Micro Tape Hair Extensions Brisbane

What are Micro Tape Hair Extensions? Well, they're like a cross between the tape and the size of the beads or fusion hair extensions. Everybody loves tape extensions, but they hate when they stick out or bend or twist when you style your hair - Micro Tape fixes this. Because the tape sections are so small and flexible, you can wear your hair in any style without seeing them at all.

They are especially amazing in very fine hair. They are light weight and easy to apply and remove, giving minimal risk to damage. They are also very good quality Russian hair and will stay easy to brush, wash, style and manage.

The owners and distributors of Micro Tape Hair Extensions are located in Brisbane Australia and sell the hair to salons around the world, in total there are approx 70 stockists internationally since the company launched in 2013.

www.microtapehairextensions.com

Where are the Best Hair Extensions in Brisbane?

In the whole 8 years we've been in business, and using so many different brands and methods of hair, we are constantly seeing girls come to us who have been to other 'cheaper' hair extension salons, in Brisbane and the Gold Coast who claim to have the best quality thickest hair, which we need to fix.

So, we just want to fill you in on a few rumours in the hair extension industry.

1. Thicker hair is usually double drawn, which means it is collected from more than one persons head to become hair extensions. This means it's the same thickness to the ends, but often ends up very tangly and hard to wash and brush, because the hair strands are not the same texture, and it can be hard to get the brush and conditioner the whole way through the hair.

Also the heavier the hair extensions are, the more weight and 'pulling' is done on your natural hair, which can cause breakage and damage.

We suggest your hair extensions match your natural hair, eg: if you don't have super thick hair, you don't get super thick extensions otherwise you will likely be able to see them when you tie your hair up and they will be heavy and cause damage.

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2. European hair is not always european, or good. I used to buy from a local supplier who told me her hair was european, I later found out it was korean, she told me I could sell it as whatever I wanted to sell it as and tell the clients what they wanted to hear. Enough said.

Also, 'europe' is a big place. The hair is not going to be the same in every packet. Will it be from someone with frizzy curly hair? Or someone with straight damaged hair?

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3. Human hair extensions come from humans. Not all humans are the same. You cannot expect every lot of hair you get to be the same. You have no idea what that human did to their hair before the hair ended up in your hair.

Due to the hair being human hair, you can also expect it to act like human hair, in the way that the ends will split, the ends might dry out, and it needs proper washing, brushing and styling.

Because the hair is dead and not growing from your scalp, it does not absorb any natural hair oils or nutrients from your diet, which is why it can be much dryer than your natural hair.

This is why it is so important to use really good quality shampoo, conditioner, treatments, heat protectants and oils and serums to keep the hair extensions in good condition.

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The hair we import, sell and use in our salon is from Russia and it is Virgin single drawn hair, which means the person who sold their hair to our factory has not coloured or bleached their hair before it was sold. It's natural. It's also sold in a pony tail and made into extensions from one persons hair. The hair will stay much easier to brush, wash, style and maintain because of this.

The ends will not be as thick, but when the ends are too thick and blunt it looks too much like extensions anyway and can be noticeable that your long hair is fake.

It's normal for your hair to be a little bit thinner at the ends.

We've written a whole other blog post comparing the different hair extension methods, the most popular being tape and micro bead hair extensions, however, last year we launched a brand new method which is proving to be the most popular method ever!

Using our Russian hair we now supply and apply our own brand of Micro Tape Hair Extensions, which basically combine the best features of the beads and tape together.

They are small, flat, flexible and really hard to see. Also they are light and non-damaging.

You can tie your hair up while wearing them and not even see them!

If you want to see pictures or contact us with any questions or even make a booking to come in and see us for a free consultation sometime, just hop over to our website:

www.hotstuffbeauty.com.au

or www.microtapehairextensions.com

You can also find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/hotstuffbeauty & www.facebook.com/microtapehairextensions

Are your hair extensions feeling a bit crap?

Hair Extensions are dead hair which do not absorb your natural hair oils. This means they will dry out over time. They are also quite sensitive to certain hair care products especially cheap shampoos and products with high protein (the protein builds up on the hair strands and doesn't rinse off, causing knotting and stickiness).

It's very important to always care for your hair extensions with products recommended by your salon stylist.

