Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Hair Extensions -- Part 1

Treating your hair extensions in Westchester County, NY, carefully and tenderly extends their life span, but eventually, you have to get new ones. No matter how well made, extensions do not last forever. So how long is too long? In this first of two articles, we’ll tell you about the signs that signal the need for new extensions in your hair.

Watch for extensions breaking off and splitting. This lets you know that you need to break up with them -- soon.

Look out for frizz. At this stage, extensions no longer make your hair look like more. At this stage, it makes your hair look like it needs a deep moisturizing treatment.

Your hair is filled with so much product that it doesn’t move anymore. This includes everything from hairspray to gel to mouse. When this build up, it’s not an attractive look for anyone. Plus, it goes counter to getting Westchester County, NY, hair extensions in the first place. That reason being, you want your hair to be longer, fuller, and more beautifully natural.

Unfortunately, hair extensions just do not last as long as your natural hair, which means at some point after months of hairstyles, they’ll need to be replaced. Go to your stylist to get new extensions that look even lovelier and enhance your self-confidence. In our next installment, we’ll share more tips to let you know when you need new extensions.

Why You Should Avoid Using Boxed Hair Dye

As tempting as it may be, box hair color of any kind is never a good idea. It almost always ends with a trip to a professional hair salon for color correction. Here you’ll find the top reasons why box color is always the wrong path to take for hair color in Westchester County, NY.  Here are two big reasons to avoid box hair dye.

Unpredictable Results

Nine times out of ten, your hair color just will not look like what you see on the box.

Most people who use box color did not attend cosmetology school and do tend to lack what professional hairstylists call the “laws of color.” Many people are not able to differentiate between color levels, read a color wheel, or select the right developer for applying hair color.

There are many reasons why professionals attend cosmetology school and obtain a license to work with hair and provide other aesthetic services. Not only does a lack of knowledge make at-home box color unpredictable, but the quality of the product itself is not always dependable. For these reasons, box color is more like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re going to get.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Box hair color is formulated for anyone on any hair, but not everyone’s hair type, condition, or color are even remotely the same. Most box dyes are formulated with the maximum amounts of pigment and ammonia so that it will work for most people. This is an unnecessary overload of chemical ingredients that can wreak havoc on hair health and increase your likelihood of allergic reactions.

Choosing the Right Color for Wigs in Westchester County, NY

Buying a wig can be exciting. With a change of hair color, you can dramatically change your entire look. In addition, trying out new hair colors is faster, easier, and comes with zero commitment. Make sure that you consider your skin tone, eye color, and even your personality as you make your selection from the thousands of wigs in Westchester County, NY.

From skin tone to eye and eyebrow color, there are many factors that will impact your decision of which color will look best. Here are the top three pro tips that will help you choose the best wig color for you.

Natural Hair Color

You will want to be careful when choosing a color that is more than two shades lighter or darker than your natural hair color. Picking a color that’s much darker or lighter than your natural hair, means the result is quite dramatic. The safe choice with wigs is to choose a shade somewhat similar to your natural hair color, but if you are going for a more drastic color change, consider changing it gradually over time.

Skin Tone

Make sure that you choose a shade that complements your natural skin tone. Skin tone is a critical factor when choosing your perfect color from all the wigs on the market. Hair color close to your natural skin tone or slightly lighter will brighten your complexion and give you a more youthful look. Keep in mind that a strong contrast between your skin tone and hair and will draw more focus to your facial features.

Eyes

Last but not least, remember your eyes. If your eyes are green, golden brown, hazel, or light blue, choose wigs with dark or golden browns, chestnut, or auburn highlights. If your eye color is deep blue/blue-gray, dark brown, or dark hazel, choose a wig with deeper colors, such as black, brown, and blonde tones.

How Many Hair Extensions Are Needed?

