1. The mere act of sweating can be hard on hair! There’s some science behind this. A pH between 4.0 and 5.5 allows skin and hair to stay healthy. When we sweat our PH levels change and can cause hair to become dry, frizzy, brittle and easy to break. 2. Because of changing pH levels, if you’re getting your sweat on, it’s important to wash hair with Great Lengths Shampoo, and follow up with conditioner. Finish off with our Anti-Tap solution, and you can restore the natural pH levels and maintain those beautiful extensions! 3. Bonded extensions’ biggest threat can be water, especially salt or chlorine enriched water! Chemicals in our pools and salt in the ocean can dry out the extensions and damage bonds. We suggest braiding and putting hair up on top of the head to avoid submerging it into the water. If extensions do get wet, take special care by washing hair with any Great Lengths shampoo. Follow up with Anti-Tap Water, and Great Lengths Deep Conditioning Mask, and be sure to dry the bonds immediately. 4. The right brush is also an absolute must! Especially in summer situations when hair is likely to get knotted as you soak up the sun in the great outdoors. Our Great Lengths travel brush is a must for any beach bag. Made for all hair types, it detangles in seconds, adding shine and definition to hair. 5. Once the fun in the sun is over, treat tresses with the Great Lengths Extra Rich Hair Mask. This injects some much-needed moisture back into the hair with Pro-keratin and Vitamin B5 ingredients.
Salon Magazine’s Reader's Choice Awards continues to be the only awards celebrating professional hair, nail and beauty products across Canada, and we’re very happy to announce another win! We are very proud of the fact that Great Lengths Extensions have won the Reader’s Choice Award 6 out of 7 years in total! From April 9th to the 22nd, readers voted for their favourite products and the readers have spoken! Thank you to all who voted. We’re so honoured to be your extension brand of choice!
NEW PRODUCT ALERT! Great Lengths Canada is excited to announce the upcoming arrival of 15 fabulous new shades. Our new shades align with current trends and we can’t wait to share them with you. Get excited for platinum gray, stunning cool blondes, warm coppers, and cool burgundies; beautiful browns, muted rose, heavenly purple and everything in between! STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES – THEY WILL DEFINITELY BE WORTH THE WAIT!
We’re up for a Salon Magazine Reader's Choice Award! VOTE NOW! Be sure to vote for Great Lengths in the category of Best Hair Extension Brand. VOTING CLOSES THIS SUNDAY, APRIL 22. VOTERS WILL BE ENTERED FOR A CHANCE TO WIN 2 TICKETS TO THE CONTESSA AWARDS IN TORONTO (INCLUDING HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS!) Salon Magazine’s Reader's Choice Awards continues to be the only awards celebrating professional hair, nail and beauty products across Canada. Winners are selected by you: hair stylists, nail technicians and beauty experts who work with the products and tools on a daily basis. We have won our category 5 out of 6 years and would love to win again! We thank you in advance for your votes - a win for Great Lengths is a win for your salon!