One of our loyal clients who has been using our hair for years has shared this treatment recipe with us after accidentally using a protein based product on her extensions.

We can't wait to try it - if you try it make sure to let us know how it goes!!

www.hotstuffbeauty.com.au

MicroTape Hair Extensions Going International - AMAZING new hair extension brand!!

We have had such a brilliant response to our amazing brand "MicroTape Hair Extensions" over the last 12 months. We created the brand in March 2013 so it has almost been a full year. We have allowed this time to better test, improve and monitor the feedback on the design and quality before really pushing it hard on the market.

Since we have had 99% Positive Feedback with only a few hick-ups (which we fixed every time) we are now promoting MicroTape on a global scale and already have stockists around the globe in countries such as: Australia, New Zealand, USA, UK, Switzerland, Canada & Kazakhstan!

We now have a new wholesale manager on board with us and have big goals and plans in place for MicroTape to make a huge impression during 2014.

We have created a full length detailed training video which is available for salons or those who want to get started using MicroTape Hair Extensions - the video is available FREE when you purchase our colour ring starter pack.

If you would like more info on MicroTape please contact us via our website: www.microtapehairextensions.com

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

$25 Spray Tanning in Brisbane - Perfect Spray Tans!

Hair Extension Positioning

Hair Extensions should be positioned and applied differently for almost every person.

Everyone has a different hair thickness, length, style, and head shape - and because of this, you cannot position hair extensions the same way in everyones hair.


VERY FINE / SOFT / OILY HAIR - hair extensions should be positioned on larger sections of hair to help avoid them slipping or pulling out your own hair. Sometimes in fine hair, extensions can slip easier as there is not as much to grip on to, or the hair can get oily at the roots. People who find they have this issue, should book to have their maintenance done around every 6 weeks.

Sometimes for people with very fine hair, you are unable to fit in as many micro bead extensions as people with thicker or more hair, as you will be able to see them too easily, although often the appearance gained from just a 1/2 or 3/4 head of extensions for people with fine hair is a very natural look. Extensions should be positioned lower down on the head for people with fine hair, and further away from the hair line at the front, to avoid being able to see the bonds.

For people with very fine hair who are wanting a very thick / full look - the tape extensions can be a better option as you can fit more hair in without being able to see them. The tape extensions in fine hair though should ideally be maintained every 4-6 weeks to avoid any damage, as they can be heavier.

Tape extensions should be cut into smaller tape sections around the sides and top row at the back for thin hair, to achieve easier styling and less risk of visible bonds.


MEDIUM THICKNESS HAIR, OR FINE HAIR BUT LOTS OF IT - This hair type is the easiest hair type for hair extension application. Hair Extensions can be nicely and evenly spread out throughout the hair in neat rows, as there is usually no risk of being able to see the bonds. For this hair type it is often recommended to work with the client to allow for how they usually style their hair. If a client often wears their hair up, or to one side, the hair extensions should be positioned accordingly. Some clients like having the extensions closer to the front if they wear their hair out a lot, while some prefer them further back for more comfortable up styling.

VERY THICK HAIR / SHORT / BLUNT HAIR STYLES - These hair types can often be trickier or more time consuming to apply hair extensions in than the other methods. Very thick hair or short hair often requires more hair extensions than a full head to create a natural appearance, and so that the hair extensions blend in. Otherwise the client can have their hair thinned or layered after application so that the extensions blend better. Hair extensions should be positioned higher for someone who's hair is very thick so that the thick hair sitting on top of the extensions is not noticeable. This is not usually a problem as the hair is so thick that the bonds are not noticeable even when they are positioned high on the head. Extensions should also be placed quite low to the hairline and spread evenly throughout the head to avoid noticeably shorter hair underneath or through the mid-section. Often an extra row or two are required at the back and sides for thick & short hair.

Extensions will blend naturally if someone with thick hair has the ends thinned / feathered already, however someone with a blunt hair cut, should often have their hair and the extensions layered after application to achieve a natural look.

www.hotstuffbeauty.com.au

Makeup & Makeup Lessons in Brisbane

We provide professional makeup services & makeup lessons in Brisbane, our makeup artist Melissa is MAC & Napoleon Certified and has over 7 years experience.

