Friday, December 28, 2012

New Trend of Hair Chalking is Growing in Popularity

by Melissa White
Licensed Hair Stylist
Certified Hair Extension Artist

You may not have heard of the growing hair trend called "hair chalking" because it hasn't really made it's way into the mainstream...yet! But, the trend has been rapidly spreading, and because it is affordable, temporary and fun, more and more women of all ages are taking part. But there are things you should keep in mind as you explore this new hair phenomenon.

Hair Chalking Can Create Great Temporary Splashes of Color

What is hair chalking?  The name pretty much says it all.  Just mash up eye shadows or pastel sticks and rub the powder in their hair as temporary dye. People have been using all types of temporary, semi-permanent and permanent dyes on their hair for thousands of years. The trend of using chalk-based powders isn't new, but it certainly is becoming a HOT fashion item. Preteen video bloggers first introduced hair chalking, and Lauren Conrad brought it into the mainstream in 2011. Chalking then began showing up on models in runway shows making chalking acceptable even for adults.

Temporary hair chalk is an easy and low-risk way to experiment with color. After it is applied the dye lasts about 10 hours. It does shake out slowly throughout the day, and you have to deal with the the fact that it is messy and will get on your hands and clothes, and just about everything you come into contact with!

Experts recommend going to a salon for your first application to learn how chalking works best (the application process depends on your hair color), but after that it's easy to do at home. There are quite a few hair chalks available. Color Bug "colored hair shadow" is a specialty chalk designed just for hair, or you can use eye shadows that have a strong pigment. Some shades won't show up well on darker hair and it can get expensive to experiment for those that work well if you do it yourself.

Extensions of Yourself cautions on the use of hair chalk however, because chalks are very drying, and can damage hair. Many users have reported that, while chalk creates fun looks, it has left them with hair so dried out that it has turned them off completely. Pinterest rounded up more than a few dissatisfied users:

  • Lovely Liar on Deviant Art tried it and her report: “it DOES work… but i tried to do like.. the whole front half of my head.. and now it wont do anything.. lol i cant even brush it. its like trying to brush a broom… oh well…”
  • Duyenosaurus on Tumblr said: "Well hair chalking was a complete FAIL for me.My hair was so dry today from it! It felt sticky and it resembles hay. I just use clarifying shampoo and it got most of the stickiness out. But this whole mess was my fault since I kept touching my hair when my hand had chalk all over it.In other words, if your hair was as dry like mine before the chalking, you should reconsider the idea. Also, don’t wet your hair if it’s light like I did or it WILL stain-"
  • Senecacranesexybeard said: “Tip: use a SMALL piece of hair. If you us anything remotely big it will tangle your hair, and you will lose some hair.”
  • Bright-shining-stars said, “Hair chalking is kind of a mess, it coloured half of my bathroom when I washed my hair.”

Like everything else we do to ourselves, moderation can be the key to preventing damage. Trying out hair chalk can be exciting and fun for a night out with friends, but it isn't something you would probably want to do on a regular basis because it will eventually cause severe damage to your hair. Lighter color hair can also be stained by the chalks, and will not easily wash out. I generally do not recommend that women with hair extensions color their hair with chalk. The drying effect of the chalk can severely shorten the length you will be able to wear your hair extensions.

REFERENCES/RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION
BuzzFeed.com - 22 Cool Examples of Hair Chalking
Google.com - Where To Get Hair Chalk
San Francisco Chronicle - Hair Chalking Appeals To All Ages
Stylegirl.com - Chalk Dyed Hair: My Experience and Tips and Tricks
The Beauty Department - Chalk It Up

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 
Melissa White is an experienced, licensed hair extension artist and stylist whose passion is to bring out the natural beauty in everyone by enhancing their own individual features with the use of exquisite hair extensions. Melissa has over 10 years of extensive training with the industries top hair extension companies in the newest techniques. Originally from Boston, Melissa has been in San Antonio for the past 8 years. She believes that everyone should be able to access and afford the hair of their dreams . . . thus the creation of Extensions of Yourself, San Antonio's first salon which specializes exclusively in quality hair extensions.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Hairdreams Hair Extensions Collaborates In New Barbie Doll Design Contest That Benefits Hurricane Sandy Victims

by Melissa White
Licensed Hair Stylist
Certified Hair Extensions Artist

Barbie has been around for decades and is as popular as ever. One of the things we've all noticed is that Barbie has kept pace not only with changing fashion, but sometimes with hair styles as well.

