Add Extensions to Give Braids Dimension

When looking to add fullness and volume to her braided styles, artist Alison Valsamis (@braidedandblonde) reaches for extensions. Valsamis is well-known for her intricate and swoon-worthy styling, and she often incorporates in Great Lengths' GL Tapes for extra depth. 

"Using the GL Tapes from Great Lengths is one of my secrets to getting big braids," Valsamis says. "I use them all the time in both my braiding and bridal styles. They help to create incredible dimension on brunnette hair without the need to color."

GL Tapes contain the same high-quality Indian Remy Great Lengths hair found in the premium bonded extension products. Every strand retains its valuable cuticle layer from root to end. The hair quality allows for the GLTapes to be reused multiple times. They can be used as single- or doubletape attachments and, with proper care, can last up to eight weeks.

The extensions are also great for clients looking to have color without commitment. 

“The fashion colors in the GL Tapes are incredible,” Valsamis says. “From vibrant jewel tones to gorgeous pastels, I’m able to give my clients color options without the fade.”

In this video tutorial, Valsamis incorporated Great Lengths' GL Tapes to give this 3D pull-through braid extra depth. 

 

1. For this look, Valsamis started by ordering Great Lengths' GL Tape extensions in 18” in a matching color to her client's hair and also in a lighter shade about a level lighter. This was to ensure dimension and contrast in the finish look on a brunette.
2. Valsamis says she concentrated her application to the center of the head because that’s where the pull-through braid was going.
3. Starting at the nape of the neck and working her way up, Valsamis utilized both of the darker and lighter colors to build volume and and dimension.
4. Starting with two ponytails at the top of the head, she took her first ponytail and divided it into three sections.
5. Each side section went around the second ponytail, and the center section goes right through the center.
6. Taking the two divided sections from the bottom ponytail, she raised them up and clipped them out of the way. The remaining three sections from the top ponytail combine with new hair to create the next bottom or second ponytail.
7. Valsamis then dropped the first two sections from the original ponytail and separated it into three new sections.
8. She repeated the process of going through the center of the bottom ponytail and around both sides.
9. Valsamis then repeated this process all the way down the center of the head. "When you run out of hair to add to a new ponytail, simply secure the three sections of each ponytail behind the two sections of your first ponytail," she says.
10. Once she had completed this process, she started back at the top to pinch and pull, working right to left and then center to stretch out her “faux braid” and create volume.
11. "Be sure to use your pointer and thumb in a pinching and pulling motion to maintain control of the hair and to create as much volume and balance as needed," Valsamis says.

Watch the full Facebook live tutorial here!