Here are a list of the lessons we provide:

 

For more info or to make a booking, visit our website: www.hotstuffbeauty.com.au

How to Spray Tan Professionally

www.hotstuffbeauty.com.au

FREE SPRAY TANS BRISBANE

We currently have a fantastic weekly draw for Brisbane based 'liker's on our facebook page.

All you have to do is be a fan of our page to be in the draw, we pick a winner every Friday for a FREE SPRAY TAN.

www.facebook.com/hotstuffbeauty

 

www.hotstuffbeauty.com.au

How to Apply Clip In Hair Extensions

You can purchase your own beautiful quality clip in extensions just like these ones, at www.hotstuffbeauty.com.au/shop 

Comparing Different Spray Tan Solutions - Which is right for you?

This can be a tricky one! Especially if you are a spray tan virgin and just have no damn idea! There are so many spray tan solutions on the market today it can be hard to know which you should try.

All solutions tend to act differently on different peoples skin types & skin colours, so often it is a case of trying a few different ones on different occasions before you know which suits your skin best. This also depends on what kind of look you are wanting... Super Dark, Natural Glow, Medium Bronze etc etc

We are going to compare the spray tan brands we use in our salons and have tried, over the last 5 years, and give you a general idea of what you can expect from each one. Our knowledge here comes from customer feedback and my own personal experiences, as I try every new product personally on myself before selling it to anyone.

1) GLO Tanning Solutions - Anti Aging Spray Tan
www.glotanningsolutions.com

COLOUR: The colour of GLO is a beautiful natural "I just stepped off the beach" type tan. Suitable for those with naturally pale skin, this tan will not leave you looking 'fake tanned'. You can rinse it off between 3 - 8 hours, depending on the level of colour desired. For a light, natural glow, rinsing at 3-4 hours is recommended, for a medium colour, around 6 hours, and for a darker tan, leaving 8 hours, or applying an extra coat is recommended. 

APPLICATION: The solution is finer than some others, and requires a faster spray technique or finer mist of the spray gun. It can go on a bit wet on some skin types, or people that have not exfoliated properly, but always dries fine, or can be blended gently with a clean makeup brush if required. Tends to dry quite quickly after application, and the 'sticky feeling' only hangs around for about 30 minutes. After that you feel completely normal.

WEAR: It contains no alcohol, which is good for dry skin, and also means it will not go patchy or itchy when fading, it just tends to disappear naturally over time with no need to spend hours scrubbing in the shower. GLO tends to last around 10 days on most skin types.

SCENT: It smells like apples. Very refreshing and sweet, no 'fake tan' smell.

SUITED FOR: Those who like a more natural looking tan that doesn't go too dark. People who like to go really dark should either apply 2 x coats of GLO. This tan also contains 4 anti-aging properties and is designed to hydrate the skin and help prevent signs of aging. Visit the website for more information.

2) Naked Tan
www.nakedtan.com.au

COLOUR: A nice golden brown. Comes in light, medium & dark, so is suitable for most skin types. Some people find it goes too orange on their skin, others find it just right. Naked tan is an organic brand spray tan.

APPLICATION: The bronzer is quite dark, which means you leave the store looking instantly very tanned, it is quite quick drying when applied to the skin, although can leave you feeling quite sticky and wet for a couple of hours. You can shower after 2 hours of being sprayed with Naked Tan.

WEAR: Lasts 5-10 days depending on skin type. Some people it comes off within a week and others lasts over a week. I don't know if it is because it is a 2hr tan or not, but it tends to rub off easier on my skin than others (ie, from bra straps, underarms, tight pants, seam lines in jeans) It does tend to fade quite well though and is easy enough to scrub off.

SCENT: Coconut Vanilla, which is quite pleasant, but still smells a bit 'fake tannish'

SUITED FOR: Most skin types. Very convenient for those who don't like to leave their tan on overnight or for 6-8 hours like most other brands. And the best thing about the Naked Tan 2hr tan is that after 2 hours, the colour is already there after you shower. A lot of other 2 hour tans, you can rinse after 2 hours, but it still takes around 8 hours for the tan to actually develop.