Reflecting the trend in use of hair extensions, the newest Barbie styles have been created using Hairdreams hair extensions! In the second Glam Barbie Competition, Santa Monica's The Doves Studio organized a competition among their stylists to create unique Barbie designs which all incorporated Hairdreams hair extensions. Some stylists have used the hair extensions to create elegant up dos while others use the hair as part of the costumes created for the Barbie doll. Traditional to outrageous rule the day!



Salon clients are able to vote on their favorite designs, and the Barbies are to be auctioned off with 100% of proceeds going to the American Red Cross and its Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief Fund. The instore and online votes and E-bay bids are entered to win a $2,000 Hairdreams hair extension service at The Doves Studio. Winners are to be announced January 1, 2013. You may cast your on-line vote by visiting http://www.hairdreamsusa.com/en/glam_barbie_contest.

RESOURCES:
Hairdreams Glam Barbie Contest - http://www.hairdreamsusa.com/en/glam_barbie_contest
Hairdreamsusa.com - Hairdreams USA Website
ModernSalon.com - Barbie Gets Dolled Up by The Doves and Hairdreams

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 
Melissa White is an experienced, licensed hair extension artist and stylist whose passion is to bring out the natural beauty in everyone by enhancing their own individual features with the use of exquisite hair extensions. Melissa has over 10 years of extensive training with the industries top hair extension companies in the newest techniques. Originally from Boston, Melissa has been in San Antonio for the past 8 years. She believes that everyone should be able to access and afford the hair of their dreams . . . thus the creation of Extensions of Yourself, San Antonio's first salon which specializes exclusively in quality hair extensions.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Dallas Trip Provides Extensions Of Yourself With The Latest Advances and Techniques in Hair Extensions

by Melissa White
Licensed Hair Stylist
Certified Hair Extension Artist

Training is always an ongoing thing. Although I am certified with the major hair extension suppliers, I always enjoy the continuing education that comes with the certification. Just recently, I had the pleasure of attending an in-depth training in Dallas, where the cold fusion application techniques and cutting design were discussed, practiced and evaluated.

Dallas Skyline

Cold fusion technique involves the use of ultrasonic energy instead of direct heat to bond the hair. While this may not be the method I use on all my clients, it certainly does add to the variety of options that I have when I evaluate each of my client's needs.

As those who have seen me already know, I prefer to tailor each person's hair extensions to their own uniqueness. I evaluate the length of their own hair, the condition of their hair, and the style and length of the hair extensions desired in helping to determine not only the type of hair itself, but the method I will use to install the hair extensions.

Because I've had over ten years of experience with hair extensions, and having at least tried almost every known method of installation and type of hair available, it helps me select the type most appropriate for each individual I see. My salon, Extensions of Yourself, specializes in custom hair extensions and the application, color and cut necessary to provide the best in quality hair extensions. Attenting continuing education seminars, workshops and conferences keeps my skills sharp and helps motivate me to bring the best available to those who seek out my services.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 
Melissa White is an experienced, licensed hair extension artist and stylist whose passion is to bring out the natural beauty in everyone by enhancing their own individual features with the use of exquisite hair extensions. Melissa has over 10 years of extensive training with the industries top hair extension companies in the newest techniques. Originally from Boston, Melissa has been in San Antonio for the past 8 years. She believes that everyone should be able to access and afford the hair of their dreams . . . thus the creation of Extensions of Yourself, San Antonio's first salon which specializes exclusively in quality hair extensions.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Accessorize With Red Lipstick for Impact This Fall

by Melissa White
Licensed Hair Stylist
Certified Hair Extension Artist

Deep red lipsticks are back! We're seeing them in the pages of women's magazines, on the runway, and various other outlets for this winter season. Combined with 2013's color of the year, we're sure to see some great looks!

