Wednesday, October 24, 2018

What you need to know about hair extensions

THE SKINNY of hair extensions

I cannot say enough about this subject. Hair extensions are a field of their own. A stylist by being a stylist does not make them qualified for being a hair extensionist.

In the field of extensions there are about thirty methods of hair extensions, and easily about five hundred and growing manufacturers. Within the methods, there are lots of companies and lots of them have poor quality. To be a credible “Extensionist” one has to sort out the good from the bad. This takes time, effort, research, testing on models, and did I say lots and lots of money invested and lots and lots of time invested.

All human hair is not made equal. Human hair grades range from horrible (fall out hair), to just okay (poor hair condition), to great hair (shiny and healthy looking with hair cuticle in tack). It is impossible for any company to have all variances of hair color to match with your hair. All hair extensions are not colored with tints that are used on our hair that grows from our scalps.

What is used to color the hair extensions is called fabric color. It is colored that way so the hair will have the longevity of the color. This type of coloring cannot be used on our hair because it would color our scalp and make it very difficult to ever change our color. If one has to alter the color to get an exact match it is much more difficult and one needs a great background of experience and education in this type of color theory as it is a totally different color theory. Also, it’s costly to make mistakes on hair extensions.

Next, is the design and cutting of the hair extensions. One needs to know what system is best for each individual to get to the desired styling and cut in. A knowledge base of lots of different systems is detrimental to achieve the right fit for the client. Again, the cutting of the extensions is apples and oranges compared to cutting hair that is growing out of our scalps. Each individual hair that is growing from the scalp is spaced the same and is directed in a slight angle through the skin which makes the hair fall in a specific way. Hair extension hair has a strong push downward flow and is implanted in small clumps or clusters of hair so the hair will fall completely different. Cutting traditionally for hair growing from the scalp will not work. This is a totally different technique of cutting and one does need to understand these differences.

Placement of the hair extensions is imperative to create a natural look, flow, and fall of the hair. The placement is determined by the density of the client's hair, the client's hair length throughout their head, and the desired outcome (style). This means it will vary from each client where to place the hair extensions.

Without a knowledge base of all methods of extensions, one does not have the expertise to know what system and/or what manufacturer is right for a client. The things to consider for the client is; what is the density of their hair, the length of the clients hair throughout her head, cost, maintenance, their hair condition or fragileness of the hair, what is the desired hairstyle, color matching and explicit explanation of maintenance and care following up with a care sheet.

What is a hair extension certification? A 99 percentile of stylists’ today are stating they have this certification, which is given to them for attending a one-day seminar. They are given instruction and/or application of that one particular manufacturer’s hair extension. All they are taught is an application in just an investment of several hours. None of the above-mentioned qualifications is taught in any one of these classes, and for that matter is not taught anywhere period except by me.

What is needed to call ones self a hair extensionist:

Knowledge of at least 10 or more methods of hair extensions.
Knowledge of at least 100 different manufacturers to determine the best system.
Precise knowledge of proper application and experience.
Knowing the variances of placement of the hair extensions to create the desired look
Hair extension color theory knowledge and experience
Lots of experience and knowledge of cutting in hair extensions.
At Claude Thomas Salon and Spa, I (the owner Claudia AKA Claude) have over 20 years of experience and education in this field. I am considered in the beauty industry as one of the top experts in hair extensions. I am an educator and expert extensionist which has ranked this salon #1 in the nation for the body of work in hair extensions. Claude Thomas stylists have to be educated and trained under me for at least 1.5 years before they are called an extensionist.

THE SCARY

DID YOU KNOW? As stated above, 99% plus of all hair stylists doing hair extensions, do not have the knowledge and/or experience discussed in the previous segment.

It was stated on the show “SHEAR GENIUS” by one of the so-called “expert” judges, that hair extensions is a “no-brainer”. By you reading to this point you are now more informed than 90+ percent of the beauty industry. You are now an informed and educated consumer. And now that you have read, “The Skinny” on hair extensions does it sound to you like a NO BRAINER?
What they (uneducated stylists), don’t know will hurt you when it comes to hair extensions.

