Voluminous. Texturized. Thick. These are words guests facing hair loss or thinning likely thought they would never use to describe their hair again. And applying extensions is just part of the program.  

“It's important to be well-rounded in color and cutting,” says Nikki Lee, extension expert and co-owner of Nine Zero One salon in West Hollywood, California. “If you don't know how to cut it, fine, but make sure you're sending your clients to someone who does know how to cut it. Otherwise at the end of the day, no one's going to say, ‘Oh, that's a terrible haircut.’ They're going to say, ‘Oh, that's a bad extension.’”

When cutting freshly applied extensions into hair, shorter, blunt styles are best for clients facing hair loss. Creating a thick line will make hair appear as full as possible.

Because hair is already compromised, focus on integrity when styling. Prep with volumnizing products, like root lifts, lightweight mousses and thickening serums. Chicago-based celebrity stylist Alex Brown suggests blow drying with a wooden, boar bristle round brush on a low heat setting. This will give hair volume, but still be gentle on strands.

Keep curling and flat irons on low heat settings as well, utilizing your heat protectant before using heat stylers.

Once hair is dry, powdery finishing products like texturizing spray or dry shampoo will help buff up hair.

“You can do a gentle teasing motion with your fingers or a comb to ‘fluff’ the hair out more,” says Saretta Bowerman, owner and extension specialist at Blue Water Salon in Naples, Florida.

For the finishing touch for any style, root touch-up powders and sprays will become your BFF. Apply this to the hair line, part line, or any areas that need a bit more attention. This will make the overall look appear more dense and full. It also makes a great retail opportunity for you sell your client after they see it work its magic!