Photo: (c) Getty Images
as seen on Stylist.com
 Examples of the new shades of red are popping up everywhere, and it certainly looks like the deeper shades are the look to strive for. Allure has named Black Cherry lipstick one of The Top 10 Fall Makeup Trends. Covergirl has named Deep Wine their top color, and Savagely Yours has put out a list of top red lipsticks available for any budget, commenting that, "The stars have been showing out and lacing their lips with reds of all shades this fall."

Lipsticks, like clothes, handbags, shoes and even hair extensions are valuable accessories in your beauty arsenal. Looks come and go, and you'll always benefit for being current with whatever trend is in fashion at the time. This is why I choose to bring you news of trends that affect the use of hair extensions. Color is such an important aspect of creating a look that is unique to you. A hair extension artist who is up-to-date with current trends in both hair extensions as well as fashion changes can help create a look that syncs nicely with your particular lifestyle and wishes.

REFERENCES / RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION
Allure.com - The Top 10 Fall Makeup Trends (for 2012)
Extensions of Yourself - Hair Extensions Generate Buzz with Colorful Controversy
Extensions of Yourself - How to Choose the Right Hair Color
Extensions of Yourself - Is Red the New Hot Color?
SavagelyYours.com - Fall 2012 Hot Red Lipsticks for Any Budget
Stylist.com - Tis the Season for Darker Lipstick

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 
Melissa White is an experienced, licensed hair extension artist and stylist whose passion is to bring out the natural beauty in everyone by enhancing their own individual features with the use of exquisite hair extensions. Melissa has over 10 years of extensive training with the industries top hair extension companies in the newest techniques. Originally from Boston, Melissa has been in San Antonio for the past 8 years. She believes that everyone should be able to access and afford the hair of their dreams . . . thus the creation of Extensions of Yourself, San Antonio's first salon which specializes exclusively in quality hair extensions.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Top Stylists View Hair Extensions As An Important and Versatile Accessory

by Melissa White
Licensed Hair Stylist
Certified Hair Extension Artist

Just as some women see the importance of great jewelry, a terrific handbag, or stylish shoes, many are coming to realize that their hair is one of their very best and most flexible of accessories! In times where styles change quicker than you can rush to the store to buy the latest, being gifted with hair that can easily be transformed is one of the best fashion investments you can make.

Hair Extensions can be
your very best accessory!
It's certainly not uncommon for fashion-conscious women to drop hundreds on a designer bag that brings instant recognition and envy from her friends, and almost all women drop more money than they're willing to tally up on shoes, jewelry and other trendy items that are in style one day and sadly out of style before the shoe treads show wear! However, talented hair stylists know the value of a great head of hair. Even though hair styles may change, having full, luxurious looking hair can set you apart whether you're wearing sweats, jeans or a designer outfit.

I often describe the benefit of investing in quality hair extensions in terms most of my clients can easily relate to. Think of your eyes. For those of us who have eye sight which is less than perfect, we usually invest in eye glasses which we'll wear around the house, but opt for more expensive and higher maintenance contact lens when we're at work or out socially. And, we certainly know the drawbacks of having to use them. Each and every day it involves having to rinse off and insert the lenses, sometimes adjusting and/or rinsing them during the day because of dry eye or irritation from a particle, eyelash or other irritant, and then having to take them out at night - only to have to repeat the process each and every day. What we're in search of is a better alternative to the daily grind, and this is why many people are opting for lasik eye surgery. The results are much more permanent, and you don't have the daily upkeep. Just roll out of bed and you're vision is already there!

