The Hair Extensions Industry is Always Moving

Donna Bella Milan has been ahead of the curve in the hair extension world. We’ve got our eyes on a new hair extensions technology that has become available in the UK. The company, Wonderful Hair Extensions, have come up with a unique way to bond keratin dipped extensions to your hair.

How they work: Wonderful hair extensions are applied by a cold fusion applicator, and use a keratin-based polymer to attach the extensions. As well as ultra sonic waves, rather then the typical heat and glue method. Wonderful Hair Extensions are also applied to your roots, one strand at a time, allowing them to blend in much better.

It’s well known that heat and glue, if used too often on hair, can be very damaging. The keratin method eliminates both of those harmful elements and the use of sonic waves to secure the bond is an intriguing twist in the extensions industry. The keratin base is also far more flexible that hot glue, which allows them to blend right into your natural hair. Because there is no heat involved that means there is also no scalp irritation.

For more information go to:

http://www.approvedbusiness.co.uk/wonderful-hair/company.aspx

http://www.approvedbusiness.co.uk/ViewArticle_2690.aspx

A lesson to learn

I would assume that anyone who has hair extensions or who spends top dollar at fancy salons would know that at home hair care is of up most importance in keeping their salon job in good condition. So when I heard this story about a woman named Sarah Ward, a 36-year-old mother of two, i was certainly surprised.

Sarah sued Rumi Simone Inc., claiming that they are responsible for the bad hair day she has been having for the last year and a half because of her hair falling out. Her hair has been snapping off at the scalp, and she claims the services she got at the salon are to blame.

And the attorney for the Lake Oswego salon emphasized that Wards failure to follow salon advice caused it to fall out. Ward sought $50,000 for “humiliation, depression and the cost of hair extensions.” But she didn’t receive a penny of it. They jury concluded that the salon was not at fault for Wards poor at home hair care.

The Lesson here is simple. If you are going to have hair extensions or pay professionals to do your hair, make sure you listen to their advice and take care of it after you leave the salon. Afterall, the hair stylists certainly cant follow you home and make sure you are doing your part to keep your hair attached to your head.

Unhappy Horse Tales

Or should I say a unhappy horse tails? Allow me to explain. Several recent incidents have occurred in farms across the country, which involve thieves lopping off the hair from the horses tails and manes. Strange but true.

Perhaps the weirdest part of all is that the exact reason for such a crime is unknown. Although there are many possible motives. Here are just a few they have come up with:

1. Financial gain: horse show rules allow for hair extensions. and horse hair extensions cost between $150-$600. [same price for human hair extensions done in salons.]

2. Manufacturing: Horse hair is used for a number of different products. Like making belts, hat bands, tail extensions, violin bows. Although for such, the manufacturers usual buy the hair in bulk from china. And it is unlikely they would buy such a small quantity from an individual.

3. Shortage of hair: Many slaughterhouses in the U.S. have been shutdown. Perhaps causing a new demand for horse hair.

You will be happy to know that no horses were hurt during this recent crime spree or during the writing of this article. Unless you think bad hair dos are painful. To read more on these hair thieves please go to the following sites:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/2009/04/weird-crime-horse-tail-theft.html

http://www.whmi.com/news/article/8119

Hair Extensions: The quickest makeover

Allison Iraheta

It’s no secret to anyone that fashion and beauty play a big part in the magic of TV. And American Idol is no exception. After all, what would the show be like if the contestants were expected to wear their own worn out clothes and style their own bland hair dos? I imagine it wouldn’t have the same allure. I think the idea of overnight makeovers is part of its magic… Never knowing that to expect from each idol wannabee.

So, how do they go from one hair extreme to another in just one day? Hair extensions of course! Although Allison Iraheta’s recent 80’s rocker hair was not welcomed with open arms, that’s the beauty of hair extensions! Tomorrow she can re-appear and redeem herself with a whole new do! And her Cindy Lauper-ish hair will quickly be forgotten. [If it weren't for the photos at least!]

But hair extensions are certainly not just an American thing. Known as “Britain’s hottest newcomer,” Rosie Jones recently had hair extensions put in because she says her hair is too thin and she wants volume. Although, she insisted her extensions be done free of charge, that is hardly the point.

The point here is that hair extensions offer more than just length. Whether it is volume you are after, or 80’s rocker hair, hair extensions are the quickest way to a drastic or dynamic new you.

