We firmly believe in the value of education and the importance of quality, and so it should come as no surprise that we think a professional hair extension service, by a qualified professional will far outweigh the results you will achieve with any “at home” hair extensions. We understand, however, that there may be some appeal to the at home solutions. A clip-in hair extension solution, or a solution offered by an unlicensed professional working out of their house will save you money… upfront. If you’re considering hair extensions, do your research! The wrong choice could lead to poor results and damage to your hair- both of which will likely lead to more of your hard-earned money spent. Let’s take a closer look at a couple of “at home” solutions and our recommended alternatives. AT HOME HAIR EXTENSIONS: CLIP IN’S Clip-in extensions are an at home solution which can be applied by the wearer themselves. Clip-ins are wefts of hair that have clips attached at the top. Ranging in 2 to 8 inch widths, they are clipped to the roots of your hair. Sure, they have their pros: you can have longer hair within minutes! (A dream, right?) AND they can be put in and removed whenever you want. Now let’s talk about the cons. Because clip-in extensions are a less expensive option, often times, they are of lesser quality. The hair will lack durability and the natural blend you desire will be difficult to achieve. They can’t be left in for extended periods of time due to the weight of the clips and base, or you will experience breakage, and the last thing you want to do is damage your natural hair! The weight of the clips and base also mean that clip-ins are also not suitable for thin or fine hair. Our recommended alternative: Tape-ins, applied by a trained professional (this part is key). If you’re looking for a short term solution that will be budget friendly, tape-ins are an excellent option. You don’t have to commit to them long-term if you don’t want to, but they can last up to 8 weeks. And like clip-ins, after you’ve worn them, tape-ins can be reused. Tapes, applied by a professional, will result in no damage to your hair. The application is fast with no heat required and the results are impeccable. Seriously, take a look at the applications below using Great Lengths GL Tapes. A professional stylist achieves professional results, something that may be unlikely with clip-ins at home. @keepupviktoria @great_lengths @maryannecostahairstyling AT HOME HAIR EXTENSIONS: SERVICES OFFERED BY UNLICENSED STYLISTS There are a number of unlicensed stylists who, after taking a short course, offer extension services, often out of their home. This will of course, like clip-in’s, save money upfront. We are not saying that these individuals lack talent. However, as stated, Great Lengths is a firm believer in the importance of education and quality. An unlicensed professional who has taken an inexpensive and brief crash course in hair extensions will: Offer an extension of lesser quality – any unlicensed individual can find a hair source, there are many factories that offer hair extensions to anyone; Lack the technical understanding of hair that is needed to ensure a healthy and damage-free installation. Not have the experience and knowledge to deal with the, “what-if’s” that can occur with an improper install (and like clip-ins, an improper install can damage hair and cost more money in the long run) Our recommended alternative: A licensed, educated hair extension professional, offering a quality product. Regardless of the method of hair extension you are interested in, do your research. Find a stylist who has been trained, has created a solid reputation and that uses a brand you can trust. High-end brands, such as Great Lengths, only offer extension products to top-tier stylists who have completed an extensive education program. This ensures clients will receive applications that are professionally and technically superior every time! Interested in learning more about Great Lengths application methods (whether tape-ins or fusion bonds) and how they can enhance your hair?