3) Black Magic
www.spraytanning.com.au

COLOUR: A very nice chocolate brown coloured tan. Black magic is one of the least 'orange' tans on the market, it is a green based colour and looks great on most skin types. Black Magic have an original tan, a darker tan 'midnite magic' and a 2hr tan. Our clients prefer the original and the midnite.

APPLICATION: Goes on slightly wetter than some other tans, and required faster spray technique or finer mist while spraying. Bronzer is not too dark at first, but develops later (I prefer this, as you don't look so stupid leaving the store).

WEAR: Lasts 7-10 days generally. Stays quite even. Tends to make your skin a bit dry / itchy sometimes so is important to moisturise daily to avoid looking 'patchy' when the tan starts coming off. If you go quite dark with Black Magic it can go a bit scaly when it comes off, although with a good exfoliate you can get it off quite easily.

SCENT: Black magic doesn't really have a smell at all.

SUITED FOR: Those who like to go very 'brown', think Jessica Alba type colour. Makes your skin look naturally darker toned, rather than 'tanned'. Tends to suit brunettes more than blondes. For people with very pale skin, original black magic is recommended, the midnite magic can be too 'fake' looking.

4) Liquid Sun by Vani-T
www.vani-t.com.au

COLOUR: Liquid Sun has a very golden tanned appearance, which can look great on some skin types but quite orange on others if you go too dark for your natural skin tone. It tends to look better 2 days after being sprayed. They have a light, medium, dark and a 2 hour 'velocity' tan.

APPLICATION: Another organic tan, sprays on nicely, but is a thicker type solution, takes longer to dry than others and can feel stickier for longer.

WEAR: Lasts about 7-10 days with daily moisturising. Can go slightly flaky when coming off.

SCENT: Has a fresh, fruity smell.

SUITED FOR: If you have pale skin, the light or medium is recommended, the dark can look very 'fake'. For people with naturally darker skin can get away with the dark.

5) Techno Tan
www.technotan.com.au

COLOUR: Techno Tan has a really nice natural brown colour, is a really good tan for naturally pale people who want to go very dark as it does not give off an orange tone.

APPLICATION: Very quick drying. Has quite a dark bronzer, so be prepared to look a bit 'too dark' just after being sprayed. After rinsing the tan off after 4-6 hours though, it looks a lot more natural and less 'dirty'.

WEAR: Techno Tan has a good life, of around 7-14 days with proper care. Fades well.

SCENT: Has a bit of a 'fake tan' type smell but it's not too bad.

SUITED FOR: All skin types. There is a large colour range available, Champagne, Chocolate and Chocolate Royale, as well as a 2hr tan range. Sometimes the 2hr tans don't develop well on some skin types, on others they work well.

6) Tuscan Tan
www.tuscantan.com.au

COLOUR: A more olive based tan. Looks very nice and natural on some skin types and can look a bit unnatural on others. Those who have had it before and like it, tend to get it again and again, and some that have tried it don't like it at all. 

APPLICATION: Goes on quite fine and misty when applied, not recommended for those with asthma or breathing issues as it fogs up a bit during application. Bronzer is not too dark and looks quite natural straight away. Should be rinsed around 6-8 hours for the original solution, they also have a 90minute tan available.

WEAR: Lasts 7-10 days with proper care. Fades well.

SCENT: Has a odour, but not too bad, smells slightly of fake tan.

SUITED FOR: Best suited for those who tan naturally in the sun, or who have a bit more of an olive toned skin type.

7) St Tropez
www.sttropez.com.au

COLOUR: A very nice natural fresh of the beach tan. Similar in colour to Candy Apple Tan. Comes in one shade, depends how much is applied or how long the tan is left to develop as to how deep the tan will go.

APPLICATION: Application is nice and the tan is very smooth and even when spraying. The bronzer is a good colour, not too light, not too dark. Takes slightly longer to dry.

WEAR: Lasts well, 7-14 days, fades evenly unless going too dark for natural skin type, in which case can take a little extra scrubbing to get off.

SCENT: Has a 'floral' type smell.

SUITED FOR: All skin types. Excellent on very pale skin as well as those who already have a bit of colour. Doesn't go as dark as some others though, not recommended for those who like a very dark tan.

