In episode 4 of The Great Lengths Girl podcast, Dee Gauthier, brushes up on (pun intended!) how to take care of your Great Lengths Hair Extensions so they can last to their fullest potential. HAVE A LISTEN! Be sure to also check out Dee’s Washing and Brushing tutorials.
A number of women experience hair loss, thinning hair, or fine hair. While it’s nothing to be ashamed of, it can definitely affect a woman’s confidence. Aaron O'Bryan from the Cellar Salon in Yorkville comes to the rescue! On Friday’s appearance on Marilyn Denis, Aaron gave three women makeovers to enhance their thinning hair, using First Lady and Great Lengths Products. Aaron gives Lisa, the third featured makeover, Great Lengths Tapes to help her with her “shrinking hair.” Lisa has a nice amount of hair on the top of her head, but experiences problems with breakage, and has trouble growing her hair. WHEN ASKED HOW SHE WAS FEELING AFTER HER MAKEOVER, SHE SAID SHE FELT “GRATEFUL, GRATEFUL, GRATEFUL, GRATEFUL, GRATEFUL… GRATEFUL! I FEEL LIKE I WON THE LOTTERY.” “The Royalty of Hair,” as Aaron calls them, Great Lengths Tapes, are not for hair loss, but instead are for fine hair, or hair that is lacking length and/or body. Lisa is a swimmer and her GL Tapes will fit nicely into her lifestyle; while swimming she’ll either tie her hair up or tuck her hair into a swim cap. With her GL Tapes, Lisa is set for approximately 8 weeks, at which point Aaron will remove, and reapply her Tapes up to three more times, depending on how well she cares for them Before and after GL Tapes
Fashion shows exemplify the role of the catwalk in creating innovative and lust-worthy hairstyle trends for the upcoming seasons, while demonstrating how hair itself can be a canvas for creativity, imagination, and experimentation. They offer endless hair-spiration, especially for Fall. Fall is a season for dynamic renewal, for experimentation and fresh approaches to conventional looks. Embrace the transitioning season and try something new! We’ve taken a good look at the Fall 2018 hairstyle trends that rocked the runways and chose five to inspire you as the new season begins. Headbands & hair accessories Headbands, bobby pins, head pieces and hair adornments; hair accessories of all kinds will all be big for Fall, embracing the theme of individualism. Headbands in particular are on trend. Seen on the runway for Tom Ford, Dolce & Gabbana and more, a headband can add style and warmth to a fall ensemble. Ranging from heavily ‘90s inspired, to princess-y with sparkling embellishments, you can use an accessory to pull the hair back or let your locks loose. Prabal Gurung, Tom Ford For a look with a bit of a punk vibe, Tom Ford models wore thick leather headbands tied around their heads. The stretch zig-zag headbands of yesterday also made an appearance as a fall 2018 hair accessory trend, thanks to Prabal Gurung. Anyone who has worn them may remember that they stretched really well and looked great on most hair types. Also spotted: banana clips. Past trends turned runway chic will definitely please your inner 90’s child! Another look that’s easy to incorporate into many hair types and styles are classic bobby pins used in creative ways. Curtain fringe & variations Bangs of all variations have been big in 2018 thus far, and they’ll continue to be in style for Fall. Championed and iconized by Brigitte Bardot, this bang style has been worn by countless women since, especially this year. Pinterest searches for “curtain bangs” rose 600 percent earlier in the year, and continue to be popular as the cooler months arrive. The long, tapered look works for every texture and length; proportions can be played with to create facial contours, symmetry, and angles. Worn soft, long and side-swept; the piecey and textured bangs are easy to style and versatile to wear – to the side, split down the middle, or flying whichever way they please. However they fall, they're bound to look perfectly tousled. Curtain fringe are subject to endless variations. Variations seen on the runways of various Fall fashion shows included center-parted at Jason Wu, and side-swept at Fendi. Fendi, Jason Wu, Ashley Williams Slicked back hair & Sleek ponytails Slick hair and sleek ponytails create a look of decisiveness and confidence. One of the best examples of this hairstyle trend for Fall 2018 was the vixen-esque slicked back, center-parted hair on the runway at the Brandon Maxwell show. At Alexander McQueen, ponytails were tightly slicked for a daring and provocative look. The slicked back look is a little easier to incorporate off the runway than its cousin trend, ‘wet hair’. The hyper-sleek style doesn’t flatter all face shapes or aesthetics, but when it does work, it works well. The sleek ponytail style is simple but glamorous; glossy, straight strands are understated and elegant. Both looks feature sharp lines that are sleek and chic. For a finish that’s smooth and not greasy, use a hair mousse rather than gel. This look is popular off the runway as well, and has been spotted on many celebrities. Think Jennifer Lopez at the 2018 Met Gala. Messy buns & top knots Who doesn’t love a messy bun? This