If you’re new to the world of hair extensions, you may be wondering about this particular question! Can you colour hair extensions? The answer is yes. If you were under the impression that you can’t colour your hair once you’ve had your Great Lengths hair extensions applied, well, we get it. Hair extensions that are not made from 100% remy human hair can react badly to colour treatments. However, this is not the case with virgin remy human hair extensions*, such as Great Lengths. (*Virgin Remy human hair extensions are extensions which have the cuticle layer intact and all hair in each strand is running in the same direction from root to tip. Great Lengths Hair Extensions are also double drawn, meaning each extension strand is the same thickness from root to tip, with no wispy ends, resulting in less breakage and blending perfectly with our natural hair.) We understand all too well how easy it is to be less than committed to our natural hair colour, so wearers may need a root touch up at some point while wearing their extensions. Rest assured; this can be done. Having said this however, you must always have your colour done by a professional that is aware of your extensions. To avoid weakening the attachment points, your stylist will ensure that your colour mixture doesn’t touch the bonds or tapes. We do not recommend colouring your hair at home while wearing extensions. THE COLOURING PROCESS Remy human hair extensions can be custom coloured prior to an application or after they’ve been applied. To guarantee the best results, stylists will first colour test some strands to ensure their colour formula is correct. If the colouring is done after the application, strand tests will be done in the nape area, and will be done on each of the different colours of Great Lengths strands used. After a test is done and the stylist is ready to proceed, the colour must be worked through each strand thoroughly. If colour is applied prior to an application, stylists can suspend the strands to help them colour more evenly and easily. THE PERFECT COLOUR MATCH Now that we’ve answered the question of whether you can colour hair extensions, let’s talk why, with Great Lengths, chemical colouring is often not necessary. Before an application, a Great Lengths stylist will complete a consultation with a client to discuss the client’s desired results. This discussion will include colour choices (obviously!) Because Great Lengths offers such a large collection of shade options, a stylist can most often achieve a perfect colour match or introduce a fashion colour through extensions alone. Stylists are trained to be experts in colour matching, blending, and placement to create an array of colour effects. In fact, often stylists will pre-blend strands before an application to create the most natural blend of shades for the perfect match. If a client’s desired look is very customized or complex, and a stylist does move forward with a plan of action that involves colouring the extensions, there are a few guidelines to follow to ensure success: NO bleach, they’ll choose the Great Lengths shade closest to the desired colour, and then will use a gentle semi-permanent or demi-permanent to deposit only. Just a small selection of our collection of shades LET’S RECAP YES, you can colour 100% remy human hair extensions. These types of extensions have been very gently processed and will allow colour to be deposited without damage. (Learn more about Great Lengths gentle de-pigmentation and colouring process here.) As with natural hair, chemicals can strip and damage human hair extensions. Remy hair has the cuticle layer intact. This is what gives the hair its natural shine and body. By using harsh chemical dyes, the cuticle layer becomes damaged, making extensions weak, dull and brittle. ALWAYS consult with about your colour goals both prior to your application, and after, should you decide you want to change up your colour. Do you have a question about hair extensions? Ask us anything!
Before there was Coachella and Lollapalooza there was Woodstock; the original music festival. In case you’re not in the know: In August of 1969, Woodstock took place on a dairy farm in Bethel, New York. From August 15-18, almost 500,000 people celebrated 3 Days of Peace & Music, with an iconic lineup including Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Grateful Dead. Considered the most iconic (and peaceful!) music festival ever; the legendary festival illustrates the era perfectly — the groovy vibes, peaceful mindset, and of course, the 60s style. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the famed music festival, we're taking a moment to reflect on the hairstyles and appreciate the original foremothers of bohemian style. Woodstock was a spark of beauty. -JONI MITCHELL FESTIVAL FASHION: THEN VERSUS NOW. Bold and unique style and fashion is a mainstay of modern music festivals, but Woodstock concert-goers came long before the concept of “festival style” existed. They weren't trying to make a fashion statement, but their free-spirited, devil-may-care attitude did it nonetheless. The key details of hippie fashion: free, flowing, anything Native American themed, and everything associated with being open and peaceful. Women of Woodstock wore their hair in its natural, easy state; often untamed and center-parted. When you compare to the glitter roots, space buns, unicorn buns, rainbow hair and wild accessories of modern music festivals, Woodstock hair was incredibly low key. In a way, this makes the Woodstock style timeless. If the approach to hair at modern festivals is overstated, you could say the approach to hair at Woodstock was understated. WOODSTOCK TRENDS THAT LASTED Despite the differences in the approach to hair at Woodstock versus modern music festivals, there are some key trends from Woodstock that can still be seen at the Coachella’s of today. These may have started in 1969, but they have stood the test of time. Long, centre-parted, naturally styled hair This look embraces the free-spirit vibes and keeps things easy and natural. Extensions are an awesome way to experiment with length. can help you nail the hippie hair look by adding extra length or even a fringe. Woodstock trends that lasted Hair Styles for all the Occasion Headbands, Headscarves and Bandanas A hippie headband is never out of place at a music festival. There are a variety of styles from a thin leather band, to elaborate head pieces full of bling. Of course, if you’re looking to embrace the hippie vibe, leather, feathers and Native American inspired pattern pieces are the way to go. A bandana can be worn in a similar fashion to a headband for a Janis Joplin at Woodstock look. Woodstock Inspired Hair Styles for all the Occasion The Flower Crown Flower crowns have been a festival fashion staple for decades. They’re easy to make and add a fun touch to any outfit. Hair garlands, featuring anything from daisies to roses to very large chrysanthemums, are always a guarantee at music festivals. They’re perfect for all types of hair, whether short or long, curly or straight. Woodstock Inspired Hair Styles for all the Occasion MODERN HIPPIE HAIR These exact styles may not have been spotted at Woodstock, but they embrace the free-spirit vibe with a modern spin. Braided Bangs With your hair in loose waves, part your hair down the center and braid your bangs back loosely. Secure your braided bangs with your choice of hair clips and you’re set. Hippie Pigtails This is the perfect look if your hair has numerous days’ worth of dry shampoo and sweat. (And let’s face it, if you’re at a music festival that may be the case.) Throw on a cute hat, add a couple of braids, and let the wind do the rest of your styling for you. Bohemian Inspired Waves (Perhaps with a Pop of Colour!) Think a little more polished than the 1969 Woodstock attendee. Beautiful, bohemian inspired waves give off that effortless, I woke up like this vibe, while still looking put together. Add a pop of colour for a fun touch. Chemical-free, temporary colour can be added with the use of . Pair this festival hairstyle with a flower crown, cool hat, or a pretty crocheted dress and you’ve got modern day Woodstock. Have a look through our Pinterest board for more Woodstock inspired styles. What is your preferred approach to festival hair? Woodstock Inspired Hair Styles for all the Occasion
Textured from sea salt and brightened by the sun; undone, beachy waves are the epitome of summer hair. They’re carefree, natural and fun; a hairstyle we love, beach bound or not. Not all of us have access to the ocean to reap the rewards of a quick dip. The good news is, there is a multitude of ways to get the look, and some take close to zero effort. Here are just a few of the many different ways to achieve desirable beach waves. METHOD 1: THE EASIEST APPROACH: OVERNIGHT BRAIDS It really doesn’t get any easier than the overnight beach wave approach. Step 1: Braid your damp hair before bed. (If you are wearing hair extensions, be sure to completely blow dry all attachment sites first). Large braids will leave you with loose waves Step 2: Get some shut-eye. Step 3: Reveal your braids! Take out your braids and you’ll be left with a carefree, beach wave style. If needed, apply product to ensure your waves hold throughout the day. Twisting your hair into 2-4 equally sized sections, pulled up into a bun, will work in a similar way. METHOD 2: WAVE SPRAY This approach will give you a relaxed beach wave, without the use of heat. (In the midst of summer, when hair takes a fair share of abuse, heat-free options are great to have!) Step 1: Start with towel dried hair. If you’re not due for a shower, simply wet your hair with your fingers or a spray bottle (if you are wearing extensions, be sure to avoid wetting the attachment sites). Step 2: Apply a wave spray. There are many out there! Wave sprays enhance your hair’s natural shape and texture. Step 3: Gentle tousle or scrunch your hair after applying and let it dry. The result? Beach waves! It’s that easy. METHOD 3: USE A CURLING IRON Bring out beach vibes with a sleeker finish by using a curling iron or wand. Step 1: Protect your hair! While your curling iron heats up, protect your strands from potential heat damage by applying a heat