Calling all professional stylists! If you’re a hair extension newbie and want to start offering this service, we have all the best hair extension tips you’ll need! Big Kizzy was founded by a hair stylist who worked with hair extensions, so we know a thing or two about pro hair extension techniques. Learning everything you can to ensure your clients are happy with their hair extensions is essential!
Before you make that first appointment, your client may ask you: what type of extensions are best for hair? The answer depends on what look they’re going for, their hair type, personal preferences, budget, and lifestyle. Having that initial consultation with them will give you the opportunity to ask all of the right questions to determine what extensions work best for them. Now, onto the hair extension help from our experts!
Hair Extension Advice and Tips for Stylists
As we go through our pro hair extension tips ahead, there are three main sections: applying, removing, and maintaining hair extensions. The first two will help you with hair extension techniques for your application and removal appointments with your clients. The last section goes through hair extension advice for your clients to maintain their extensions at home. Let’s get into it!
Applying Hair Extensions
- For tape in extensions, use double-sided tape for standard applications and single-sided tape for thinner or finer hair types.
- Use regular hold tape for thin to normal hair and extra hold tape for thicker hair.
- Use a tape in applicator tool to seal the tape-in wefts as you go along to prevent slippage.
- Make sure to wait at least 48 hours before washing the hair after the tape-in application to give the adhesive time to set.
- For weft extensions, if you’re using sew-in or beaded application methods, you’ll need nylon thread, silicone beads, weaving needles, and a loop tool (find all of these here!).
- Use extension pliers to firmly and evenly close hair extension beads as you apply them.
Removing Hair Extensions
- For tape in extensions, they should be removed and reapplied anywhere between 4 and 10 weeks (this depends on preference, natural hair growth, and the strength of the hair tape).
- Use either an alcohol or oil-based remover depending on the tape adhesive used and preference (a combination of both can help remove stubborn residue).
- When you use the remover solution, spray them on the attachment points and let them soak into the adhesive for 30 to 60 seconds.
- Never pull or tug at the extensions when removing them, if they aren’t loose enough, use more remover as needed.
- If you used an oil-based remover, you’ll have to wash their hair after removal as there will be oily residue left behind.
- Weft hair extensions should be removed and reapplied between 6 to 8 weeks, depending on how fast the hair grows.
- For sew in weft extensions, use small weft scissors to cut the nylon thread when removing them.
- For beaded weft extensions, use claw pliers to open and loosen beads during the removal process.
Maintaining Hair Extensions
- Avoid overwashing extensions by washing them 2 to 3 times per week at most.
- Use dry shampoo for in-between wash days to help limit how often they need to be washed.
- Be careful not to get any product on attachment points when washing the hair extensions.
- Gently raise the hair at each row and rinse without touching the attachment points.
- Use a towel to pat dry the hair and then let it air dry or blow dry on the lowest setting.
- Never go to sleep with wet extensions, and ensure they’re fully dry before bed.
- Limit how often heat styling is used on the hair, and always use a heat-protectant spray.
- Use hair care products formulated to be safe and gentle for hair extensions.
- Brush hair extensions 2-3 times a day to detangle and prevent matting (and before washing or sleeping.)
- Put hair in a loose braid or bun before sleeping, and use a silk pillowcase for less friction.
- When swimming with extensions, try not to get the hair extensions wet with chlorine or saltwater.
Find Professional Quality Hair Extension Supplies with Big Kizzy
Following these hair extension tips will give you a great starting point to offering top-notch service for your clients. With the right hair extension techniques, you’ll be an extension pro in no time! Now, all that’s left is stocking up on the products you need for hair extension application and removal. It’s a good idea to have a variety of tapes and removers on hand for your tape in extension clients. You’ll also want to have beads, nylon thread, weaving needles, and other hair extension tools on hand. Find everything you need on our Big Kizzy website!