simple and quick go-to look was spotted all over Fall 2018 fashion shows. Chanel sent models down the runway sporting them, as did Tom Ford. If anyone was going to make the messy bun feel luxurious - aside from Meghan Markle perhaps - it was going to be Chanel. Designers made this casual style look ultra-chic. Chanel The messy bun is more fun than its straight-laced cousins for a couple of reasons. Its appeal lies in its ease: just grab a hair tie and let the magic happen. You’ll create an air of effortless, imperfect, perfection. This Fall, you can go classic with the straightforward messy bun or top-knot, or you can get a little creative with the approach. Find inspiration in Chanel’s high messy bun paired with neat, slicked back hair ascending into a messy top knot, for an interesting approach with a beautiful contrast; or look to the styling at Carolina Herrera, where messy buns got a complex makeover with a detailed pin-up configuration and strategic tangles. Intricate braids & Braided up-dos Braids have a romantic, ethereal, storybook appeal. There is something timelessly feminine and alluring about them; they are pretty much ALWAYS on trend, and that’s no different for Fall 2018. Braids add texture to the hair without being overwhelming. Never confined to any one region, braids look great from the nape to the crown, making them the perfect choice for many. Ranging in complexity from the super simple to the challenging, braids are not restricted to any one silhouette this season. You’ll see looks ranging from edgy, rock and roll to dainty, ballerina braided tiaras. Braids spotted on the runway included face-framing duo braids, braided chignons, delicate and romantic braids, dominatrix-inspired ultra-long braids, futuristic braids, and tiny French braids; the variety was endless; making them something anyone can work into their look this fall.
Fall is a busy time at Great Lengths. We’re introducing new colours, new products, and new stylists. Read on for details on all the latest updates. NEW COLOURS You asked for it, you got it! We are pleased to introduce seven new shades of Great Lengths. These new shades include beautifully blended blonde and brown tones, captivating coppers and rich, cool reds, highlighted charcoal gray, and the avant-garde fashion strands, “mother-of-pearl”. Mother-of-pearl has an enchanting brilliance, in line with latest trends. It integrates pastel shades of silver-grey and pink for bright hair that shines with unpredictable glimmers. 36, 60, 85, 86, 70, 99 « Mother of Pearl » In addition to these seven new shades, Great Lengths has also recently updated some of their existing red and copper tones. These revamped colours are more blended, bright and vibrant, giving them a more modern look. The latest trends in coppers and reds! 32, 35, 71, 72, 73, 74 « Mother of Pearl » The GL Hair Caddy The perfect companion for GL Tapes; the GL Hair Caddy will ease the reinstallation process. The caddy holds the client’s extensions in their specific return order. It also makes washing, drying and styling the GL Tapes a seamless task, saving busy stylists a great deal of valuable time. A very welcome addition to the Great Lengths line of products! NEW STYLISTS WELCOME NEW ARTISTS! WE’D LIKE TO EXTEND A VERY WARM WELCOME TO OUR RECENTLY CERTIFIED STYLISTS. WELCOME TO THE GREAT LENGTHS NETWORK, WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE WHAT YOU DO! Angel Crawford - Ultimate Image Hair Studio (Whitby, ON) Lisa Tuff - Lune Beauty Boutique (Toronto, ON) Jmaila Almoradi - Salvatore Leoretti Salon (Toronto, ON) Paulina Truong - Blue Gemini Hair Studio (Edmonton, AB) Jennifer Johnston - Blue Gemini Hair Studio (Edmonton, AB) Vanessa Kenge - Ari & Blair Salon (Calgary, AB) Jamie Munn - Ari & Blair Salon (Calgary, AB) Tianna Anderson - Ari & Blair Salon (Calgary, AB) Janeen Jackson - Ari & Blair Salon (Calgary, AB) Erika Stadig - Ari & Blair Salon (Calgary, AB) Brittany Beuk - Ari & Blair Salon (Calgary, AB) Catia Correia - Le Artof Salon Inc. (Montreal, QC) Alexandre Messier - Le Artof Salon Inc. (Montreal, QC) Annabelle Berger - Lo Atelier De Coiffure (Montreal, QC) Léa Christine Hébert - Lo Atelier De Coiffure (Montreal, QC) Rosa Pupo - Au Barbershop (Montreal, QC) Deborah Matossi - Au Barbershop (Montreal, QC) Klaudia Grishaj - K & M Barbershop Inc. (Etobicoke, ON) Anna Kate - Nuva Beaute & Spa (Laval, QC) Alexis Bengio - Nuva Beaute & Spa (Laval, QC) John Cicione - O’Lab Salon (Montreal, QC) Steven Heins - Orbit Coupe Beaute (Montreal, QC) Brian Diaz - Salon Brian Diaz (Montreal, QC) Jordan Saab - Saab Salon (Ottawa, ON) Vanessa Lameiras - Saab Salon (Ottawa, ON) Sarah Steele - Spot Light Hair & Spa (Richmond, ON) Kelsey Biron - Spot Light Hair & Spa (Richmond, ON) Rebecca Facchin - Spot Light Hair & Spa (Richmond, ON) Shauna Kirkham - Spot Light Hair & Spa (Richmond, ON) Kayla Nugent - The Colour Palette (St. John’s, NL) Jessica Pynn - The Colour Palette (St. John’s, NL) Patricia Sullivan - Red Ruby Salon (Vancouver, BC) Tracy Dishart - Red Ruby Salon (Vancouver, BC) April Wiper - Fringe Hair Spa (Ilderton, ON) Kelly Lockhart - Fringe Hair Spa (Ilderton, ON) Beata Sutton - Three Small Rooms (Barrie, ON) Halley McGarey - Three Small Rooms (Barrie, ON) Angela Blake - Three Small Rooms (Barrie, ON) Nicole Bell - Three Small Rooms (Barrie, ON) Mary Anne Costa - The Lounge Salon (Oakville, ON) Melissa Hellman - Salon Goulart (Toronto, ON) Stephanie Starczak - Salon Goulart (Toronto, ON) Christina Abreu - Victoria Radford Salon (Toronto, ON) Saira Remtulla - Victoria Radford Salon (Toronto, ON) Samantha Donaldson - Chatters Salon (London, ON) Alex Lamborti - Chatters Salon (Owen Sound, ON) Stephanie Crane - Mane Attraction Hair Studio (Brampton, ON) Krysten Melo - Mane Attraction Hair Studio (Brampton, ON) Adrianna Gilhespy - Cherish Hair Design (Sherwood Park, AB) Tiara Noname - Cherish Hair Design (Sherwood Park, AB) Janice Adshade - Jerome Hair Salon (Calgary, AB) EDUCATION UPDATES & REFRESHERS Certified Great Lengths artists are welcome to join any scheduled Great Lengths Education Seminar (provided there is space available in the class) to update and refresh their hair extension skills. The educational format continues to expand and evolve and a refresher is a great way to keep up with current trends and offerings. Any Great Lengths certified professional who wishes to attend a seminar for the purposes of updating their skills or re-training, may do so free of charge. Training materials at minimal cost must be purchased beforehand. Please contact the Great Lengths office to confirm a space. TOLL FREE: 1-800-461-9302 PHONE: 905-625-3838 FAX: 905-206-5505 / 905-206-5506 Oct 14-15 - Quebec, QC Oct 14-15 - Vancouver, BC Oct 14-15 - Moncton, NB Oct 21-22- Toronto, ON Oct 21-22 - Calgary, AB Oct 21-22 - Ottawa, ON Oct 28-29 - Edmonton, AB Oct 28-29 - Halifax, NS Nov 4-5 - St-John’s, NL Nov 4-5 - Victoria, BC Nov 18-19 - Toronto, ON Nov 18-19 - Winnipeg, MB Nov 25-26 - Ottawa, ON Nov 25-26 - Vancouver, BC Nov 25-26 - Moncton, NB Dec 2-3 - Calgary, AB Dec 2-3 - Edmonton, AB Dec 2-3 - Saskatoon, SK Dec 9-10 - Toronto, ON Dec 9-10 - Ottawa, ON Dec 9-10 - Halifax, NS
Francesca Roussos-Vultao is a 15 year salon industry veteran. She is a L’Oreal Master Hairstylist, a Great Lengths specialist, a special FX and event styling artist, and co-owner of the Brush House (which recently celebrated its first anniversary!). On top of her busy career, Francesca is a mom of two girls. She works hard to maintain her position as role model to her daughters, to build relationships with her clients, and to create a positive attitude and energy in her salon. TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR CAREER! I have been in the beauty industry since I was 14 years old. I started my career helping out in a salon until I became an assistant, and eventually a hair stylist. Throughout the development of my career, I always had a passion for business. For as long as I can remember, my goal was to own my own salon and be my own boss. It has taken dedication, commitment, and a strong work ethic; I’ve worked long hours and made a lot of sacrifices to get where I am today, never taking no for an answer - success was my only option. Fun fact about me, work aside, I consider myself to be super sporty; I have played recreational hockey and soccer for most of my life. CONGRATULATIONS ON CELEBRATING THE BRUSH HOUSE’S ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY! WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST LESSON LEARNED IN YOUR FIRST YEAR? Thank you! I am so excited to be celebrating my one year anniversary. It has been quite the ride, and I have been enjoying every minute of it. Like anything else, starting something new can be very overwhelming. It has been a lot of late nights and large cups of coffee! When creating a salon from the ground up you can encounter several hiccups; everything has been a learning experience, from design to construction. My takeaway from all of this is: nothing is perfect and you shouldn't sweat the small stuff, because when you finally create your perfect space to work in every day, you feel so lucky to be doing what you love in a space you love. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING WITH GREAT LENGTHS, WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION TO JOIN THE GL NETWORK? I have been working with Great Lengths for over 10 years now! My clients were my inspiration to join. I love the look on their faces when they see the results, whether it is a dramatic change or something simple. I love watching someone’s self-esteem grow; someone who may be sick with a condition, who is looking for hair support, or who just wants to feel beautiful. Helping them achieve that with the help of Great Lengths is why I got into this industry to begin with. WHAT IMPACT HAS BEING A GREAT LENGTHS ARTIST HAD ON YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS? Great Lengths has had a big impact on me and my business. There are so many options for my clients! I’ve worked hard to build strong relationships with clients, and they know that I would never promote something that I don't love and wouldn't use on myself. If they are feeling defeated with their hair, I’m able to provide them with the option of length, volume and/or color, and that makes it possible to watch them walk away happy. Great Lengths allows me to stand out from other extension artists, they provide the extensive training and tools to be successful in my career. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT GREAT LENGTHS? I love how it is an add-on service! I love the quality, longevity, and versatility; that they are light weight, and not to mention the bond itself is fantastic. Great Lengths exceed expectations and leave my clients extremely content. What I love most of all is watching a client walk away feeling beautiful and with more confidence than when they walked in the door. IN ADDITION TO CO-OWNING THE BRUSH HOUSE, YOU’RE A MOM EXPECTING BABY NUMBER TWO SOON- HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO DO IT ALL? DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE OR TIME MANAGEMENT TIPS FOR THOSE TRYING TO JUGGLE A NUMBER OF THINGS ON THE GO? I live by work-life balance. It’s important to me to be a role model for my girls, and set an example of a strong, successful, career-driven woman, who can balance being present for her family and still run a successful business. Every day is planned and organized the day before. My husband and I work together to ensure that our schedules reflect what is going on at home, to make sure we’re not missing out on anything. At times it can still be challenging, and there are always unexpected events that arise. The key is to remember to ask for help, and remind yourself that you are doing the best you can. WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL FAVOURITE HAIR TREND RIGHT NOW? My personal favourite is anything natural, I am not too keen on anything overdone. Having said that, I am extremely open to exploring anything that will satisfy my client. DO YOU HAVE ANY COLOUR OR STYLE PREDICTIONS FOR FALL 2018? This Fall, people are going to look to celebrities for the latest trends; using them as inspiration for a new style, and trying to beat them to the punch. I predict Fall will be full of mocha tones, stylish fringe and added layers to change up that summer look. Fall 2018 is the time to make and use your hair as your greatest accessory! DO YOU HAVE A STYLE ICON? OR A HAIR HERO? I have several people that I look up too, but they all share common qualities; they enjoy life and have a sense of humor while still striving to reach their goals and stay focused on what’s important. IF YOU COULD PICK A CELEBRITY, A PUBLIC FIGURE, ANYONE AT ALL - WHOSE HAIR WOULD YOU LOVE TO WORK ON? I don’t have a particular person in mind; however, I love working on anyone who normally does not pay attention to themselves or their hair; someone that needs a little help stepping outside of their comfort zone. With these types of clients, I feel like I’m giving them the tools to be the best they can be, and helping them to be a better version of themselves. WHAT OR WHO DO YOU LOOK TO FOR INSPIRATION? I like to stay in the know when it comes to social media. I am constantly looking at hair trends, styles, and fashion. Seeing different looks on different people, coupled with my experience, helps me make great suggestions to my clients that I know they will love. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER NEWLY CERTIFIED STYLISTS TO BEST TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR GL SKILLSET? Always stay educated. Life can get extremely busy, but it’s very important to make time for learning. You won’t regret it. And, make sure your clients know the possibilities that Great Lengths offers - the sky is the limit! DO YOU HAVE ANY GREAT LENGTHS DO'S AND DON’TS? DO: Stay up to date with the latest trends, and what they have to offer. Always have a proper consultation to assess your clients, their hair, and their needs. DON’T: Rush your applications. Always stay neat, and organized, and make sure that you are walking your clients through your step-by-step process. WHAT PERSONALITY TRAITS DO YOU FEEL ARE MOST BENEFICIAL TO YOUR SUCCESS? I am extremely personable, and that makes it easy for clients to connect with me. I work on building trust with each and every client, letting them know that they can feel safe in my chair. Most importantly, I LISTEN to their needs to determine what it takes to achieve what they are looking for. I am a firm believer in positive energy, and I always make sure that my energy shines through. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF BEING A STYLIST? My favorite thing about being a stylist is getting to know my clients and building not only professional relationships, but friendships. I love helping and knowing that each person is leaving better and more vibrant than when they walked in. DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE MANTRA, A QUOTE OR A SAYING YOU LIKE TO KEEP IN MIND? “Believe and Achieve” WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AND ASPIRATIONS MOVING FORWARD? I would like to maintain my success, and I look forward to the future growth of my business. FOLLOW FRANCESCA ON INSTAGRAM. CHECK OUT THE BRUSHHOUSE ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM.
