HAIRSTYLE: HOW TO No. 3

Hair How To No. 3:  Working with hair extensions 

Hair extensions are extremely versatile, the more comfortable and experienced you become with them the more you can do.  For example on some shoots I have doubled even tripled the layers of hair attached to each comb, I have colored or bleached the extensions, and I have also cut the hair extensions in layers and shapes, and styled them with curling irons, rollers etc.  There are no limits to what you can create! 

• Here are two examples where I used hair extensions to create very different looks.

Harper's Bazaar  2011, Model: Alessandra Ambrosio, 
Photographer: Nico, Hair: Nicolas Jurnjack

Vogue 2011, Model: Caroline Brasch Nielsen, 
Photographer: Benny Horne, Hair: Nicolas Jurnjack

HAIR TOOLS & HAIR PRODUCTS

comb

flat brush

hair extension

clip

thread

needles

styling spray

hair dryer

Whether you are a professional or someone who just loves creating new hairstyles, what is important is that you feel comfortable with the tools you use, this will free you up to go to the next step; the important task of being able to realize your look. 

Do not worry about following the steps exactly, everyone’s hair is unique and you will need to determine the best way to manage the hair you have in your hands, depending on its texture, thickness and natural flow.

Any questions ? Feel free to ask or leave a comment at the end of this post, and I will get back to you. Let me know how you did and what style you decided on, upload your photos to the drop box, with some descriptive text - and we will post a selection  - can't wait to see what you did !

A FEW IMPORTANT NOTES BEFORE STARTING

Caution: Always be careful when using electrical tools. Never use electrical tools near water – you could receive a nasty shock, injury or worse. 

BE CAREFUL AND HAVE FUN !  

SOMETHING TO CLING TO
how to add hair extensions

1) Make separations in your hair the same width as your extension pieces.

2) Take the piece of hair that you want to add the extension to. Tease gently from the half-length towards the roots, at each pass of the comb press down lightly to compress the hair towards the roots.

3) Spray the teased part of the hair with fixing spray to make sure that you will have a good enough grip for the extension comb. Do not overspray or spray too close or the hair will be too wet. and when dry too difficult to brush when the extensions are removed.

4) If the volume of the teased hair is too noticeable at the root use your hand and a hair dryer to flatten it - conversely if you like the look of more volume leave as is.

5) Brush the extension with a flat brush.

6) You are now ready to attach the extension.

7) Attach the mini comb securely to the teased hair to ensure that it remains in place whatever you do - in any weather: wind, rain…, and with any movements: dancing, sports…

8)  After adding all the extension pieces, brush the hair well to mix the extension and natural hair together so it has a uniform, natural look.

9) The dotted lines in this illustration represent the places where you can add more extensions if you are going for a very rich, full-bodied, homogenous look.

TIP: You can buy mini hair combs (hair extension clips) from almost all hair suppliers they come in different colors and sizes.  Preparing the extensions yourself is a quick and easy operation, and especially valuable as everyone's hair is unique and the mass of hair on each person's head is distributed differently, so you can customize the extensions to address color, volume, size, length, and so create the exact finished look you are aiming for.

Let me know how you did and what style you decided on, upload your photos to the drop box, with some descriptive text - and we will post a selection  - can't wait to see what you did !

Illustrations and text for this step-by-step hair tutorial are 
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