Some if not all of these unfavorable results can happen:

Improper application can result in the longevity of the extension to be shorted and your own hair can be compromised and create breakage.
An improper design will create a less than favorable result and again could break off your own hair.
Not being informed verbally on care and maintenance and given an informative aftercare sheet will result in possible damage to hair extensions, compromise the longevity of the hair extensions, and also damage to your own hair and the extension hair.
A hair extension system that is not right for your hair or the condition of your hair will cause a less than desirable style of your hair (looks like a bad haircut). It also can be too stressful for your hair causing breakage, or if your hair is too thin or you have colic’s that expose the hair extension attachments. All of these things shout out “HAIR EXTENSIONS”!

More factors that go into not having a knowledge extensionist do your hair:

Poor color matching so your hair extensions shout out “HAIR EXTENSIONS”.
Poor to horrific cut in of the hair extensions, so now it shouts “HAIR EXTENSIONS and WHAT A BAD CUT”. (It’s like the guy with the bad toupee. Everyone knows he has it, but no one says a word to him). They gossip all the time about the bad toupee, but not to his face With hair extensions, you have seen this on lots of celebrities who have bad hair extensions jobs.
All in all, because the 99 percentile of stylist only know one at most two systems and didn’t investigate into more than one to two companies, the end result could be they are using a system with inferior hair and/or a system that could have poor attachments.

Some or all could produce these results:

Your hair extension becomes something out of a bad dream every time you shampoo and condition your hair. It is tangled and matted and now it takes you 3 times longer to dry and style your hair. Generally, at this point, you can’t get them out of your hair fast enough.
The poor condition leaves the look of your hair dull, flat and damaged looking.
As the result of all the tangles and matted hair, it is putting undue stress on your own hair and is breaking it off.
The hair extension has excessive shedding out of the hair resulting in an unfavorable look to your style and the longevity of the extension is now shortened.
When these scenarios happen, and they happen more often than not with the 99 percentile, it is no wonder why so many people have either heard hair extensions are bad or made these decisions themselves after experiencing this scenario.

None of this ever needs to happen if it is done by an Extensionist who is experienced, educated, and knowledgeable in this field (the one percentile).


You are now an educated consumer and have more knowledge than 99% of the stylists in the beauty industry. A qualified (1%) Extensionist can be compared to an Illusionist and/or Magician (such as a David Copperfield) as they both create something that appears to be real but it is not.

Sunday, October 14, 2018

Hair extensions is for everyone....yes it's true

Want some fashion color without commitment?
 At Claude Thomas Salon and Spa
We Can 

Claude Thomas proves vibrant hues don't necessarily mean breaking out the bowl and brush. We can create a pale-blonde and blush color effect using hair extensions




Colour melt include a spectrum of gorgeous shades that melt into one another. Colour melts were inspired by hand-painted techniques such as ombrĂ© and balayage but fashioned in a way that requires no chemical services or treatments....... With Hair Extensions expertise


Thinks it's impossible to get a color makeover in 15 minutes? Think again
.

 Achieve Amazing Volume With Fewer Extensions
Yes we can 



 Determinantal to great hair extensions is the expertise of the extensionist and knowledge base of all the methods of extensions,” as one size fits all”  is never the case of hair extensions. 
Experience and knowledge base of the different manufacturers of hair extensions, as they are not all created equal.  
This is where the pro really shows in this field is :    


  •          Knowing what type and manufacture is best for that particular clients own hair and where she wants to go with the styling


  •      Proper placement of the extensions and amount of hair needed is everything in hair extensions. Improper placement can create damage to your own hair or create a less than desirable style and/or a result that looks like a bad haircut.  Or worse, your  hair now shouts “HAIR EXTENSIONS”


  •      Proper color matching is a must. Multidimensional hair color, balayage coloring or Ecaille coloring definitely requires a very skilled and experienced hair extensionists. 




Sunday, September 23, 2018

Claude Thomas Salon and Spa talks to you about Microblading Brows




 What are Microblading Eyebrows
and
Can I use it?

THERE’S A RED FOR EVERYONE


Get ready for REDS for this fall winter and even into spring 2019. 

 Going into 2019 you should be seeing RED from a gingersnap tone to rich ruby reds and yes even Beet Reds.

 This is truly the Power of Red this season.

What about Plum reds?  Absolutely. 

Balayaged Rich wine-colored tones with subtle ribbons of violets and magenta is a magical combo of warmth. 


 You can put the warmth in winter with these rich tones of red.   