A wedding isn’t just any day, it’s the day, a day that some have been planning their whole life. One of the fundamental (and most exciting) aspects of planning a wedding is gathering inspiration for that big day. What dress, shoes, venue, flowers and hair will create the ideal mood, atmosphere and look to celebrate your special day? After saying “Yes” to the dress, hair is easily the most important aspect of a bride feeling beautiful, comfortable and most like themselves - the best version of themselves. So what happens when a bride’s hair is too thin to achieve her ideal style, or she’s too short on time to grow the length she needs? Great Lengths comes to the rescue. This summer, the Great Lengths Canada team helped Bride-to-be, Chelsea, achieve the long, luscious locks she had always wanted for her June wedding. Using just two bundles, Great Lengths Canada educator, Dee Gauthier, gave Chelsea the enviable volume and longer locks needed to achieve the style she wanted on her wedding day. Before Great Lengths, Chelsea’s hair was very fine and thin. Because of this, her hair would not hold curls, even when styled at a professional salon. On her wedding day she wanted her hair to feel as effortless and beautiful as she’d always hoped. “I wanted to make sure whatever hairstyle I chose for my wedding would last all day and all night, but I was very nervous about achieving this due to the state of my natural hair. And I really wanted my hair to be fuller and longer so I’d able to achieve the dream hairstyle I wanted for my wedding day.” The bridal transformation began with an in-person consultation with Dee to determine the appropriate course of action to achieve her desired look; number of bundles, colours needed, and length. “We discussed a number of things including how long I wanted my hair to be, how thick I wanted it to be, and what colour I wanted. We talked about different options regarding colour to achieve a textured look and then Dee examined the shape and size of my head to determine how many bundles of hair to order. I wanted the colour to be a very dark brown, almost black colour with some very subtle medium brown highlights which Dee was able to incorporate into the extensions.” On the day of the application, Dee worked her magic with two bundles of 20” extensions in the colour 1B. Before applying the extensions, Dee washed, cut, dried, and styled Chelsea’s hair. After the application, Dee again cut and styled Chelsea’s hair so the extensions and natural hair blended beautifully. Prior to her Great Lengths, Chelsea had never even worn clip-in extensions, so the process was completely new to her, and she was pleasantly surprised with the experience. “The application process was actually a lot faster than I thought! Dee was so quick and efficient that she was able to complete the entire application in just a few hours.” Chelsea’s wedding took place in Toronto on June 2, 2018 – a beautiful, sunny day. With a ceremony and cocktail hour that took place in the outside courtyard of the Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex, and a reception that took place inside in the Artifacts room, the wedding had a beautiful, romantic vibe, emphasized by the many white orchids, candles and hints of purple throughout. Her bridal hairstyle was equally beautiful and romantic; long, flowing and curly with volume. She wore her hair half up, half down, with a lot of height in the front, and she couldn’t have been happier. “It is thanks to my Great Lengths extensions that my hair looked the best it has ever looked, on the most important day of my life. It was mainly because of my hair that I felt as beautiful and confident on my wedding day as I did.” Long, curly hair is so desirable for the modern-day bride, as it gives an essence of effortless simplicity, while looking voluminous and styled. Great Lengths can help a Bride achieve just that. When asked if she would recommend Great Lengths to other Brides, Chelsea gave an enthusiastic “Yes!” “I would 100% recommend Great Lengths extensions for brides looking to achieve their dream hairstyle on their wedding day. I had such a good experience and I could not be happier that I decided to get them for my wedding day. I was expecting my hair to be longer and thicker after, but I was not expecting the entire process to be so smooth, and for the extensions to last as long and as well as they have.” It’s now been a few months since Chelsea and Stephen said, “I do”, and as for her Great Lengths: “They don't feel any different than the day I had them put in! They just feel like an extension of my natural hair. As an added bonus, I find I am able to go for longer periods of time without washing my hair- my hair does not get greasy nearly as fast! Great Lengths hair extensions are available in over 60 different colours to seamlessly match any natural hair. They are perfect for adding volume and length to help create a bride’s dream hair, and because they incorporate into the hair so naturally, strand by strand, they give the freedom to style hair in any way desired. A wedding is a bride’s day to shine, and a hairstylist’s opportunity to help make that happen. Through consultation, our Great Lengths stylists can help any bride make her dream hair a reality on the big day.
