Just in time for Halloween! So here is the real talk: Colour is damaging on the hair. And vibrant fantasy colours? Well, you can find them of the damage hill. So what do we do when Halloween is approaching and you need some pop of colour to complete your look? Or when you want to experiment with some pink highlights or some red peek-a-boo streaks? How does one live out their mermaid dreams of an ocean blue Ombre without the fear of breakage and split ends? Enter: Great Lengths Fashion shades. Applied like all Great Lengths extensions, the fashion shades allow you to experiment with colours, whether it be for spooky –season or otherwise, without any fear of damaging your natural hair! 21 bright, vibrant, damage-free shades of rainbow perfection are ready for your next appointment. What is your favourite way to style fashion colours? Here is some inspo! pc: @samuel.burley and
Kelly Convery is a seasoned hair industry professional, with more than 10 years of industry experience. In 2019, she opened SKC Salon in Edmonton with two other independent stylists, Scirocco and Chelsea; and she welcomed her second daughter into the world. It was a big, and busy, year for Kelly to say the least! We got to know Kelly through our Stylist Spotlight. Check it out below! Tell us a bit about you and your career! How did you get your start, and what has led you to where you are today? I've been in this industry for about 12 years, and it’s been amazing! I couldn't have asked for a more fulfilling career choice. To be honest, it kind of happened by accident. My mom was the one who suggested hair school. Two weeks into my schooling I was convinced. I thought this is actually amazing, I haven't looked back since. It has taken a lot of hard work to get me where I am today; our industry isn't easy. You want to please everyone, and sometimes you just aren't the right fit for that specific client, it can be hard not to take it personally or see it as a failure or an, I’m not good enough situation. It took me a while to get to the point of realization that, you know what, for every ten you impress there will always be the one that you don't. We are only human at the end of the day. You salon, SKC, opened in July of this year. As you approach your six month mark, what has been the biggest lesson learned and what has been your favourite part of the experience so far? Opening SKC was and has been amazing. We have obviously had some learning curves and having just had a baby it was overwhelming at times, but my two partners have made it such a fun experience. When you work closely with like-minded individuals and can still hang out with them outside of the salon and not get tired of one another, I think that says a lot about the relationships. We keep each other accountable and I think that is something that you need when running a business. How long have you been working with Great Lengths, what was your inspiration to join the GL network? I’ve been with Great Lengths for about 8 years, and I’ve had them in my hair for about 10. My mentor at the time would always let me watch her client installs, and once she put them in my hair, (regretfully, I had cut my hair into the Victoria Beckham bob at that time) I was immediately hooked. Seeing the look on women’s faces, and how much their confidence sky rocketed once they saw their new look made me realize I NEED to work with this company. What impact has being a Great Lengths Artist had on you and your business? Great Lengths has been such an amazing addition to my business. It has created an additional sense of trust with my clientele, as well as within the industry as a whole. Anyone who has heard of Great Lengths knows the training that comes with being able to offer this service. That value on education is a good indicator to people that the brand isn't gimmicky, and it isn’t something that is going to fade out in a year or two. They have been around for a long time, have won countless awards and are the best extensions out there for your hair. And it shows. What do you love about Great Lengths? What don't I love is the better question! Having had them in my hair for so long, I feel lost without them (for the whole three days in between applications haha). I love that they are ethically sourced, that is a huge factor for me. I love that the bonds are customizable, that the shades never lose their tones and can be altered so easily. I love them because you can just do so much with them; add length, volume, fix a bad haircut, add colour without actually colouring the client’s hair if their hair is already compromised. Plus, once they are in, they are in. There is no coming in every couple of weeks to tighten them. And last but not least, I love the removal. Once their extensions are removed, I love showing clients just how much their hair has GROWN and that it is still in great condition. In addition to being a busy stylist, you’re a mom to two daughters, one under the age of one - 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 have a great support system, my fiancé has been my rock during this whole process, I couldn't have maintained my clientele, opened up a shop, or been the mom I am without him or our family. I’d like to be able to give advice, but I never understood when I asked clients and friends how they did it all, and every response was, you just do, but I totally get it now. You really just do what you need to do. You’ve spoken on Instagram about the importance of education, what led you to speak up about the topic? As cliché as it is, you really don't ever stop learning, and in our industry you need to stay on top of your craft or you will be considered a dinosaur. I think that sometimes people in our industry get to a place of, Oh I’m doing so well, I know everything, but realistically you can be replaced very easily. Keeping yourself up to date is important. If you go to a class and take one thing away from it, you’re already ahead. It’s not like our classes are taught in boring locations; we can be in New York, LA, or somewhere cool like that and that just makes the experience and the education that much better. What is your personal favourite hair trend right now? Why do you love it? I would say my favourite trend at the moment is going grey, and I don’t mean the artificial grey shades, but the natural growing out grey in between colours. Grey hair always had this stigma of being old and unkempt, and I completely disagree. When I see a woman wearing her natural shade with some pops of colour, the first thing I think is, Wow, this woman has so much confidence and does not care what people think.” I just love how the stigma of it is changing. It makes