10) En Vogue
www.envoguespraytan.com.au

COLOUR: Very natural colour. Comes in 3 shades. Level 1, 2 & 3. Dark is a very nice chocolatey brown, we describe it as a sort of 'jessica alba' colour. Can leave on from 2 - 8 hours.

APPLICATION: Sprays on nicely, a little finer than other solutions goes on a little wet but dries quickly and evenly.

WEAR: Very good. Lasts 7-14 days. Fades well.

SCENT: Does not have much of an odour at all. Good for those who don't like the tan smell.

SUITED FOR: All skin types. Colour range from very light to very dark. Very natural.

Please comment if you have any other recommendations or feedback!

How to Wash Hair Extensions

I have made a short video explaining the best way we have found to wash permanent hair extensions while in the shower.

You can purchase the DEEP MUK product range and our hair extensions on the online store below.

www.hotstuffbeauty.com.au/shop 

Hair Extension Application Methods

There are quite a lot of different ways to apply hair extensions, we would like to explain and compare them here so you are able to make an educated decision on what will be the best method for your hair.

Once again, all information in this blog stems from my own & our clients personal experiences, and if you have any other experience worth sharing, please add a comment below :)

MICRO BEADS - These are our preferred method of application, as they are easy to apply and remove, don't use any heat / glue / chemicals to apply or remove, and can be less damaging on your hair than other methods. In saying this though, you want to make sure you're getting the right type of micro beads, there are quite a few different varieties - copper tubes / screw lined / double beads / silicone lined.

We personally recommend the silicone lined beads, as they have a thin silicone ring inside the bead, so that when it is clamped shut on your natural hair, it acts as a protective layer between the metal bead and your own hair. Some of the cheaper metal beads can cause breakage at the roots from the thin edge of the bead pulling and rubbing constantly during normal wear. This also means that if you do accidentally pull your hair too hard and some extensions come loose, it is less likely to pull your own hair out. Our beads also have a protective coating which means the colour will not chip off and leave metal bits in your hair.

Micro beads come in several different colours so that your extensionist is able to match the bead colour to the colour of the roots of your hair. If the beads are positioned and applied correctly, you should not be able to see the beads at all while wearing your hair extensions. However, for those of you with extremely thin or very blonde hair who are worried about the visibility of the micro beads, some other methods can be better suited. My hair is very thin, though when I have it dark, you are unable to see any beads at all, but when I had light blonde hair, you were able to see them through my hair, so I used a different application method.

It is recommended to have micro bead hair extensions maintained / moved up every 2 months to avoid damage or matting of your natural hair. We will discuss hair extension care in another blog. 

 Here is a photo of the micro bead application. © Hot Stuff Beauty

TAPE WEFT / SKIN WEFT - This method is currently becoming more and more popular. The tape weft extensions can give a much flatter feel when applied and generally have a faster application time. They can also provide a more natural look for some people with shorter or thinner hair, as the sections that are applied to your roots are wider than the individual strands of the micro bead method, and will give a less 'separated' look. However, because the applied sections are wider, it can be more difficult to wear your hair up with the tape wefts applied. You generally need to wear your hair in a low, loose ponytail and avoid twisting or folding the tape sections when using hair bands and clips. You are unable to pull your hair back tightly at the sides as the tape sections are not as flexible / maneuverable as the beads.

The Tape wefts are good for blonde hair as they are harder to see than the beads, however, if you tone your hair a lot using a purple or blue shampoo, the tape tends to hold onto some of that colour and get a slight purple / blue tinge going on after a while, so it is important that you keep your hair clean and dry at all times and make sure none of the tape sections are showing through. Check the back of your head in the mirror if you are worried, get your hair in the right position / style and add a little hair spray to avoid hair moving / parting at the back without your knowledge during the days.

Tape weft hair should also be maintained around every 6 weeks. Since the extensions are applied to larger sections of your natural hair, if they become too grown out, you can risk pulling your hair too much at the roots and causing breakage.

Tape weft hair is also applied using heat and the tape can leave a gluey residue in your hair once the extensions are removed. To remove / maintain them a keratin disolver or acetone type chemical is used to disolve the glue on the bond and your hair. This is typically not so good for your hair, which is why we prefer to recommend the methods which don't use heat / chemicals, but the tape does also have it's good sides, so it's kind of personal preference as to which you prefer.

