Hair extensions are about as common as spray tans here in LA, but some of us have just now mustered up the courage (and cash) to check them out. I’m on my second round and still loving them. I have baby fine hair and was looking for a little length and body, so when I met Kennedy Van Dyke over lunch and found out that she is an extension specialist, I jumped on the opportunity to have her work her magic on my super fine hair. I mean seriously, thickness and length all within two hours – I’m sold!
I didn’t know exactly what to expect the first time I went in to see Kennedy, so she answered all of my questions:
How the bonds work?
They are not harmful to natural hair and come out easily when you spray a mineral oil based solution directly onto the bonds. This breaks them up (they kind of crumble) and the extension comes out easily.
Care for my “new” hair?
Don’t put conditioner near the bonds.
Blow dry the bonds any time they get wet.
Braid or put my hair back if I’m sleeping or running.
Will it hurt?
Nope. (And I actually find it really relaxing.)
How long will they last?
About 3-4 months, but you can get another set put in. Most clients don’t like to be without their extensions even for a day, so they’ll have two sets in rotation – while one is being re-tipped the other will be in their hair. The initial cost of the extensions is the most expensive part, but getting them re-tipped is a little more than half the original price.
Re-tipped? Can I reuse the same hair?
Some people like to get new hair each time that they have their extensions done because if you just have them re-tipped you’re losing a little length each time. Although in our current economy, most people are opting to re-tip instead of re-purchase hair each time.
Make your appointment with Kennedy Van Dyke today! Kennedy specializes in extensions and color, but she also gives a mean hair cut ; )
Warren Tricomi Salon 8327 Melrose Avenue
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(323) 651-4545 warrentricomi.com
Prices for extensions start at $800 and go up from there – everyone is evaluated and priced on an individual basis depending on their needs.
Full disclosure: I was not given a discount in exchange for writing this post.
Connect with me, Kallah Maguire on Twitter @emeraldscarab
I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but drugstores are stocking an even larger inventory of travel-sized products these days. Recently I picked up Christophe shampoo and conditioner and a Redken hair mask to keep my locks silky smooth while in Mexico. I felt like I had scored big time because I had never seen these two products in small bottles. AND, I had always wanted to try out them, but wasn’t ready to throw down double digits on a test drive.
Here are a list of their current brands, but I expect their selection to grow.
Many stores are catching on, but until then, plan ahead or browse on 3floz.com. You might fall in love and go back for the big bottle!
I prefer Moroccan Oil and GoSmile capsules (both of which publicists sent me for free and I fell in love with), but when you’re in Mexico you gotta go with what’s available.
Rafael works 14 hours straight for 7 days during his monthly trip to Houston. The man is a champion! If you’re in NYC, you can visit him at John Frieda on 76th and Madison.
The Molton Brown was hands down my favorite. Not because I particullarly LOVE the smell or the way it feels in the shower. But after drying and styling, my hair felt moisturized and light. Not to mention it did exactly what I wanted it to.
Here’s the bad news. It’s $28 (which I just found out while writing this). Good thing I grabbed an extra set from the hotel. But I think $28 per bottle is a little steep. I would go as high as $14 (like for the Paul Mitchell I love).
SOLID RUNNERS UP
My other two favorites were the Biolage shampoo and Pantene NatureFusion conditioner.
Herbal Essence is always fun to use because you can work up so much foam with the shampoo and the conditioner feels smooth in your hands.
Paul Mitchell Tea Tree products were working really well with my hair (with and without extensions), but I think my mop is bored with it now. So I’ll have to move on.
HOLD YOUR NOSE
EverPure products are just too fragrant for me. The smell is so overwhelming I can’t help but think about what must be in there to make it so potent.
WHAT’S IT GONNA BE…
None of the runners up delivered the same styling experience as the Molton Brown. Weird right? I was surprised too.
I believe my best bet is Biolage. I like the smell, it’s not too expensive, and leaves my hair manageable for styling.
(Shampoo and conditioners were acquired from all different places including the drug store, friends, and *PR.)
My baby fine hair has always been a victim of the Houston humidity. I can spend an hour applying product, drying, straightening – basically heating the hell out of my poor hair, and after less than a minute outside the ends curl and my cowlick emerges. AHHHHH!
These three products have been the perfect cocktail for me to beat the heat.
Mada is a carefully constructed hair care line by Thad Grace to give you the hair you want but don’t naturally have. Visit their site and go through the process to find the perfect products to satisfy all of your specific needs.
In my opinion, the after-shower Protein Building Spray ($24) and Protein Spray Conditioner (Leave-In with UVA/UVB sunscreen for $24) are GODSENDS!!!
I’ve been using them before I dry for about a month now, and they have succeeded in strengthening my hair without weighing it down. Because my hair is thicker, it’s not as prone to curl on really humid days.
Unfortunately I did not find the Mada spray shampoo and conditioner helpful. In fact, they they failed miserably at foaming and cleansing.
John Frieda Frizz-Ease
This product is the nail on my anti-humidity campaign coffin. There is a whole line of “Frizz Ease” products that don’t interest me at all. But after Ty introduced me to this creme over a year ago, I haven’t left home without it. I apply post-drying, pre-styling to make sure all of the moisture is locked out.
Seal your style with your favorite hairspray (my favorite being Terax) and you’re ready to walk outside without worry.
Julia, Megs, and I are all fans of laser hair removal. Check out this episode of TMI to hear about our experiences. It’s actually pretty interesting because we all have different hair color-skin combos.
My mom came home with these the other day. My first reaction was “hell yes, I’ve been dying to try them.”
Then I had to ask, “Mom, did you get a little impulsive one night?” She said her friend Trish bought them for her because she had such success getting off the peach fuzz on her face.
Well, I finally gave it a shot on my upper lip today (where there is the smallest amount of baby fine blonde hair). After a few circles with the gray sand paper (which is basically what it is), the hair remains and my upper lip is BURNING!!!! Seriously. My mom thinks I’m crazy and is going to try it out later. Her skin is less sensitive than mine.
I’ll give it another shot in a less sensitive spot later. But thus far, big let down.
Rafael is giving my mullet some much needed attention. Thank goodness he could squeeze me into his Houston schedule.
When he comes here for one week each month, he’s booked solid, 14 hours for 7 days. In NYC, he’s not as busy at John Frieda. People haven’t caught on to his mastery of blonde yet. But oh they will, if they know what’s best for them that is.