me look forward to when my hair goes that route. Do you have any colour or style predictions for Winter 2019/2020? What I hope comes back, and think will come back, is old school highlights. We have consistently used balayage and lived-in looks as our safety net (no hate to artists who capitalize on these methods), but I think there are a lot of technical aspects and placement/ positioning that you can’t hide with highlights, as opposed to hair painting. Do you have a style icon? Or a hair hero? My style icon is Riawna Capri. I absolutely love everything about her and the 901 Salon. She’s also a Great Lengths artist, so that adds to my love. Everything she does is so natural; it’s like talent and inspiration just ooze out of her hands. And of course, she’s stunning! If you could pick a celebrity, a public figure, anyone at all - whose hair would you love to work on? If I could work on anyone’s hair, I would go back in time and do Britney Spears hair after she shaved it and then had countless types of extensions... the images still haunt me. Ha! What or who do you look to for inspiration? I look to my peers around me. Social media is all smoke and mirrors, I try not to get too wrapped up in it, so I love watching my colleagues and fellow stylists in our area. And of course, my daughters, they inspire me to be a better person and I feel like they’ve helped me connect on a whole other level, not just with clients but with everyone I encounter. What personality traits do you feel are most beneficial to your success? I think being open to criticism, my drive and ambition to continually educate myself and my attention to detail have benefited me. (Especially when it comes to Great Lengths; applications are a very meticulous process!) And, I think a sense of humour is important; two to three hours with one person is a long time, it shouldn't all be serious! What advice would you offer newly certified stylists to best take advantage of their GL skillset? Practice with customizing the bond! I find it so satisfying to know that different bond sizes can be used throughout a client’s hair. Knowing that I’ve created different colour, movement and density in different places gives me such a good feeling when I look at the finished result. Do you have any Great Lengths do's and don’ts? Clients, DO: Your research on your Artist. The Great Lengths website will show you who is certified in your area. Do research: check their Instagram, read reviews, etc. Every artist specializes in different looks. DON’T: be afraid to ask questions! What is your favourite part of being a stylist? As cliché as it sounds, My favourite part about being a stylist is the relationships you create with your clients; developing that trust, being able to try new things on them, or offer something you know they were nervous to ask for. And, I love the constant learning, I love being a sponge and watching stylists do their thing. It’s very uplifting and rewarding to see other stylists love something as much as I do. Do you have a favourite mantra, quote or saying you like to keep in mind? Work smarter, not harder. What are your goals and aspirations moving forward? My goal is to simply live in the moment. I love where I am at right now; I just want to continue at this pace, and to continue to focus on perfecting my craft. FOLLOW KELLY AND SKC ON INSTAGRAM.
At Great Lengths, we’re very proud of our ethics. Occasionally, we hear from people who have been misinformed about the hair extension business and how the hair is sourced. We want to clear up these misconceptions and reinforce the ethicality of our hair extensions. The hair used in our hair extensions is 100% virgin Remy, human hair sourced from India, the world’s largest exporter of human hair. Indian women cut off and donate their hair several times in their life. All of our hair comes from these voluntary donations deriving from a religious practice called tonsuring. Between 40-50 million people per year come to have their hair shaved, offering it as a devotion to their Gods. Tirupati Temple, the most visited holy place in the world, collects 500 tons of human hair a year. Sacrificing this symbol of beauty is the ultimate sign of humility and religious devotion. The sacrifice is made in thanks for a blessing that has been received, or for a blessing to be granted. It is a purification ritual and is sacred. The resulting Remy hair from the temples is considered the best in the world and has become an extraordinary economic resource for the communities. The hair received is sold by the Temples to the highest bidder at monthly online auctions. Great Lengths has a representative based in India who buys the hair straight from temples at these official auctions, ensuring there is a very fair monetary exchange for the hair. The revenues from the sale of the hair is then handled by the temple, allowing the money to be funnelled directly back into the local community to fund medical aid, educational systems and other crucial infrastructure projects. When woman donate their hair, they are completely aware of the fact that their hair is sold by the temple. BBC explored the hair extension industry in a 2016 documentary called Trading Hair. When the host of the documentary spoke with women who had sacrificed their hair, their feelings about the donation were overwhelmingly positive. “I am very happy if someone is using my hair and making themselves feel more beautiful. I am happy that someone will benefit, if they are happy, I am happy for them.” “Immediately, I feel as if the weight has been lifted off my shoulders. My heart and mind are clear. I am really happy to give my hair wholeheartedly.” For the women who donate their hair, it is the act of sacrifice that really matters and is very important to them. For centuries Hindu pilgrims have donated their hair in this ritual of purification. Today, it has become a precious commodity and an extraordinary economic resource for India. Knowing how the hair is collected, the stories behind it and that the women of India have a positive attitude toward other women wearing their hair, can allow our stylists and their clients to be proud to use Great Lengths Hair Extensions. Our commitment to ethics does not stop at the sourcing of our hair. Our extensions are made in Italy, in working environments that have achieved all relevant certifications in regard to quality, security, and environment. We constantly set new goals for our social responsibility and are very proud of our ethics. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW OUR HAIR EXTENSIONS ARE MADE, CHECK OUT: TRUTH IN BEAUTY: INDIA TO ITALY – THE JOURNEY OF GREAT LENGTHS EXTENSIONS.
