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.
Summer is a magical time of year; that anticipated season of longer days, brighter sun and people saying, “I do’s!” In Canada, almost 70% of weddings take place in the Summer months between June and September, so today, the Summer solstice, marks not only the start of Summer, it also marks the start of wedding season! No wedding dress is complete without the right hair to finish the look! As with all other trends, wedding hairstyles change with each passing year. (Just take a look at your mom's wedding photos!) What are the big trend in tresses for the 2019 wedding season? HERE ARE OUR PREDICTIONS... Royally-Inspired, No-Care Hair In general, wedding hairstyles trends will move further away from fixed curls and a heavily sprayed look, to styles that are more natural and a bit undone. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry may have just celebrated their first anniversary, but a year later the Duchess of Sussex’s bridal style continues to influence and inspire trends. Taking cues from her look, low maintenance hairstyles are in; styles that are fit for royalty, but not in a conservative and super polished way. In 2019, royal no longer means traditional. Royal feels effortless, and classically chic. Messy but in a controlled way. A relaxed and effortless look is perfect for a Summer wedding. Windswept locks, loose waves, face-framing tendrils, a classic pony; there are plenty of ways to tap into Summer’s relaxed spirt and embrace no-care hair. Royally-Inspired Effortless Updos and Classic, Chic Buns We will be seeing a lot more of the Royal Bride’s simple styling approach in 2019. The effortless updo associated with the Duchess of Sussex is perfectly undone hair; a low bun with centre part and soft tendrils framing the face. The spectrum of effortless updos is wide ranging however, and appeals to a variety of bridal looks. Adding a bit of texture can make this look feel more relaxed or romantic without a lot of fuss. For a little more polish or sophistication, a clean bun with minimal volume is not overly finicky and allows the dress to shine. A loose chignon finished with an eye-catching accessory can elevate the effortless look to something remarkable. Think tiaras (we just can’t get away from all things royal!), headbands and bows. Effortless updos and Classic Tousled, Soft Waves Seen on the runways at Bridal Fashion week, this romantic style will definitely be seen walking down the aisle. As brides opt for more effortless looks, soft waves that don’t look like the bride spent hours getting ready will be huge in 2019. An added bonus with this style: the softness photographs beautifully. For 2019 brides looking to replicate this 'do', we recommend that curls are left to set throughout the morning for a style that lasts the whole day. If the hair doesn’t hold curls well, you might consider adding hair extensions to give more volume and create a better hold. With this simple and effortless look, you can have a lot of fun with accessories. Add a unique touch, give hair more dimension and like the soft waves, they photograph beautifully! Tusled, Soft Waves Ponytails Ponytails and Summer are a perfect pair. The beauty of a ponytail is it keeps the hair off your face in a sophisticated, yet simple and effortless way… and you can dance the night away without worrying about your hair! From high and messy to polished and low at the nape of the neck; there are countless variations of this popular style to suit each individual preference. Plus, a ponytail can elongate the silhouette and frame a range of wedding gowns beautifully. If a bride’s hair isn’t quite where it needs to be, by simply adding in strategic extensions, you can add the length and fullness needed to achieve the preferred look. Ponytails The Ultimate 2019 Bridal Trend: Be Yourself The trending styles for 2019 are easy, loose and less traditional. They embrace a kind of messy-hair-don’t-care look that is effortlessly chic and low-maintenance, and they hold up beautifully in humid weather. But when it comes to deciding on a 'do’, a bride should reflect on how they typically style their hair on both a daily basis and for special occasions. If you never opt for hair up, chances are you will not feel like herself in an updo. If you find yourself consistently throwing your hair into a ponytail, choose a look that keeps hair off your face. A style that feels like you is key. LEARN HOW GREAT LENGTHS CAN ENHANCE YOUR HAIR FOR THE BIG DAY. GREAT LENGTHS – HAIR LIKE YOU.
How to take care of Great Lengths hair extensions. WASHING YOUR HAIR Do not shampoo your hair for at least 48 hours after your extensions are applied by your hairstylist. This time will allow GL Pre-Bonded or GL Tapes to set. For regular care, it is recommended to shampoo and condition your hair at least twice a week, and be careful: never wash your hair with your head upside down - always keep your head upright! Apply conditioner only to mid-lengths and ends of hair, and be careful to keep away from attachments. DRYING YOUR HAIR Gently de-tangle your hair before drying, following the brushing recommendations: Towel dry your hair with a soft pressure, but never with a rubbing motion. Instead, use a blotting motion and wrap your hair in a towel to remove excess water. Always dry your attachments thoroughly, do not let dry naturally as hair is at its most vulnerable when wet. Blow dry on a low heat, starting at the roots and working downwards with a GL Brush. Remember that styling products should only be applied to the lengths and ends of your hair and never to the GL Pre-Bonded or GL tapes itself. BRUSHING YOUR HAIR Great Lengths brushes are the most suitable for brushing your hair. Take small sections of hair and brush from the scalp over the extensions to mid lengths, being careful to tease any tangles out from the bottom lengths first. Do not back comb areas where the GL Pre-Bonded or GL Tapes are placed. For Pre-Bonded wearers, separate the extensions with your fingers on a regular basis to prevent matting. SLEEPING At night, tie your hair in a loose ponytail or a braid to prevent tangling and always choose a silk pillowcase to avoid friction. EXERCISE & LIFESTYLE Great Lengths hair extensions suit most lifestyles, however, please be mindful of the following activities, which may affect the lifespan of your GL Pre-bonded or GL tapes if daily or frequently repeated: Swimming, particularly in seawater and chlorinated water Sauna or steam room use Excessive aerobic activity. If you prefer GL Pre-Bonded, a great tip to try after these activities is to use diluted Great Lengths Anti Tap Water solution to restore your hair and scalp to its natural pH balance.