 Here is a photo of the skin weft / tape hair extensions. © Hot Stuff Beauty

SHRINKIES - Shrinkies can be great on some people and not so great on others. Like the skin weft. Heat is still required to apply them. They can be less visible in lighter hair, but they usually require more frequent maintenance as they can slip out easier. They also tend to hold on to the colour of toning products, and are more difficult to remove than micro beads.

Shrinkies are applied like a bead, but instead of being metal, they are a thin plastic tube which generally comes in clear or black, they are heated once applied and shrink around the extension and your hair to keep it in place. This can also result in some glue (and sometimes melted plastic) staying in your hair for a while after removal. Removal of shrinkies generally takes longer than removal of the other methods, as the tube has to be crushed to get out, which often also results in your hair extensions needing to be rebonded before you can re-use them.

More time = more expensive.

 Shrinkies / Shrink Tube Application

There are other methods available, which we do not personally use in our salons, although we used to provide the fusion method, but stopped a couple of years ago due to clients having too many problems with them.

Fusion Method: Hair Extensions being directly glued into you own hair. You generally leave them in much longer (months and months) before having them taken out, but usually are unable to re-use the hair, and your hair at the roots can be quite damaged from not being able to brush it while the extensions are in. Application and removal is quite time consuming, and once again requires heat and chemicals to be used on your hair.

Sewn In Weft: Wefts are traditionally designed for thick, already long hair - such as African hair. They are applied by being sewn in to a very tight braided section of your natural hair, and are usually not able to be applied to the sides, only the back of your head. If your hair is fine, the weight of the weft can break your natural hair at the roots, and so can the tightness of the braid. You also cannot get to the braided section of your hair to dry / wash properly, which can leave your hair quite bad upon removal.

If you have any questions, opinions, or other feedback, please feel free to leave a comment. :)

How to Take Care of Hair Extensions - Do's and Dont's.

DO Keep your hair clean. Always wash after exercising or swimming.
Sweat & dirt can build up and cause tangling or loosening of your extensions.

DO Use recommended shampoo and conditioner. Your extensions will dry out
more than your normal hair, so it is important to keep them as soft and manageable
as possible by using the appropriate products. We recommend 'Muk' Hair care
products. You can purchase these in our store and online. Avoid any hair products with protein or alcohol, as these will cause build up, stickiness and dryness of your hair extensions.

DO Brush regularly, but gently. It is recommended to use a hair extension loop brush
(sold by Hot Stuff Beauty) on your hair extensions. Always brush from the ends while
holding your hair at the roots to avoid pulling on your extensions. You can also purchase these brushes for just $15 on our website: www.hotstuffbeauty.com.au

DO Use a heat protective spray when using heat on your extensions (blowdrying &
straightening). You can let microbead and shrink tube extensions air-dry, though
skin weft extensions should be blowdried on medium heat at the roots for a couple of minutes after washing to avoid shedding. Overall, however, the less heat you use on your hair extensions, the longer they will last.

DO Use a leave in conditioning treatment, spray or smoothing serum or Moroccan oil to keep your hair soft, smooth and to avoid tangling. These are also available on our website.

DO Sleep with your hair extensions in a loose plait or ponytail. This will avoid pulling
on the extensions, and possible tangling while you are sleeping. We also recommend using a scrunchy or loose hair tie when wearing your hair extensions up during sleep. A scrunchy will not pull too tight and it will be easy to get your hair out in the morning, whereas some small tight hair bands can get a bit stuck if you move around a lot in your sleep, some can even cause hair breakage.

DO Make sure you return every 2 months to have your hair extensions maintained.
As your hair grows, the extensions grow out with your hair and it is important to not let them get too grown out, to avoid damage to your natural hair.
Some of your natural hair will come out during your maintenance, this is normal, and is just the hair that has naturally maulted and become stuck in the extension bonds. Think of it as 2 months worth of hair you would normally find in your hair-brush.
Tape extensions should be maintained every 6 weeks, as they are on larger sections of hair and become heavier and move around more once your hair has grown, if left too long can cause more damage and pulling at the roots.

DO Keep any hair extensions that come out. It is normal for some of your extensions
to come out. Some people lose none, but most people will have some come out
just from general wear and tear. You can visit your hair extension technician to have them re-applied individually, or keep them until you have your maintenance done.