Have a look at our Transformation of the Month from each month of 2019! Click through the gallery for some of our favourite highlights from our talented team of Stylists. Learn about each transformation and hear from the stylist about their 2019 highlights, and their thoughts on the upcoming New Year. JANUARY CHELSEA AT AMBER JOY & CO @HAIR.CHELS This transformation was a great way to catch people’s eyes and let the world know that Amber Joy & Co was offering Great Lengths. Much longer, much fuller and simply beautiful, thanks to four bundles of 16” Great Lengths in shades 61 and 63. For the most natural results, half bonds were used in the back, and bonds used through the sides were cut into thirds. In 2020, Chelsea thinks we’re going to see a lot more of these trends… “Warm tones and hair accessories! I’m loving seeing people transition away from the silver and grey blondes to embrace bright, warm, natural tones! And accessories have definitely made a huge comeback! I see this continuing into 2020.” Chelsea’s goals for 2020: “In 2020, I aim to do more extensions. I found a whole new passion for hair extensions in 2019 and it’s one of my favourite services to offer. The transformation is always so good and I definitely want to up my game for 2020! I’d also like to focus on building my brand. I started a hair accessories company in 2019 and it has been such a fun, creative outlet for me! Doing creative work behind the chair and outside of the salon is amazing!” Looking back on 2019… “2019 has been a great year! Highlights included all of my extension makeovers; I love seeing how it transforms the way people view themselves. Another major highlight was the launch of Linay Co. Seeing clients and others wearing my pieces has been awesome.” FEBRUARY STEVEN MATHEW @STEVENMATHEW Steven brought the heat in the February cold with this transformation. This beautiful application of perfectly matched and blended red hair was fittingly done just in time for Valentine’s Day. Stevens’s 2020 hair resolutions for clients: “Do your research! If you've made the decision to get hair extensions, don't be afraid to interview several artists in your search. Beware of artists who price their work too low– quite often this is a result of using sub-par quality hair and a careless application. Instead, seek out artists who show what their work looks like on the inside, as well those who can tell you what part of the world their hair was sourced, how it was processed, and justify the quality of their work with a fair price tag.” Steven’s personal mantra for 2020: “Visions yield ideas, intentions yield desires, but actions yield results. His tips for stylist success in 2020: “In 2019, the internet saw the launch of a slew of new hair extension application techniques, products and brands. Some good, and some questionable. I believe it will continue to be important to provide several different application solutions for clients in 2020. With that said, stylists should look past what's trending and focus on fundamentals of safe hair integration for their success. They should look to certify with a brand that backs up their product, and offers on-going quality education and support for stylists.” MARCH MARIANNE SAVAGE, BURLINGTON BEAUTY BAR @BURLINGTONBEAUTYBAR Just like magic. This unbelievable transformation from Burlington Beauty Bar was our pick for March Transformation of the Month. We think it's pretty clear why. Marianne completely transformed this lucky guest’s hair. The highlight of her year? “2019 marks my 10 year anniversary of being in business for myself! It’s been the best adventure. Hitting the 10 year mark, as well as getting the chance to meet a lot of fantastic people in the industry have been true highlights of 2019.” Marianne’s goals for 2020: “In 2020, I want to keep learning and take any opportunity to do further education. I also want to teach as many people as possible and be part of the emergence of more really successful stylists!” IN for 2020? “I think we’ll see fabulous wine colours become big, and cuts that have blunt, fuller lines with less wisp.” APRIL JO-ANNY RAYMOND-PROULX @JOANNYDOESHAIR Jo-anny’s favourite hair colour shines in this transformation featuring a full head of Great Lengths. A perfect colour match! Jo-anny’s highlight of 2019: “The opening of Le Lowkey!” Her goals for 2020: “Since I just opened my salon in April of 2019, my salon will continue to be my main focus in the New Year. I’d also like to do a lot more hair extensions.” Her prediction for what’s trending in 2020: “Hair accessories!” MAY FRANCESCA ROUSSOS-VULTAO @HAIRBYFRANCESCA Francesca helped this client head into Spring with beautiful, fresh #longhairgoals. This total hair makeover used four bundles of 20 inch Great Lengths, in three different shades to help this client go from short, thin and wispy hair, to long and full, healthy looking waves. Francesca’s mantra for the New Year: “My personal mantra for 2020 is “Focus on the good, and the good will get better.” There are a lot of negatives you can focus on; instead turn it around and the positives will roll in and won’t