Ever wonder how Cheryl et al can go from a cute shoulder-length crop one day to long luscious locks the next? Extensions of course! But banish all thoughts of WAG-esque curled extra long hair as now you can get modern extensions to create the effect of volume, dip dyes and layers as well as length.
As part of Hair Month on Company.co.uk, we asked founder of Tatiana Hair Extensions, Tatiana Karelina for her top tips about hair extensions. Tatiana is the lady to ask, as she's passionate about sourcing the best possible hair for her clients, and to do this she regularly travels back to her native Russia to source hair. This personal involvement in the sourcing of hair ensures that clients are given the very best quality hair, which hasn’t been coloured or treated, and that the hair is sourced ethically (very important!).
Tatiana’s Guide to clip-in extensions:
"To attach clip-in extensions at home, first straighten your own hair and clip it up, leaving a ½ section across the nape of the neck. Then using a comb, back comb the hair right at the scalp to create a ‘cushion’ for the hair extension clip to be secured into. Next, place the extension weft along the line you have created, slide the teeth into the 'cushion', keeping the clips as close to the scalp as possible. Make sure that you use the middle clip of the weft first and that the weft lies flat along your scalp. Continue to make horizontal partings and attach the extensions in the same manner as the first. Finally, let down the rest of your hair and style with hair straighteners."
Tatiana’s Guide to micro ring extensions:
"Fine, light-weight and pliable, micro rings combine fine strands of natural hair with extension hair to ensure perfectly natural and undetectable blending. The technique is possible on all hair types as the copper rings are available in different sizes and colours. The rings are covered with plastic to provide a comfortable cushion for the hair. They are clamped securely in place and will not slip out when brushing, or during even the most challenging of activities. In order for the hair extensions to look as natural as possible, some hair extension companies carry a vast inventory of hair and the individual hair wefts are custom-made after a consultation. This ensures that the extension hair matches the colour and texture of your own natural hair.
Hottest Hair Extensions Trends:
Dip Dye Hair Extensions
The dip-dye hair style is fast becoming the hottest hair trend for 2011. As seen on the likes of Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Aniston and Rachel Bilson, it’s a great way to spice up your hair colour this season without commitment (and here at Company HQ we love the look!) Dip-dye hair extensions are the latest innovation - not only do the extensions allow those with a shorter crop to follow the hair trend, but also the extensions protect the natural hair from the bleach used to achieve optimum dip-dye results.
Tatiana Karelina says: “The advantage of achieving the dip-dye look with extensions is that you don’t need to chemically treat your own hair.”
In order to achieve this sun-kissed grown-out-highlights look, the ends to the mid-section of the hair extensions are lightened, whilst your own hair’s natural colour is left in tact.
Plaited Hair extensions
Plaits and braids are the go-to hairstyle for the warmer months. With a huge presence on the Spring/Summer catwalks, plaits are the hottest hair trend of the year! Famous fans of the plait include Diane Kruger, Emily Blunt, Kate Hudson, Sienna Miller and Jennifer Aniston – all sporting various varieties of the hairstyle on the red carpet. See our hair how-to gallery on creating a 'milkmaid braid' here.
Sleek, stylish and sexy, plaits are versatile and easy to wear - And even easier to wear with hair extensions. Whether it’s a classic French plait, a side fishtail, a plaited ballerina bun, a side-to-side style, or a boho Heidi plait, hair extensions can create the look you want.
Tatiana Karelina says of this trend: “Plaits and braids create a very stylish look – very bohemian chic.”
Extend your natural beauty - invest in some hair extensions here.