Dawn Bradley is an accomplished stylist, educator, blogger, a mental health advocate and as of January, the host of her own podcast, The Anxious Creative, where she discusses everything and anything; hair, business, mental health and more. Dawn has lived, worked and trained all over the globe, and can now be found in Calgary, Alberta, where she focuses on creating relaxing experiences and beautiful results. TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR CAREER! I got my start with hair in my Grade 10 Cosmetology class, thinking it would be easy as I always enjoyed playing with my own hair. Immediately after high school, I went to hair school. I didn't have an interest in anything else and figured I could cut my friend's and family's hair. From there everything kind of snowballed! I moved to the UK in 2005 where I worked for the AVEDA Institute. I worked in Sydney, Australia, where I worked under the winner of the Australian Hairstylist of the year, and in 2010, I made the shift to self-employment and opened my own salon. In 2014, I moved to Calgary and made a complete restart, solely using social media. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING WITH GREAT LENGTHS, WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION TO JOIN THE GL NETWORK? I've been with Great Lengths since 2012. I had always known they were the best in the biz and wanted to work exclusively with them. WHAT IMPACT HAS BEING A GREAT LENGTHS ARTIST HAD ON YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS? Great Lengths has had a huge impact! As a fine haired gal myself, it was a game changer and being able to offer my clients solutions to their lack of hair growth and volume is very rewarding. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT GREAT LENGTHS? I love how natural they look; that they don't look like you are wearing extensions, and that they feel like your own hair. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER NEWLY CERTIFIED STYLISTS TO BEST TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR GL SKILLSET? Just as a good camera won't make you a good photographer, or a good oven won't make you a chef, it’s super important to use your skills and to keep adapting and learning with Great Lengths. The course will give you the foundation, but remember to practice, practice, practice. DO YOU HAVE ANY GREAT LENGTHS DO'S AND DON’TS? Don't order hair without first taking a deposit! Do: When colour matching I like to take just a small piece of the swatch, the size of a bond, and put it against the hair, rather than using the entire swatch. Using a small piece of the swatch makes it easy to see how extensions will blend into the client’s natural hair. ON TOP OF BEING A STYLIST, YOU ALSO MAINTAIN A REGULAR BLOG, TEACH CLASSES AND HOST A PODCAST- HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO DO IT ALL? DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE OR TIME MANAGEMENT TIPS FOR THOSE TRYING TO JUGGLE A NUMBER OF THINGS ON THE GO? I don’t manage it very well, haha! I have learned I need to hire out and pace myself. I definitely tend to bite off more than I can chew sometimes, because I get so excited about sharing with people. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE YOUR PODCAST, THE ANXIOUS CREATIVE? As someone who has struggled with mental health since my teens, I've found that there are so many “creatives” out there that silently struggle as well. I wanted to create a space where people can feel understood, valued, and take something away from it. YOU OFTEN DISCUSS MENTAL HEALTH AND ANXIETY. WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT TO YOU, AND DO YOU HAVE ANY GO-TO TECHNIQUES FOR DEALING WITH ANXIETY? Similar to why I started the podcast, mental health is something people are often scared to share and so they silently struggle. I figure if I can be open about my personal struggle, it may encourage others to push through and to be gentle on themselves. Community is big for me. I want to create a safe space, be it online or in my salon, where people can express themselves and be 100% real. My go-to technique for dealing with anxiety is slowing down. I’ve realized that I can't do as much as I want to, as quickly as I want to, and that practicing self-care will help me to achieve my goals quicker than overworking myself and burning out. WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL FAVOURITE HAIR TREND RIGHT NOW? I love low maintenance, natural looking hair. Something that draws the eye to the person wearing the hair. DO YOU HAVE ANY COLOUR OR STYLE PREDICTIONS FOR SPRING 2018? I think balayage and hair painting are here to stay for a while longer! DO YOU HAVE A STYLE ICON? OR A HAIR HERO? I don't really have a style icon! With social media the way it is, I really admire many people for different reasons. WHAT OR WHO DO YOU LOOK TO FOR INSPIRATION? I gain inspiration from conversations I have with others, hearing how they speak and what they feel and how they express themselves is very inspirational for me. I also find inspiration in getting out into nature, turning off my phone, and being still. It's amazing what can happen when we do! WHAT PERSONALITY TRAITS DO YOU FEEL ARE MOST BENEFICIAL TO YOUR SUCCESS? My ability to hear beyond the words of what someone is saying. To hear what's behind it. Often times, people project internal things onto their hair and once I am able to figure out what that might be; I can help them love their hair and themselves a bit more. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF BEING A STYLIST? Connecting with other women and helping them better understand their worth and value. Hair is just the medium that I use to connect. DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE MANTRA, A QUOTE OR A SAYING YOU LIKE TO KEEP IN MIND? “What other people think of me is none of my business. This has helped me a lot with my anxiety. I can't control what others think, so why concern myself with it? WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AND ASPIRATIONS MOVING FORWARD? I’d really love to have more freedom with my time. I don't want to stop doing hair, but having the ability to have a more flexible schedule is definitely something I’d like to work towards. CHECK OUT DAWN ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM, AND BE SURE TO CHECK OUT HER PODCAST, THE ANXIOUS CREATIVE.
We love weddings! A wedding is a bride’s day to shine, and a hairstylist’s opportunity to help make that happen. Great Lengths extensions are an incredible solution for brides-to-be, whether the goal is length, colour, sparkle, or volume. Great Lengths has got you covered! Great Lengths are a go-to to make bridal dream hair a reality. For many brides, picking a bridal hairstyle can be tough. You want to feel beautiful, be comfortable and pair elegance with what makes you – you. The options are endless. We’ve asked Leah Robertson and Marianne Savage, a couple of our very talented Great Lengths stylists, to create a look they love for the 2018 bride, and they did not disappoint! In creating their styles, Leah and Marianne both embraced a fresh, sophisticated elegance. Fresh colour, fresh hair, and the fresh air of summer; summer wedding styles for 2018 encompass all that is fresh. TAKE A LOOK AT OUR 2018 GL BRIDAL STYLES BELOW! In creating her Bridal Style, Great Lengths Educator and Artist, Leah Robertson (Lengthy Locks Ltd), was inspired by elegant simplicity, and the natural and fresh take on beauty sported by Meghan Markle at the Royal Wedding. Leah used three of Great Lengths red shades to help give the hair dimension and luster. The 5 bundles (all half bonds) of cold fusion extensions, made the hair thick, full and easy to work with. With attachment sites that are almost invisible, Leah was able to create this style very easily while working with and around the bonds. WANT TO CREATE THIS LOOK? HERE’S HOW LEAH ACHIEVED IT! Start with freshly washed and dried hair. Treat the hair with Great Lengths Argan Oil and Heat Protection Spray. Section out the front strip of hair along the hairline, leaving some pieces to curl later. Start with the very simple Twist Braid. Begin with two sections that cross over each other. Each time they cross you’ll grab a section of hair in both pieces and cross again. Be sure to cross away from the forehead and towards the back. Secure with a tiny black elastic. If your client has extensions 16 inches or longer, you’ll be able to use the tail of the twist braid back up around the top of the hair next to the twist you just created. Secure with bobby pins. Now you have two twists side by side. Next, section the hair and start an outward three-strand braid on the opposite side of the twist braid. Once complete, tuck the left over hair under where it’s hidden. Gently pull out pieces of both braids for a fuller look that spreads over the top of the hair. Back comb the left over hair and spray it with flexible hairspray. To achieve this particular curl pattern look, use a narrowing wand, then brush through the curls with your fingers. Finish off the look with the accessory of your choice. For a regal elegance mixed with an earthy charm, Leah added a lovely burnt yellow wreath branch that accentuates the braid and delicate twists in her hair. Marianne Savage at Burlington Beauty Bar created a number of romantic looks that we can’t get enough of. These effortless, stunning styles will have any bride feeling like the best version of herself as she heads down the aisle. This first look by Marianne is pure perfection. This half-up style uses a polished version of boho waves. The twist and subtle sparkle she incorporated add a wow-factor, while the full, loose, wavy locks bring in softness and glamour. A pretty spin on the classic half-up half-down bridal hairstyle, this look is versatile and easy to create on your own For Marianne’s second style she transformed the classic pony with a touch of elegance and sophistication, for an end-look that is right on trend; a clean, sophisticated take on the popular bubble pony. The accessories used to section off the pony can be personalized to really make the look your own Long, low, side-swept and oh so pretty. The romantic side swept look creates a timeless and beautiful bridal hairstyle that works well with any neckline. This third style by Marianne is a great choice for brides wanting their hair down, but still out of their face on the big day! DID YOU KNOW: 67% of weddings take place between June & September, with August being the most popular month. Summer season = wedding season. IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT GREAT LENGTHS, USE OUR SALON FINDER TO FIND A SALON NEAR YOU. THROUGH CONSULTATION, OUR STYLISTS CAN HELP ANY BRIDE MAKE HER DREAM HAIR A REALITY ON THE BIG DAY.