Aaron O'Bryan was on Marilyn Denis this past Friday talking hair extensions. Watch below for answers to some of the most common questions about hair extensions. These are the Rolls Royce of extensions, these are the best extensions you can get. -AARON O'BRYAN ON GREAT LENGTHS
Spring has arrived and this likely has you saying, 'Oh hey new hair'. A new season brings with it a whole host of new hairstyles and trends just waiting to be experimented with. The runways at Spring 2018 fashion shows, and stylist predictions show an array of innovative ways to style and accessorize hair at any length, and many different approaches to cuts and colour. There are so many possibilities for hair this spring; it all comes down to individuality and the look that feels like you. We’ve kept up with the predictions for Spring 2018 hair trends and took note of the ones that have been repeated on the lists, at the shows and from the mouths of the top stylists. And there’s something for every fabulous, totally unique personality out there. Here are the Spring hair trends destined to be at the top when it comes to salon requests. Read on for your Spring 2018 hair-inspo for colour, cuts and styles. COLOUR TRENDS Have fun with colour this Spring! Here are our favourite Spring colour trends. 1. Nirvana blonde Nirvana blonde, named by Hairstylists Nikki Lee and Riawna Capri, is an “A list” colour trend that started when Selena Gomez surprised fans with the look. This colour keeps the roots dark with a soft, warm platinum hue on the lengths. This look is the new platinum, it has a lived-in effect from the moment you leave the salon, and it's easier on your roots too. 2. Silver From make-up to clothes, metallic is hot right now and it doesn’t stop at hair. Last year, gray hair was everywhere. For Spring 2018, it’s all about adding a little luxe to the situation. Enter silver hair, transforming gray hair into something a little more magical. Judging by the reaction to a recent Instagram post featuring Silver Hair, we think it’ll be a favourite. 3. “Ghosted” Now you see it, now you don’t. That’s the theme of this new colour trend, featuring a blend of metallic shades that hide in the hair. Colour is revealed as the hair moves and retreats in a blink. Shimmery and soft with a wow factor, this look gives platinum shades dimension. It was first seen on the Instagram account of Jason Hogan and has since been rapidly gaining popularity. 4. Red Who says blondes have more fun? This spring, red-heads do it best. Stylists have noticed an increase in requests for red colours, and this will carry into Spring. Copper red, fiery red and “Cayenne Spice” (seen on Emma Roberts) which incorporates blond elements, are all sure to be popular. Nicole Leal, master stylist at top L.A. salon, Nine Zero One, has said she hopes to see more fair-skinned, blue or green-eyed women go this route. 5. Rose blonde This updated take on rose gold hair complements any skin tone and is nothing short of stunning! Marked by blonde hair with warm rose gold tones, when L’Oréal Paris named its hair colours of the year, Rose Blonde was at the top of the list. The colour can sway more pink or more blonde and the fine line between the two gives it an ethereal look. TRENDING CUTS New season, new look. These cuts take top spot for Spring trends. 1. BANGS Image 1: @cwoodhair / Image 2: @violette_fr Everybody is getting bangs! Pinterest insights show the search for curtain fringe has gone up 600%! There are a ton of variations from curtain fringe, to shaggy bangs, to soft, long side-swept bangs. With so many variations, bangs are popular all over the world for being classic, chic, multi-functional, and versatile to wear. Bangs have definitely made a comeback! 2. JAW LENGTH CUTS Image 1: @nomeraye / Image 2: @cwoodhair Celebrity stylist, Jen Atkin, recently posted to Instagram saying, Short hair isn’t going anywhere! This cut is all about playing with your face shape and hair texture to create a look that suits you and your lifestyle. This length is versatile, working for all different hair textures. If you’ve got fine hair, try Great Lengths to amp up the volume for jaw-length cuts. 3. CHER HAIR Image 1: @ddlovato / Image 2: @stevenmathew If you're looking for a break from '90s inspired beauty trends that have made a recent comeback, super-long Cher hair is the answer. The '70s-inspired hair length can be easily achieved with Great Lengths! If you want to grow your hair out naturally, be sure not to skip on routine trims to keep split ends under control. This Spring, embrace Rapunzel hair. 4. THE SHAG Image 1: @taylorswift / Image 2: Jp Yim; Hair By Brian Buenaventura The coolest look for Spring? “Shag, shag, and more shag, says L.A. celeb stylist, Daniel Moon. The shag is a versatile cut that gives hair body. It can be worn extremely messy or perfectly straight. This cut was spotted on Taylor Swift when she launched 'Reputation' this year. This “New Taylor” curly shag was also spotted on the runways for Banana Republic. 