For more information on these up and comers and their hair go to:

http://weblogs.newsday.com/entertainment/music/idol/blog/2009/03/american_idol_fashion_theres_g_1.html

http://www.thestar.co.uk/headlines/Stunner-Rosie–has-no.5133626.jp

Going Green with Extensions

“Recycle, reduce, reuse” … a phrase that’s become all too common during these tough economic times. It seems it has become second nature for everyone, from the stars down to all us average Joe’s, to do everything possible to stretch every dollar. And every type of company is advertising its own ways to be more green. From grocery store reusable bags, to hybrid cars, and nature safe cleaning products.

But does a recession mean our beautiful hair has to be sacrificed as well? No, according to Raquel Watter, co-owner of RikRak salon on Brickell Avenue in Miami. Raquel has invented something she calls the ”Recession Extension,” a process in which the old extensions are basically recycled — that is, removed from the head, washed, blown dry and retaped to the real hair shaft.

This new procedure is $150. Down from a pricey $600-$1000 for new extensions.

Other salons have started teaching their clients how to keep their hair healthy in between salon visits. Senior designer Linda Sherwood, of the James Bentley Salon on West 57th Street, shares recipes of home remedies with her clients, to condition their hair using items they can find in their own kitchen. For example: mashing one avocado with a half cup of milk. Apply to hair and let sit for 30 minutes. The avocado adds moisture while the milk adds shine.

I think the lesson here is that even during a recession there is no reason to make your hair take the brut of it. To learn more ways that salons are helping customers remain feeling glamorous during a not so glamorous time visit these sites:

http://www.miamiherald.com/living/fashion/story/965214.html

http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/2009/03/20/2009-03-20_women_cut_out_pricey_hair_care_routines_.html

Something “Special” for the Holidays!!

In these stretching economic times, people everywhere are looking to save money for the coming year. With the holidays approaching that desire to save is growing especially important. I recently read that many retailers are hurting dearly this quarter and do not expect things to improve any time soon. At the same time, more value priced retailers are doing a better because of their reputation for lower prices without sacrificing quality.

At Donna Bella we have always felt that reputation is everything; if a company cannot establish a good reputation of high quality and value, then it has little chance of lasting through the long haul. This philosophy, combined with great deals, is part of what has made Donna Bella such a success with stylists and clients worldwide.

This holiday season it is business as usual at Donna Bella and we are proud to present something more “Special” than usual. I am personally excited for this one because my wife has been begging for extensions for the past few months. She likes this because she can change things up a bit with her hair and this deal is perfect timing.

Amazingly this is special is much greater than any employee discount. Right now Donna Bella is now offering Clip-In Holiday Highlights for only $9.99, that’s 48% off. That means you can add volume, accent, or a flare of color to your hair for less than $10 dollars! This includes two individual clips of 100% human hair extensions. This deal is only for the holidays and the special ends December 31st so we’ve all got to hurry. Just go to the “Specials” section in the address bar at www.DonnaBellaHair.com and Happy Holidays!

An Evening With Carrie Underwood

If you had a chance to watch the Country Music Awards a few weeks ago you could not have missed recording artist Carrie Underwood. Whether it was hosting, winning awards, or performing to a crowd of country music’s elite, Carrie Underwood was everywhere. This is not necessarily new for Carrie who, over the past 4 years, has made a name for herself by selling over 7 million records and overshadowing some of the biggest female voices in the music industry.

Recently, my wife and I had the opportunity to spend an evening with Carrie and attend her concert. We found her to be much more than a superstar; she was actually normal.

Almost 5 years ago, during the fourth season of American Idol, my good friend was able to meet Carrie and subsequently take her out on a few dates. A friendship ensued and they have kept in touch ever since. As a result, my friend has been able to attend several of Carrie’s performances and also hang out with her on occasion. Last week Carrie Underwood’s ‘Carnival Ride’ tour came to our city and my wife and I were fortunate enough to be invited to spend the evening with my friend and Miss Underwood.

During the course of dinner we learned a lot about the music business, fame, tabloids, what its like to be Carrie. However, we were most impressed by her down-to-earth nature, maturity, and confidence despite some of the negativity that undoubtedly swirls around every big-name celebrity. I can’t help but think that some of that confidence comes from her small-town roots, strong family, and of course, it doesn’t hurt to be strikingly beautiful.

Being involved with hair myself, I had to ask Carrie about her experience with hair extensions, her preferences, etc. She lamented that stylists in the industry “literally do not care” about her hair when they are styling, and as a result often cause damage.

If you’re familiar with Carrie you know that perhaps her most recognizable feature is her beautiful long blonde hair, so it is understandable why she would be so weary. She confirmed with me that she does wear extensions often but prefers ‘clip-ins’ because they generally cause less damage to her hair than the fusion/glue-in products. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity tell her about Donna Bella Hair Extensions and how our revolutionary I-Link Bead Method provides full, beautiful hair that is easy to apply and remove without causing any damage. She was very interested, so much so that we are going to send some to try out in the near future.

