Hair Extensions-My Way

Hi! Yesterday I redid my hair and felt that you all may want to know a bit more details as to how I apply them to myself.

First, I needed to fix my face framing blonde. I attempted the same procedure last week and ended up rinsing early and had to rock the orange tiger vibe. No one noticed, but I did. I always do…I have ways of making it all blend-thats what 18 years of experience provides ;)

I had my hair up in a bun, I used a backcombing brush to smooth out the face framing wispies back into the topknot to create a smooth, even surface; old extensions still in hair. I used about a quarter sized amount of Blondor, Kenra 40 volume developer, and an old toothbrush to apply just to the tiny hairs on the very front of my head-from each ear over the forehead. I did this VERY lightly-I think the salon workers call it free-painting balayage (I work at home like a champion; want to be my client? Hit the contact section). I left it on for what I thought was long enough (I go WAY longer than I should so I won’t even tell you in fears you will attempt yourself). I used Olaplex before shampooing to preserve whatever integrity my poor natural hair could leave behind.

Yeah, this is me in the raw.

Obviously the results needed to tone. Not even the Oribe Bright Blonde shampoo and conditioner helped this copper. I had some Pulp Riot Icy, Kenra 10V, and a wee bit of Redken Shades EQ in 10VV and mixed together and applied. You have to be careful, that Pulp Riot doesn’t mess around. After rinse, this one was a success! When applying hair extensions, it is important to clean your hair with a clarifying shampoo. I use Dawn. If it’s good enough for baby ducks, right? I typically have a lot of tape or glue residue built up so Dawn it is. My hair definitely feels like straw afterwards…I let it air dry.

Next, I very gently flat iron it and then start the hair extension application process. I use Hotheads Hair Extensions. I used just one pack of 18-20 inch 60A and another pack of the 10-12 inch 60A/4AR Ultimates. The Ultimates are seamless and can be blended perfectly on the top of the head being undetected.

My hair is EXTREMELY thin. Thanks, British genes! I have significant female balding on my head. When I attempted Hotheads the first time, I used WAY too much hair and my head hurt. I then decided attempt to fold a single one in half and fold it onto my hair. That still was not as effective as it could be. The most successful way I have found is to take the single extension and cut that in half, then fold THAT in half over the single strand of hair. Pinch the tape together VERY tightly, maybe even clamp with a flatiron to seal it. This is the way that works for me.

The two different packages of lengths helped to limit the amount of cutting. They ended up blending and layering perfectly.

So that’s how its done! If you are interest in setting up your own consultation and live local (or want me to travel to you) or want me to write about any other topics, drop me a message in the comments or shoot me an email. I look forward to hearing from you!