stop coming.” In 2020, Francesca encourages clients resolve to: “Definitely get the right professional salon products that suit their hair best! I cannot stress to my clients enough, when you are spending a great amount on your hair, you need to maintain the look with proper salon products.” Her salon highlight of the year: “The Brush House has only been open for two years and it has grown so fast. My 2019 highlight was definitely seeing that growth of existing/new clients, and our filled chairs. We are a family and making people feel at home and comfortable in the salon was, and is, a great feeling.” JUNE HELENE GOTTWALD @HALOHAIRBAR_ Helene used 18” GL Tapes to transform this guest’s shoulder-length hair to #longhairgoals. The happy guest loved the easy to manage, lightweight results! (And was even happier that her extensions could be reused!) Helene’s mantra for 2020: “Dream bigger, do bigger.” Her trend prediction for the New Year: “I think people will really embrace the natural look, natural waves, natural texture… embrace your natural beauty.” 😀 Her 2019 salon highlight: “The highlight of my year was seeing all of my clients leave happy, having them refer me to family and friends, and seeing how many of my clients still continue to support me after 10 years in the industry.” JULY MARY ANNE COSTA @MARYANNECOSTAHAIRSTYLING Mary Anne used customized Great Lengths to create a multi-tonal blonde for this lucky client. The perfectly blended colours created a beautifully natural final look. In 2020, Mary Anne thinks clients should resolve to… “Take good care of their hair! Treat yourself to hair masks, enjoy me time, and think MORE MOISTURE! Give your hair a break, try hairstyles that don’t require the use of heat. And, I’m encouraging clients to put more research into the colour and product lines they use. Invest more in self-care to help grow longer, stronger, healthier hair.” Her goals for 2020: “In the new year, I will be focusing on my bridal business and growing a brand to help connect my future brides with other vendors. I want to help Brides with their special day, not just in terms of their bridal hairstyle, but also in terms of the bigger picture and how to achieve their dream wedding.” The highlight of her year? “I have a couple! We had a lot of involvement in the community during our sustainable beauty month. We achieved a 96% retention rate with our clients and because of this success we’re making the move to a bigger location to help serve our clients better.” AUGUST KAMALA KNIGHT @GYPSYYSTYLES This was Kamala’s very first Great Lengths client! Five bundles and four and a half hours later, we’d say she nailed it. Kamala loved every minute of the process and was so excited with the end result. Kamala’s 2019 salon highlight is one we love: “In 2019 I was certified in Great Lengths cold fusion extensions and I absolutely fell in love with them!” Her goals for 2020 are big: “I would like to open up my own boutique-style salon in my small town, offering the ultimate guest experience. Her prediction for 2020 hair trends? “Over the next year, I think we will see the “boho” style become more and more popular. Soft, blended, dimensional colour and long hair!” SEPTEMBER MEG KOWALSKI @CUTSBYMEG Meg’s client, Jelisa, came to her with medium length, fine textured, virgin hair. Together, they decided to use 20” fusion extensions to add a few inches of length while building a more voluminous appearance overall. 150 half bonds in shade 1b were used. Meg concentrated on the bottom 3 inches of Jelisa’s hairline; over her ears and on the sides of her head to ensure the length and density matched the back. She then filled in the back of her hair focusing placement of the bonds over her occipital bone, where her hair is naturally most dense. According to Meg, success in 2020 needs… “A key component of being successful in the hair and beauty industry is introducing a culture of community over competition; working together instead of against each other.” Her goals for 2020: “I want to have extensions clients consume 40% of my schedule.” The highlight of her year? “One of my many 2019 salon highlights was being rewarded with a trip to NYC during Fashion week in September, to attend the first ever Behind.The.Scene Kevin.Murphy class. OCTOBER ASHLEE OLDENBURGER @HAIRBYASHLEEO This major transformation had Ashlee using a full head of 20 inch Great Lengths. Seven bundles, in colours #23, #61, #27 and #59 were used. Ashlee used shade #61 though the bottom to create a natural looking shadow, and blended shades #23, #27 and #59 to create this natural looking cool blonde. Ashlee recommends clients resolve to… “Enhance what you have, don’t try to go against your natural beauty… embrace it!” Her tips for stylist success in 2019 are simple… “A happy client is the best business strategy of all. Keeping my clients happy and giving them a reason to stay loyal; this is why I do what I do and why I’m able to be successful in the beauty industry.” IN for 2019? “I think we’re going to see a lot more lived-in looks.... brondes, buttery blondes, big bouncy natural curls