It is important to remember that your hair extensions will not last forever, but by
following the recommend instructions you will get the best life out of them. We
hold no responsibility for the condition of your hair extensions after you have
left the store, as we do not know what you will do with them, however we are able to help with any questions you may have.
All our staff wear or have worn our own extensions and look after them correctly,
and can prove that our hair is good quality and can easily be kept in good condition. 

No Refunds Available.

DON'T Play with your hair extension beads or bonds, or pull on them at any time.
This can cause them to come loose, slip or pull out your hair.

DON'T Bleach or perm your hair extensions. You can dye the hair darker with a semi-permanent colour, or tone blonde hair lighter with a purple shampoo or moose, but bleaching or any other chemical treatments will cause the hair to dry out a lot and possibly become unmanageable.

DON'T Use cheap shampoo's or products with alcohol or protein in them. They
can dry out or cause product build up on the extensions and cause them to become difficult to manage. We can not guarentee the quality or life-span of your hair extensions if you choose to use non-recommended hair care products.

DON'T Apply conditioner to the roots of your hair near the bonds, this can cause
the extensions to slip out or become loose and slip out later.

DON'T Brush your hair vigorously, you likely paid a lot for your hair, be gentle with it.

DON'T Leave hair spray and product in your hair after a night out. Always brush
your extensions before bed to avoid tangling.

DON'T Remove hair extensions yourself. You can pull out your own hair at the roots.
Please make an appointment to have the extensions removed professionally.

DON'T Use hair straighteners or blowdryers directly on the hair extension bonds.
It can cause the bonds to come loose, hair to shed, or extensions to slip out.

DON'T Hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding your hair
extensions.

HAVE FUN WITH YOUR NEW HAIR!

All information here has been written originally by Hot Stuff Beauty from our own experiences. We do not mind if you link your own clients to this page, although we would appreciate no direct plagiarism. You can purchase professionally printed hair care brochures with your company logo on them to provide to your clients, through our wholesale website: www.hotstuffstore.com.au

Different Types of Hair Extensions.

Those of you who have had good hair extensions before, and are completely and utterly in love with them (like myself) will have a general knowledge of how to look after them, and should be aware that they are slightly more work than looking after your own hair, but that most of the time, the end result is worth it.

Sexy Hair = Feeling Sexy = Boosted Confidence = All Round Happiness :D 

I would like to discuss in this blog, the differences between the different types of hair available on the market, so that those who are considering getting hair extensions, or that already have had hair extensions can find out a little bit more about their options before having them applied. I will have another blog written soon about the different application method options.

I have naturally very thin hair which tends to split easily, and when it grows past my shoulders, looks kind of pathetic because there's not enough volume to do anything with it. This is genetic for me unfortunately, and there's nothing I can do about it...
except either have a short hair style (which I don't like at all), or wear hair extensions!

This is me, without and with hair extensions.

I have been applying and wearing hair extensions for the last 5 years. I have tried almost every method and different type of hair imaginable. Some has been absolutely fantastic! And some has been total shite and kind of f*cked up my hair for a while.

So I would like to discuss here the different types of hair available, what I have found to be great, and what I will recommend you stay clear of if you are looking for quality hair extensions to be a part of your life. 

** Please keep in mind all things discussed here have stemmed from my own, and my clients personal experiences only, and I am certainly not having a dig at any specific ethnicity, companies or products, these are simply things I have found from my own research and experience. If you have any other opinions that you feel are worth mentioning, please leave a comment. **

1) ASIAN HAIR EXTENSIONS. I personally, have never had a good experience with Asian hair extensions. I do know people who have managed to wear them and look after them for up to a year, but myself personally has never been able to put up with them for longer than 2 months. They seem to become very dry, knotty, and hard to manage. I think that this is because the hair has been highly processed (obviously most Asian hair is naturally black - but most of the hair used for extensions is bleached very light and then dyed to popular colours using fabric dye - not hair dye, and then coated with a silicone treatment), it feels great at first, but quickly becomes quite unmanageable. Also if you are of Caucasian descent like myself, you will find the hair just doesn't really tend to blend well with your natural hair, as it has a different texture. I do have several Asian clients though who like to wear the Asian hair extensions, although they still tend to need to replace them with new ones around every 3-6 months.

