A client sits in my chair with tears in her eyes, “I did it! I got the trendy bob haircut and hate it! What can you do?” 4 hours (standing in 6 inch Louboutins) later, I am watching as she tosses her long, beautiful, natural looking locks in the “Don’t hate me because I am beautiful” kind of way, smiling as she sees her reflection in the mirror. The solution? Hair Extensions. Below are some pointers I live by and strongly recommend to anyone looking to transform their hair; *The kind of hair used is crucial. My choice is 100% Russian and European Remy human hair, the highest quality, so that it looks the most natural and doesn’t tangle as easily as it’s synthetic or cheaper human hair blend counterparts. The brand isn’t as important to me as is the quality of the hair. *There are several methods of application. Which methods used depends on the hair texture, color, and the results that I want to achieve. I prefer to customize the following methods to each individual client. A strandby- strand application attaches small sections of hair to the natural hair closest to the roots. Hot Fusion uses heat to warm the protein to create a smooth bond. Cold Fusion uses an ultra sonic machine to attach the bond without using heat. And Micro Locs or mini links uses small metal/copper tubes or rings to attach to the hair. Skin wefts are thin, wider tracks or rows of hair that use heat to bond to a larger section of the natural hair. *The strand-by strand methods take 2-5 hours to apply, and are the most natural looking to me. Each strand moves with the head shape, can be expertly cut to a desired style, and customize for a correct color match. The Hot and Cold Fusion methods are best on normal to fine texture and dry hair. The Micro Locs are best for coarse and oily textures. Skin Wefts are the preferred method for a quicker application time, usually 1-2 hours, and can be used most textured hair (not best on oily). *Extensions can lasts from 2-5 months, depending on how well they aremaintained. I recommend shampooing every 2-3 days with a gentle cleansing shampoo. Conditioner should be used only on the ends for detangling and moisturizing, and not near the scalp where it is attached so as not to “slip” from the hair. Brush the hair gently, starting from the ends moving up near the scalp. Using a leave-in conditioner is great to help with any tangles from shampooing. You can let the hair dry naturally, but I do not recommend sleeping with the wet hair. *If you are looking for extensions on a budget, and a temporary fix for longer, fuller hair, clip ins are the way to go. I prefer a more permanent method, but clip ins are great for an inexpensive change of style. This means no commitment -for a special occasion, one evening event, or a fun change. The downside? Clip ins do not look as natural or move as smoothly to the natural hair. Tina Dizon Juan Florentino Salon, Beverly Hills, CA