There are several factors that determined how many hair extensions you will need for a full head, but typically, you can count on around four to ten packs of hair for clip-in style extensions or 3 to 7 packs for the tape-in extensions. Every head of hair is unique and different, so how many packs needed will vary slightly. Packs of clip-in style extensions mostly come with 20 strands per pack, and tape-in packs include ten wefts per pack of hair extensions in Westchester County, NY.

When you are trying to decide on how many extensions to order, you need to take into account the current length and thickness of your natural hair, as well as the desired length. If you go with too few extensions, the finished result will not look natural.

Try to keep in mind that, unless you are only adding extensions for volume or a pop of color, you will need enough hair extensions to make the base thickness, the thickness at the ends of the hair, match the thickness at the roots of the hair. If you add too many, you'll get a poodle effect, as well as too much strain on the roots of the hair. But, if you add too few, you'll get a mullet, or something worse, like jagged strands peeping out from beneath your natural hair.

Choosing Between Human Hair and Synthetic Hair Extensions in White Plains, NY

If you’re like most people who shop for hair extensions in White Plains, NY, you might be wondering what the difference is between human and synthetic hair. There are many differences between the two which will affect the way you wear, style, and maintain your extensions.

Lifespan

One of the first questions people have is which one lasts longer, the answer being, unequivocally, human hair. With the right hair care routine in place, human hair will last for about a year, while synthetic extensions will last only a few months. However, this also means that synthetic hair is much easier to care for as it doesn’t need to be washed as frequently.

Hairstyles

When it comes to styling options, human hair again is the clear winner. Since these hair extensions are made from actual human hair, they act just like your own hair would. You can curl it or straighten it to your heart’s content. Not so with synthetic hair. Unless the hair is marked explicitly as “heat friendly,” it will melt as soon as you attempt to use any sort of heat on it. This isn’t all bad, however. You can purchase pre-styled synthetic extensions that stand up well to humidity, so you can feel confident your curls will stay in place regardless of the weather.

Hair Quality
Another important distinction is the quality of the hair itself. Human hair has a soft, natural feel and blends so well onlookers will have no idea you have extensions. Synthetic extensions, on the other hand, have more of a shine than natural hair and feel a bit like fiber.

Costs

Finally, one must consider the costs associated with hair extensions in White Plains, NY. Human hair is definitely the pricier option, as it ranges from $75 to $400. Synthetic extensions will typically run you no more than $85.

Reasons to Get Hair Replacement Instead of a Hairpiece

The days when a hairpiece was the only solution for men with thinning hair or hair loss are long gone – thank goodness. Today, there are other options for hair replacement for men in Westchester County, NY. A hair salon that is experienced with hair replacement systems and treatments can guide you to the best solution for you.

If you are one of the many men that have a receding hairline, male pattern baldness, or are experiencing hair loss as the result of a medical condition, there are a number of reasons to choose hair replacement over surgical solutions or an old-fashioned toupee or hairpiece. Here are some of the top reasons why more and more men are choosing hair replacement over the other available options.

·         Non-invasive Procedure – No surgery, no pain, no chance of infection

·         Confirmed Success - Your hair replacement system will look great

·         Reversible Procedure – Unlike surgical solutions, hair replacement systems are not permanent

·         Instant Results – Leave the salon with natural-looking hair that you will love

·         Suitable for Everyone – Regardless of your health, age, and other factors, hair replacement works for everyone

·         Low Cost – Compared to the cost of surgical solutions, hair replacement systems are affordable on any budget

When you are ready to take action to deal with your hair loss, schedule a consultation with a trusted hair salon that is knowledgeable about hair replacement for men in Westchester County, NY. Choose a salon that has experts on hair replacement methods and systems on staff.

Regret Cutting Your Hair Short? Try Extensions!

Hair extensions are a major contributor to fashion and style for good reason. Hair extensions in White Plains, NY, give you so many options for daily wear as well as creating dramatic styles for special occasions. According to Hair Extension Magazine, hair extensions have been around since the time of Cleopatra. However, it is only in the last few decades that they have become readily available and affordable for everyone.