5. RAZOR-SHARP, BLUNT ENDS Image 1: @/salonxvi This Spring, opt for a haircut that looks like it could cut you. The Kardashian clan has been seen rocking this look lately thanks to celebrity stylist, Jen Atkin. No angles, no layers, it's all about a shiny finish, sharp ends and the blunt straight across cut. This cut is simple but demands attention. A fierce look for Spring 2018. IN STYLE Be prepared to see these five styling ideas everywhere 1. KEEP IT SIMPLE Image 1: Pringle of Scotland Spring 2018 Show / Image 2: Photo: Matteo Valle; Hair By Guido Palau at Victoria Beckham Spring Show Think air-dried, sexy bedhead, and the classic pony. Natural-looking hair was favoured at Spring Fashion shows. Looks that are slightly disheveled and definitely nonchalant, like the midday centrally parted low pony, the worn-in ponytail with bangs falling out, and the, “Oh this thing?” incomplete half-pony loop spotted at Victoria Beckham shows will rule. 2. PEEKABOO BRAIDS Peekaboo Braids at Jill Stuart Shows This is a fun twist on an old favourite. The peekaboo braid has a bit of a surprise factor to the look; barely visible from one angle and fully prominent from another. Sport little behind-the-ear braids with curls to rock two looks at once and have it both ways. This styling approach was seen in Stella Jean shows, Jill Stuart shows and more. 3. MEGA-BUNS Image 1: Michael Costello Spring 2018 show / Image 2: @hairbyjaxx Bigger is better when it comes to sporting a bun this Spring. Oversized mega-buns were worn at the Michael Costello Spring show for a bold look. If you’re lacking the amount of hair needed to be able to pull together this look, just a couple of bundles of Great Lengths will give you hair that will allow for a big, beautiful, bold bun. 4. SCRUNCHIES Images: @mansurgavriel Did someone say 90s? Yup, the infamous scrunchie is back! Scrunchies featuring prints and made with luxe silk or velvet have helped these polarizing accessories make a comeback. They’re being embraced by the pros, have been seen on the runaway, and are being designed by celebrity hairstylists. To keep this look modern, avoid massive scrunchies and go for a style that’s simple like a smooth, sleek low pony. 5. HEADBANDS AND HAIR SCARFS Image 1: @estheralmansamng / Image 2 Headbands are having a moment in the spotlight. These simple accessories add a real dash of flair, no matter the material. Pinterest reported a huge increase in searches for silk and velvet headbands. Headbands aren’t the only statement accessory popular for Spring, luxe hair scarfs are in too. The key to making them look modern is the right print. Beautiful patterns are a must.
Steven Mathew is a newly certified Great Lengths stylist working out of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Only six months into his certification and Steven has already developed an amazing reputation as a Great Lengths extension artist. Steven’s specialities include natural looking hair colour and seamless extension matching and blending. His social media presence is strong, with his personality and skills shining through in his frequent video features. TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOU AND YOUR CAREER! I'm a former professional figure skater! I got started in my hair career while on tour with a travelling ice show. I was always doing my own hair, and it wasn't long before I was being asked to do other's hair as well. Soon enough, I was doing cuts, colours and highlight work for friends and colleagues after shows in hotel rooms. My hobby turned into a fascination, and 12 years (and thankfully many classes) later, here we are! HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING WITH GREAT LENGTHS, WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION TO JOIN THE GL NETWORK? Though I've been working with extensions for many years, I'm new to the Great Lengths family! I’ve had the pleasure of working with Great Lengths for about six months. Several things led me to Great Lengths. Among them; the premium quality hair, Canadian distribution and pricing, and the desire to work with the original fusion bond technology. I always said that when I chose to offer fusion bonded extensions, they would have to be Great Lengths! WHAT IMPACT HAS BEING A GREAT LENGTHS ARTIST HAD ON YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS? Most importantly, it has allowed me to be able to help guests I was previously unable to service with other methods of extensions. Great Lengths is a truly customizable experience; allowing stylists to safely and discretely perform extension services for any and all reasons. Having over 70 shades to choose from makes me feel as though I have limitless creative potential. It's a very freeing feeling as an artist. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT GREAT LENGTHS? You know you are working with something elite and luxurious. From the meticulous training I've received, to the ethically sourced premium hair, down to the fine detail of the beautifully embroidered capes (for example), the premium quality is obvious. It's a pleasure to be able to share that experience with our guests and to know that we are setting them up for worry free successful wear. