Monday, January 26, 2009

Hair extension techniques

Extensions: micro-ring, curtain, with keratin.

Extensions are in many cases the solution for alopecia, low hair density or just enjoying a long and heavy hair. Many times, the use of dye, hairdryer and other products force to cut the damaged hair.

Extensions let you play with your hair creating different looks.

There are three different techniques to put the extensions in and which one you should use depend on the person’s comfort, type of hair, and the results expected.

Keratin technique:

It’s the method to enlarge or give volume to the hair, joining locks of hair with a resin called acrylic keratin. With them, you can enlarge your hair or give it volume, hide damaged hair, and cover some alopecia.
It’s a laborious process, that only professionals use, lock by lock are put with a extension machine and making the unions with the hair by hand to prevent damage due to heat excess.
Duration is determined by hair growth and its effective time is about 3 or 4 months. After that time, the best thing to do is to remove the extensions to avoid entanglement of your hair. Then, they can be put again even with the same hair which lasts more than a year in good conditions.


Micro-ring Technique:
It’s a placement technique that enlarges and gives volume by joining locks of hair to your hair by a micro or metallic ring and it does not need heat, keeping it from the damage it may cause. Lock by lock are put with a compression system.
Length is determined by your hair growth and it is advisable to put them in again after four months.


Curtain method:
Specially elaborated and put at your size! A complete craft, with an excellent quality of hair. With this system the hair can be enlarged in a very efficient way. Curtains can be sewed with a silk sting to a plait in your scalp achieving a great durability. They can also be stick to the hair through curtains with micro clips.
It’s a revolutionary method to enlarge or give volume to your hair and it can be dye.
Remember, the extensions can be in straight hair, with movement, ringlets or rollers… and in any color you wish.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Jonas - The Hair Stylist

Jonas Hallberg is Sweden´s most well known stylist internationally with clients among the absolute A-list in Hollywood. To get there has taken time and not always been easy but now he is exactly where he should be.

Working as a stylist is still seen as a bit odd by quite a lot of people that don’t really know what they do. One of the reasons to this might be that they are normally a bit in the background, not the least in the shade of the photographers. Still the stylists are incredibly important, not the least in a country like the US where personal styling of celebs is so much bigger than in Sweden.

Jonas HallbergJonas career started in a completely different way than one might think – he started out as a waiter at cool nightclub CafĂ© Opera in Stockholm. This was the melting pot of the time though and just like at studio 54 in NY it was the place to get contacts that could lead to unexpected turns in your life. One of Jonas´s colleagues was Liza that was also working for model agency MIKAs. One day she asked if Jonas he wanted to help out on a job for the agency.

It is no wonder that most stylists do not have a formal education. First of all it is not really clear if there is any really good education at any school and second it is the stylists personal qualities that are among the most important skills. You have to be perceptive, a sure instinct, be able to nurture your own style and – the most important of all – be phenomenal at networking.

These are all characters that Jonas has so it comes as no surprise that Jonas accepts the offer from his colleague. This results in him doing a job where he meets the Editor in Chief from fashion magazine Femina, Mona Orremalml. Obviously he did one or two things right since Mona later comes back and asks if he wants to join her for a job in Miami, which he does. This job leads to the two of them continuing to work together and Jonas gets to learn the job properly. “I am extremely grateful that I had the possibility of learning the job from Mona. She is old school and has really taught me everything from scratch. It is something I still enjoy these days when it has become my turn to be the teacher”, says Jonas.

After about a year of working together it was time for some freelancing and in 1995 a move to London. London was supposed to be for six month but he stayed for over seven years. The most important about London was the Jonas got to work for Michiko Koshino, the woman behind the Yen jeans. Among other things she took him to Japan. “Koshino is like a clan in Japan and it was a lot of prestige working with them”. Through Michikio Jonas also got an enormous network in London, which led to jobs for the big British Magazines as well as for Swedish Elle.

Two out of many many covers.Despite a successful career in London there was a lack of family and friends so after seven years the bags are packed and Jonas is back in Stockholm. Might sound bizarre but once here an old dream started to appear in his head – to work in Hollywood and this is when the story really starts going in the fast lane.