Whether you want to change your look, add length and fullness, or you seriously regret cutting your hair into a short style, hair extensions can provide the solution you desire. With the extensive range of hair extensions available today, there is truly something for everyone. Whether you want short, long, curly, straight, or wavy, the extensions you desire are available at your favorite hair salon in both human hair and synthetic fibers. And then there is the matter of color. From your natural shade to electrifying colors and pastels, extensions are available in every imaginable hue.

If you are the conservative type, you may want medium-length extensions in your natural color and texture to change that short haircut into a style with fullness and body. However, if you are more avant-garde, “mermaid hair” made of long extensions in pinks, purples, and shades of turquoise may be exactly what you are craving.

When you are ready to try hair extensions in White Plains, NY, make an appointment with an experienced and trusted hair salon to provide you with the quality hair extensions and styles that you desire.

How to Prevent Split Ends

Split ends are a common and preventable condition that can keep you from having the beautiful hair that you desire. The best way to treat split ends is to visit your preferred hair salon in Westchester County, NY. An experienced stylist can trim your hair to remove the damage and provide a professional-strength conditioning treatment.

Split ends are the result of damage to your hair that is caused by many factors, including the length. Considering that hair grows approximately ½” per month, longer hair has been subjected to washing, drying, styling, and the environment for longer. Rough treatment such as excessive brushing, styling, and the use of heated styling tools, all contribute to hair damage and split ends.

Environmental factors including the sun, the heat of summer, the cold of winter, and dry, heated indoor air all take a toll on your hair. One of the most significant factors is your health. Your diet, how much water you drink, and other health factors can definitely have an effect on the condition of your hair.

Top 5 Tips to Prevent Split Ends

·         Be gentle when you wash, brush, detangle, style, and touch your hair.

·         Avoid heated styling tools as much as possible.

·         Eat a healthy diet and drink more water.

·         Nourish and strengthen your hair with deep conditioning treatments.

·         Use hair care products that are free of toxic and drying chemicals.

When you want healthy, beautiful hair, turn to an experienced stylist at a trusted hair salon in Westchester County, NY, to care for your hair and provide you with a low-maintenance style that doesn’t require excess fuss, products, or tools to maintain.

Hair Restoration Options for Women

When you suffer from hair loss, it can seriously affect your self-confidence. Whether your hair loss is due to a medical condition or another issue, there are more solutions for hair restoration in Westchester County, NY, than ever before.

Hair loss from chemotherapy is often temporary. During this time, however, you want more than scarves, hats, and wraps. Your best solution is usually a cranial prosthesis (wig). Being this is considered a treatment for a medical condition; it is often covered by insurance. Cranial prostheses are available in both synthetic fibers and human hair and can be made in the color and style of your natural hair.

If you are experiencing thinning hair from alopecia or other conditions, hair extensions are an ideal solution for restoration in Westchester County, NY, that can provide you with more length and fullness. Hair extensions are available in a variety of styles from straight to curly, and in lengths from short to long, so you can choose the extensions that best suit you.

You may also want to consider laser therapy for hair loss. Low-level laser therapy provides a non-invasive and painless way to reduce hair loss and stimulate new growth. By increasing circulation in the scalp, they provide nourishment and stop the progression of hair loss.

Consider the various options available for hair restoration and then consult with a salon that has experience working with clients that suffer from thinning and hair loss.

Choosing a Wig Color

Whether you want to switch things up with your color and style, or you’re looking to match your natural hair color, choosing a color for your wig can be tricky. Since most wig styles come in a variety of colors, it’s crucial to choose a wig hair color that will be the most flattering match for you. Eye color and skin tone are very important, but there are many elements that tie into which color will look best.

The big advantage of wearing wigs in Westchester County, NY, is that you can easily get the color you want without chemically damaging your hair. Why not experiment a little and consider color beyond your natural tone?

Shade - Try not to choose a color more than two shades lighter or darker than your natural hair color. If you pick a color that’s much lighter or much darker than your natural hair, the result is dramatic. The safest choice is to stay with wigs that are similar to your natural hair color.