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER NEWLY CERTIFIED STYLISTS TO BEST TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR GL SKILLSET? I received some excellent advice from my trainer, Celeste, who encouraged us to look to our current clientele to introduce Great Lengths as an add-on service. Typically, we think extensions are just for women looking to become mermaids, but the truth is anyone can wear Great Lengths. They might need a little extra volume with their current cut, or a flash of colour without chemicals. The client sitting in your chair might be more curious to try them than you'd think! DO YOU HAVE ANY GREAT LENGTHS DO'S AND DON’TS? Do practice! When I returned home from training, I spent a few moments almost daily applying bonds and working to perfect my application. Don't rush your applications. Neat and tidy work with clean sections performed safely is far more important than finishing quickly. Your client may have to spend the entire day with you to get the hair of their dreams, but the trade-off is beautiful, long lasting wear for several months and no maintenance visits needed! ON YOUR SITE YOU MENTION YOU’VE WORKED ON PHOTO SHOOTS. CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT THAT EXPERIENCE? I've been lucky enough to work with talented local photographers on various projects and campaigns. Often hair extensions are used to enhance a look during these styling sessions. Though I am certainly no expert at photography, I can tell you that every model in those photos looks better with more hair! WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL FAVOURITE HAIR TREND RIGHT NOW? I have a love/hate with the word trend. In one respect, it is our duty in the beauty industry to guide our guests and help them to be current. On the other hand, I always think, Why would you want to do what everyone else is doing? I believe that the best trend right now is that anything and everything goes. I try to give my guests timeless hair that looks beautiful and current, but most importantly suits them. DO YOU HAVE ANY COLOUR OR STYLE PREDICTIONS FOR SPRING 2018? I think we will continue to see more rich and opulent tones moving into Spring and Summer. We seem to be moving away from cooler tones and toward warmer, sparkly shades instead. Bold placement also seems to be making a bit of a return. I think people are going to continue to play with colours like pastels, and deeper jewel tones, but on a more sophisticated level. I love the idea of being able to introduce these with Great Lengths. It's a fantastic way to achieve chemical-free highlights while maintaining the natural hair's integrity. DO YOU HAVE A STYLE ICON? OR A HAIR HERO? I have several that inspire me all the time! I love anyone who is able to communicate why they're passionate about what they do. One of my favourite hair heroes right now is my friend and fellow Great Lengths artist, Ashley Diana (@missashleyhair). Not only is she an amazing technician and social media maven, but she wants to see others succeed by encouraging them to step up their game and their services. IF YOU COULD PICK A CELEBRITY, A PUBLIC FIGURE, ANYONE AT ALL - WHOSE HAIR WOULD YOU LOVE TO WORK ON? Someone who is down to earth! I believe everyone deserves to look and feel like a VIP, celebrity or not. WHAT OR WHO DO YOU LOOK TO FOR INSPIRATION? My swatch rings! I know that sounds silly, but one of my favourite ways to find inspiration is by coming up with different combinations of tones, and then saving those ideas for future looks. This then inspires me to think about certain guests I can picture wearing these combinations. WHAT PERSONALITY TRAITS DO YOU FEEL ARE MOST BENEFICIAL TO YOUR SUCCESS? I think being authentic and confident has played into in my success as a hair extension artist. People are generally attracted to those who offer up or stand for something and have the goods to back it up. I only ever promote brands I believe in and educate others with knowledge and techniques I know to be useful. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF BEING A STYLIST? I have the need to create something beautiful and artistic in my day to day! Crafting, or creating something by hand, gives me a great sense of fulfilment. Being able to change someone's life by enhancing their look is a very rewarding feeling. That being said, you have to get it right! After all, we as hairstylists are dealing with the two things that people hold dearest to them– their looks and their money! DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE MANTRA, A QUOTE OR A SAYING YOU LIKE TO KEEP IN MIND? It's not the product, it's the process I say this a lot when consulting with apprehensive guests to dispel any stigma about extensions being damaging to hair. A meticulous and careful application process yields success for the wearer. I like to post visuals on social not only of the finished product [on the outside], but also the inside view of the hair extensions. I think if your extensions look as good on the inside as they do on the outside, your guest is set to enjoy long lasting, damage free wear. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AND ASPIRATIONS MOVING FORWARD? I'd like to continue to focus on the unique one-on-one experience for my Great Lengths wearers in a VIP setting. I’d also love to be able to travel to meet new guests, and the many hairstylists that reach out to me on social media for advice and education. CHECK OUT STEVEN MATHEW ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. FOLLOW STEVEN MATHEW ON INSTAGRAM.
