Learning Hair Extensions On Youtube

I cannot tell you how many times I had to fix hair extensions done by someone who learned how to do hair extensions on YouTube! YouTube is a great resource to learn tips and tricks of the hair extension trade once you are a hairstylist, certified in hair extensions, shadowed an expert, and have been an apprentice. Hair extensions are no joke, and you can do damage to someone's hair for life.  

A recent client went to a professional salon specializing in hair extensions, only to be confronted by a salon assistant offering to do her hair extensions for half the cost of the salon. The client decided to go to the assistant's home and have her keratin bonds applied, the results were a debauchery! Not only were the extensions applied to clumps of uneven sections of hair, but they were left huge in size, half melted, and caused her hair to not only pull out from her scalp but also leave her with cuts. Fortunately, we removed them for her in time to not cause permanent damage, and allow her to be pain-free. The apprentice admitted she watched a Youtube video, and that the client was her first attempt. It took two of us to remove the mess, it was painful and costly.

Click here to see her disastrous hair extensions.

Hair extensions must be applied properly, in clean sections, based on your hair follicle strength. We adjust sectioning to ensure your own hair can support hair extensions, and make adjustments from there. Keratin bonds are especially important to take time and practice to learn.  

Below are some tips for applying keratin bonds to hair extensions, and this is only part of our hair extensions training!

Application Of Keratin Extensions Proper Sectioning

"Use the tip of a single prong pin curl clip to create a perfect off-base section"

We will be working with "U" or "horizontal shaped partings above the nape of the neck. starting with freshly clean hair

Create a perfect Square 3/4"wide x 3/4" Long in a box formation.. Place the protective shield, which avoids painful hair cross overs) 3/4" away from the scalp, as well as 3/4" away from the opening of the protective shield.

Place the hair extension under the client's hair and keep your elbow by your side to avoid moving the hair extension up. Use a heat tool (same sectioning for ultrasonic bonding) to carefully melt the keratin protein bond. Stay stable, tightly roll the bond in a football shape, as tight as possible.

PRO-TIP

Imagine rolling the keratin bond in the shape of a football, start by rolling the bottom, and roll upward to close the bond.

Create a solid track for at least the first 3 rows by applying for extensions without skipping spaces. Avoid placing hair extensions too close to the crown of the head where the hair growth swirl exists. We will also show you the brick-layer application technique for areas of the head with sparse hair density

Next, add extensions to the sides of the hair, keeping in mind that the hair follicle density is sparse and may require larger sections, and avoid going too close to the perimeter of the hairline and top of the head hair part.

Once all extensions are applied,, determine the client's length by creating a weighted line, and custom blend layers according to the client's natural hair fall or desired extension outcome. as shown in class.

PRO-TIP

Take time during the application process to discuss proper hair care, sleeping, lifestyle adjustments, professional hair care, brushing, products, dry shampoos, and any information for their individual hair needs. Style as per client's request, give take-home hair care sheet and schedule a "free" 2-week check-in.

Take this time to address your clients' individual hair needs and answer any questions they may have.

Attaching hair extensions is only part of the process, consultations, hair care, cutting and blending take years to master. Watching someone applying hair extensions may look easy, but trust me it is not! Once you actually start applying hair extensions, you soon realize they are quite involved. 

I do not recommend learning hair extensions from a video. Whether you are a stylist looking into learning hair extensions, or a person looking to wear them, It is crucial that you vet your trainer or salon.  

This strategy applies to all types of hair extensions; tape-in hair extensions, pull-thru, and sew-in hair extensions. I have personally trained hundreds of stylists, and that is the first step, a person should be licensed in cosmetology. A licensed stylist is insured, and took time to learn all about hair!  

I have worked with clients that had their friend apply their hair extensions, and the friend was not a licensed cosmetologist -- once again -- do not allow anyone to touch your hair without education. 

When I hire a new hair stylist, I personally train them in all methods of hair extensions, and this is done with a mannequin. Once they have applied, and removed 3 sets of hair extensions, I then have them work on me! I then wear the hair extensions, which allows me to give them feedback (positive or negative).

Before they work with a client, I have a model come in for them to practice on while I assist. I then have them shadow our stylists for at least a month, and we get more models to have them practice on.

Once a few months have passed, they work with me on a client, and we work together to perfect their application. At this time, we review their work and potentially offer a client. Our salon works as a team, therefore, if they need help, someone is always available to step in.  

This training process has rendered positive results, and I feel assured that I can book our stylist with new clients.  

Feel free to ask your potential hair extension expert about their training, apprenticeship, and certification.  

Hair Extensions Background

At Noelle Salon, they evaluate your natural hair, and listen to the client's wishes on styling, color match, and look. They use human hair extensions like 100% Remy human hair, or Virgin Hair (unlike Bellami hair). Hair extensions can be used for short hair or 24 inches of a full head of hair, and they have worked with different methods like tape-in extensions, clip-in hair extensions, Keratin and enjoy using the Veila Pull-thru method with the Veila Hair Extensions for ease of hair care. Styling can vary from flat iron, natural curl, or curly hair. Whether you are looking for a change of style or look for a day such as a Clip-in ponytail, having a high-quality ponytail extension can mix it up for you. Your natural hair journey with your hair growth can be enhanced with Hair extensions when protective styling is applied, and regular maintenance is used. You can change your hair in one day - feel free to reach out and explore the possibilities.