“The Enchanted Tree” is the fourth episode of the “The Great Italian Journey”, Great Lengths 2020 communication campaign, inspired by Goethe’s Italian travel diary. This story focuses on the celebration of the female beauty in its very essence, without any addition, and - instead - with a soft and natural feel. The episode starts with the group of foreign women visiting Palermo standing in a very special setting, a sort of mysterious place, that only good connoisseurs of the city can recognize as a real garden, whereas the majority of people may think it to be an artificial set. The protagonists of the story slowly move in the shadow of a giant tree, a venerable 25m-high, 150-year old giant Ficus Benjamin, whose huge size and peculiar shape create a sort of protected, secluded and arcane wooden dome. Actually, the magic of this incredible Ficus are its thick aerial roots, as big as trunks, that hang in the air before they reach the ground again, looking like an elegant ancient colonnade or like strands of hair extremely enlarged under the microscope. This wonderful and oldest tree in Palermo, is located right in the center of the city, in a small park in a very quiet square surrounded on all sides by elegant palazzi. This extraordinary setting makes this story the most symbolic of the series: the explorers’ experience is not only a physical journey, but also an internal one, holding the power of imagination and the bliss of a youthful dream. In particular, we would like to draw your attention to Agatha, the woman in a dark pant suit with mid-length curly hair. Intense chocolate-shaded extensions are used on her not to build length, but to give a feminine volume to a full head of hair, that could be worn by any woman looking for a warm and sophisticated look. The Great Lengths international stylists’ team shaped for Agatha one of the most widespread women’s aspirations: voluminous, naturally wavy hair. In particular the Great Lengths’ US-stylist and trainer Nanci Lee used GL Tapes on the interior to give fullness and GL Pre-Bonded on the perimeter to create a seamless blend. She achieved the curl pattern by using a diffuser on the loose wave pattern of Great Lengths’ hair. This has made of Agatha, who is an incredible model and actress and has been mastering the set scene, a contemporary woman who likes to play with contrasts: a minimalistic professional clothes choice combined with a loose, sensual hair look.
If there is one question we hear over and over again, it is “How much will my Great Lengths application cost?” While this is a very reasonable question to ask, it can be a tough one to answer! Because Great Lengths are 100% customizable, there is no set price or “one size fits all” answer to the question of cost. The cost of a Great Lengths application can vary a great deal… there are many different factors at play! How Great Lengths Extensions Are Priced When it comes to determining the cost of a Great Lengths application, a stylist must look at and consider: Your desired final look The number of bundles of extensions needed to achieve that look The number of colours needed If a custom blend is required If a custom order is required (Will your extensions need to be permanently curled or custom coloured?) The time required to complete your application The bond size needed The method to be used (hot fusion, cold fusion, GL Tapes) The finishing cut and style necessary to complete the look The length and condition of your natural hair The shape and size of your head (Some people have bigger heads, some people have smaller heads!) The density of your natural hair. Does the density change throughout the head? In addition to these details specific to you, you also have to consider your stylist’s level of experience and skill, as well as the market or city you are in (overhead costs for salons vary from city to city), as these too are important factors in determining cost. Let’s break it down: THE COST OF THE EXTENSIONS (which, as you can see in the list of factors above, can vary a great deal from person to person!) + THE COST OF YOUR STYLIST (The labour cost, which will vary depending on application time, experience, market and more.) = THE APPROXIMATE COST OF YOUR GREAT LENGTHS APPLICATION. A guest with fine, long and healthy natural hair may require only two bundles of extensions in one colour, to achieve her desired result. This installation process may only take a stylist two hours to achieve. At the opposite end of the spectrum, another guest with short, layered, thick and chemically damaged hair might require 6 bundles of extensions, in a number of shades and varying bond sizes to achieve her seamless blend. This application could quite possibly take 6 or 7 hours to achieve. You can understand why the cost in these two cases would vary a great deal! Every client and every installation is different. With Great Lengths hair extensions, you get a service specifically tailored to you and your individual hair needs. Because of this, the answer to “How much will my Great Lengths cost?” will be specifically tailored to you as well. A consultation with your Great Lengths certified stylist is a must to get an accurate answer to the question of cost. BEGIN YOUR GREAT LENGTHS JOURNEY, FIND A STYLIST NEAR YOU TO BOOK A CONSULTATION AND LEARN WHAT GREAT LENGTHS CAN DO FOR YOU.