It all starts with Jonas being in LA for an editorial job and once there he meets an agent that wants to represent him. Despite some doubt this leads to a few small jobs there during a couple of year’s time. These small jobs leads to the first celeb shoot, one with Sophia Bush for American GQ. One might think that Sophia is the important person here but it is actually her publicist. She and Jonas gets along really well and then later leads to Jonas having to interrupt a vacation in Europe to fly over to Toronto for a shoot with Catherine Zeta-Jones.

One job leads to the next and as was pointed out before personal styling of celebrities is a lot bigger in the US, not the least because of their fondness for the whole red carpet culture. There are a few really big red carpets and how the celebrities look on these is really important, not the least because of all the best and worst dressed lists that always follow the events.

Jennifer Love Hewitt was one of the celebs that had managed to top the worst dressed list for years and she was the challenge for Jonas´s first Emmy Award. A black dress from Dolce and a Love brosch from Lacroix on the bag in a confident style was what was needed to take Jennifer from worst to best dressed and the pictures of her were distributed all over the world. After this there is not end to the amount of A-list celebrities that Jonas gets to work with.

With all this one wonders how it is to work in the more modest environment of Stockholm that he still does from time to time. “It is fun and creative and you get really appreciated”, Jonas says. “It is also nice to be different. The styling in Sweden is quite conservative and standardized so it is great that my more glamorous style now is more accepted and appreciated”.

There is a lot more to be said about this man. Despite his phenomenal his success he is still very down to earth that is always so very nice to meet. Jonas always has a kind word to say and only once during the interview does he get a bit angry and that is when talking about Swedish celebrities. “It is far too unglamorous. How can you do an entrance at a movie premiere in jeans and a T? They should learn from Hollywood!!”

This is obviously something we have to agree upon and that we are certain we will see more of in Stockholm if we get some well needed help and push from Jonas – someone we obviously want to see more of in Sweden as well!

Monday, January 12, 2009

Hairstyles For Teenage Girl

Straight Hair To Curly

Changing a teenage girls hairstyle without the need for cutting, colouring or restyling using harsh chemical treatments and more importantly, can be done at home.

Straight hair is great if you need to look sleek and smart, but curly is far more glam and girly. Get lasting curls in four easy steps.

Are you bored of ironing every last kink out of your hair before leaving the house? Or have years of straightening left your tresses looking flat and lifeless? Then it’s time to give your poker-straight hair some life and movement.




Forget Shirley Temple, forget smelly perm solution and forget going to bed wearing rollers - modern curls are soft, loose and flattering, and they can be created in roughly the same time that it takes to straighten your hair. Find out here how to use your curling tongs to get long-lasting curls in four easy to follow steps - and how to vary your curls to suit your mood

Curly Hair step-by-step

Work on one section at a time - starting at the back of your head. Clip hair up with grips or slides so that’s it out of the way, then gently spray an easy-to-handle, medium sized section of hair with hairspray or fixing solution to help set curls in place.

Wind the same section of hair onto a hot curling tong and hold for a few seconds. Touch the hair that’s wound around the tong to make sure that it’s not getting too hot - if you leave it there for too long, heat might singe and damage your hair.
Curl your hair section-by-section, working your way up the crown and towards the front of your hair. When you’ve finished, to achieve a more natural look, break up ringlets by gently tousling through your hair withyour fingers - a comb will cause frizz.


Hairspray sets curls but it doesn’t boost shine, so finish with some glossing curl cream or serum. Take a small blob, warm it up in the palms of your hands and then work it through your hair from front to back, like you’re gathering your hair into a ponytail.
Curling Tongs Know-How
  • It’s worth spending money on a good set of salon-standard tongs - they’ll last longer and cause less damage to your hair.
  • The diameter of your curling tongs is important - the larger the barrel, the looser the curl. For coiled spirals, opt for less than an inch, for those loose waves, an inch and a half for movement and body, an inch and a half or more.
  • Adjustable heat settings offer more styling options - set the tongs on a low heat for loose, natural waves - turn them up high for bouncier curls.
  • Never use curling tongs on wet hair - the high temperature can cause permanent damage to your hair.
  • Always use a heat-protecting styling solution before curling to help prevent frizz and split ends.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Short shags haircuts

Short shags are generally popular with girls as well as guys who love to sport the messed up looks. You can have uneven broken layers and use a razor on the edges.