Skin Tone - Try to choose a shade that complements your skin tone. Skin tone is an essential factor when choosing a wig color. Hair color close to or slightly lighter than your skin tone will brighten your complexion and give you a more youthful look. A strong contrast between your hair and skin tone will draw more focus to your facial features.

Your Guide to Wigs in Westchester County, NY

When you’re in the market for a wig, no one would blame you for being overwhelmed by the number of options available. One thing is for certain, no matter what your reason for wearing a wig, you want to ensure it looks flawless and is suited to your needs. Consider this handy guide when shopping for wigs in Westchester County, NY.

Wig Materials

Regardless of which style you’re looking for, wigs in Westchester County, NY, will come in one of two varieties:

• Human Hair: Wigs made from human hair are the most pricy of the two types. Made from pure human hair, these wigs can be treated as if they were your own hair -- you can style or dye them however you choose.
• Synthetic: Created to look like human hair, synthetic hair cannot be styled the same as human hair. Unless otherwise specified, heat will cause synthetic hair to melt. However, you can purchase pre-styled synthetic hair that will keep its style regardless of the weather outside.

Wig Cap Construction

When looking to purchase wigs in Westchester County, NY, the type you’re searching for will depend on your needs. Typically, you will encounter the following caps:

• Lace Front Caps: Offering the most natural hairline, lace front caps can be purchased in a trimmed variety, so they are ready to be worn anytime. However, they require extra care and maintenance.
• 100% Hand-Tied Caps: All parts of this cap are hand-tied, giving them a natural look that can be adjusted freely. These types of caps are ideal for those with sensitive scalps.
• Monofilament Caps: Designed in such a way as to make the hair appear it is growing from the scalp, the hair from these caps can be combed in different directions, offering a natural versatility.
• Wefted Caps: Considered a standard cap, these are the most affordable. The hair from these caps flows in a single direction, which provides luscious layers that overlap nicely.

How To Get Wedding-Perfect Hair

How do you ensure that you will not only have the best hair color but an overall healthy head for your wedding day? It's critical to have a salon stylist you're comfortable with before the big date draws near. Many confident, professional stylists are proficient in cutting, styling, and hair color in Westchester County, NY.

Perfect Color Timing

Two weeks is the sweet spot when it comes to coloring your hair before your wedding. You've had a few shampoos since you left the salon, but not so many that your color or style will show wear.

If you're thinking of highlights, you will want to aim for two to three weeks before the big day. By then, highlights will still be fresh without appearing too bright at the roots or around your face.

For a rich, all-over dark hair color, you can go as close as one to two weeks before the big day. Generally, darker colors will fade faster with more shampooing. That applies to lowlights too.

When to Get a Haircut

Haircuts are a critical component of your wedding look. Remember to get your hair cut before your hair color, not after, and make sure you are totally confident in the wedding hairstyle you'll be wearing. And don't try a new stylist or new look just weeks before your wedding day. You won't know if he or she is talented with your hair until it's too late.

How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?

Every individual is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to how often people need to wash their hair. It is a luxury to have your hair washed and styled for a special occasion at a hair salon in Westchester County, NY, but here are some frequency guidelines.

Thin Hair

Fine strands of hair get oily much faster than other hair types. Most people with fine hair need to shampoo fairly often as oil and debris will weigh down the hair and make it look flat and greasy. If this is your hair type, then you will need to shampoo every other day.

Thick Hair

Thick hair can be easier to maintain. Some with this hair type can resort to using dry shampoo for a few days in a row, but your favorite stylist at your local hair salon will advise that while this is convenient, it can cause clogging of the hair follicles. For medium to coarse hair, you should shampoo every three to seven days to remove all of the buildup and environmental pollution from the scalp.

Textured Hair

Textured hair can be naturally more coily in its curl pattern and is known to need a lot of moisture.  It only needs to be washed once per week, and a hair salon is a lovely treat for this. The natural sebum your scalp produces can help textured strands. This hair type is less prone to experiencing those weighed down woes.

