Why we love cluster eyelash extensions!!

For those of you that don't know, there are several, well, many, different types of eyelash extensions available on the market. From plasticky DIY sets, to synthetic, mink fur & human hair lashes with variety of different lengths, curl shapes & colours.

To keep things simple, we just use one type which is quick, easy, affordable and looks amazing.

HOT STUFF KNOT-FREE FLARED CLUSTER LASHES

Let me explain. Hot Stuff is the brand (our business), Knot-Free means there is no 'bump or knot' at the end of the lashes where they are adhered and held together, and Cluster means there is a group of individual lashes per 'strand' which is applied to your own lashes.

We prefer clusters because they are QUICK (20-30 min per full set), EASY (There are 4 different lengths to choose from and you can mix them and/or make them as thick or natural looking as you like) & LOOK AMAZING, they really do highlight your face incredibly, thus eliminating the need to wear as much makeup (especially mascara - bye bye panda eyes)!

One of the main differences between the cluster lashes and the individual or grafted lashes, is that they do not last as long, this is true... however, eyelashes grow surprisingly fast (who knew) and because the individual ones last up to 6 weeks or so, generally by this time they have grown out quite a lot and can begin to twist or bend and look funny, and need to be removed professionally or wait until they grow out and fall off. Individuals generally cost anywhere from $80-$200 for a good set, usually take over an hour to apply, and refills can be anywhere from $50-$150 every month or so.

Clusters normally last between 2-4 weeks (it varies per person) the glue they are attached with is generally not as strong, which is better for your natural lashes in the long run. The cluster lashes also look a lot thicker than the individuals which means there doesn't need to be as many applied to achieve a full look, or many can be applied if the client wants a very full and 'fake' look. The clusters can also be removed at home by the client after a while when they have started to grow out, by soaking them with hot water and using makeup remover wipes or similar to dissolve the glue and slide the lashes off gently, thus not causing any damage. A full set of clusters is anywhere from $35-$45, takes 20-30min to apply and refills are anywhere from $10-$20.

So, that's why we like clusters. And the fact that you don't need to wear mascara with them on, it's great. I hate mascara.

Of-course it is all personal preference which method you prefer or recommend or use etc - as is everything in life. One method is not better than another, they are just different.

If you wish to come in and trial our cluster eyelash extensions in Brisbane, you can check out our website for more info or to make an appointment :)



Thanks for reading,

Carissa x

www.hotstuffbeauty.com.au

Brand New Exciting Method of Hair Extensions!! Micro Tape!!! Awesome!!

So, I am really super duper excited to announce the launch of MicroTape hair extensions to the public. This hair extension method is amazing. They are FLAT, SMALL, and so hard to see, you can't even feel them, and you can position them way better than the regular tape or micro bead extensions.

I've been wearing mine for 2 months, and I will never go back to either of the other methods. They are so easy to apply and remove and maintain! And the hair quality is awesome too :)

They are available in Indian and Russian Hair - and are also on ebay!

www.microtapehairextensions.com

Check it out!!!

How to Blend / Fix Patchy Spray Tan Armpits

If you've ever had a fake tan / spray tan you probably HATE the dreaded white armpits as soon as you start to sweat and the tan starts to fade... Did you know you can just hide this with BRONZER!? Just dust some lightly onto your armpit and not only will it hide white patches, it will help to stop you from sweating.. (not recommended however if you are wearing something white that comes close to your armpits).


 

www.hotstuffbeauty.com.au

Stop Hair Extensions from Matting

Of all the ways you’d like your admirers to describe your hair, “rat’s nest” isn’t probably what you have in mind. Unfortunately, hair extensions are prone to matting and tangling, and once matting occurs, fixing it is difficult. The good news is that matting is completely preventable.

First, it’s important to understand why matting happens. Hair strands shed naturally, but when your hair is in hair extension bonds, it’s trapped there until you get a touch up. When the bonds are released, all the shed hair is able to fall.

It’s these shed hairs that are the troublemakers. The key to preventing matting is keeping those hairs from tangling with each other.

The most important thing you can do is brush. Brush 2 to 3 times every day with a Hair Extension Brush. (Ordinary brushes will pull on the bonds and make matting even worse.) Often clients don’t brush because it’s hard, but that’s when it’s most important to brush anyway. You can read more about hair extension brushing techniques here.