and silky smooth straight looks.” NOVEMBER ANGELA HUTCHISON @ALCHEMYTHESTUDIO This client chose Great Lengths for her first-ever hair extension experience. Angela used four bundles of 12 inch Great Lengths in colours #1b, #02 and #03. Three and a half of those bundles were customized into fine bonds for a beautifully natural result that her client absolutely loved. Angela’s transformation exceeded expectations for a guest that is obsessed with her new hair. Angela’s tip for stylist success in 2020: “Outside of staying highly educated, I think it’s important to keep the focus on professionalism and salon culture. Focus on a flawless overall client experience, from beginning to end. Execute everything a client needs, and doesn’t even know they want.” Her goals for 2020: “My goals for the New Year are: to continue elevating my one-on-one interactions and services with my clients, to grow my brand, and to put a strong focus on Great Lengths and grow my GL client list.” Her 2019 highlight: “My studio, Alchemy the Studio, turned 1 at the start of October!” DECEMBER JESSIKA CORBIN @JESSIKA_SHOWPONYHAIR Jessica helped this client get the long, thick mermaid hair of her dreams with five 5 bundles of 16”. Currently on maternity leave, Jessika’s client had lost a lot of hair due to the hormone changes that came with pregnancy. The transformation was actually done over two days; the new mom had to leave and care for her baby! Jessika’s 2020 hair-related New Year’s resolution for clients: “DO NOT cut your own bangs! Especially if you're going through something!” When asked if there’s a need-to-know for success in 2020, Jessika said: “I don't think there is a need to know, BUT there has to be a WANT to know. Being open to change and different methods is key!” Her goal for 2020? “All I want for 2020 is to make everyone feel like the best version of themselves. ”
Great Lengths Canada is working on a very exciting new project set to launch in February of the New Year. To help launch the project we were in need of some beautiful, fresh, bridal photography. Great Lengths stylist, Jessica Kurtz of Thrive Eco Salon, in Nanaimo, BC and a team of very talented people stepped up to the plate and came together to help us make it happen. Jessica started her career as a hair stylist twelve years ago at The Cutting Room, in Nanaimo. It was there that she found her passion for working on photoshoots, winning Canadian Avant-Garde Stylist of the Year at the 2009 Mirror Awards. “I really felt like I found where I belonged in the avant-garde category,” says Jessica, where she embraced the fact that there were “no boundaries for creativity.” The experience grew her passion both for hair and for photoshoots . She has since placed as a finalist in the 2013 Mirror Awards; started a mobile Bridal hair and make-up service, “As You Wish Beauty”, in collaboration with her sister; and made the move to Thrive Eco Salon in Lantzville, BC. Outside of the salon, Jessica continues to push herself creatively, collaborating with other talented creatives on photoshoots whenever possible. It was this creative drive, and a passion for extensions, that led her to pitch the Great Lengths team for a bridal photoshoot. “I’ve been working with Great Lengths for ten years now, they are the only extensions I recommend and offer to my clients. I love them so much; the quality, the wearability, how well they blend, the versatility… the possibilities are endless. I’ve always loved doing bridal hair, so when the opportunity presented itself, I was beyond excited and grateful to put together a bridal collection for this amazing company! It’s a dream come true for me!” Previous bridal shoots had Jessica using a non-traditional approach. One, inspired by the sentiment that “love is blind,” featured a bride and groom blindfolded for a statement that was beautiful and eye-catching. “I love anything but ordinary,” says Jessica. Photos from this shoot caught the Great Lengths Canada team’s attention and we couldn’t wait to see what she’d create for us. “Simple Elegance” was Jessica’s inspiration for this Great Lengths bridal collection. Since the collection was for Great Lengths, Jessica “wanted to showcase the length and fullness of the Great Lengths extensions in an elegant and soft style, creating an editorial bride that relates to the modern real-world bride.” Jessica’s clean simplicity and less is more approach allows the hair to be the focal point. Jessica used six bundles of 24 inch Great Lengths bonded extensions in shade #59 to create a beautiful full head of blonde hair – bridal dream hair. To bring the shoot to life, Jessica collaborated with talented in-studio photographer Dave Delgado, makeup artist Rachel Bethell, model Stefanie Kos and local dress shop, The Bride’s Closet. The team started with hair and makeup while the photographer set up. The dress was fluffed and it was time to shoot! A simple grey background was used in order to allow the hair to be the focus. “I wanted the hair to glow in a way that really caught the eye and would stand out on a page,” said Jessica, continuing on to say, “I’m so