My love for all things extensions only grows bigger and bigger by the day, which is why I was absolutely thrilled when I was asked to host the launch event for LA’s first hair extension bar: Just Extensions. The event was presented by SexyHair, an awesome hair product line that has a great selection of products that are safe to use with hair extensions, which is totally key for maximum wear. Sexy Hair’s Stylist, Laura Hickenboth, gave tips to all guests on how to maintain extensions and what products were best with each specific technique, which was incredibly informative.
Just Extensions, founded by Riqua Hailes, offers extension lovers an alternative to the long application hours and over-priced services typically associated with getting extensions. Whether you are looking to add length, volume or color, the experienced “extensionists” and licensed stylists can help you achieve the exact look that you want. Just Extensions also allows you to choose your preferred method of application, which I love, and their stylists can help guide you on the best application for you, based on your hair’s texture.
For some reason, as soon as January hits, I always seem to get in a hair funk. My friends assure me that my hair looks “fine” but I get really down on myself and end up going back to the two things that make me hair happy: perfect blonde highlights and new hair extensions.
So I went back to one of my absolute faves for highlights: George Papanikolas for Joico. I’ve already raved about him here and hereso clearly, you know I’m obsessed. George is one of the hottest and most sought after colorists in Hollywood; Instyle, Allure, and People Magazine have all recognized George as one of the countries top colorists. Using the French, freehand technique “balayage,” he creates natural-looking, sun-kissed color that looks, as George says, “like you’ve spent a summer at the beach, not three hours in the salon.”
One of the most important ingredients in George’s color blends is a foundation of healthy, shiny hair. To produce his vibrant color results, he relies on Joico’s Vero-K-Pak Color, as well as Joico’s Hair Repair System which includes Joico’s K-PAK Deep Penetrating Reconstructor to keep his cients hair in optimum condition. This award-winning hair fixer is packed with Joico’s unique Quadramine Complex, which transforms strands instantly, leaving hair stronger, glossier and easier to manage.
So touching up my color was step one (and photo one, above). Step two was filling out my fine hair with extensions. Now, my previous hair extension experience was truly epic but when I found out about Just Extensions, LA’s first extensions-only salon, I HAD to try them out. Just Extensons is a Drybar for hair extensions, if you will, and you know how much I love a dedicated salon. The best part? Aside from the excellent customer service, their extension packages are crazy affordable. I texted my friend Kristen, who is a frequent “weave” getter, and when I told her she could get a full head for $150, she replied back “a full f&*cking head for $150?!?! I’m making an appointment!” Now that’s excitment for good hair. With three signature packages that include; micro-links, braided sew-in, beaded one-step weft, and fusion techniques (all ranging from $100 – $300), there really is something for every hair type. Ugh, and guys, I TRIED out clip-ins (really, I did), but they’re just not as good! I’m sorry. This is the real deal. I sent the salon manager a recent photo and when I came in for my appointment, she had four packs of perfectly matching hair, ready to go. About two hours later, I looked like the second picture and I’m not even kidding – heads turned as I walked down the street. A true testament to GOOD HAIR.
So my regular hair stylist really f*cked up my hair and chopped off too much. I want a few extensions now to make up some of the length, and since you have them, what do you recommend? I want just few strands. He put too many layers in and it looks so bad that it makes me sad to look in the mirror. What’s your advice, pretty lady?
“K”
Hi K,
I’m so sorry! A bad hair cut can really mess up your self confidence, and that’s no good. But you’re right- a few extension pieces should do the trick for you and will help you feel better while your hair grows out a bit. Since there are so many different kinds of extensions, I’d recommend talking to an extensions expert at either a salon or hair store. They’ll be able to look at your hair type and texture to figure out what kind of extensions would be best for your hair. For example, I have fine, dyed blonde hair and I prefer the semi-permanent individual keratin tip extensions. I have friends who prefer the clip-in kind that you take out every night and put in every morning, but I’m too lazy for that. If you’re in the Los Angeles area, I really love Just Extensions– they’re an extensions only hair salon and they have really affordable prices. You can also use the salon locator for Great Lengths Hair, one of the most well-known hair extensions on the market, to find a salon near you that carries and applies their extensions.
Good luck and keep me posted on how it goes!
Jamie
Editor’s note: I actually really LOVE Julianne Hough’s short hair, but this before and after photo really shows what a few extensions can do!
2. Sexy Hair Soy Renewal: I hosted an event with Just Extensions and Sexy Hair a few weeks back, and was given this awesome product in the gift bag. It’s a nourishing styling treatment, made with Moroccan Argan Oil, that addresses moisture, frizz, smoothness, elasticity and shine concerns. It also protects from environmental stresses and reduces drying time.
3. Sam Edelman Genna Strappy Sandals: Every summer, with out fail, I end up buying a new pair of Sam Edelman sandals. They’re just so versatile and I’m LOVING this silver gladiator version.
4. Z Gallerie Diamand IKAT Pillow: I’m on the lookout for new decorative pillows for my couches…this might be a little too matchy matchy (my couches are bright blue), but I still love it.
I think there’s something to be said when you’re actually at a point in your hair life where you can say “hey, my hair is looking pretty awesome this week” so, you know, I had to share. As you guys know, I’m a big fan of Gavert Atelierin Beverly Hills and lately, I’ve been frequenting Just Extensions, which I can tell you, as a matter of fact, are the two reasons that I’m loving my hair right now. True story.
The awesome Toyomi highlighted my hair to the light (but not platinum) shade that I love, using a technique called Alchemy. Toyomi developed the inspiration for her craft in Tokyo, where the world of beauty is exploding with color and creativity. With this vibrant vision, she took on Beverly Hills working with celebs such as Leven Rambin and AnnaLynne McCord.
As for the fullness and volume of my hair, this is where Just Extensions comes in. You probably read my first post, but just in case you’re not familiar, JustExtensions is an affordable hairextensionsbar that focuses on one thing:extensions. And they have all different kinds, including micro-links, braided sew-in, beaded one-step weft and fusion techniques that range from $100 – $300. If you know extensions, then you KNOW that’s a pretty amazing price.