The same can be said when you have quality hair extensions. Everyone wants healthy, shiny, gorgeous hair, and you no longer have to settle for the hair you were born with. The choices are basically to stick with the hair you have (whether it is too thin, too short, too unmanageable, etc), use wigs, hair pieces or clip-on extensions - all of which require the same type of daily grind in order to achieve passable results for a fuller/longer head of hair. The more permanent and quality solution is hair extensions which allow you to wake up with your full head of hair already in place. This is why celebrities turn to hair extensions themselves. They understand that hair extensions are extremely versatile. You have the choice of many styles and can easily wear your hair as is when you wake up or style it in countless ways.

There are many benefits of hair extensions. What can hair extensions do for you? Extensions can be an easy way to have fun and add glamour. Hair extensions are also an easy, risk-free way to play around with changing your color. You can choose to spend a lot or a little depending on the look you want and the fullness and length of your natural hair and allow you to get the kind of hair you’ve always dreamed of.

REFERENCES / RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION
Extensions of Yourself - Hair Extensions Generate Buzz with Colorful Controversy
Extensions of Yourself - How to Choose the Right Hair Color

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 
Melissa White is an experienced, licensed hair extension artist and stylist whose passion is to bring out the natural beauty in everyone by enhancing their own individual features with the use of exquisite hair extensions. Melissa has over 10 years of extensive training with the industries top hair extension companies in the newest techniques. Originally from Boston, Melissa has been in San Antonio for the past 8 years. She believes that everyone should be able to access and afford the hair of their dreams . . . thus the creation of Extensions of Yourself, San Antonio's first salon which specializes exclusively in quality hair extensions.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Deep Emerald Green is 2013's Color of the Year

by Melissa White
Licensed Hair Stylist
Certified Hair Extension Artist

News broke today that the fashion world has named deep Emerald green as Color of the Year for 2013. Fashion-conscious women across the United States are being encouraged to wear this color, not only as a sign of the holiday season, but as a fashion statement. We've already seen the color popping up on the celebrity scene, and it will be making a huge impact on upcoming fashions for us all very soon.

Emerald Green
Color of the Year 2013

The great news about this is that this is a very flattering color for so many. It looks great not only on fair skinned women, but can create an exotic look on dark and olive skinned women. It compliments a variety of colors and is generally easy to wear for most all skin colors and hair colors making it very versatile and undoubtedly very popular. 

Greens on the Red Carpet

The exact Pantone color selected for this year's award was PANTONE® 17-5641 Emerald.  

According to Pantone's own site, Emerald green is, "Lively. Radiant. Lush… A color of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony."

Indeed, the perception of the color emerald has long been one of sophistication and luxury. Emerald colors actually dramatizes all eye colors. It enhances green eyes, is compatible to blue eyes, emphasizes the green undertones in hazel eyes. For those with brown eyes, it can and intensify the eyes to make them appear deeper.

Emerald green flatters wide range of
skin tones and hair colors 

Sephora and Pantone have announced a new beauty collection based on the new color of the year for 2013 - Pantone 17-5641 Emerald. This collection will be available at Sephora exclusively starting in March 2013. 

I've always thought that Emerald green is a great color because it works so effortlessly to make one look and feel glamorous. It looks great with a full head of long, luxurious hair no matter what the hair color. And, it works great with hair extensions! Some may even elect to make a statement and have a strand or two of emerald locks added to their regular hair extensions. The latest fad of using vibrant colors with hair extensions makes this a truly trendy offering to kick off 2013!

REFERENCES / RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION
Extensions of Yourself - Hair Extensions Generate Buzz with Colorful Controversy
Extensions of Yourself - How to Choose the Right Hair Color
Heraldonline.com - Pantone Reveals Color of the Year
Minerals.net - Emerald: The Precious Green Gemstone
Pantone - Pantone Color of the Year 2013
Wall Street Journal - Pantone's 2013 Color of the Year

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 
Melissa White is an experienced, licensed hair extension artist and stylist whose passion is to bring out the natural beauty in everyone by enhancing their own individual features with the use of exquisite hair extensions. Melissa has over 10 years of extensive training with the industries top hair extension companies in the newest techniques. Originally from Boston, Melissa has been in San Antonio for the past 8 years. She believes that everyone should be able to access and afford the hair of their dreams . . . thus the creation of Extensions of Yourself, San Antonio's first salon which specializes exclusively in quality hair extensions.

