A Guide To Growing Your Hair Extension Clientele

Extensions are the fantastic style secret that keeps on giving. For us stylists, we know that they’re a perfectly brilliant way to make hair go from ho-hum to hallelujah!  Properly installed, quality  hair extension wefts add length and volume to elevate your clients’ natural hairstyle, give an extra oomph to prepare for special occasions, and are just what the doctor ordered to cover up a bad haircut. 

Still, having hair extensions installed isn’t something everyone rushes into, for good reasons! There are a lot of things that a client needs to keep in mind before, during, and after a session. Clients need a professional stylist to guide them through this labyrinth so they can feel confident about faking their way to fabulous, full-bodied locks.

Here are ten things you need to know about hair extensions to help your clients in their quest for thicker or lengthier tresses:

1. They’re not a one-size-fits-all.

There are a wide array of choices when it comes to the different types of hair extensions. As with all hair decisions, each style has positives and negatives. From clip-ins, tape-ins, and keratin tips, there is likely a weft to fit individual preferences and lifestyles. If your client is looking for something temporary or is interested in trying an entirely new look but is too scared to commit, you can recommend clip-in extensions as a starting point. For the ones ready to go all-in, tape extensions and bonds offer a more permanent solution. Quality wefts come with a hefty price tag. It has to be said, good hair extensions aren’t cheap, but if applied correctly and maintained properly, they should last your clients a long time – up to eight weeks, maybe even longer.

The trick is to choose high-quality hair extensions, look after them well, and advise your clients to return to you in about six to eight weeks to remove, clean, and reposition the hairpiece. With this regimen, wefts can be stretched for up to a year!

2. Wefts need some extra TLC.

Have you ever heard of the golden rules on hair extension care? If you haven’t you should.

Your clients should factor in extra time to wash, dry, and style their new locks. Gone are the days of wash and wear because leaving extensions wet can cause them to slip or become sticky. It may be tedious, but the results are well worth it! Help your clients get the most bang for their buck by sharing tips to extend the life of their wefts. 

And when the strands start to get unruly and separate from hair, style hacks can save the day! Add some curl to the ends or straighten and smoothen to help natural hair blend back in. You can also recommend super cute (and well-placed!) hair accessories for an instant refresh. 

3. Good hair extensions can look oh-so natural! It all comes down to choosing premium quality wefts that have been expertly installed and cleverly positioned for them to blend seamlessly into hair.

4. It isn’t always about adding length. Hair extensions are the perfect solution to pumping up the volume, making your client’s natural locks look fuller and healthier.  

5. Installation doesn’t take too long – anymore!

As techniques and technologies advance, applying hair extensions has become faster and easier. Extensions have a reputation for taking tons of time to install, but now, depending on the colour process a client needs, you can have your clients in and out the salon with ga-ga gorgeous hair in just an hour!

6. Hair extensions shouldn’t be uncomfortable.

Of course, it will take a bit of getting used to at first, especially since they’ll suddenly have a lot more hair. But, they shouldn’t experience any pain or discomfort. Advise your clients to return to your salon and have the wefts looked over, and if necessary; repositioned, should this happen.

If you remind your clients to follow the rules to proper after-care – routine washing, properly rinsing shampoo, and proper styling for sleeping -– installations will be easy to manage and comfortable. 

7. Good hair extensions won’t cause damage. During the consultation, soothe your clients’ fear by explaining how choosing premium quality wefts and having them professionally and expertly installed won’t ruin natural hair at all. However, not all brands and methods are created equal, so be sure to do your research on who to partner with (like us at Philocaly! *wink*) 

8. Extensions can actually help natural hair stay healthy longer!

When clients decide to add length, these save their ends from damage. With wefts, there’s no need for your client to over-style their natural hairwith heat tools which cause breakage and split ends.

9. Hair products will likely require an upgrade.

Clients’ normal hair care regimen and product arsenal will likely not measure up. Recommend extra moisturising products that will keep the wefts in their glorious, swish-able state. Your clients might also benefit from: a gentle mixed bristle brush, hydrating  shampoo, a leave-in conditioner that doesn’t compromise the adhesive, and hair accessories that won’t pull on the bonds. 
 

Whatever reasons your clients may have for considering hair extensions, the consultation period is the perfect chance for you to give them the confidence to try something new. 

Whether it’s to get long & luscious locks, va-va voom volume, or a quick yet temporary fix, there is the right method for their lifestyle. Educate them on the different kinds of hair extensions to find the one that fits their needs. Encourage them to ask questions and get comfortable with the commitment that comes with their new do. The bottom line is gorgeous hair is great, but it shouldn’t compromise the health of your client’s natural hair! 

Ready to convince your clients to switch it up? Visit Philocaly for ethically sourced extensions, and more!