 


Big Red Color Melt
Seeing red in the best possible way! A subtle blend of cherry red, vivid crimson and dark ruby, this radiant red has INSANE dimension

Deep Dimensional Auburn
Want the secret behind this cool auburn color
Here at Claude Thomas  Salon and Spa, we do.



Red Rad Makeover
Let us create some pretty kick-ass transformations.



Vibrant Red Balayage
Red for fall? Groundbreaking. From red-hot melts to sultry wine-colored locks, and more subtle apricot and/or soft gold reds, this diverse trend is popping up all over Instagram and on the runways. 

As always at Claude Thomas, we are there for our clients to give them the looks they want.


Are ready to spice it up and heat it up this winter?


Sunday, August 19, 2018

Claude Thomas's 2018 trend Radar

2018 TREND RADAR: What is the style direction for hair and hair color


   Hello, 2018! We are HERE for the “new year, new me” mantra when it comes to predicting what trends will blow up in the next 365 days, and the ones we’ll be leaving behind in yesteryear.  Here is the new look to inspire you on into 2018

    1. Choppy Shag Haircuts
The iconic shag haircut made a major comeback last year, and 2018 is about embracing those ‘70s-inspired, choppy layers for a versatile and super-textured style. for Hollywood’s biggest stars—Kristen StewartGwyneth Paltrow and Rooney Mara to name a few.  Modern shag features choppy layers, major movement and texture for days.

 2. Wash-And-Go Hair
We know you love the lived-in texture,  so I predict “wash-and-go” hair will be 2018’s way of embracing everyday style. This look with what I call selective cutting and/or point-cutting deep on the baseline and anticipating where that hair lives and wants texture. This cut is based on how you curl or style your hair. This creates a wearable, everyday texture you can style at home.

3. Goodbye, Rooty Blondes! 
We’re going to see the end of the grown-out, rooty hair color trend. Its time to say goodbye to the so-called designer root and make the commitment to being a blonde. Looking like a true natural blonde is what 2018 is about.

4. Razor Cuts
2017 was the year of the bob and  2018 will be the year of the razor cut. “We are moving away from the bob and women are open to more androgynous and edgy haircuts yet still soft. So soft ends and major texture is the on-trend cut.  And yes the fringe is back


5. Muted Shades
Keep your eye out for soft and subtle hair color. “Everyone is toning down and making their color more muted and darker.  Even the pastel hair color is going softer.  And what about the Metalic hair colors?   Well, they will definitely stay on-trend, but they’ll become softer and more opalescent with less saturated colors.

6. Go Green 
Pantone’s color of the year may be ultraviolet, but green hair color is about to go viral. Style icons like RihannaKesha and Jared Leto have pulled off the bold and rebellious color trend in years past but get ready to see everything from lime to teal take over our Insta feeds in 2018.


7. Disconnected Haircuts
Mullets have slowly been making their way back into the mainstream, so keep disconnected haircuts (from subtle to an extreme!) Long hair might have an added fringe or a shorter side, but not necessarily shaved.  Short hair might have an added accent extension piece  It’s a new year…so if you want to edge it up, make a big change with bold, trendsetting styles.

Let's take a closer look at some great shag styles






Getting excited yet.......I know I am





The Eyes are the window to our soul and one of our best features to enhance Eyelash Lift and Eyelash extensions

Eyelash Lift

The Eyelash lift is not new but has come back as a new service.  The eyelash perming, or it’s new coined name “lash lift”, has become more popular than ever.


 A lash lift is like a perm for your lashes. Like old-school perms from the '80s, the lash lift sets the shape of your natural lashes using a chemical solution. "A lift is essentially what your lash would be doing with a really good mechanical curler (without the possible damage the curler can do), so [giving] a nice shape upward and a realistic curl.


This is Ideal for people who crave extra curl for their natural lashes; the curling adds natural lift to lashes and also helps mascara achieve a fuller look. The LashLift will hold your curled lashes in place for approximately 4-6 weeks.

 It's like a perm (but without chemicals like parabens or formaldehyde), for your natural eyelashes. It uplifts and curls them from the base of the lash, making them stand out and look longer. It's often paired with an eyelash tint, to enhance the defining effect.

If the lash lift will not cut it for you or give you that look you want….
THEN…

Let’s talk Eyelash Extensions.


