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Tina McIntosh, owner of Hair by Tina McIntosh in Tampa, Florida, shares how to select the best hair extension system for your client.GAUGE CLIENT EXPECTATIONS.Does the woman in your chair want extensions for a week, a month or ideally for the ...

October 16, 2015
Long Story Short

Hair: Victoria Casciola for Hotheads; Makeup: David Maderich; Fashion styling: Rod Novoa (photo credit: Roberto Ligresti)

2 min to read


Tina McIntosh, owner of Hair by Tina McIntosh in Tampa, Florida, shares how to select the best hair extension system for your client.

  1. GAUGE CLIENT EXPECTATIONS.
    Does the woman in your chair want extensions for a week, a month or ideally for the rest of her life? For special events, such as prom, opt for clip-ins or weave-and-sew systems.

  2. WHAT IS YOUR CLIENT WILLING TO PAY?  
    Does she want the best and want to look fabulous all the time? If her hair is healthy and she is at the high end, hot-fusion might be the best option.

  3. WHAT IS THE STATE OF THE CLIENT’S HAIR? IS IT HEALTHY?
    If it is fine, try seamless tape-in systems. If it is medium, a tape-in or weave-and-sew are good options.

  4. WHAT IS YOUR CLIENT’S HAIR TEXTURE?
    If it is extremely curly, tape systems won’t stay in as the hair grows out; weave-and-sew works best. For those on a budget, off er clip-ins. On the high end, hot-fusion systems with curly extensions are great options when the hair is healthy.

  5. WHAT IS YOUR CLIENT’S TIME COMMITMENT?
    How long will she sit in the salon and how often will she return? Tape-in systems take 1½ to 2 hours if the hair is new, and up to 3 hours if you must prep the hair for reuse, then reinstall it. Hot fusion systems, which use individual strands and keratin bonds, can take up to 8 hours to install, but last a minimum of three months—often more.

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