Monday, December 3, 2012

How To Choose The Right Hair Color

by Melissa White
Licensed Hair Stylist
Certified Hair Extension Artist

Choosing the right hair color is something that most everyone stresses over. Many women select a hair color from a photograph they see in a magazine, even though this is probably the worst way of picking the right hair color. Most experts will agree that selecting hair color from a photograph of a famous celebrity is a recipe for disaster unless you match skin tone and facial features exactly.

So what can you do to ensure a great color for your complexion, style and personality? Let's look at what goes into color selection by the expert colorists.


  • Skin Tone  (v
  • Eye Color (blue, green, hazel, grey, brown, dark brown/black)
  • Do you have freckles (yes/no)
  • Color of hair when you were 5 years old (blonde, light brown, brown, chocolate, black, strawberry blonde, red)
  • Have you colored your hair in the past years (number of years depends upon your hair length)
  • How do you usually color your hair (home or salon)

You can see why it's not as easy as looking at a picture on a box of home hair color and saying, "That's the one I want."

Your natural hair color is the best shade range to stay within. Even though your skin tone and hair  may be completely different colors at first glance, your natural hair color and skin both have the same underlying pigments. In fact, it is most often less about the hair color that you like and more about the color your skin likes.

Remember Carole Jackson's Color Me Beautiful method of selecting clothes colors by "season"? This used skin tones and the four seasons to group together colors which are most flattering. She also developed a complete line of cosmetics using the same principle. The same is true of hair color. The perfect hair color will compliment your skin tone. Great color can enhance your best facial features and can even help give you a more youthful, vibrant look. Choose the wrong color and it could leave you looking washed out, tired, totally unnatural and even years older!

Color Level, Shade and Tone


Color with permanent hair dye actually lifts the outer color from your hair shaft. In doing this, it reveals the natural pigments or highlights that are in your hair. Hair color is measured in three ways: by the level, the tone and the shade.

Color level runs on a scale of one to 10. One is the darkest color (true black) and 10 is the lightest color (platinum blonde). Within each of these levels are color pigments—eumelanin (black-brown) and pheomelanin (red-brown), which control the shade of the hair. Levels 1-4 are dark hair containing many red pigments along with black or brown. Levels 7-10 are considered blonde hair, consisting of golden/yellow pigments. Levels 5-6 fall in the middle and will have more orange pigments (red and yellow together).


Tone is divided into three groups: cool, neutral and warm. Cool tones have undertones of blues and greens and are sometimes referred to as "ash" tones. Warm tones have reds, oranges and golds. Neutral tones are a balance of both, with neither warm or cool tones outweighing the other.


For the most natural-looking color, look at what color the sun turns your hair during the height of summer. These tones are what come naturally and what you should stick with when you lighten your hair.

Complexion, Skin Undertones and Makeup


Just as your hair has pigment, your skin also contains pigments that produce undertones just like hair tones of cool, neutral and warm. Women born with black or brown hair are likely to have warmer, earthy undertones (orange, brown, gold or orange-based red) in their skin. Women born with blonde hair are more likely to have cooler skin undertones (blue, green, pink or blue-based red). Those with warmer undertones in their skin will look better with a warmer hair color, like golden blondes or honey browns. Those with cooler undertones will look best with cooler hair colors, like ash blonde, black or auburn brown.


The makeup you use may tell you if you are a warm or cool-toned person if you've selected your makeup correctly. But, if you don't know or aren't sure, try looking at a vein in your arm under natural light. If it appears green, you're warm toned, if it is blue you're cool-toned. An expert colorist will look at your skin, color of the eyes and even your age to help assess what tone your hair should be. The chart below will give some general guidelines.