There are three types of lash extensions: synthetic, silk and mink. Size availability ranges from 6mm to 17mm. Once selected, the lashes are applied one at a time using specially formulated, a semi-permanent glue that will not irritate the eye nor damage the natural lash.


1.       Semi-permanent eyelash extensions are way different from temporary strip or individual lashes. Semi-permanent ones are applied by hand one lash at a time by a technician who glues extensions on top of your actual lashes, They can last for six to eight weeks with proper care and remain on your natural lashes until they naturally fall out, as all lashes do.

2.       Eyelash extensions aren't a one-size-fits-all-eyes situation. That is why you need an experienced expert.  After you decide to get extensions, you have to make a whole lot of other decisions, beginning with the lash material, such as mink, silk, or some other kind of synthetic. (Mink is usually pricier, feels softer, and looks more natural; however, some synthetics, which are highly customizable, can also look and feel natural mink. Then, you'll discuss your density options (more lashes create a fuller look); curl (the steeper the slope, the more dramatic the effect); and length (a matter of personal preference).




 The longer the extensions, the more lashes you'll probably need. Super-long lashes appear to spread as they extend away from your lid, which can make them look less full than your natural lashes.
 You have to lay low for at least 12 hours after application. Your lash expert should tell you not to sweat, cry, swim, or wash your face for at least 12 hours after getting extensions to give the glue a chance to set and cure. When glue doesn't dry, it can dissolve and invade your eyes, or vaporize in response to your body temperature.



 Extensions are somewhat expensive and somewhat time-consuming to maintain but more than worth it. It isn't recommended to use mascara on top of extensions because it can damage them. A basic set (typically 70 to 80 lashes per eye) can cost $150. To $400 for an application. You do want to have an experienced expert for this service to assure a great result. An expert in this field can complete this service in about an hour give or take. Because eyelashes grow and eventually fall out, you may have to go back every few weeks for fill-ins. This cost can range from $20 to $60 in general.




 Extensions make everyday eye makeup pretty much unnecessary. They stand in for mascara, but also creates a bit of a base with each extension so it creates an illusion of eyeliner too.

 If you do need to apply a full-on eye makeup such as addition eyeliner and eyeshadows no problem just remove it at the end of the night using oil-free pads and gently swipe downward to take the makeup off.

 Some maintenance is required. Lashes can get tousled when you sleep or getting them wet, which makes them look messy, and they can also pick up debris. So, it's important to gently brush your lashes with a clean, disposable mascara wand when you wake up, after you shower, and at the end of the day.  It is recommended applying diluted baby shampoo to the lashes for gentle nightly cleanings. It's a myth that you shouldn't wash your lashes, but try not to play with, pick at, or rub them.


 After you get extensions, your natural lashes will always seem much shorter to you. Eye extensions shouldn't cause lash breakage, so long as your technician doesn't overload fragile lashes with extensions that are too heavy. 

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

The Beehive hair styles was the creation of a stylist from Illinois

Do you know this hair icon creator and Illinois native?

They were inspired by a velvet fez hat to create a historical 1960’s hairdo… know who it is yet?

In 1954, they won the National Coiffure Championship… how about now?




This person developed an up-do that has remained inspirational for decades… know the famous hairstyle yet?

The answer, Margaret Vinci Heldt. Margaret was born in 1918 in Illinois and spent most of her life there. She trained at Columbia College of Hairdressing and opened “Margaret Vinci Coiffures” in 1950. Four years later she won the National Coiffure Championship, a very honorable prize of the time.


In 1960, the editor’s of the Modern Beauty Shop magazine asked Margaret to develop a new hairstyle to uniquely bring in the new decade. After a bit of inspiration from a velvet fez hat, the beehive was born.

The beehive became an instant success on the heels of the bouffant. It was easy for women to sleep with their beehive wrapped in a scarf and tuck loose strands away in the morning. Thus, the beehive took over the bouffant because it could last longer. Margaret famously said that the ideal beehive ratio of hair to face was two to one… now that is a big beehive!

Beehives have remained a hair inspiration for decades. Recent variations can be seen Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, Sarah Silverman, and Adele.


So tell me which of the famous beehive wearers below is your favorite?

Monday, June 18, 2018

Debunking the permanent hair color myths

We at Claude Thomas know that the idea of using a permanent hair color can be intimidating. But under the care of a salon professional, it doesn't have to be! Let's face your permanent hair color fears together, by setting the record straight on 4 of the most popular myths associated with long-lasting color.