PHOTO PROPERTY OF LEARTOF 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 Artof? My interest with hair began with my poor Barbies. I would give them all kinds of haircuts, hair colours, braids and hairdos; I was obsessed with them. I’d play by myself for hours doing Barbie’s hair. When I got a bit older, I would always do my girlfriends’ hair and makeup before a night out. I was always super aware of the fashion dos and don’ts. I studied fashion in university and during that time, I was working as a receptionist at a hair salon and fell in love with it. I decided to stop pursuing my degree and give hair school a try. I loved every moment of it and quickly went from receptionist, to assistant, to official hairdresser. On that day I knew that I wanted to have my own salon and I worked my butt off for 5 years, right up until the opening of Le Artof, to make it happen! Le Artof recently celebrated its one-year anniversary. How was the first year? What was the biggest lesson learned? Le Artof turned one in February. It has been an amazing first year. My heart is filled with love and appreciation for my team, clients, family, and friends. The key lessons learned are to always communicate, to trust your gut and to never give up. Every hardship is an opportunity for growth and a lesson learned; and that makes every beautiful moment even more memorable. Describe the salon’s vibe and style. The vibe at the salon is relaxed, and not at all pretentious. We wanted a beautiful space where the quality of services is outstanding. We want our clients to be part of our family, to feel at home - free to talk, laugh and have fun with us. 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? Being a Great Lengths artist demonstrates to our clients that we only use quality products, and this has had a definite impact on my business. With Great Lengths being one of the best brands of extensions, I can confidently tell clients they don’t need to be afraid of extensions. I've been equipped with the ability to educate clients, to help them understand that quality is everything, and to teach them the importance of maintenance. What do you love about Great Lengths? I love Great Lengths because the hair quality is always impeccable, the customer service is super-efficient, and the colour palettes are amazing. Great Lengths’ ethics are also a major factor in my love for them. The ethical sourcing and buying of the hair and making sure to give back to the Hindu community is very important to me. What is your personal favourite hair trend right now? Why do you love it? My favorite hair style at the moment is effortless, natural hair. Play with your natural hair texture, add subtle highlights to make your natural colour glow or add extensions for fuller, thicker hair and BAM you’re ready to rock this summer. Do you have any colour or style predictions as we enter Spring? I think warmer colours, warm coppers and golden blondes, will be the thing this summer, and a lot of hair accessories, hair accessories that will bring back the 90’s. The most important aspect of style is that people embrace what fits them best, rather than simply wanting what is trendy. That's our job at Le Artof and why they come to see us; for the best advice on what suits their unique beauty. Do you have a style icon? Or a hair hero? If I had to pick one hair guru I would say Vidal Sassoon. His hands were magical, he truly was an amazing artist. If you could pick anyone- whose hair would you love to work on? They are so many to choose from, but probably Lady Gaga. She just looks like a badass, a cool person and she seems willing to do anything with her hair. I would have fun with her for sure. What, or who, do you look to for inspiration? I watch a lot of fashion shows for hairstyle inspiration and I love looking back in time and trying to modernize the looks. Your personal Instagram and Le Artof’s Instagram both have a unique and stylish curated feed. Do you have a strategy for your approach to Instagram? Instagram is super important. It’s free publicity and most people use the app many times a day. I feel it’s an important tool to reflect who you are and what you love and of course, to show your work so it can inspire others. A picture is worth 1000 words, especially when it comes to our work. Clients use my page or Instagram pictures to show me hairstyles that they like. I use the app UNUM to help get a global picture of my feed and to create a better flow. I’m not constantly posting but I stay active. For the salon, we have an amazing human managing the Instagram! You’ve held photoshoots for Le Artof. What was the inspiration behind doing so? Does Le Artof create original photo content often? We LOVE Photoshoots. We have done two so far, one to be released soon. We prefer action shots and hairstyles that people can relate to rather than more artsy, funky or extravagant hairdos. Our consistent theme is always Badass Babes/Girl Power. We love to create! What advice would you offer newly certified stylists to best take advantage of their GL skillset? The best advice is to always be true to your clients, to inform them well about the product and the maintenance. Always respect the quality of your client's hair, take your time, and be meticulous - clean work shows the best results and that is everything. Do you have any Great Lengths do's and don’ts? Do not cheap out on the number of extensions your client needs in order to accommodate their budget. Cutting back on the amount will look bad and you don't want your work to look that way. Do: Blend! Blend! Blend! The extension cut needs to be neat. Colour blending is also super important. Mix and match colours perfectly for a better natural result. What is your favourite part of being a stylist? Making people happy and beautiful! Do you have a favourite mantra, a quote or a saying you like to keep in mind? “In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.” What are your goals and aspirations moving forward? I want my salon to be the place you want to go to for hair in Montreal and I want to be growing in terms of knowledge and branding, always. I want to do a lot of photoshoots. I want to inspire people. FOLLOW CATIA AND LE ARTOF ON INSTAGRAM. FIND LE ARTOF ON FACEBOOK.
Company with certified management
