Michelle's Services

Hair Extensions

HAIR EXTENSIONS

Why get hair extensions?

Initially, hair extensions had a limited clientele and not always a smart choice with what was out there to choose from… These days woman and men for that matter, love them for many reasons. You can add length, add fullness, add colour - including highlights, lowlights, ombres or to add bold colour(s) to your hair. You can achieve all of these options without putting your own hair through any major colour transformations while making change easier and effortless. Changing colour can be just as much as extensions and in cases of vibrant colours the extensions won't fade out as fast giving longer lasting results. Do you want a bright purple ombre look, just for a few months? Maybe you decided you are missing that Inverted Bob? Just add some into the front on both sides to achieve that fuller longer look. Or even add colour to the tips in the front of your inversion? Always and eye catcher! Come in for your free consultation and we can decide together on what you can do next. To those who are blessed with natural curl but hate the "fluffy frizz" Try hair extensions, they weigh down your natural hair and give it control over the dreaded fluff!

Hair Extensions

Maybe your hair grows fast but is too thin? Maybe your hair is very thick but just won't grow beyond your shoulder? We are all unique… and unfortunately, not all of us are blessed with long or thick hair that we wish for. Thank goodness we can make it happen with today's technology. Just be careful that you go to a licensed hair salon that knows what they are doing and also that you are comparing apples to apples. Think about the annual cost of your selection, not just the initial cost alone, as maintenance costs can inflate your annual cost dramatically.

Unfortunately, hair salons are no longer governed by the Cosmetology Association in British Columbia.... What does that mean? You could be taking a chance on your precious locks with someone who isn't professionally trained as a licensed hairstylist, nor had official training with hair extensions for that matter. This can end up with serious damage being done to your hair. Be sure to ask the salon you go to if the stylist is a Certified Cosmetologist? Are they professionally trained in 'all' the hair extensions that they sell and apply? Do they cut them in to finish the look when they are applied? Are they using 100% 'Remy' hair? 100% 'Human' hair? Some cheaper brands claim to be using ''Real" hair but it is Yak hair.... Yuk!!!

How much are Extensions?

Consultations are free and necessary for a price quote. Everyone has different needs and hair types. Do you have thick or thin hair? Do you have a small, medium or large head shape? Do you want to add volume or do you want longer hair? How much longer? These questions will determine each individual price quote as well as deciding on which type of hair extensions that best suit your needs. All extension applications purchased through Michelle's Hair Lounge include the hair extensions ordered, their application and cutting in to blend with your own hair.

Michelle Hair

HAIR EXTENSIONS APPLICATION METHODS

HOT FUSION EXTENSIONS
Hot fusion is a strand method attached with a keratin based bond with a heating element. Hot fusion hair extensions are also known as keratin extensions. They are applied to your natural hair.

MICRO-LINK EXTENSIONS
Micro-Links are also a strand method which are applied to the hair in the same manner as hot fusion bonds, only they are clamped on the hair with a silicone link. They can be used to apply stick hair, flat tip hair and wefts.

TAPE-IN HAIR EXTENSIONS
This method installs in as little as 30 minutes, so you’ll be looking fabler in no time. The medical grade adhesive is designed for hair, so with proper care, tape won’t weaken until you’re ready to remove it with the help of a bond remover. Tape-In are usually applied in 1"-2" wide pre-taped hair wefts that are "sandwich" like bonds.

Please note: that a non-refundable deposit is required on all hair extension orders.
24 hours notice is required for appointment cancellation or re-scheduling or a no-show fee may be applicable.

PREPARING FOR YOUR HAIR EXTENSION INSTALLATION APPOINTMENT:

Upon your arrival, please ensure that your hair is washed and squeaky clean at the root. Try to avoid using conditioner and hair products, especially at the root of your hair to ensure a good bond for the application.

Also, make sure that your hair is completely dry and straightened with a straightening iron for your appointment.

Bring in all of your present hair care products to ensure that you avoid possible future damage to the extensions with your home care products.

HAIR CARE INSTRUCTIONS AFTER INSTALLATION:

You will be asked to ensure you have read these instructions from my website as well as sign a waiver confirming this prior to your hair extensions installation. These instructions are extremely important and must be followed to maintain healthy hair.

Hair extensions are an investment, so take good care of them. Give your hair 24 to 48 hours after installation before you wash to allow the fusion bonds to settle.