Short Choppy Shag Hairstyle

People with curly hair may not be able to sport this short hairstyle with flamboyance as it causes a lot of frizz especially when the razor is used.

Meg Ryan Shag Bob Short Haircut


The razor in such cases would prove to be an amazing tool. It helps to add a soft and deconstructed finish compared to the blunt edges caused by the scissors. Add lot of choppy layers and apply loads of gloss on the lips to complement the look. You can try ‘tipping’ your hair, which means that the hairstylist will basically take the edges of the hair and color them with the help of foils. This will help to add more drama to such short haircuts.

short trendy shags for ladies
Short shags hairstyle

Friday, December 12, 2008

Why use hair extensions?

Whether you want an overnight change in your appearance, or your extensions are to help with a hair problem - the big advance in extension technology in the last 5 years has allowed specialist salons to offer systems that are more natural, durable and easier to maintain.

A change to your hair style can be more dramatic and effective than any amount of make-up or designer clothes. Therefore, a "new look" is the main reason our clients visit us.


Long locks can be added to increase length, shorter sections can boost body and volume - or localised additions can create impact with a new fringe or accentuated crown.

Hair extensions also offer great solutions for people who have areas of thinning or damage though over-use of tongs or colouring products.

Hair extension adds hair (human or synthetic) to your own hair by weaving, braiding, strand-by-strand, or bonding. Usually, it's done by a skilled hair dresser, but many individuals have been applying it in their own homes.

Hair extensions can make you look and feel younger and beautiful. They can improve the looks and confidence of people with healthy hair, but are also a good solution for people with thinning hair. Hair extensions are still worn predominantly by African-Americans, but more and more people of all ethnic backgrounds are using them as an alternative hair fashion.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Hair Extensions Care Instructions

4 instructions are for all hair extensions types

1. Keep the hair clean. You may wash your hair daily. If not daily, you should wash it at least once or twice a week with warm water. Wash* your hair immediately after swimming, spa, exercise, etc. Hair will typically become tangled when dirt and sweat accumulate. Too much leave-in conditioner and other hair care products will create a build up on the hair causing it to tangle faster. If the hair feels dry or heavy with buildup, wash it with a recommended Shampoo and Conditioner.



Washing the Hair:

Hold your head backwards or in the direction the hair is styled. Do not bend over. Apply shampoo to the scalp diluted with lukewarm water. Massage the scalp carefully with the fingertips. Rub gently, spreading the shampoo over the entire scalp, without ruffling the hair. The extensions are cleansed by the shampoo that flows over them. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, while sorting the hair with the fingers. Use the recommended conditioner and carefully apply to the hair ends only. Leave in for 5 or 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly while pulling your fingers through the hair.



Gently dry the hair with a towel or tissues. Then let the hair dry naturally and style with rollers and blow-dryer. Do not pull, comb or brush when the hair is still wet. When blow drying work your way towards the ends of the hair.

Do not hold the dryer too close to the bonds

2. Wear a cap while swimming or keep your hair out of the water to prevent prolonged exposure to chlorine or salt water. Exposure to chlorine or salt water may cause the hair to tangle. We recommend pre-wetting your hair with water then applying a recommended conditioner before swimming. This will keep the hair from absorbing too much chlorine or salt water. Always wash the hair right away with a recommended shampoo and conditioner after swimming in either type of water. When going to the spa, the hair should be brushed out completely and should be wrapped in a cold wet towel. Even the best extension hair has been known to mat up the instant it is exposed to salt water. Matting can also result from perspiration.


3. Put your hair into large braids or pony tails before sleeping, swimming, or exercising. Untangle the hair before making the braids. Ensure that the hair is completely dry before going to bed.

4. Brush using a recommended Extensions Brush 2-3 times daily from the ends to the root. Apply a recommended leave-in conditioner so the hair is soft and manageable. Using a recommended leave-in hair treatment helps prevent the hair from drying. If too much leave-in treatment is applied, the hair will feel too heavy due to build up. To treat dry hair or hair that has become heavy due to buildup, wash it with a recommended Shampoo and Conditioner.

Additional Care Instructions for Fusion Extensions

You must wait 48 hours after receiving the hair extension service to: wet, shampoo or receive any additional chemical treatments.

