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The difference between good extensions and amazing ones is a custom application technique. For customization tips that go beyond color selection, keep reading to learn which techniques to use for the most natural-looking (and IG explore page-worthy) extensions. Grab the ring light and snap those before and after pics—you're going to want these transformations on your feed.
Take it from the pros, extension experts Drea Jaclyn (@andreahenty) and Isabelle McGuire(@isabelle_bomane) from BOMANE Salon (@bomanesalon) in Beverly Hills share the trade secrets they use on their star-studded clientele. You'll want to take some notes (or screenshots) from these two—this is insider info you won't want to miss.
These application techniques are very different—for a reason! Applying extensions should never be one-size-fits-all. Both techniques are designed with specific placements to provide seamless coverage and natural volume.
Coverage Application: In this technique, extensions are applied close together in a unison line. This provides the most coverage from root to end, filling in sparse areas while creating realistic density against the hair.
Blending Application: For this placement, extensions are applied farther apart—only where needed. Each extension can be applied slightly staggered within the row, creating volume and natural texture without a bulky look.
Photo via Instagram @isabelle_bomane
"I determine which placement to use based on my client's desired end result," says Line One Hair extension expert Isabelle. Choosing the right application technique is essential to enhance a client's natural hair to create their perfect vision.
For Clients Who Want Length: Coverage applications are the way to go! "This will create the most hair coverage possible to blend in their short lengths into the longer ones," says Isabelle.
For Clients Who Want Volume: Use a blending application to create airy volume for clients who don't need length added to their hair. This technique is ideal due to the purposeful spacing between each extension to avoid heavy, unblended extensions.
Pro Tip: Clients should love their extensions BEFORE the hair is styled! Never rely on a curling iron for a perfect blend, the hair should be just as seamless when straight.
Isabelle says, "Sometimes, I love to use both applications on the same client to blend their natural hair into the extensions." High traffic areas like the crown and nape of the head can benefit from both techniques to ensure your client's extensions move with their natural hair without any rows showing.
Pro Tip: When adding length, use the coverage application as normal until you reach the last row in the topmost section. In this section, Isabelle recommends adding in a blending row to avoid any lines of demarcation. Then, at the nape of the head, use this same technique to blend the shorter pieces that sit around the shoulders.
Check out this length + volume transformation using
Line One Hair Keratin Tip extensions in shades W1, W3 and C13:
Photo via Instagram @Isabelle_bomane
"No matter what extension type or application I use, I always cut my extensions the same way," Isabelle explains. "Extension cutting is a very visual process and I love to ensure each piece is perfectly blended to the eye regardless of how I apply them."
The detailed work of an extension cut can make or break all the time you put into your application. Take these 3 cutting tips from Line One Hair founder Drea Jaclyn:
1. Watch Your Direction: Always slide or point cut extensions to ensure they will lay soft and have diffused texture like natural hair.
2. Connect Layers: Working in vertical sections, slide cut the hair in sections no greater than 1-inch. Be sure to hold the hair at a low elevation for seamless blends!
3. Use Proper Tools: To slide cut, point cut, or detail cut, Drea uses ARC Scissors Paragon II for maximum detail and control when cutting extensions.
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