Complexion          Complimenting Colors/Shades                                                 
Fair/Pale              Use dark expresso browns, warm reds, medium blondes
                            Avoid extremes and too dark of colors which will wash you out
Pink/Red              Neutral tones are best - avoid cool reds
Golden Tan          Neutral shades, copper and non yellow or gold bases look best
Olive Tan             Cool reds, caramel, burgundy, darker shades, and highlights                
Dark                    Golden hues without overall lightening can work
                            Avoid lightening and highlights or you'll look brassy
                            Dark reds, chocolate, deep rich browns and blacks excel


Of course these are just guidelines. You can also use makeup to help match your skin to any new hair color you choose. With today's better self-tanning products, we're able to effectively change to shades that better compliment a desired hair color. Just beware of the added effort needed to keep your look consistent!

Eye Color


The color of the eyes is a pretty accurate predictor of good hair color. If your eyes are deep brown, black-brown, gray blue, dark blue or hazel with white, gray or blue flecks you will probably look best with cool tones in your hair. If you have eyes that are golden brown, green, turquoise or hazel with gold or brown flecks you will look best with warm tones in your hair.

Age and Selecting Hair Color


My client's age helps tell me how far from their natural hair color I should go. With youth, we're able to experiment with color boldly and sometimes even recklessly without too much consequence. But, as we age, it becomes less forgiving. As a general rule, as we age softer colors look better on us. As we grey, skin tone becomes lighter. Extremes in the color palette (platinum blonde or true black) tend to bring out all sorts of imperfections. Wrinkles seem more pronounced, skin tones seem more exaggerated, pores seem more pronounced, and so on.

Most experts follow these general rules of thumb:
  • The key to great color is keeping your color changes within the correct warm or cool tones and staying within two color levels of your own color, if you want a natural look.
  • Professionally applied permanent colors provide the best coverage and last the longest. Semi-permanent colors are good for trying out a darker color before committing, but you can only go darker or hide grays. Semi-permanent colors won't lighten your hair.
  • Keep your hair healthy by always applying color to unwashed hair. Your hair's natural oils protect your hair.
  • If you make a color mistake with a home box product, don't try to fix it with another box! A minor mistake might be corrected by immediately washing your hair 2-3 times with a good clarifying shampoo. If you're afraid you've made a bigger mistake, or if the washes don't do the trick, do yourself a favor and see a hair professional.

Hair Color and Hair Extensions


Working with hair color presents a unique set of problems when working with hair extensions. Not only do you need to match the natural hair on the scalp, but work with the natural tones found in the hair extensions. This is why the use of quality hair extensions produces the best possible outcomes. The way in which quality hair extensions are created ensure that the stylist has Remy hair that has not been treated in any way that would produce unexpected color results. By closely matching the hair, an experienced hair extension artist can create a well-blended, natural look. If you've got color concerns, make sure you see a stylist who is experienced with color and hair extensions!

Have a specific color in mind, but don't know how to explain it to your stylist? A method I like to recommend to my clients is to go onto Pinterest to find photos of hair that you particularly like. Many of my hair extension clients who also use color visit my board, "Hair Inspiration" on Pinterest.

REFERENCES/RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Color Me Beautiful - Reinvent Yourself with Color Me Beautiful: 4 Seasons of Color, Makeup, and Style 
Extensions of Yourself - The Hair
Extensions of Yourself blog - Is Red the New HOT Color?
Extensions of Yourself on Pinterest

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 
Melissa White is an experienced, licensed hair extension artist and stylist whose passion is to bring out the natural beauty in everyone by enhancing their own individual features with the use of exquisite hair extensions. Melissa has over 10 years of extensive training with the industries top hair extension companies in the newest techniques. Originally from Boston, Melissa has been in San Antonio for the past 10 years. She believes that everyone should be able to access and afford the hair of their dreams . . . thus the creation of Extensions of Yourself, San Antonio's first salon which specializes exclusively in quality hair extensions.