add it in the back, nape area and just over your ears. This gives the appearance that you have layered your hair at the top and left more length in the back. You might find that you will need to gently layer the extensions that were placed just over your ears to ensure that the front layers blend into the back. No matter if you are using clip-ins, fusion, wefted hair or a skin weft, the process and location of the extensions would be exactly the same.

To achieve the style above, using a flat iron, gently flip the ends outward in the front.

There is nothing more sexy than laying down the law in the bedroom with a hot Police Officer outfit.

Costumes were once only used to dress up during Halloween and maybe for theme parties however we are seeing a huge increase in costume and wig sales this year. Could it be because of the “Fifty Shades Fever”? We have no idea but it is clear that couples are now looking for new ways to add that spark back to their bedroom and there is no better way than to incorporate bedroom costumes, themes, characters and roles.

There are several shops that offer regular and sexy police costumes however you can spice it up with some thigh highs, a hat and wig, hand cuffs, shades and even a baton,…..if your suspect tries to resist you. Just don’t forget to read them their rights!!

We are now all pretty familiar with fusion extensions but the Rinex technique is taking the cold fusion method by storm!

Rinex fusion extensions have a micro ring and a loop at the top of the extension. Your hair is sectioned and placed through the large loop. Using the tab at the base of the micro ring, simply pull the tab and the loop threads your hair through the micro ring. Use the fusion pliers to clamp the ring closed and V’WALA!! Rinex fusion extensions are by far the fastest cold fusion method available!

When it comes to wigs, many want to know if they can create a custom cut or style. Absolutely!

Most wigs come in the more popular cuts and styles however if you desire to have a more custom look, you can opt to have your wig custom styled. If your wig is not flattering to your specific face shape, again, having your wig styled is the perfect option.

Unless you are familiar with cutting hair, we suggest you have a professional stylist do the job. Be sure to bring an image of your desired style and make sure the wig is only cut while you are wearing it. This ensures that it is styled according to your face shape.

Have your stylist make the cut longer than your desired length and slowly reduce the additional length to prevent it from being cut too short. Be sure to frequently look in the mirror to ensure your stylist is cutting/styling your wig correctly.

Interlock is a quick way of adding hair to your tracks without sewing down a weft, like a weave, but how is it done using loose hair??

When doing an interlock weave, you will braid down tracks going from front to back. To achieve the above style, be sure to leave a small rectangular section of your own hair out at the part. Once the tracks have been completed, interlock the afro braid hair onto the tracks. Please note that since this hair is very bulky, only a small amount needs to be used on each section.

After the hair has been added, you will need to set the hair to add a more syncronized pattern. You can either do a two-strand twist or you can take a small amount of hair and twist it until it becomes a small knot. Neatly wrap the ends around the knot and leave it in to set the curl. Be sure to include your own hair that was left out to ensure the entire head has the same pattern. After the hair as set, remove the twists or plaits and style with your fingers.

For added style, use a lighter color or a color blend. Once you add your own hair at the part, it will look like the image above, like your roots are darker with lighter tips.

Whether you are still considering them or have already gotten them, here are some lash extension facts that you may find to be very helpful.

What are lash extensions?
Lash extensions are a great way to extend and thicken your natural lashes. They are also a convenient alternative to wearing mascara on a daily basis. Unlike false lashes, they look 100% natural and do not require the nightly removal of lash sets. Since each lash is individually attached to a single lash strand, the result looks so natural, it is even difficult to detect close up!

Can lash extensions harm or damage your own natural lashes?
No. When applied and cared for correctly, lash extensions will still allow your lashes to continue to grow naturally.

How long do the extensions last?
The length of time lash extensions can be worn greatly depends on the type of adhesive used. Most adhesives are rubber based and will eventually dissolve from your natural oils within a couple of weeks. “Permanent” extensions are applied using a much stronger adhesive and tend to last much longer however no matter which adhesive used, with proper maintenance, lash extensions can be worn indefinitely.

Can mascara be worn on lash extensions?
Mascara is generally not needed with lash extensions however if you wish to wear a mascara, be sure it is water-soluble and not waterproof. Waterproof mascara tends to minimize the life of your lashes. Avoid trying to remove “clumps” after the mascara has dried because this will only cause the extensions AND YOUR LASHES to be pulled out!

