Hair trends in 2016 are best described as “effortless!’ Whether worn short, bobbed or long, embrace your natural texture. Waves are a big hit on mid-length to long hair, they are loose and tousled with unfinished ends. Layers, Layers, and more layers help create volume and are a must for long hair. Wand curl irons are a must have to create the effortless wave. Pixie and cropped short hair styles, with or without bangs, are hotter than ever for all ages. Soft bangs can be better than Botox to frame the face and cover forehead furrows. The “lob” (long bob) is a must do, do! Celebs like Jennifer Lawrence, Jennifer Anniston and Jennifer Lopez are donning the loosely curled “lob.”
Lob “long bob” in purple with loose ends
Healthy and shiny hair is easily attained with the use of keratin protein relaxers, and high quality hair products that promote luster. Exotic oils, such as Abyssinica, Monoi and Argan are topically applied to hair and scalp. These oils are a natural way to help hair to grow and keep it moisturized. Exotic and essential oils are applied as pre shampoo treatment to boost shine, kept in hair overnight for moisturizing and treating a winter dry scalp, or as a leave in product for taming unruly and/or dry hair.
Exotic Oils in Hair Growth Elixir
Hair extensions for volume and length are a women’s best kept secret. Not everyone is blessed with dream hair, therefore hair extensions fill in the gaps. Hair extensions are made to be tension free and flow with hair. Some hair extensions are applied for months or others can be take on and off. As with any service to your hair, consult with a professional salon and do your research prior to deciding to take the leap.
Hair extensions with balayage color
Hair Color follows the effortless theme, it is all about roots in the hair! Blonde hair is natural with soft golden hues and with a touch of root. Brown and dark hair is softly painted using a balayage (hand painted hair) technique which creates the effect of the natural sunlight on hair. Fun colors from vivid purple to pastel pink are amazingly popular, also with roots that create a “sombre” (subtle ombre look) which transitions from dark to light. Reds are imaginative and exciting with copper or blue violet undertones. Metallic shades are a hit for 2016, platinum blonde, gunmetal, silver and gold are in demand.
The new year rings in a vibe of self acceptance, your hair should suit your own unique style.
There are certainly differences in hair quality in the hair extensions market, but unfortunately there is no way to really tell the source of the hair you are purchasing. It is important to be educated as to the terms tossed around in the industry. One being “Virgin Hair,” this is exclusively unprocessed hair free of color and chemicals, and it pretty much exists in dark colors. In some cases, if you can find hair from an Eastern European country that is lighter in shade and unprocessed, then it can be deemed “virgin hair!” Or you may find your own donor, with light hair, that will cut off their hair and give it to you, slim pickings!
This is the lightest shade of virgin hair I could find for hair extensions
Therefore, most hair is processed and can be offered in a variety of consistent colors and textures. But, not all hair extensions are created equal! The key is to find a reliable supplier that offers hair of “Virgin Origin.” One might think all hair is from a virgin origin, but it is not. Inferior hair comes from brushes, floors of a hair factory and is pieced together to create tracks of hair extensions and sold for a discounted price. This hair is not adequate for long time wear, lacks luster and the ends are generally stringy and unattractive.
High quality hair extensions from a Virgin Origin at Noelle Salon
Hair extensions from a virgin origin, albeit processed, comes directly from the donor and the cuticle is intact and lays in one direction. Hence the term “Remy” which simply means the cuticle is laying in one direction and does not tangle easily. Keep in mind, a supervising agency for hair does not exist, and that is why it is important to ask for samples and simply touch the hair. It should not feel too silky because it is then treated with too much silicone and once that is washed off – disaster can strike. The hair should feel plush, and the ends should slightly taper. Ultimately, you get what you pay for, and my next article will be on the different countries hair extensions come from. Feel free to ask questions and comment.
DISCLAIMER; Below are tips for caring and styling human hair, not synthetic hair.
You’ve taken the leap and now have a gorgeous head of hair extensions! The goal is to care for them properly so you can receive the best bang for your investment and have them looking incredible.
Shampoo & Conditioner
You should wash your hair every other day or so. If your hair is oily, you can wash more often and dry hair can be washed less often. It is important to use a sulfate free clarifying shampoo and conditioner at least once a week. This will deep clean build up, product residue and oils from your scalp and extensions. We have our own line of Noelle Salon Shampoo and Conditioner which is especially formulated for hair extensions. Keep in mind, products and shampoo/conditioner with oil can weigh down your hair extensions and cause slippage or premature shedding. How do you know if your products contain oil? Read the ingredients on the back of the product. Silicone is a product that is okay to use and will help promote shine and fly a ways. Most clients find the texture of our hair extensions to be so supple and easy to style that they actually use less styling products.
If your hair extensions are feeling dry? Use a moisturizing shampoo/conditioner every so often to restore lustre. A detangling solution such as “Twelve Benefits” is a great product to aid in combing out your new locks and it contains a thermal heat protector which helps with the use of curling irons and flat irons.
Dry Your Hair Thoroughly!
Be sure to dry your hair extensions with a blow dryer or even an over-the-head dryer. Our own hair and hair extensions are at the weakest point when wet and you never want to apply thermal heat on damp hair. Also, the keratin protein bonding and hair locs will not slip on dry, clean and oil free hair.
Purchase a Dry Shampoo such as Kenra Platinum for the off days when you do not shampoo your hair. Dry Shampoo will soak up sebum (oil) from your scalp and keep your extensions secure.
Styling your hair extensions
Thermal heat from a flat iron (especially over 400 degrees) and curling iron certainly can dry out your own hair and your hair extensions. My advice after 20 years experience is to use these styling aids sparingly. I love natural bend that a flat iron creates in hair extensions instead of the tight curl from that of a curling iron.
If your hair is a bit frizzy; section your hair starting at the nape of your neck and flat iron each section. Try to pass the flat iron only one time through the section. The use of a flat iron with curved plates makes the process easier.
If you are going to use a curling iron, choose ceramic like Bio Ionic One Pass which has silicone side strips. It creates an easy glide and no pulling! The Bio Ionic One Pass also distributes even heat.
Section off 2 inches of your hair starting right above the nape of your neck.
Take a large section approximately 2 inches and place the iron just below your scalp, start turning and turn again and again till all of your hair is in the iron.
Release and you will have a soft loose curl like Kim Kardashian and most celebrities.
Spray the section with hair spray for maximum hold and then drop another 2 inch section
Repeat throughout the head
Spray each section with hair spray to hold your curl
**Ensure that there is no oil in your hair or added oil because this can burn the hair extensions!
Enjoy your beautiful hair extensions and feel free to email any question you may have to Noelle@NoelleSalon.com
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