So much hair on the market, being sold online (usually for quite cheap prices), and through many suppliers who simply advertise their hair as "100% Human Hair" (and don't mention where the hair is from) is Asian hair. I don't personally recommend it or use it in our salons (we used to), but we had too many complaints about the hair quality that we stopped using it. Asian hair can be more affordable than other hair types, although as I mentioned previously, usually doesn't last as long, and can be quite difficult to maintain.

There are suppliers and salons out there that will sell you Asian hair but will tell you it is better quality, because it does feel fantastic at first (be wearing of overly shiny & silky smooth hair coated in silicone - it washes off and doesn't last) so it can be very difficult to know for sure what you are getting. I know this because it has happened to me several times. This is why I always test every new product on myself and my close friends, so I know what the quality is like over time and how long it will last.

2) INDIAN HAIR EXTENSIONS. Can be really good or really bad. A lot of well known (and expensive) hair extension salons use Indian Hair. It has a good reputation for being easy to maintain, soft, light and long lasting (provided you treat it right of-course). However I have had the unfortunate experience of using Indian hair that tends to shed a lot (low quality bonding), or get a lot of split ends and tangles. It is normal if some hair comes out at first after or during application, although when it continues to happen throughout the life of your hair extensions, can be annoying and costly to replace. I suggest if you are dealing with this to discuss re-bonding options with your hair extension technician. 

We do use Indian hair extensions on our clients and we also supply it wholesale to other salons and technicians around Australia. We have our Indian hair custom made to our specifications including making sure the bonds are high quality and the extensions will not shed. It took us about 3 years of samples and testing to find a supplier we were happy with. Our clients tend to get around 6 months to 1 year out of the Indian hair if it is looked after correctly. The main difference between Indian hair and Russian hair, is that the Indian hair tends to go a bit more fluffy and requires more frequent brushing / styling.

 Client during and after full head of Indian Hair.

3) RUSSIAN HAIR EXTENSIONS. I have found Russian hair extensions to be the creme de la creme of the hair extension world. The hair seems to stay soft and easy to manage for a lot longer than other types of hair. It can still get dry (all hair extensions generally will since they are dead hair - always remember this and don't expect them to just be like your real hair) but when using the right hair care products, the hair will stay silky smooth and look and feel far more natural than the other types of hair. Russian hair is generally more expensive than the other hair types, although can last for up to or over twice as long, saving you money in the long run if you intend to wear your hair extensions for a long time. It is also far less of a hassle if you are not someone who wants to put a lot of effort into your hair every single day (like myself). I like to do my hair nicely on weekends and some week days, but there are also many days that I am just too busy (or tired) to bother to do anything with my hair, so I simply brush it and put it into a pony tail / bun / or clip for the day and it just stays there nicely until I take it out at the end of the day. I also find with Russian hair the hair care routine is less strict as the hair is far more forgiving if you don't follow set hair extension care rules, for example, I sleep with my Russian hair in a pony tail (24" hair), I let it air dry, and I swim in the pool or beach with it completely out, and it still manages to stay in good condition.

 Client after application of Full Head Russian Hair.

We generally try and recommend Russian hair extensions to most of our clients as we know how much nicer it is, although we still like to provide the Indian hair as a cheaper option. We also sell clip in hair extensions in the Indian hair, for people who only like to have extensions on special occasions, or who aren't ready to make the permanent commitment just yet...

Here's a photo of me (posing with Bob Marley's Star in LA) on a day where I just
let my Russian hair extensions air dry, and brushed them a couple of times.

If you are looking to have hair extensions applied soon, or if you are a hair extension technician wondering what type of hair to use, I do personally recommend you either go with Indian or Russian hair, try and avoid buying cheap hair from ebay - you really have no idea what you're going to end up with, and PLEASE have them applied professionally and know what you need to do to look after them, otherwise you really do risk some serious damage to your natural hair.

Our online supply store is now online at: www.hotstuffbeauty.com.au/shop
Or you can give us a call / txt or email if you have any questions.
0407 825 064 / sales@hotstuffbeauty.com.au

Thanks for reading :)

Carissa xo

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