Which is better? Human or synthetic lashes?
Synthetic fiber seems to be the fiber of choice because human hair lashes are prone to becoming dry and breaking off. Human hair lashes are indeed available on the market however they are far more expensive, require more care and will not last as long as synthetic lashes will.

How do you take care of lash extensions?
We recommend that you wash your face at least twice a day to prevent your lashes from becoming too oily. Again, oil will dissolve most adhesives. When drying your face, we suggest that you blot your face with a towel instead of wiping as this will cause the lashes, and sometimes yours too, to fall out.

Natural twists are such a great way to help keep your kids’ hair looking neat while maintaining their natural texture. So, how do you do them?

Natural twists are very simple to do for most because it only involves the twisting of two-strands. To achieve the style pictured above, do the following:

1. Section the hair from ear to ear and tie up the back.  In the front, you will do short cornrows and individual twists in the back.

2. Part the hair for your cornrow. Be sure to add a drop of oil moisturizer on your fingertips before you begin braiding. Once you get to the end of the cornrow, use a  rubberband to hold the braid in place. Comb through the ends of the braid and begin twisting. Twist all the way down to the very ends and add a small amount of moisturizer on the ends.

3. Once you have completed the cornrows in the front, begin sectioning the hair in the back for your twists. Some perfer very neat parts with rubberbands at the base and some perfer to gather hair and just begin twisting. Whichever technique you prefer, think of the end result. If your little one has thin or short hair, you might need neater parts because they will be more visible however if your little one has very thick or long hair, the parts might not be visible at all.

TIPS:
- Be sure to thoroughly comb or brush each section after applying the moisturizer and before twisting. This will result in neat and shiny twists.
- For shorter and fatter twists, just do the standard twist with the two strands however for longer and thinner twists, roll the hair through your fingers as you twist.
- If the twists begin to look dry, spray on a braid spray or apply a drop of moisturizer on your fingertips and starting at the base of the twist, work your moisturized fingers to the ends.

It is suggested that you wash your hairpiece, closure or frontal (human or synthetic), every 10-15 wears, depending on the climate and your lifestyle.  Before washing your hairpiece, using a wig brush, gently remove all tangles.

Using a large bowl or sink, run some cold water and add a small amount (about 1 tbsp) of regular shampoo as the water is running. Place the hairpiece in the water and gently move the piece around using your fingers, for a few minutes. Let the hairpiece soak in the water for about 5 minutes.

Drain the soapy water and refill bowl or sink with clean cold water. Repeat this process until the water and hairpiece are clear of all soap. Using the wig brush or a comb, gently remove any tangles again.

Drain the clear water and blot the wig dry. Allow your hairpiece to completely dry by turning it inside-out and laying it flat.

- DO NOT wring out your hairpiece.
- Do not agitate your hairpiece in the water.
- Do not allow synthetic hairpieces to dry by the heater or in the sun.

Lace wigs are, by far, the most popular type of wig available. Once silk became available, it was yet another reason to continue the craze but many still want to know what it is and how it is used.

When “Silk” was added to lace wigs, it resolved many of the concerns of lace wig wearers when it came to better concealing their natural hair color from under the ultra fine lace on the unit’s base. No matter how dark their own natural hair, it could not be seen through the silk. In addition, there was no need to bleach the knots beyond the hairline because the hairs were actually injected “through” the silk, not tied. The result was a much more natural looking unit.

The process actually involves 2 steps, instead of the normal 1 step process. The silk is only applied to the crown (approx 5″x5″). The hairs are not only 100% hand-tied but also injected through this piece of silk material. The end result looks identical to natural hair growing from your scalp that is 100% breathable, unlike thin skin.

We are all familiar with men who suffer from thinning hair however there are just as many women who suffer from hairloss as men. In fact, it is very common for women as young as their late teens to begin experiencing thinning hair.

The most important way to counteract thinning hair is to uncover the cause or causes. This could vary from low iron levels, insufficient proteins in your diet, hormonal effects or thyroid anomalies, to name a few. Once the cause has properly been identified, you can begin treatmeant to regrow your hair.