protectant. (Great Lengths offers a fantastic Heat Care Spray designed especially for hair extensions, perfect for natural hair too!) Step 2: Prep the hair with a mousse. This will help hold the waves. Step 3: Dry your hair. Air dried works, but if you are wearing extensions, you must blow dry the attachment sites first. If you’re short on time do a quick, rough dry on low heat. Step 4: Curl away! Use a large barrel curling iron to curl larger chunks of hair. You want to create large waves rather than tight curls (not exactly beachy). Section the hair into one-inch bundles and wrap the hair around the wand, about two inches down from the roots, carefully avoiding any attachment sites if wearing extensions. Don’t be too perfect or precise with it. Leave the ends straight as well, since beach waves have a slightly undone look and should look natural and carefree. Step 5: Mess it up a bit! Break up the waves with your fingers, or shake your hair up with your hands to loosen your curls for a messy, wavy look. Step 6: Spritz in a sea-salt spray to enhance texture, and apply your favourite hair spray to ensure your beach waves last. Be sure to use a product that is sulfate-free. Here are a few more simple tips for trying to achieve that beachy look: Hair shouldn’t be too clean; it needs to hold the undone wave. Prepping with a mousse will help with this, and will help achieve body. Avoid uniformity. When curling, change the direction that you wrap the hair so that waves differ. Since everyone’s hair is different, the right products and the right approach is key. Find what works best for you. Perhaps a simple spritz of sea-salt spray and a gentle tousle will do. If your hair is thinner or lacks texture, you may need to take a different approach. Hair extensions, either tape-in or keratin bonded, add natural looking volume and thickness, making them a secret weapon to enhance a beach wave. Great Lengths Hair Extensions even have a naturally wavy texture to them! Use our salon finder to locate a certified stylist near you. Book a consultation and learn how Great Lengths can work for you. As mentioned, there are many ways to achieve a beachy wave, we’ve chosen just three to highlight the range of effort the look can take (from minimal, to more time consuming.) What approach do you find works best to achieve your perfect beachy wave? The options are endless!
Summer: the season we all look forward to. Beach days, vacations, and sunshine… what’s not to love? One downside: the fun of summer can be hard on hair, with or without extensions. Salt water, sweat, swimming and sunbathing can turn your extension-enhanced beach waves into a faded, frizzy and tangled disaster. It’s very important to prioritize caring for your extensions as you enjoy the summer months. Extension hair can be treated just like your natural hair, and just like your natural hair, extensions should be handled gently, no matter the season. Be sure to use sulfate-free products and go to your stylist for extension checkups as scheduled. What does require a little extra care is your extension bonds or tapes, each of which present different challenges during the summer. BONDED EXTENSIONS ARE MOST FRAGILE WHEN WET. THIS DOESN’T RULE OUT SWIMMING HOWEVER! Go ahead and go for that dip, but don’t allow your extensions to soak for too long. Before diving in to salt or chlorinated water, soak your hair with fresh water. If hair has already absorbed fresh water, the chlorine or salt will not absorb as deeply, and your hair will receive less damage. For extra protection, applying conditioner is also recommended. Wearing your hair in a low bun, in a braid or under a swimming cap is a must, to ensure tangle-free results. As soon as you get out of the water apply a leave-in conditioning product to your hair, while being mindful of the roots and keeping the product away from the bonds or tapes. After, be sure to dry the bonds or tapes immediately; the rest of your hair can be left to air-dry. WHEN IT COMES TO TAPE-IN EXTENSIONS, YOUR SUN AND SKIN-CARE PRODUCTS CAN POSE A THREAT. Any kind of lotion on the face, like sunscreen, can get in the hairline and interfere with the tapes, causing them to loosen. TIP: Always wash or rinse your hands after applying lotions to avoid getting any residue from your products in your hair, and be sure to let any lotion on your face thoroughly absorb into your skin before heading out into the sunshine or diving into the pool. BRUSHING OFTEN, USING AN EXTENSION-FRIENDLY BRUSH IN THE VICINITY OF THE BONDS OR TAPE, WILL HELP AVOID TANGLES WHILE OUTSIDE. Extension brushes have looped bristles that are specifically designed to glide through hair, where the teeth on regular brushes can yank at extensions. You can use a regular brush to untangle the ends but be sure to hold the bond or tapeline while brushing to avoid excess tugging at the root. EMBRACE THE NATURAL, LOW-MAINTENANCE LOOK AND GIVE HEAT AND STYLING TOOLS A REST; THE HEAT OF SUMMER IS TAXING ENOUGH ON YOUR LOCKS. Add a sun hat to your wardrobe as well. Like your skin, your hair needs protection from the sun’s UV rays. Wearing a hat can help to