Do not use "organic" shampoo and conditioner if it is not professional. They often contain fruit extracts, along with other extracts that can be extremely damaging for hair extensions.

  • Use a Professional sulfate free and oil free shampoo and conditioner. Michelle has excellent products on site that are all safe and recommended for your extensions.
    Just because a product says "natural, organic, sulfate free" does NOT mean it’s ok for your hair extensions. Natural fruit extracts and oils for example can also damage extensions and break down the bonds. If it is not a professional sulfate free product, don’t take the chance. ALWAYS ASK if you are not sure about your products BEFORE you take the chance and use them.
  • Stay away from Volumizing and reconstructor products as well as never placing any products on your bonds.
  • Do NOT immerse your hair in chlorinated pools, especially in hot tubs and other countries, we do not know their guidelines and regulations, nor what they use to treat their water. Both the ocean and pools are to be entered at your own risk regarding possible damage to both the hair and the bonds. If you do submerge your hair, shampoo and condition your hair afterwards.
  • Make sure you have a proper brush for your extensions. There are special brushes that Michelle will recommend and has on site for your convenience.
  • Use a daily leave in conditioner and a thermal protector on your extensions. You should already be using these products to protect your own hair. Do NOT leave regular conditioner in your hair if it doesn’t say it’s a leave-in. This will definitely damage BOTH your hair and the hair extensions.
  • Leave in oils should only be used sparingly and applied from the mid shaft down. OILS BREAK DOWN THE BONDS. Although COCONUT OIL is wonderful and often used to moisturize the hair and skin, it has a low burning point and can easily burn your hair when used with high heat from styling tools. Again, there are professional products that are tested and recommended for a reason.
  • NEVER PUT DIRECT HEAT on the bonds and NEVER PUT OIL NEAR THE BONDS. The heat will obviously melt the bonds, weakening their strength to adhere to your own hair and cause tangling as the surface will no longer be smooth as well.

OUR INFORMATION AND RESOURCES ARE FOREVER CHANGING. HERE IS SOMETHING TO CONSIDER: I HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO PARABENS MY ENTIRE CAREER AND NOW TRY MY BEST TO AVOID THEM. HAIR EXTENSIONS OR NOT, IT IS SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT.

What is Sulfate?

When you wash your hair with most shampoos, you will most likely work up a thick lather. This thick lather that many of us love to see, is actually produced by the sodium lauryl sulfate placed in the shampoo. Sodium lauryl is a detergent and crystalline salt of sulfated lauryl alcohol. Sodium lauryl sulfate is a surfactant; a surfactant is a product that reduces surface tension between a liquid and a solid. This reduction in surface tension is what produces the rich lather. Once surface tension is removed, the barrier between your hair and the shampoo is eliminated, enabling the sodium lauryl sulfate to rid the hair of oil and dirt.

What are Parabens?

In order to preserve the shelf life of many shampoos, parabens are used. A paraben is a preservative and it is used to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus in shampoos. There are many different types of parabens, namely, butylparaben, ethylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben and isobutylparaben. For over seventy years they have been used as preservatives but recently scientist have begun to question their safety. Sulfates are known irritants that are harsh on the scalp and hair. Recent studies have found it to be more toxic than previously realized.

Parabens can cause allergic reactions and exacerbate some skin conditions. With all the doubt being cast on the safety of sulfates and parabens, it is wise to switch to a sulfate and paraben free shampoo. Here are five reasons why you may find this switch beneficial:

  1. Sulfate may have the ability to get rid of oil and dirt but recent studies have found that it is toxic and carcinogenic. Sulfate has been found to be one of the key culprits of hair loss and thinning hair, it actually destroys hair follicles and inhibits hair growth.
  2. Increased levels of estrogen causes breast cancer and it has been found that parabens actually attach themselves to estrogen receptors, the result is that paraben causes a weak estrogen effect on the body. This is why they are referred to as phytoestrogens. This may or may not cause breast cancer depending on which research you believe but why take the risk? When you can simply switch to paraben free shampoos.
  3. Parabens have been linked to the irritation of skin conditions such as dermatitis and rosacea, it also causes allergic reactions in some small children.
  4. Studies have found that sulfates can cause eye damage and blindness in young children. This is why it is best to use sulfate free shampoo on babies and infants.
  5. Shampoos that are sulfate and paraben free actually keep the hair moisturized. Moisturized hair is less prone to breakage and split ends.