Many times, clients are unable to get satisfactory results from their treatments or desire to temporarily conceal their hairloss until their hair has grown back. If surgery is not an option, toupee top pieces or hairpieces are.

If your hairloss is limited to a small section at the crown, a top piece or closure might be enough. They generally have small 2″x3″ bases that can be attached with comb-pins and are available in many colors, styles and lengths. These pieces generally cannot be worn right at the hairline and cannot be parted anywhere.

If your hairloss has affected a larger section at the crown, you might consider a toupee top piece. These top pieces have a much larger base (starting at 5″x7″) and can be attached to the hairline for a more natural look. These pieces are 100% hand-tied so they can be parted anywhere or pulled back and still look completely natural.

These toupee top pieces are also perfect once your hair begins to grow back because the bases are 100% customizable and can be used as “integration” units. An integration unit has a base that looks similar to a fishnet. The hair is hand-tied to the net and the clients hair is gently pulled through the gaps of the unit to blend with the hair on the unit. Integration units are perfect for clients with hair that is thinning but still have enough hair at the crown to style and desire to add more volume.

Despite the devastation women experience with hairloss, it puts many sufferers at ease just knowing there is a reasonable solution right at their fingertips.

When it comes to creating simple, yet stunning hairstyles for the summer, it is as easy as 1, 2, 3….

These hair flowers add that extra flair to any hairstyle and they are so simple to make. Here’s what you will need:

1. Flowers
2. Bobby Pins
3. Glue Gun
4. Glue Sticks

Be sure the glue gun has completely warmed and melted the glue stick before beginning. Using a bobby pin (as pictured below), add a generous amount of glue near the bended side.

Attach the flower to the bobby pin and hold in place until the glue has thoroughly dried.

TIPS:
- Try selecting a slight variation of color and sizes when selecting your flowers instead of the same size and same exact shade.
- Try wearing more than just one flower at a time. Cluster a few flowers together, especially to accent buns.

After so many wears, synthetic wigs began to look “ratty” at the ends. Follow these steps to renew it in minutes!

Take a large pot, fill it with water and place it on a stove burner to boil. Meanwhile, using a wig brush, brush through the hair to ensure it is free of tangles and loose hair.

Once the water begins to boil, remove the pot from the hot burner. Test by dipping a small section of hair at the back of the wig to be sure it straightens the hair. If you like the results, fold the wig, ear to ear and hold it at the crown. Dip the hair into the hot water and slowly lift the wig while making sure the hair is neatly laying flat when removed from the water. If any hairs are not flat, re-dip the section until all hairs are laying flat.

Once the wig is completely removed from the hot water, using a thick towel, place the towel at the top of the wig, squeeze and slide the towel down to the tips of the hair. Be sure not to bundle, scrunch or fold the hair as this will cause the hair to not properly straighten. Allow the wig to completely cool and dry.

Your wig should now be silky straight. If not, your water was not hot enough, you folded the ends when drying or you did not thoroughly de-tangle the ends prior to dipping. If your wig had curls, you can roll the hair with snap-on rollers and re-dip to add the curls back. Once the wig begins to lose it’s luster again, simply reset it by dipping it again…

For all you weave wearers, we have a new faster way to get that weave done!! It’s called a quick weave.

What you will need:

1. wig cap
2. weaving hair
3. needle and thread or glue

Instead of having to braid several tracks on your scalp, simply secure your hair and place the wig cap on top. Some prefer to just place a single cornrow around the perimeter so they can sew the wig cap around the perimeter. Regardless of how you plan to secure your hair underneath, be sure you are able to also secure the wig cap to prevent it from coming off.

Using your thread or glue, attach the weft onto the wig cap until the cap is completely covered. You will find that it is a bit faster to use a glue gun with glue sticks because it sets faster and is less likely to penetrate through the cap and get on your hair, as a liquid glue would.

Cut and/or style as desired.

For those who wear wigs, one frequently asked questions is ‘How do I curl or reset the curls on my synthetic wig?’. We’ve found answers! Synthetic wigs are generally made with a plastic-like fiber that melts if it comes into contact with too much heat however it takes heat to set the curls.