The biggest night in film called for celebrities to bring their A-games when it came to their red-carpet fashion. For your hair-inspo, Here are our five favourite hairstyles from this year’s Oscars. Zendaya showed up to this year's Academy Awards in a sleek topknot. Her hairstylist, Ursula Stephen, simply smoothed and swept Zendaya’s hair up into a high bun, proving that you can, in fact, wear a topknot to a black-tie event. Count on Zendaya to make an everyday hairstyle, the topknot, look ultra-chic. Emma Stone's red-carpet look was sleek, sharp, strong and elegant. Her golden strawberry-tinted strands were worn in a sleek deep side part, with one side tucked behind her ear – a perfect way to show off her bold earrings. Her stylist, Roszak, styled her hair to be super sleek, with volume and high shine. To achieve the look, she prepped the hair with a frizz reducing nourishing oil, and then dried Stone's hair section by section using a medium round brush. Laura Dern channeled Old Hollywood glamour with her soft bouncy waves in a deep side part. This classic beauty look never fails to make an impact on the red carpet (or anywhere else!) To ensure her waves stayed in place the entire evening, her hairstylist, Creighton Bowman, misted each curl with a soft, flexible hairspray. Job well done, Creighton! Lupita Nyong’o stunned with an embellished upswept braided style by Vernon Francis. Inspired by hairstyles traditional to Rwandan culture, Francis styled her hair into three thick asymmetrical braids and then wove delicate gold threads into them. To create this look, her hair was first blow-dried with a round brush. Before shaping the style, the ends were smoothed with a flatiron and set with hairspray. The gold thread was the finishing touch! Get Out star, Betty Gabriel, looked like a modern-day Cinderella with her curls pinned back in a voluminous half-up style. Her look epitomizes the ultimate half up-do: bold waves, dramatic volume on top, and cheekbone-highlighting height. About her style, Betty said, “I wanted to focus on natural textures and mix in traditional, elegant glam. I’m wearing it pulled off my face to feel comfortable, confident, and chic.”
SAND, SUN AND SENSATIONAL COLOURS Great Lengths international introduces “Mirage”, the new 2018 global campaign. The collection takes us on a journey to the breathtaking desert region of Namibia. Through sand storms and immense heat, Mirage juxtaposes the harsh beauty of the Namibian desert with the flowing and colourful couture and hair. The photographers found inspiration in the landscape, using the models and the hair as an extension of the beautiful backdrop. The hair is at the center of the motif; wild, bold, beautiful and creative, and art in itself. The models’ interaction with the landscape creates an inspired collection, brought to life by Great Lengths International. On the collaboration, the artist says: “It gives me the opportunity to work with the best quality hair, and to breathe life into my creative visions. Extensions provide endless possibilities within the creative process, as well as in the real world. They represent change and self-confidence.” VIEW MIRAGE BELOW.
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