By now, we’re sure you’ve heard mention of GL Tapes and Tapes Plus. Great Lengths tape-in extensions are making quite an impression with stylists and clients alike! Along with the potential to re-tape and re-use, GL Tapes have a lower application price point and shorter application time, allowing stylists to introduce extension services to a broader client base. GL Tapes are a truly valuable addition to the Great Lengths line, with no compromise on the quality of hair used or the resiliency of the application. DON’T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT THOUGH! WE’VE CHECKED IN WITH A COUPLE OF OUR TALENTED STYLISTS WHO HAVE PUT GL TAPES TO USE WITH BEAUTIFUL RESULTS. Maryanne Costa chose to offer GL Tapes because her clients wanted more use out of their extensions, and she loves being able to offer them that option. “My clients are loving them! My current fusion clients are so in with love the feeling of the Great Length bonds that they are unlikely to switch, but my new tape-in clients have been super impressed with how seamless and comfortable they are, and they’re really excited to get more longevity from their extensions. GL Tapes allow me to create the same fullness and length I achieve with the fusion bonds; the added option to re-use them up to 3 times in a 9 month period is a bonus! I highly recommend them to other clients or stylists This client's first application of GL Tapes. Second application of her GL Tapes. On the application and removal process, Maryanne had the following insights: “They are easy to install, but be sure to map out your sectioning! You can customize the tapes into half tapes to help blend even thinner hair. The removal process is easy as well - apply the removal solution and the tape dissolves and comes right off the hair with zero damage. Reapplying includes washing them with the Great Lengths Clean Remover Shampoo, drying them overnight and applying new tape.” Be sure to follow Maryanne on Instagram and check her Facebook page for more Francesca Salon and Spa, where you can find stylist Ariana Daniela, has offered Great Lengths Fusion for many years now, and Ariana has found GL Tapes have been just as well received. “Everyone knows the Great Lengths reputation, and with GL Tapes there’s no compromise in the quality of the hair. While we still have our regular bond clients, tape-ins have really taken off. It is a quick and easy service, suitable for today’s busy, trendy, modern woman. The tapes allow me more versatility in fulfilling clients’ extension needs. No two clients are the same! Because of the GL reputation, and results they’re already familiar with, some extension clients that didn’t have any prior interest in tapes are easily sold on them.” Before And After GL Tapes by Ariana Before And After GL Tapes by Ariana Before And After GL Tapes by Ariana Having had experience with other tape-in extensions, including the original GL Apps, she has been impressed with the GL difference. “As soon as I saw the new tapes, I knew they would be amazing! There are a few important considerations with a “tape-in extension”, and they got it! I love that the base/tape is so small and flexible, but still allows for a secure hold, and also an easy removal. I have gotten nothing but great feedback time and time again, whether it be a new set or a re-taping. I cannot say how many times a client has told me how happy they are and that I’ve ‘changed their life’ – hearing that means a lot.” For those interested in giving GL Tapes a try, Ariana suggests the following: “My advice to any stylist not yet experienced in the tapes is: placement is key! The application is an art, it has to be well-planned. If you are strategic the client will leave with light, perfectly blended, natural-feeling extensions! If you’re a client looking to invest in a great set of hair extensions - it’s Great Lengths! Worth every penny! Just make sure your extensions are always applied and removed by a GL professional!” Check out more of Ariana’s work on Instagram, and at Francesca Salon and Spa. GL Tapes and GL Tapes Plus (with hidden tape line) are both tape-on-tape systems, using the same high-quality virgin hair Great Lengths is known for. GL Tapes are much smaller (only 1” by 3/8”) and more natural looking than any other tape-on-tape system on the market, and feature a polyurethane strip lined with tulle for strength and longevity, allowing for multiple re-applications. FOR MORE INFO ON GL TAPES, ORDERS, OR TO FIND A STYLIST NEAR YOU, DON’T HESITATE TO GET IN TOUCH!
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