 If you have electric hot rollers (that are coated in velvet), these should work perfectly on your wig. The heat is not too hot to melt the hair yet enough to gently set a curl. Comb each section of hair and ensure the ends are neat before rolling the hair. Let the wig set until the rollers have completely cooled and remove the rollers.

 If you do not have electric rollers, hot water will also work. Place you wig on a wig stand. Comb each section of hair and be sure the ends are neat before rolling the hair with snap-on rollers. Once all the hair has been rolled, take freshly boiled water and pour over each roller THOROUGHLY and generously. Once done, allow the wig to completely dry before removing the rollers. Please note that the hot water will tightly set the curl, unlike the electric rollers. Be sure to use larger sections for larger curls.

Wigs are becoming more and more popluar in today’s society. Some wear wigs for medical reasons however many wear wigs because of their versatility. So now that you have gotten your wig collection, how do your properly store your wig?

Once you remove your wig, place it on a wig stand. This will help keep the hair in place. Be sure to store your wig in an open and clean area, free from direct sunlight, heat, dust, pets and children.

If you plan to store it for an extended amount of time, the wig should be folded in half, ear to ear, parted in the center, and placed in it’s original plastic packaging. If your wig does not have a center part, you should place a piece of crumbled gift tissue at the crown of the wig to help keep it’s shape during storage.

If you plan to travel with your wig, be sure to store it in a container where it cannot be crushed as this might cause it to lose it’s shape or style.

There are several shades and tones of blondes out there. So, which one is for you?

When it comes to selecting any shade, the first thing you will need to do is to find out which tone will match your skin best. Using a silver and a gold object, see which shades looks better on you. If the silver is the best fit for you, you should always look for a shade with “ash” or “champagne” in the name. If gold happens to look better on you, you should look for the word “warm” is your color. If either will work, you might be able to get away with a “neutral” tone which is neither too cool nor too warm.

In order to obtain an ash blonde, you will need to use a toner to remove all the yellow and neutral tones from your hair. If you have naturally dark shades, you will need to agressively use the toners to remove ALL of the brassy tones from you hair to achieve this shade.

If you are looking for extensions or wigs in an ash blonde shade, you might consider an 18, 22 or a 613A if you prefer more of a platinum blonde shade. Just make sure that you view the color chart before making a purchase online and keep in mind that there will always be a variance of shades from human hair and synthetic as well as a variance in your monitor settings.

Did you know it only takes a costume for you to become a super hero in the bedroom?

Costumes were once only used to dress up during Halloween and maybe for theme parties however we are seeing a huge increase in costume and wig sales this year. Could it be because of the “Fifty Shades Fever”? We have no idea but it is clear that couples are now looking for new ways to add that spark back to their bedroom and there is no better way than to incorporate bedroom costumes, themes, characters and roles.

Wearing a super hero costume in the bedroom will increase the odds of you trying new and bold things, especially if you embrace the role. Go ahead, don’t hold back. Save the world,…and your relationship too.

When it comes to fusion extensions, we have seen our share of “bad fusion”. So, here are a few tips to ensure that your fusion extensions are nothing like the above pictured.

DO:

* make sure your stylist is NOT a beginner. Don’t be a guinea pig or you will end up looking a mess!
* make sure there are no visible links showing. There is nothing worse than fusion extensions with visible attachments.
* wear your hair in the style it was indeed to be worn in. Many stylists only focus on visible areas however if you change the style, you might end up exposing some links.
* talk to your stylist and inform them of any styling variations you wish to have so they can be sure that all attachments are hidden no matter how the hair is worn.
* make regular visits to your stylist to replace any tips that have slipped out to prevent empty “pockets”, as pictured above.
* consider other extension applications if you want more styling versatility with no visible attachments.

DON’T

* pull your hair back if it was not intended to be worn that way.
* pull your hair up in a ponytail without FIRST checking to see if you have enough hair at the nape to cover the links in the back.
* attempt to use links (i.e. cold fusion tubes) at the crown. They are too hard to conceal and should only be used in the back.
* attempt to blend kinky hair with a silky straight fusion extensions. Flat iron the hair or go with more textured extensions.