happy with the final result and the whole experience.” We asked Jessica for some tips and tricks when approaching photoshoots and she had plenty of advice to offer. “First, really take the time to visualize what you want and choose a theme… and then do your research: find the right team to collaborate with to bring your vision to life.” When finding a photographer, “make sure their style of shooting works with your vision.” In selecting a model, be sure to find someone that embodies your vision. “From their look, their facial expressions, the way they present themselves and the way they connect with the camera.” Consider location; studio and outdoor locations offer different benefits. Studio shoots offer endless options when it comes to lighting and backgrounds, whereas on location you have the option of working with nature and multiple surroundings with natural light. She cited that finding the dream team can be the biggest challenge in photoshoots. “Choose your team wisely based on your overall vision for the shoot, but most importantly enjoy the process of working with a team of like-minded and creative people!” Jessica’s passion for working together with a team of like-minded artists to bring an idea to life in photoshoots is something she says feeds her soul, allowing her to use a side of herself that she doesn’t get to use in the day to day at the salon. “I’m extremely grateful for the experiences and the amazing co-workers/mentors I’ve had, and the clients that make my career so fulfilling and enjoyable!” She hopes to continue to fuel her passion and push the limits in her work with more opportunities for collaboration with other creative individuals. “I want to continue to tell stories through photoshoots, hopefully making a positive impact and encouraging others to push boundaries as well.” CHECK OUT OUR #BIGDAYGIVEAWAY CONTEST THAT PUTS JESSICA’S BRIDAL COLLECTION TO USE! 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BY STEVEN MATHEW Some of the most frequently asked questions during a consultation are, “Do hair extensions damage hair?” “How long do they last?” and, “How are extensions removed?” There is good reason for all of these questions… If you check out posts tagged #hairextensions, you’ll see a lot of content showing hair extensions being applied, but not much around how they’re removed. It makes perfect sense that both clients and stylists alike would be curious about this process! On my last Great Lengths Canada blog, I talked about how Great Lengths’ three hair extension systems are applied; now, it’s time to dive into how they are removed. As with anything you do to your natural hair– colouring, perming, bleaching, highlighting, and YES even extending, damage can occur if not applied correctly by a trained professional, or if recommended at-home care instructions are not followed. Of course, we want to avoid damage at all costs! Thankfully when applied, cared for and removed CORRECTLY, Great Lengths’ hair extensions are absolutely NOT damaging to hair. Wearing your strands no longer than recommended wear time, and having a GL certified artist do a proper removal will ensure a healthy hair outcome. Always remember: it’s not just about the product, it’s about the PROCESS! GL strands wear time and when they need to be removed is different for everyone; this is based on individual factors such as natural density, how fast one’s hair grows, frequency of shedding, and at-home care routine. Some of the ways in which Great Lengths stylists work to provide a healthy hair outcome begins with education. Taking the time to give our guests all the necessary information on caring for their new ‘do at home is paramount to worry-free wear. Brushing 2-3 times daily at the attachment sites will keep natural un-extended hairs free of the connections, will keep the connections themselves from getting tangled together, and ensure the natural shed hairs do not become dreadlocked. If the wearer is diligent with daily brushings and product recommendations, removal is a simple process! Keratin bonded hair extensions from Great Lengths are removed by first applying a special removal solution on the bonds themselves. Using a pair of GL tweezers, this solution is compressed into the previously cured keratin, crystallizing the bond holding your strands in place and allowing the bond to crumble and fall away. The GL strand is then gently pulled away from the natural hair, leaving a small amount of naturally shed hair behind that is easily pulled apart and removed. Voila! Now you have yourself several inches of damage free new growth! GL Tapes and Tapes+, Great Lengths’ reusable system, require an update (aka - a move up) approximately every 4-6 weeks, so with this system, removal is a more recurring activity. To take these hair extensions out before a potential re-application, your certified GL Artist will spray a GL removal solution into the polyurethane tape strip , dissolving and softening the tape adhesive holding the sandwich together; ultimately allowing it to gently slide out of the hair. Because this method is removed and reapplied every