WHAT IS PERMANENT HAIRCOLOR?
Permanent hair color works by interacting with the natural pigment of your hair and changing your hair’s structure. The dyes in permanent hair color are actually tiny colorless molecules. With the help of ammonia, they penetrate the hair cuticle, but it’s not until they’ve combined with hydrogen peroxide and create a chemical reaction known as oxidation that the magic happens. Through oxidation, the permanent hair color molecules turn complex and can embed themselves in the structure of the hair fiber. The result is what we know to be permanent hair color, or at the very least, hair color that can definitely withstand multiple washes.

One of the biggest reasons permanent hair color gets a bad rap is because it consists of more potent chemicals than demi-permanent hair color, which instead coats the hair, but doesn’t alter the structure of it. Permanent hair color also opens up the cuticle and needs to sit on the hair longer so hair texture might change slightly.

MYTH 1: IT DAMAGES YOUR HAIR


Permanent hair color contains chemicals that remove color from your strands as well as pigments that change your hair’s current color. And as mentioned before, since permanent hair color is meant to withstand many washes, the chemicals have to be stronger, and they’re left on hair longer.
Exactly how long does permanent hair color last? That depends on your hair growth rate, but you typically won’t have to retouch your roots for 4 to 6 weeks.
While it’s an understandable concern that permanent hair dyes can wreak havoc on hair strength and elasticity, permanent hair color and extreme damage don't go hand-in-hand when left up to a professional. After a professional permanent hair color service, your hair will still look and feel amazing, even while sporting a new shade.

When getting your hair colored with permanent hair color, make sure to opt for a salon service to protect your hair when it gets colored. Redken’s pH-Bonder protects bonds, helps restore the hair fiber and smooths the hair cuticle, so strands are stronger, shinier and softer.

There are also several things you can do at home keep your newly-colored hair in great shape, such as using a deep-conditioning hair mask, like Redken’s Color Extend Magnetics Mega Mask, on a weekly basis or using a shampoo for colored hair, also from Color Extend Magnetics, to gently cleanse and prevent fading.

MYTH 2: YOU'LL GET MONOCHROMATIC, DULL, FLAT COVERAGE THAT SCREAMS "FAKE!"

Women with grey hair color and brown
Opting for permanent hair color doesn’t have to mean coloring your hair just one shade. Dimensional color is a gorgeous possibility.

Since most people have natural highlights in their hair from the sun, opting for permanent dimensional hair color will add depth and promise more natural-looking results.

Redken’s original Chromatics, Color Fusion Advanced Performance Color Cream and new Cool Fashion Color Cream are all permanent hair color lines that provide a multidimensional, natural-looking finish. Chromatics is ammonia-free and leaves hair 2x stronger than before it was colored, while Color Fusion Advanced Performance Color Cream leaves hair shiny.

MYTH 3: PERMANENT COLOR IS ONLY MEANT TO COVER GRAY HAIR

Brunette model with golden balayage hair
Permanent hair color is a wonderful option for concealing gray hair since it’s typically available in a larger variety of shades and will provide longer-lasting results than a demi-permanent hair color. 
But covering grays isn't be the only reason to opt for permanent hair color. Trendy haircolor looks like ombre and balayage often incorporate permanent hair color at the root in addition to lightener for the ends so it can create a natural-looking gradient.

However, if you are looking to fully cover gray hair, Redken's Cover Fusion line of permanent hair color, a low-ammonia color cream with conditioning agents make gray strands stronger and more manageable post-service.

MYTH 4: IF YOU GO LIGHTER, YOUR HAIR COULD TURN BRASSY

Model with blonde hair and yellow
A slight Brassiness can happen whenever your new hair color starts to fade away and the natural pigments of your hair that weren’t lightened away with bleach or hair color start to surface.  We can combat any brassiness with producing the right level of lightning.
Carefully choosing the right shade at the beginning which makes the hair have the right amount of cool tones> This can avoid that dreaded orange tinge from later revealing itself.
Redken’s new Cool Fashion collection by Color Fusion, which features 14 new cool shades, aims to combat brassiness by starting off and staying cool for up to 8 weeks.


The best way to choose a permanent hair color that will compliment your undertones is to consult with your Claude Thomas’s stylist/colorist.