As one of the highest-grossing salon services, hairtalk's Hairwear system is generating major salon revenue, client retention and life-changing transformations. And the industry has taken notice–in fact, the last three Hairwear Master Certification classes have oversold three times.

“We’ve had to readjust our strategies, increase our headcounts and add more classes to our schedule just to accommodate the increased demand,” says Marlene Gonzalez-Levine, hairtalk Education Director. “No other brand is offering a hair enhancement solution like Hairwear—we know we have something special.”

So why the massive uptick in interest? 

Some chalk it up to increased consumer demand from stress- or Covid-related hair loss, driving consumers to look for solutions with their stylist that traditional extension services don’t provide. Others say they only recently learned about Hairwear from a feature in MODERN SALON’s Hair+ content, while many others say it’s tied to word-of-mouth stylist referrals and increased awareness from hairtalk’s recent viral social media post

“I always describe Hairwear as hairtalk’s treasure that was sitting on the shelf in the basement,” says lead educator Heather Rafalski. “Now that there’s such interest, we’ve revamped the certification program and really focused on this high-demand, revenue-generating service that truly changes lives.”

Hairwear is a  semi-permanent hair enhancement solution  ideal for clients experiencing more severe forms of hair loss at the part line and top of the head. 
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Hairwear is a semi-permanent hair enhancement solution ideal for clients experiencing more severe forms of hair loss at the part line and top of the head.

Hairwear is a semi-permanent hair enhancement solution ideal for clients experiencing more severe forms of hair loss at the part line and top of the head, like patch alopecia, post-cancer treatment regrowth, even the hair-pulling disorder Trichotillomania. 

Offered in three customizable sizes for various forms of coverage, along with 12 colors throughout the collection, the Hairwear system does not require shaving or aggressive glues like other semi-permanent toppers—instead, it uses hairtalk’s highly regarded tape tabs, allowing the client’s natural hair to safely grow while wearing the piece. Each application lasts 3-6 weeks and allows for re-applications for up to 12 months of total wear.

“My first Hairwear service was on a 24-year-old bride who, after years of insecurity about her thinning hair and visible scalp, wanted to feel confident when she walked down the aisle,” Rafalski says. “We both had tears of joy when she saw her reflection for the first time. That’s when I knew I was where I should be, offering these services and having a solution for clients suffering.”

Lead educator Heather Rafalski showcases a favorite before-and-after image of her client wearing Hairtalk’s Hairwear semi-permanent enhancement. 
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Lead educator Heather Rafalski showcases a favorite before-and-after image of her client wearing Hairtalk’s Hairwear semi-permanent enhancement.

Client Loyalty + Revenue Opps

“Not only are extensions the most lucrative salon service, Hairwear clients are the most loyal—they don’t cancel or reschedule their appointments, and they come in, on average, every four weeks,” Rafalski says. “Extensions can be a nice-to-have luxury, but not necessarily a need. With Hairwear, it’s a need. Hairwear clients offer a steady income with clients that stick with you and refer their friends.”

As the highest-grossing salon opportunity, extension services, like Hairwear, on average drive increased revenue and profits in less time than other salon services. 

“There is no other salon service that can generate as much money behind the chair as with extension services,” Gonzalez-Levine says. “After graduating the Hairwear certification, stylists have the tools, knowledge and practical skill set to begin offering the service to clients the very next day.”


hairtalk® Artistic Director, Vicki Casciola demonstrates how to apply hairtalk’s Hairwear solution.

The Certification Experience

Following Hairwear product knowledge, prep and customization opportunities, hands-on application begins. Whether attendees participate virtually or in person, the four-hour certification experience is fully interactive and each step of the process is evaluated by hairtalk® Master Educators.

“We go through the application process step by step, one tab at a time. From how to best prepare the hair, avoid tension, and how to ensure the hair under the piece is in an optimal growing environment so we don’t inhibit potential growth of natural hair during the application process,” Gonzalez-Levine says. 

Hairwear educators share best-practice standards, troubleshooting and solutions into potential client scenarios.

In addition to a deep dive on marketing and pricing strategies, attendees learn about home maintenance for the guest, as well as removal and re-application techniques—including consultation strategies and sensitivity training.

“This is not the client coming in looking for long and luscious—they are going through something,” Gonzalez-Levine says. “Our sensitivity training includes words to use and not use, and how to set up your salon for privacy and the best experience.”

Attendees receive a post-certification digital media package download to promote their extension businesses, as well as support with the ordering process and to answer any follow up questions.  

“We don’t just certify and send them on their way,” Gonzalez-Levine says. “We want to give stylists various moments of connectivity.”

To keep the inspiration, engagement and connectivity momentum, attendees are encouraged to participate in hairtalk’s thriving social media community.


Want to be an expert in the fastest-growing beauty category? Get certified in hairtalk extensions to learn how to make more money in less time.

Master The Methods

Since traditional extension services like tape-ins, weft or keratin bonds are complementary services to the Hairwear client, attendees often want to offer the full suite of extension methods in their salons—and attending hairtalk’s Master the Methods certification is the most efficient and cost-effective way to do so.

Master the Methods is a two-day, multi-method certification where attendees learn how to apply hairtalk’s tape-in extensions, wefts and keratin strand-by-strand, as well as how to brand and market themselves through offering hair extensions.

Attendees receive social media downloads to market their services, and access to a library of video tutorials to review at their own pace. 

“As we close out the year and beauty professionals begin to set goals and plan their education for next year, I would highly recommend hairtalk’s Hairwear Master Certification and Master the Methods,” Rafalski says. “Extensions and hair enhancements are a true game-changer for the stylist looking to grow, and there are so many clients who can benefit from salons offering these services.”

Learn more about hairtalk’s Academy offerings here, and get inspired by following the brand on Instagram @hairtalkusa

 

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