Before. Olivia, the bride, has very fine double-processed hair that doesn’t have the fullness or length to support a wedding updo that wows. Great Lengths hair extensions were added for extra fullness and length in two different shades of pale blonde to give tonal difference.
Before. Olivia, the bride, has very fine double-processed hair that doesn’t have the fullness or length to support a wedding updo that wows. Great Lengths hair extensions were added for extra fullness and length in two different shades of pale blonde to give tonal difference.
To prepare the hair, use a heat-activated styling product or hairspray and set the hair on either hot rollers or a large barrel curling iron. Then, brush out set. Mist a light wax spray over the top to give definition to the curl. Section from ear to ear and clip hair out of the way.
To prepare the hair, use a heat-activated styling product or hairspray and set the hair on either hot rollers or a large barrel curling iron. Then, brush out set. Mist a light wax spray over the top to give definition to the curl. Section from ear to ear and clip hair out of the way.
Backcomb the back section. Then, backcomb the top section from the ears forward that is isolated.
Backcomb the back section. Then, backcomb the top section from the ears forward that is isolated.
Loosely brush back hair with a brush first, then with your fingers. Secure the first section using a thread and needle.
Loosely brush back hair with a brush first, then with your fingers. Secure the first section using a thread and needle.
Keep crossing over, incorporating the strands that were crossed over from the opposite side. Use an over-under pattern each time. Secure with the sewing method.
Keep crossing over, incorporating the strands that were crossed over from the opposite side. Use an over-under pattern each time. Secure with the sewing method.
Once the sides and back have been secured, wrap the loose ends around to make a ponytail. Cut and secure the stitching for this section.
Once the sides and back have been secured, wrap the loose ends around to make a ponytail. Cut and secure the stitching for this section.
Secure the bottom of the ponytail with remaining thread.
Secure the bottom of the ponytail with remaining thread.
Fold ponytail up underneath the section above and secure with a stitch. This gives volume to the back. Finish with a little hairspray and spray wax to keep it loose looking.
Fold ponytail up underneath the section above and secure with a stitch. This gives volume to the back. Finish with a little hairspray and spray wax to keep it loose looking.
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Before. Olivia, the bride, has very fine double-processed hair that doesn’t have the fullness or length to support a wedding updo that wows. Great Lengths hair extensions were added for extra fullness and length in two different shades of pale blonde to give tonal difference.
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Before. Olivia, the bride, has very fine double-processed hair that doesn’t have the fullness or length to support a wedding updo that wows. Great Lengths hair extensions were added for extra fullness and length in two different shades of pale blonde to give tonal difference.
To prepare the hair, use a heat-activated styling product or hairspray and set the hair on either hot rollers or a large barrel curling iron. Then, brush out set. Mist a light wax spray over the top to give definition to the curl. Section from ear to ear and clip hair out of the way.
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To prepare the hair, use a heat-activated styling product or hairspray and set the hair on either hot rollers or a large barrel curling iron. Then, brush out set. Mist a light wax spray over the top to give definition to the curl. Section from ear to ear and clip hair out of the way.
Backcomb the back section. Then, backcomb the top section from the ears forward that is isolated.
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Backcomb the back section. Then, backcomb the top section from the ears forward that is isolated.
Loosely brush back hair with a brush first, then with your fingers. Secure the first section using a thread and needle.
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Slider
Loosely brush back hair with a brush first, then with your fingers. Secure the first section using a thread and needle.
Keep crossing over, incorporating the strands that were crossed over from the opposite side. Use an over-under pattern each time. Secure with the sewing method.
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Keep crossing over, incorporating the strands that were crossed over from the opposite side. Use an over-under pattern each time. Secure with the sewing method.
Once the sides and back have been secured, wrap the loose ends around to make a ponytail. Cut and secure the stitching for this section.
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Once the sides and back have been secured, wrap the loose ends around to make a ponytail. Cut and secure the stitching for this section.
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Secure the bottom of the ponytail with remaining thread.
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Secure the bottom of the ponytail with remaining thread.
Fold ponytail up underneath the section above and secure with a stitch. This gives volume to the back. Finish with a little hairspray and spray wax to keep it loose looking.
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Fold ponytail up underneath the section above and secure with a stitch. This gives volume to the back. Finish with a little hairspray and spray wax to keep it loose looking.
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Hair: Darren Brokaw, Great Lengths Artistic Director
Make-up: Paula Lee
Photography: Ryan Strong

Hair extensions go above and beyond just creating length and volume--stylists certified in Great Lengths hair extensions learn that extensions can be used as a tool: to create a hair cut, correct a hair cut, add chemical-free highlights, cover a scar or alopecia or to fill in a fringe.

In this how-to, Great Lengths Artistic Director Darren Brokaw, of J Brokaw Solutions for Hair in St. Louis, shows how he gave this bridal client a total hair transformation by combining the makeover power of hair extensions with the elegance of a special occasion style.

"This style is great for a bride that wants an updo that has an 'undone' appearance but still somewhat neat and will stay in place all day or night long," Brokaw says.

Want to learn more about getting certified in Great Lengths extensions? Check out a review of the 3-day certification program and how YOU can become an extensionist.

 




 

 

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