Have you ever decided that you are sick of your long hair and chop it all off and regret it the second the hair hits the floor??

Yes, me too. I decided in January that I was sick to death of my long hair and took the plunge and cut 11” off.  I instantly regretted it. I must admit, it hasn’t been terrible in this awful summer heat, but fall is about to be here and I am going to miss my blanket of hair.

I started thinking about some options and decided to look into extensions. There are so many application methods that my eyes started to cross immediately. I knew I wanted a longer lasting style (so clip-ins were out) and something that wasn’t damaging to my hair. I think I found the answer!

Cold fusion application using microlinks was the perfect solution for me!! It is a non-heat application method and the extensions can last up to 3 months with proper care. Another big plus for me is the I-tip hair can be attached closer to my scalp since there is no risk of burning my skin. (This is a great solution to my very short hair length) It also takes 30 minutes to an hour to apply a whole head versus other application methods that can take several hours.

I did a little more research to find all of the tools I needed and thought I would share them with you:

• Micro fusion links
• Multi-use micro fusion extension pliers
• Micro fusion hook
• I-tip hair extensions (Satin Strands I-Tip in Malibu matched my hair perfect)

I also came across this great hair extension video on YouTube that showed me how to apply and remove the cold fusion hair! Check it out for some really great tips.

I am so glad I found a solution to my short hair blues. Hope this can help some of you as well!!

Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize!! These days fashion is all about the right accessory to achieve the right look. One key fashion accessory we often take for granted is our hair.

Maybe you’re like me and have always wondered exactly how celebs pull off a short hair style in the latest blockbuster then show up on the runway with stunningly long, flowy hair? Besides spending big bucks to achieve these glamorous looks, celebs have taken advantage of some newfangled techniques in hair extensions that have taken off over the last few years. Until recently, the fashion industry and trendy celebs have kept all the best hair secrets under lock and key. Now there are so many reasonably priced options available to help us “mere mortals” achieve a completely new look or simply accent our natural hair. Gone are the days of waiting for your hair to grow and dreaming about the perfect hairstyle; now you can just go buy it!

Because the options can seem endless I wanted to share some basic information that may be helpful if you’re looking to “accessorize” your look with new locks!

Hair extensions are most often seen in one of the following forms:
Wigs – Quickest method used to change up your look. More permanent alternatives like lace-fronts may be bonded around the hairline.
Weave – Usually sold as single strands (bulk or fusion hair) or wefts (tracks). This is the most permanent type of hair extensions as these can be bonded to or braided then sewn-in to natural hair.
Hairpiece – Instantly adds volume and length and are easily attached and removable. Most popular examples are drawstring ponytails, ponytail wraps, any ponytail clips.

Types of hair:
Synthetic – holds style very well but may not last as long as human hair. Heat styling not recommended.
Human Hair – mostly closely mimics our natural hair. Easy to maintain and may be styled with heat.
Blended Hair – a mixture of synthetic and human hair blended together. Heat styling may be limited.

Other factors to consider:
Shade selection – you may choose something closer to your natural hair color or add a splash of color to punch up your look.
Determine the best length – weaves and hairpieces typically come as short as 8 inches and go up to 30 inches or more depending on where you purchase. Wigs may be available in even shorter lengths.
Hair texture and style – there certainly is no shortage of options! From straight to kinky and everything in between (curly, wavy, etc).

Always seek the help of a professional stylist when deciding the best hair extensions and maintenance system.

Regardless of whether you sew it, braid it, bond it or just put it on, make your hairstyle a “mane attraction”!

I’m loving the look of feather hair extensions right now! But, I have resisted the urge to jump on the feather trend…until now.

Satin Strands just came out with I-Feathers, which are made from heat-resistant synthetic hair and made to look like the popular rooster feathers. Putting them in was WAY easier than I thought it would be, and people kept coming up to me and complimenting me on my “feather” extensions. I put together a little how-to to show you how easy and cute these I-Feathers are!

STEP 1: First, I threaded a link (which was included with the package), onto a fusion hook.

STEP 2: Next, I grabbed a small portion of my own hair with the hook, and pulled it through the link.

STEP 3: Then I stuck the tipped end of the extension through the link.

STEP 4: Then, using fusion pliers, I clamped down on the link and flattened it, securing the tip and the natural hair.

STEP 5: My hair isn’t very long, and I only wanted a short feather, so I trimmed it to the right length.

RESULTS: TA-DA!  Trendy, fun, and I love it!

Have you ever tried Curlformers? Their bright colors and twisty shapes have been piquing my curiosity for months. How do they work? What in the world is that hook thing for? Would they give me gorgeous ringlets like the packaging promised? I HAD to try them! So, I did and what do you know? Ringlets!

Here’s how to do you it:

Step 1: Gather your supplies. You’ll need Curlformers (obviously) and a Curlformer Hook.  The number of curlers you need depends on the length and amount of hair you have. To give you an idea, my hair is shoulder length and thin, and I used 17. A curl setting lotion or light gel is also recommended. I used Beyond The Zone Noodle Head Curling Cream. Bonus – It smells just like summer!

Step 2: Thoroughly wet the hair and work in a setting product. Comb through.

Step 3: Start by feeding a Curlformer onto the hook. Grab a section of hair (I used a 1” section but that’s up to your discretion.) and place it in the hook. Next, slowly pull the hook down so it passes through the Curlformer, while holding the end of the Curlformer that is closest to the scalp. Repeat until the entire head is encased.

Step 4: Either let your hair dry naturally or use a hair dryer. I let mine air dry for a bit, but as you can see in the pictures it was getting late, so I hit it with the dryer.

Step 5: Once your hair is completely dry, remove the Curlformers one at a time by straightening out the spiral, pinching the top of the Curlformer so it opens, and then pulling the Curlformer down off your pretty, pretty ringlet.

Step 6: Enjoy!

Helpful Hints:

* Make sure your hair is completely dry before you remove the Curlformers. I got impatient and didn’t dry the back of my head that well, so those curls weren’t as defined.
* When you grab a section, twist it near the roots. This helps keep the hair together as you place it in the hook.