month or so, there is usually very little shed hair to contend with. Once your tapes are removed, we will shampoo and blow-dry your hair. Following the removal, your GL Tapes can be re-taped and re-used up to 3 times! It’s extremely important that the wearer does not attempt to remove the strands at home by themselves. ALWAYS have a certified GL artist do so using only the recommended GL removal solutions. A great tip for stylists is to be sure to gently pull any shed or tangled hairs apart toward the scalp and away from the centre, rather than combing aggressively in a downward motion. WHETHER YOU’RE A STYLIST OR A CLIENT, I HOPE YOU’LL REMEMBER TWO KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS ARTICLE. The first is the importance of education surrounding proper home care and brushing (both for stylists and for their guests), and the second: how very important it is to have extensions professionally removed in-salon, by a trained extension artist, at the end of the recommended wear time. Keep these two things in mind to ensure the health and safety of natural hair. If all of these steps are followed, extension wearers will reap the rewards of healthy hair growth both during and after wearing Great Lengths hair extensions! Interested in learning more about Great Lengths extensions? If you’re a stylist itching to become Great Lengths certified, check out Great Lengths upcoming training dates here. And, if you’re ready to see what Great Lengths can do for your hair, use the GLC salon finder to find a stylist near you.
The Canadian Hairstylist of the Year Awards, the Contessa’s, celebrate the best in Canadian professional beauty. It’s the biggest night of the year for the Canadian Beauty Industry and Great Lengths Canada could not have been more excited to be there on November 10, 2019 as a Silver Sponsor. For those who have never been to, or perhaps even heard of the Contessa’s, we highly recommend you check out the webcast of the show, and if ever you get the chance, attend in person. It is a high-energy professional production; the Academy Awards of the Canadian beauty industry some might say! The Contessa Awards will make you truly appreciate and recognize the immense amount of creativity in the beauty industry in Canada. The awards, held at The Westin Harbour Castle Hotel in Toronto, began with a packed room enjoying cocktail hour. The diverse crowd of creative beauty professionals enjoyed champagne, music, mingling and the very popular confetti photo booth. Following cocktail hour, guests were welcomed to the event by Contessa Host, and highly regarded Canadian hairstylist and Cityline broadcast personality, Bill Rowley. What followed was three hours of inspired speeches, interactive polls and amazing runway presentations from Moroccan Oil, Wella Professionals and Pulp Riot Moroccan Oil’s fierce runway show featured models with floor-length, rainbow coloured dreadlocks, ultra-long spiked ponytails and bright pink waves. Moroccan Oil Artistic Director described their inspiration as “Every colour is beautiful to someone”, and promised, “a lot of colour and a lot of bling.” The show did not disappoint. Fittingly choreographed to Ariana Grande’s track, I Want It I Got It, models wore every colour of the rainbow, topped with glamourous glitter and gold accents. Wella presented a runway show by British Salon, D&J Ambrose. Brimming with rock and roll attitude, models walked the runway to a mash up of David Bowie’s Fashion, Queen’s We Will Rock You, Rage Against the Machine’s Killing in the Name of and Prodigy’s Breath. Highlighting the styling of D&J Ambrose, the runway show had host Bill Rowley declaring, “There’s nothing like Brit Style.” Pulp Riot, last but certainly not least, was the final entertainment of the night with an intense presentation of live cutting and styling. Choreographed to Uprising, by Muse, stylists trimmed, cut, shaved, and styled, while models walked the runway rocking Pulp Riot hair colour, a punk-rock attitude, and shirts that said, “We are the riot.” And of course, amongst the high-energy presentations was the awarding of the coveted Contessas. Twenty four awards were presented in total, to hairstylists, colourists, makeup artists, and nail artists. In addition to these categories, an award for community service and one for salon interior design. Great Lengths Canada’s own, Sandy Regan, VP of Sales and Marketing, was pleased to present the award for Texture Hairstylist of the year to Julie Vriesinga of Salon Entrenous in London, Ontario OTHER TOP HONOURS INCLUDED: Canadian Colourist of the Year, awarded to Maggie Semaan, Hause of Rtists by Maggie Semaan, Laval Quebec; Canadian Hairstylist of the Year, awarded to Tracy Newton, Aveda Institute Toronto; Elite Master Hair Stylist of the Year, to Dorothy Tsang, Blushes Ottawa (whose Husband, Silas Tsang, was awarded that same honour at last year’s Contessa’s!) and, Canadian Salon Team of the Year, awarded to Harmony Hair Care in Peterborough, Ontario. VIEW THE FULL LIST OF CONTESSA WINNERS. Follow Great Lengths Canada on Instagram and Facebook for more highlights.