protect your hair and prevent added dryness. BECAUSE EXTENSIONS DON’T RECEIVE THE NATURAL OILS FROM YOUR SCALP TO KEEP THEM MOISTURIZED, IT’S IMPORTANT, ESPECIALLY IN THE SUMMER, TO ONLY WASH YOUR HAIR WHEN ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. Two to three shampoos a week is more than enough. Use a moisturizing, sulfate-free shampoo and only wash the roots. You don’t need to worry about lathering the ends, the water and shampoo that runs over them is enough. Be sure to invest in quality hydrating shampoos, conditioning products and serums to make your summer haircare that much easier. Additional monthly, or weekly conditioning treatments may be necessary to inject some much-needed moisture back into the hair. FOLLOW THESE TIPS AND KEEP YOUR EXTENSIONS HEALTHY AND FABULOUS THIS SUMMER! Great Lengths offers a full line of products made especially for extensions to help counter the negative effects of sun, sweat and water. Great Lengths Daily Moisture shampoo, Anti-Tap Water, Deep Conditioning Mask and more are available through a Great Lengths Certified stylist near you.
Are tape-in extensions a good option? The short answer: Yes! We may be slightly biased towards fusion extensions, but that doesn’t mean we don’t LOVE what tape-in extensions have to offer- which is a lot! Tape-in extensions are one of the most requested forms of extensions in hair salons across the world. Here’s why. Affordability The big draw for tape-in extensions, compared to the many other forms of hair extensions, is cost. Tape-in extensions are the least expensive semi-permanent hair extension option. This is largely due to the quick application. A quick application results in a lower cost! It depends on individual needs, but a tape-in application can be as fast as 45 minutes to an hour. You’ll be in and out of the salon in no time. They are the happy medium of hair extension options There are many different types of hair extensions you can get; from fusion, to clip-in. Where fusion extensions offer a longer term option and clip-ins have a one-night vibe, tape-ins are the happy medium in between. You don’t have to commit to them long-term if you don’t want to, but they can last up to 8 weeks. And after your 8 weeks of wear… They are reusable! Another great aspect of tape-in extensions is the ability to re-use the hair multiple times; a huge benefit, especially if you’ve had your extensions custom cut or coloured. Tape-in extensions can be re-taped 3-4 times, depending on the brand and quality of extensions you use. GL Tapes, Great Lengths tape-in product, can be re-taped up to 3 times. Check out a review of our tape-in system here. Easy to apply, easy to take care of and easy to remove When you invest in high quality tape-in extensions, your extensions will not shed, matt or tangle and maintenance will be super easy and hassle free. You’ll need to brush your hair at least three times a day, and wash your hair less frequently (So invest in a good dry shampoo!) When you have worn your extensions for the 6-8 week period and the time has come to remove them, the removal process is as quick and easy as the application. Your stylist will gently rub a removal solution at the root, and your tape-ins will simply slide off with no damage to your natural hair. They are discrete, flexible and completely natural looking Tape-ins lay completely flush against the head, for results that are virtually undetectable and comfortable to wear. The tapelines in tape-on-tape systems on the market today are small, (GL Tapes are only 3 mm wide – and new Mini GL Tapes, measuring 1.5 mm wide, are on the way!) allowing for a 100% natural look. During application, stylists have the ability to maximize placement options to ensure a genuine and clean look for each individual client. IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN TAPE-IN EXTENSIONS, THERE ARE A FEW KEY THINGS YOU SHOULD REMEMBER: It’s really important to have a skilled professional install your tape-in extensions! If the stylist installing your extensions isn’t trained to place them correctly, the tapeline will be easily detected. They could also be installed too close to the scalp causing pain and even permanent damage to your natural hair. After your stylist installs your tape-ins, a great cut is a must to blend the extensions with your natural hair. The colour of your tape-in extensions is equally as important as the application process. Your stylist will colour match with your natural hair. Tape-ins are applied with a medical grade adhesive so they are hypoallergenic, and the adhesive is strong and will stay firmly in place. It is very important for the health of your hair that a professional stylist also handles the removal. And of course: when installed properly, no one will be able to tell that you are wearing hair extensions. 🙌 Switching up your hair is fun! One of the best, and most non-committal ways to achieve a major hair makeover is experimenting with tape-in extensions. Your hairstyle options are practically endless. Find a Great Lengths stylist near you to learn more about how our tape-in system, GL Tapes, can enhance your hair.