Some people might read this and think, “Why would he bring up hair extensions when he’s hanging out with one of the biggest stars in music?” That is a good question, but it goes beyond just trying to sell product. Granted, it’s not everyday you get to hang out with Carrie Underwood, but when you have a product as good as Donna Bella that you know can make someone’s life a little easier, sharing it with others comes quite naturally. All I can say is try it for yourself and you’ll see what I was telling Carrie about!

Hair Extensions in the White House?

Only Michelle Obama’s hair stylist knows this for sure, but we’re of the opinion that the stunning “to be” first lady has a full head of natural hair with no extensions to be found. Tragedy? Hardly. We’re also of the opinion that the future First Lady will do more in the next four years for lady’s fashion than all the first lady’s combined since Jacqueline Kennedy.

One stylist, Yusef Williams of Manhattan’s Paul Labrecque salon, thinks that “Michelle has a lot of full-length hair — no extensions.” Offering his opinion to the checkout stand mag OK!, Williams, who has the honor of being assigned as “a member of Michelle’s hair and makeup team,” predicts that she will change her hairstyle because “that’s the motto: change. Something shorter, layered, fun and one-of-a-kind.”

There you have it - No Extensions in the white house (yet). Maybe we’ll send some samples over to Williams and he can give us a trial run for the inagural?

Hair Extensions World Record?

And you thought your extensions were a handful!

As kids, we all loved browsing the pages of the family “Guinness Book of World Records” and I clearly remember the lady with the crazy long hair that wrapped down a staircase. Well, Alastair Galpin of New Zealand has decided that while that record is difficult to beat (because it would take a lifetime!), adding 5 meters (16.4 feet) of hair extensions to your head and keeping them in for 6 weeks would be better.

Attaching 5 meters of hair is no laughing matter though, and has serious safety concerns for the record breaking hopeful:

I really have to be careful with it for reasons beyond the norm. For instance, if it was to get hooked in any machinery or if it got caught in a bus door or something, I could be dragged down the road by my hair and break my neck.

Keep an eye on this space and we’ll let you know how Alastair is doing as we learn more. To read the original story, click here.

Hair Extensions and Used Cars (How to buy hair extensions)

Q: What do these two industries have in common?

A: You MUST do your home work BEFORE purchasing! Otherwise you may be sorry.

Gone are the days when you can simply go online, select an internet retailer and purchase a full head of hair that will last for months and months - with no shedding, slippage or other embarrassing traits.

Like the used car industry, one who is interested in hair extensions now must know a few simple questions to ask, including where to look for the highest quality, best value extensions.

1. 1. Are my extensions made from 100% human hair? When asked most companies will tell you the answer is yes. Like a used car just because it is sounds good (like 100% human hair) doesn’t mean it will actually do you any good. Human hair extensions are only the first step to ensuring you have high quality, long lasting hair extensions.
2. Are my extensions 100% REMY? This is perhaps the most important hair extension term to be familiar with. This is similar to asking does my car have oil in it? When looking at your engine you can’t always tell. When hair extensions are made from Remy hair all of the cuticles will be running in the same direction. When all of the hair cuticles are running in the same direction your extensions will lie flat with one another thus creating an exceptional and very real look. Oftentimes hair extension companies will sell 100% human hair that is non-remy. Non-remy hair is typically coated with silicone to help give a nice soft feeling when taken out of the package. However, after just a few washes the hair becomes dry, brittle and tangles easily. BEWARE!!! Many hair suppliers will offer REMY hair that is not 100%. This means there is a portion of non-remy hair mixed in with the remy hair. In order to achieve the look and feel hair requires it is extremely important to purchase 100% Human Remy hair extensions.
3. Is it okay to buy synthetic hair extensions? The answer here is YES! Synthetic hair extensions are perfect for the person who wants to wear them only for a short or limited time. Synthetic extensions are commonly found in the clip-in extension market.
4. Can I curl and flat-iron my synthetic extensions? A new technology exists called “thermo-fiber hair”. Most synthetic extensions cannot be used with heat. However, leading hair extension companies are now offering extensions that can be curled and flat-ironed on low heat settings.

In closing, the most sure way to have a positive experience with your hair extensions is buy purchasing from a trusted supplier. The best way to find one of these is to google the term “hair extensions” or “clip-in hair extensions” depending on what type you are looking for. Once you’ve located the company you wish to purchase from be sure to ask the questions we listed above. If they pass the test you should be safe in buying. Good luck!