BY STEVEN MATHEW We’re so excited to introduce this guest blog by the Insta-Famous, ultra-talented, Great Lengths Champion: Steven Mathew. If you haven’t heard of Steven, well, you must be new to the world of Great Lengths. He’s well known for his amazing transformations, his excellent and educational social content, and his clients who fly from all over the world to entrust him with the application of their hair extensions. As a trusted source to so many, we thought Steven would be the perfect person to discuss how Great Lengths Hair Extensions are applied. Let’s be honest– Hair extensions aren’t going anywhere. They’ve gained a lot of popularity in recent years thanks to social media, but they’re not just a passing trend… they’re a timeless and luxurious hair accessory. New hair extension application methods are popping up constantly, but Great Lengths’ methods continue to be the most recognized and trusted on the market. Great Lengths offers three different hair extension application methods. LEARN HOW EACH OF THEM IS APPLIED BELOW. 1. CLASSIC THERMAL FUSION KERATIN BONDED METHOD The “OG” application method. Developed in the early 90s, this patented method of keratin bonded attachment continues to be one of the safest and most sought-after extension techniques available to this day. With this method of thermal attachment, small quarter-inch square sections of your natural hair are selected, and pre-bonded extensions of equal density are applied (strand by strand). They are then rolled around the natural hair just below the root, making them comfortable and safe, with full range of motion. This means when applied correctly, ponytails are totally doable! Great Lengths’ keratin is often imitated, but what makes it so unique is its ability to mimic the structure of human hair on a molecular level. I know, I know– that’s quite a mouthful. So here’s what you need to know... This keratin is hypoallergenic and will respond to heat and moisture the same way our natural hair will. When it gets wet or heated, it will expand and contract with our natural hair. This is especially important for clients wanting worry-free wear for several months at a time. Applications start with several washes with Great Lengths Clean Removal Shampoo, followed up with a blow dry. Then begins the application of keratin bonds and to finish: a blending haircut! The process generally takes several hours, but the trade-off is no return salon visits for maintenance until months later, when it’s time to remove them. With proper home care, these bonds will stand the test of time and be the closest, most natural hair extension to that of your own hair! 2. ULTRASONIC COLD FUSION KERATIN BONDED METHOD Great Lengths offers versatile application options; the same keratin bonded hair extensions can also be applied with the 5000 Ultrasonic machine. Similar to the thermal method, Cold Fusion applies a customized strand of equal density to natural hair, using quarter-inch square sections around the head. Rather than directly heating the keratin bond, this machine uses a high-frequency ultrasonic vibration to soften the keratin, allowing the stylist to mould and shape it to the client’s natural hair. This application is safe and versatile. It offers the ability to create flat bonds that fan out and lay flat to the head, offering a sleeker look and a very natural fall to the hair. The preparation for the Ultrasonic Cold Fusion Keratin Bonded Great Lengths is the same as the Classic Thermal method. Like the Classic Thermal method, the Cold Fusion method will take several hours to achieve your dream ‘do. When applied by a certified professional, this method of attachment also yields several months of consecutive maintenance-free wear… Totally worth it! 3. GL TAPES & GL TAPES+ GL Tapes and GL Tapes+ were developed to be a quick and reusable semi-permanent hair extension method; perfect for individuals who wish to change up their look frequently! What makes these babies so enticing is the ability to completely transform your hair in approximately 1-2 hours. After a series of clarifying shampoos with the Clean Removal Shampoo and a blow dry, the GL Tapes or Tapes+ are applied by sandwiching two pieces together using a surgical grade adhesive tape on each side of a very thin slice of the client’s natural hair, just below the root. This is (of course!) followed with a blending haircut to finish. Personally, I love semi-permanent technology like GL Tapes for quick changes, photoshoots, and especially for brides who want to have dream hair for their bachelorette, big day, AND honeymoon! Lasting approximately 4 weeks between maintenance visits, these are a fantastic choice for guests wanting a quick and reusable hair extension system. Great Lengths stylists are highly trained in determining which method of attachment might be right for you. During the consultation, you and your stylist will discuss looks, choose textures, lengths and colour effects. We will also, of course, outline pricing for your enhanced look. A consultation is the perfect time to arrive with your hair in its natural state so your stylist can properly assess it for the best match possible. If you are a client looking for more information on what method of hair extension might be right for you, to find a stylist in a city near you! If you’re a stylist looking to become certified in one of our award-winning methods, view our upcoming education dates here.
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.
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