We’ve all heard the myths about the difficulties of exercising while wearing hair extensions. Key word: myths. Just because you live an active lifestyle doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice wearing hair extensions! Whether you’re doing intense training, swimming or easy jogs around the block, your hair extensions should not hold you back. While extensions, and Great Lengths in particular, will suit most lifestyles, there are a few essential precautions you need to take to protect your extensions while you keep up your fit life. PRE-WORKOUT Before heading to the gym, apply a thin layer of leave-in conditioner to help keep your extensions free of tangles and in top shape. Be sure to choose a product that is sulfate-free , and always apply only to the hair, ensuring your bonds or tapes are not in contact with the product. Bonded and tape-in extensions are most fragile when wet. This doesn’t rule out swimming however! If you plan on including swimming as a part of your workout routine, be sure to pack a swim cap in your gym bag. Chlorine can leave your hair extensions dry, discoloured and vulnerable to breakage. If you don’t use a swim cap, take extra care to protect your extensions. Before diving into salt or chlorinated water, soak your hair with fresh water and apply a generous amount of conditioner. Combined with the moisturizing effect of conditioner, giving your hair a chance to absorb fresh water will prevent chlorine or salt from absorbing as deeply, resulting in less damage to your hair. Wearing your hair up or in a braid is essential, as free flowing hair tangles much more easily, especially when combined with salt or chlorinated water. During… How You Wear Your Hair Matters! No one wants hair in their face as they work up a sweat, so finding the right hairstyle for your work out is key. Vigorous movement and salty sweat can cause strain on both your bonds and natural hair so the right hairstyle for your work out becomes even more important when it comes to caring for your hair extensions. Top tip- always tie your hair back. Never begin a workout without first pulling your hair up and off your neck and forehead with a scrunchie or metal-free elastic. Doing so will prevent tangling and avoid compromising the bond while you work out, while also protecting your hair from the drying effects of perspiration. Yes, that’s right, the mere act of sweating can be hard on your hair! There’s some science behind this… A pH between 4.0 and 5.5 allows skin and hair to stay healthy. When we perspire, our PH levels rise and can cause hair to become dry, frizzy, brittle and easy to break. Pull those tresses into topknots, buns, or ponytails to keep your extensions off your neck and as dry as possible. You may also choose to wrap your locks to keep them dry. If so, keep hair in place with two separate wraps or scarves: one made of breathable mesh or satin, topped by a simple cotton bandanna that absorbs and wicks away sweat. Whatever method you choose, never pull your hair too tight and avoid tugging at your bonds. Pulling or tugging at your hair can compromise bonds or tapes and affect the longevity and performance of your extensions. Aim for a looser style that will keep hair up and off the neck without pulling at the attachment site. Keeping hair tied a little looser will also let your hair breathe, allowing sweat to evaporate rather than being absorbed. Protect Your Bonds… Post Workout Care After your workout, care must be taken to restore your hair’s PH levels and keep your extensions looking healthy and beautiful. It’s really important to gently wash your extensions with the recommended shampoo and conditioner to remove any perspiration (and chlorine if you’re a swimmer). After washing, we recommend using Great Lengths’ Anti-Tap Solution to further help restore the PH and protect your bonds. The solution can be pre-made and popped into your gym bag for a hair fix on the go. As always, be sure to dry the bonds or tapes immediately, the rest of your hair can be left to air-dry. With the right precaution and care, your extensions should never get in the way of a healthy, active lifestyle. Certified Trainer and Wellness Coach, Nathalie Ferr is living proof. Check out what she had to say about her Great Lengths. PHOTO PROPERTY OF NATHALIA FERR ✨ “My Great Lengths hold up nicely and always look shiny and super fresh. What I love