Don’t sleep with your hair wet or damp. Satin or silk pillowcases are great, too, because they don’t cause a lot of friction and static while you’re rolling around in your sleep. It also helps to braid your hair in a single plait down the back to keep hair in line while you’re asleep.

Keeping your hair clean is important. Although it’s not necessary to wash your hair every day, using a dry shampoo and brushing keeps unwanted dirt and oil from making the matting problem more complicated.

You also want to make sure you have a good start by having extensions installed correctly by an experienced professional. All the hair in the bonds should face in the same direction, and there shouldn’t be flyways and stray hairs caught in the bond. Every connection point should be neat and orderly, and every strand should lay straight down. This will help prevent matting.

It’s tempting to use conditioner on the roots to detangle, but conditioner can loosen the bond and make the extensions fall out.

Preventing hair extension matting is completely possible. The biggest key is brushing, keeping your hair clean, and sleeping with dry hair.

This Blog Post - thanks to Donna Bella Hair: http://www.donnabellahair.com/wordpress/category/hair-tips-tricks

How to take the BEST care of your hair extensions. What to expect (and what not to)

Like every temporary beauty solution on the market, hair extensions are temporary. Don't expect them to stay 100% perfect all the time, and last forever for the rest of your life. They wont.

In saying that though, there are several different QUALITIES of hair extensions on the market, and some will last you a lot longer than others and stay much softer and more manageable. 

Things to expect from your hair extensions. 

Yes, they are 100% Human Hair, but they are not "Super Human Hair" 

YOUR HAIR EXTENSIONS WILL GET SPLIT ENDS 

Just like your own hair.

YOUR HAIR EXTENSIONS WILL GET DRY ENDS 

(especially if you straighten / curl frequently)

Just like your own hair.

YOUR HAIR EXTENSIONS WILL GET OILY AND DIRTY

Just like your own hair.

DYE AND CHLORINE ARE NOT GOOD FOR HAIR EXTENSIONS

Just like your own hair.

TIPS TO TAKE THE BEST POSSIBLE CARE OF
YOUR HAIR EXTENSIONS

* Get your maintenance done regularly and on time, every 6-8 weeks *

* Get your hairdresser / hair technician to trim off split or dry ends during every maintenance appointment to keep the hair looking healthy * 

* Use a heat protective spray before straightening or curling, and a smoothing serum / oil after straightening *

* Use professional grade shampoo & conditioner (we recommend DEEP MUK) and a treatment every week to keep the hair in the best condition *

* Do not rub your hair dry with a towel after washing - pat & squeeze it gently *

* Use a loop brush or tangle teezer after washing to detangle hair while still wet before it dries, then brush once more after hair is dried *

* If swimming in a chlorinated pool, tie your hair on top of your head and try to avoid getting it wet *

* If dying your hair extensions, use a semi-permanent colour and do not rub it into the hair vigorously, comb it through. Have applied by a professional if you can *

* When washing and conditioning - comb the shampoo & conditioner through with your fingers and avoid rubbing the hair. Ring all water out of your hair after shampooing before applying conditioner for a much deeper condition. *

* Use a leave in conditioner spray after washing while hair is damp, before brushing, and on the ends of your hair extensions *

* Let hair dry naturally if possible. If blowdrying, use a low heat and a heat protective spray before drying - do not apply heat directly to the bonds *

AND FINALLY

REMEMBER THAT YOUR HAIR EXTENSIONS ARE HAIR EXTENSIONS - THEY ARE DEAD HAIR - THEY ARE AN INVESTMENT - THEY REQUIRE REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND PROPER CARE, AND THEY CAN LAST A LONG LONG TIME BUT YOU MUST NOT EXPECT THEM TO LAST FOREVER. 

I personally get up to 12 months out of each and every set of Russian hair extensions I have ever worn, weather they be tape or bead application. I don't straighten or curl my hair very often, I let it air dry, I brush it regularly, I use DEEP MUK products, and I NEVER have an issue with my extensions. 

Carissa xo

www.hotstuffbeauty.com.au/shop