Using Lowlights To Blend In Gray Hair

Getting gray or white hair is pretty much inevitable for us all. Without contrast, hair color can look flat. Growing out your natural gray into full-on silver is becoming a very trendy move, but it takes a long time and a lot of patience. Visit a salon for hair color in Westchester County, NY, and get some lowlights put in to help during the transition.

A singular grey or white color is often subject to a yellow-ish tinge if left unattended. Adding subtle lowlights can help fight off those unwanted tones. Lowlights bring depth to your hair color and can be the secret sauce for blending in your grays. 

Consider the Shade & Maintenance Level

Shade - If you've highlighted your hair, adding some of your original base tone can provide the most natural-looking contrast. Sections of your hair dyed a few shades darker than your base hair color will add depth and dimension to your overall look.

Consider a Semi-Permanent Color - Semi-permanent colors merely coat the cuticle, which is much less damaging. Gray hair often tends to feel dried out, so using a semi-permanent hair color that doesn't open up the hair shaft or your strands' porosity levels helps. Your hair will feel smoother and be in a much better condition.

Maintenance - Lowlights don't require as many salon visits as highlights do. By choosing a shade that's as close to your base color as possible, your maintenance will be a bit more relaxed.

Haircare Tips for Coarse Hair

If you are blessed with what some would call "coarse" or "thick" hair, what are the best practices to ensure your lovely locks aren't susceptible to dryness, frizz, and breakage? Visiting a hair salon in Westchester County, NY, is an excellent way to get all of the current hairstyling and product recommendations, but here are some of the more common suggestions from professional stylists.

Washing

Your best hair care starts in the shower. Stylists often suggest using a clarifying concoction, because coarse hair is prone to calcium buildup. They recommend trying some natural DIY recipes with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to help remove it. If you aren't comfortable with DIY methods, don't worry. You don't have to buy expensive brands at a hair salon, but use a clarifying shampoo without sulfates, parabens, and other drying ingredients. As for a conditioner, you should be on the lookout for products made with shea butter, avocado oil, and glycerin, as they provide essential moisture.

Styling

A microfiber towel is the best way to avoid frizz, and using a leave-in conditioner is key before drying your hair. If your curls are especially tangled, then a Denman Brush or a wide-tooth comb is essential. Use a low setting on the hairdryer, along with a heat protectant (even when diffusing). Whether at a hair salon or a drugstore, you can find decent heat protectants that range from professional lines like Aveda to drugstore brands like Cantu.

Demi-Permanent vs. Permanent Hair Color in Westchester County, NY

Our hair color is one of the first things people notice about us. It’s a feature some people feel defines character, and it can also be a marker of youth and vitality. That’s why hair coloring is a prevalent personal grooming step that many people undergo regularly. When you look in the mirror, you want the person staring back at you to look as young and vigorous as you feel, and hair color plays a big part.

At Mr. Carmine International Hair Salon, we have a great deal of expertise in providing our clients with hair color in Westchester County, NY, and we’re going to use this article to look at the differences between demi-permanent and permanent hair color.

Let’s check out permanent hair color first. It truly is permanent and works by adding to your natural hair pigment with the color you’ve chosen to replace it. The hair cuticle opens, and the dye is absorbed. The color doesn’t leave, but it does fade over time, so you can replace it with another if you choose.

On the other hand, demi-permanent color does not contain ammonia, so it doesn’t penetrate the hair strand. It gets under the outer cuticle but no deeper. The color will be gradually washed away, so it’s a smaller commitment than permanent. This option lets you try out new colors without the risk you will be stuck with something that doesn’t look good on you. Also, you don’t have to worry about noticeable root lines as the translucent color washes out gradually, and there’s not a marked transition as your hair grows.

As you can see, there are a few points to consider with coloring. If you need to know more about hair color in Westchester County, NY, feel free to contact us, and we’ll be happy to help. We do our best to help you look your best.