the most is the fact that I can have them down and in an instant pick them up into a ponytail without having to worry about how they look. The keratin bonds blend perfectly with my hair which helps me have that perfect pony.” ✨ “ I do make sure to take extra good care of them by using a Great Lengths brush, only washing twice a week (which means I do love a good dry shampoo… yes, totally OK to use them with the extensions!) and more importantly I am very mindful as to what products I put in my hair.” ✨ “If you are like me and have an active lifestyle and have been considering getting extensions I can guarantee you they will not get in the way of your fit life. They’ll add the effortless glam that you’re looking for. IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS ABOUT EXERCISING WITH YOUR EXTENSIONS, YOU CAN ALWAYS ASK ONE OF OUR CERTIFIED GREAT LENGTHS EXPERTS! TO THE FIND THE SALON NEAREST TO YOU.
Jo-anny is a Montréal stylist and co-owner of Le Lowkey, a brand-new salon. Jo-anny and fellow co-owner, Sabrina created Le Lowkey to share their passion in an intimate environment they could call home. We caught up with Jo-anny to talk about this exciting time. Tell us a bit about you and your career! How did you get your start, and what led you to your role as co-owner of Le Lowkey? My passion for hairstyling started quite young. I have hairstylists in my family and as a kid I would ask them how the colouring process worked, and they would let me practice on training heads. As a teenager, I began to experiment a lot with colour on my own hair, as well as on friends. At 16 years old, when it came time to get my first job, I was hired as an assistant in a hair salon. I did my certificate program at 18 and as soon as I graduated I was hired as a hairstylist. Opening a salon wasn’t really in my initial plan, but after investing 6 years in other companies I decided it was time to invest in me! Tell us about Le Lowkey! Sabrina and I opened Le Lowkey on a bit of a whim! The people around us believed in the idea before we did. With their support, we went for it and Le Lowkey was born! Le Lowkey is a perfect mix of impulse and a fully developed mature idea that will continue to evolve with us; reflecting who we are and the style we embrace. How long have you been working with Great Lengths; what was your inspiration to join the GL network? I started working with Great Lengths about 2 years ago. My bosses at the time wanted someone to do extensions at the salon. I was already familiar with the different extension techniques and felt passionate about this aspect of the job, so I completed the Great Lengths training and fell in love. I love Great Lengths; the company, the quality of the extensions and the natural effect they provide. How long have you been working with Great Lengths; what was your inspiration to join the GL network? I’ve been working with Great Lengths for about 4 years now. I fell in love with the product and the extraordinarily natural results I was able to achieve with them. I love that with Great Lengths you can always match hair’s natural texture. You can never tell that my clients have extensions when they leave my chair! What impact has being a Great Lengths Artist had on you and your business? It has been a great opportunity, both for the salon and for me individually. Great Lengths offers the guaranteed quality that customers are looking for. When they search best hair extensions in Montreal, Great Lengths is the result. Because I’m a Great Lengths Certified stylist my name is attached to that. This allows me to do what I’m passionate about while providing quality results for my clients. What do you love about Great Lengths? I love the customer service, the quality of the extensions and the vast selection of colours. But I especially love the transparency about the origin of the hair and the whole manufacturing process. What is your personal favourite hair trend right now? Why do you love it? My favourite trend right now is gold and warm tones! I have a large blonde clientele, and I find these tones bring a natural luminosity to the hair and a shine that could be easily lost in ashy tones. PHOTO BY LE LOWKEY What are your predictions for the top 5 hair trends for Summer 2019? My predictions for this summer’s hair trends are honey blonde (definitely), long bangs, and accessories will no doubt continue to steal the