Shampoo hair daily or every other day as a minimum. Natural body oils can create a “sticky” bond. Removing these oils gently yet thoroughly from the scalp is essential to secure bonding, keeping the hair soft, and preventing “bunching” and “tangling”.

Always wash hair in a downward motion, working the shampoo from the “root end” (top) of hair, to the points (bottom). Do not scrunch or wad the hair up during this process as the hair can become tangled during the deep cleansing process. Once the hair is shampooed you may apply conditioner three to four inches away from the scalp through to the bottom. Do not allow the conditioner to come into contact with the extension bonds.

Carelessly dispensing treatment products on top of your head and working or rinsing them through your hair may allow the product to reach the bond. The product may permeate and soften the bond. This may result in shedding or loss of the hair extensions, and create difficulty during the removal process.

Do not dry with a scrubbing action. Instead, wrap hair with a towel to absorb the water.

Extreme pulling of extensions may result in loss of your own hair. Brush hair with the recommended extension brush to keep your scalp and hair in good condition. Bonds will become tangled without daily brushing. Natural fallout of your own hair may cause tangling between the bonds. Therefore it is necessary to brush from scalp to ends daily. Run your fingers between strand-by-strand extensions once or twice a day to keep bonds tangle-free and separated.

Hair extensions allow you to style your hair using many normal hair techniques. Blow drying and hot irons should not damage your extensions. However, do not place a hot iron or any other hot styling tool directly on the bonds as they may soften or melt.

Before going to sleep, pull your hair back in a braid or loose tail. After sleeping, unravel the braid or loose tail and brush with recommended brush from nape of neck up. Do not sleep on wet hair. Sleeping on wet hair may cause tangling and matting of the hair and softening of the bonds, resulting in hair shedding.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Hair Extensions - the Truth About Instant Long Hair

Hair extensions - a few hours in the salon and you have long hair that looks like a dream. But is there a downside? Professionally made hair extensions can completely transform your appearance without affecting the health of your hair, but if they are done wrongly extensions can seriously damage your hair. You should know what to expect before going to the salon.

Would hair extensions cost a fortune?

Yes, extensions done by a professional hair extension artist and made from high quality hair would cost you several hundred dollars. The price really depends on the quality of the hair used - Asian hair is cheaper, while European hair costs 2-3 times more. If you want good looking hair - especially blond hair - you will have to pay for European material.Online you might find hair extension 'starter kits' with complete instructions, which aren't difficult to apply. So if you feel adventurous, you can buy a do-it-yourself kit and save significantly. If done correctly, this type of hair extension looks as good as any salon made one. If you decide to follow this route, though, make sure that you order high quality hair.

What types of hair extension are available?

The two major types of hair extension are individual strands and wefts.

Individual strands, as the name implies, are attached one piece at a time to your own hair, usually using glue, or with waxes and polymers. The problem here is that most of the attachment methods require coating your natural hair with rather unfriendly chemicals. Attaching these extensions isn't a problem, but removing this type of extension can seriously damage your hair.

Wefts, on the other hand, are braided into your hair, so no chemicals are needed. A weft looks like a curtain of hair held together at the top and hanging freely toward the bottom. It is braided into your hair around the midline of your head - about ear level. It is safer for your hair but, on the downside, as you own hair grows wefts have to be rebraided - about once every two months.

What materials are used for hair extensions?

First, hair for extensions can be either synthetic or real human hair. Synthetic extensions are cheaper, of course, but you get what you pay for - they look like artificial strands attached to your hair. They're not very pleasant to the touch, either.

Human hair used for extensions gives better results. Human extension hair differs by origin. The most common are hair from India and Asian countries. They are great, if you are an Asian woman yourself. Unfortunately this type of hair has a noticeably different texture from a Caucasians natural hair, so on Caucasian women they just don't look right.

European hair is of better quality, usually originating from Spain and Italy, is of better quality but costs more. The only problem is that its natural color is usually coal black. To make a blond extensions out of them, Italian or Spanish hair needs to be heavily bleached.

There are also so-called 'raw' or 'virgin' hair. This is European hair coming from Central and Eastern European countries, like Russia and Poland. The advantage of this hair that it is naturally light and of a very high quality. However, this type of hair is difficult to find and costs an arm and a leg.