show! Working with the right products to enhance natural textures, and adopting more natural colours will be in as well. Do you have a style icon? Or a hair hero? I have always loved the styles of Lily Collins, Zendaya and Gigi Hadid. They inspire me regularly! If you could pick a celebrity, a public figure, anyone- whose hair would you love to work on? If I could style anybody it would be Beyoncé, without a doubt. Her colour and her extensions are perfect. Who, or what, do you look to for inspiration? My clients inspire me a lot! I am also inspired by the many incredible hair stylists that I meet and follow on social media. Le Lowkey’s Instagram launched with a number of creative photoshoots. Tell us about these. What was the inspiration behind doing so? Is this something you’ll continue to do as the salon grows? What is this process like? Sabrina and I organized one big photo shoot with the theme of through the years. For the shoot we created different looks inspired from the 70’s to the 2000’s, all with a modern spin. To bring it to life, we collaborated with people who inspire us and who represent us and our salon. We hope to do a new, uniquely inspired photoshoot with each new season. We already have our next photo project planned! Our creative process for our shoots is loose; inspiration stems from the season and what surrounds us. What we would like to do for our next photo shoot is going to be very different. I have a very precise idea of what I'm looking for! PHOTO BY LE LOWKEY What advice would you offer newly certified stylists to best take advantage of their GL skillset? The best advice I can give a new Great Lengths stylist would be simply: have fun! Take your time and always take before and after pictures! Do not be afraid to fuse colours for a more natural look. Most importantly, perfect the cut, take your time and look at the result in a ponytail. This is my trick to see where the hair is lacking a proper blend. Do you have any Great Lengths do's and don’ts? DO: See all the different colours in your client’s hair, be sure to use all the tones needed to have the perfect match. Keep your sections clean and always have a plan before you start the application! DON’T: Do not put too many hair extensions at the back or position them too low or too high. Never try to please a client in terms of price, by using fewer bundles than what you would suggest. You’re a professional so if she needs three bundles minimum, don’t compromise to do just two… it will not be pretty! What personality traits do you feel are most beneficial to your success? I think my artistic side and my beliefs have helped me get where I am today. I also think it’s very important that a hairstylist is a good listener, has the ability to be honest with clients and the desire to learn and excel; traits I am happy to have. What is your favourite part of being a stylist? My favourite part of being a stylist is having the power to transform someone's life in my own way. I love to have that impact. I also enjoy being a confidante and making people feel comfortable. Do you have a favourite mantra, a quote or a saying you like to keep in mind? I like to say that everything happens for a reason and take nothing for granted. (especially customers!) What are your goals and aspirations in the first year of Le Lowkey? In Le Lowkey’s first year, I’d like to learn how to manage a salon and my new schedule, and do it well! I’d like Le Lowkey to be a go-to spot for hair in Montreal and Quebec. Most importantly, I want to continue to make my clients happy and give them the best service possible. FOLLOW JO-ANNY AND LE LOWKEY ON INSTAGRAM. FIND LE LOWKEY ON FACEBOOK.
Salon Magazine’s Reader’s Choice Awards are the only awards celebrating professional hair, nail and beauty products across Canada. There are 25 different categories in which winners are selected, primarily, by the experts who work with these products and tools on a daily basis. From April 15 to April 29, 2019, Great Lengths stylists made their voices heard once again, voting Great Lengths as Best Hair Extension Brand, naming us a seven-time winner of this category. We’re honoured to be the extension brand of your choice and thank you for taking the time to vote! IF YOU ARE NOT YET CERTIFIED WITH GREAT LENGTHS, APPLY TO REGISTER TODAY AND BECOME PART OF OUR TALENTED NETWORK OF STYLISTS.
Company with certified management
