Natacha Thivierge is the founder and co-owner of Salōn XN, a popular high-end salon in Blainville, Quebec. Designed to cater exclusively to women, Salōn XN has become the go-to salon for Quebec’s young female influencers to feel pampered and leave feeling beautiful and confident. Natacha is a newly certified Great Lengths stylist and has already made quite the impression on Instagram with her beautiful applications. We couldn’t wait to get to know Natacha for our Stylist Spotlight. 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 Salōn XN? I started in the hairdressing field at 14 years old. I did my training and I knew immediately that it was what I wanted to do. After having done everything (colourist, barber, hair extensions, cuts), I wanted to offer a unique service dedicated to women only. Two years ago I founded Salōn XN, and now here I am! Tell us about Salōn XN! Salōn XN is my world. It is for me a place dedicated to making every woman feel good, receiving personalized service. We offer a range of services, anything a woman could want! My goal is to offer the best to our customers with quality products and service. How long have you been working with Great Lengths; what was your inspiration to join the GL network? I have only just recently become a certified Great Lengths technician, less than a year ago, however, I have been doing other methods of extensions for 12 years. I started with the technique where I had to put the glue on the strands of hair myself - it was horrible! I tried more than twenty companies until I discovered GL, and it has changed my life! What impact has being a Great Lengths Artist had on you and your business? The word that comes to mind is professionalism. When we began offering Great Lengths, it all made sense. I am proud to offer a product with a unique range, a history and a level of quality that aligns with our Salōn XN brand. What do you love about Great Lengths? I love the number of options we have with Great Lengths. It’s incredible when I take out my colour ring with all of the colour options; it allows me to be so creative. I love explaining the Great Lengths reputation, history, the installation process, and the quality! I love telling my client that she will have the most beautiful hair in the world when she chooses Great Lengths extensions. What is your personal favourite hair trend right now? We specialize in blond, so our clients stand out, often with several shades of warm or cool blond. These are my favourite colours. What are your predictions for the top hair trends for Spring 2020? For Spring 2020, I predict a lot of blonde, multidimensional browns, and pastels for festivals. I promise you’ll see beautiful colour coming out of Salōn XN. If you could pick a celebrity, a public figure, anyone- whose hair would you love to work on? Maripier Morin, my Quebec idol. I think she represents the current woman so perfectly! What or who do you look to for inspiration? I take inspiration from everyone; my employees, Instagram, other salons. Max Gourgues (@maxgourgues), and hair educator Marie-Anne Labrie (@pinklablonde) are particularly inspiring! We are so lucky to have such passionate and creative people in Quebec. Salōn XN works closely with a number of influencers in Quebec. How have you worked to develop these relationships? What do you like about working with these influential young woman? I have built a bond and a great level of trust with them. While it is a business relationship, it is also friendly. Salōn XN has an image of being true, sincere and authentic and it’s a top priority to ensure our clients feel this. It is very important to me. I often get asked the question, How did you build those relationships? Salōn XN is fresh, it is current and we always have new plans in the works. We involve our influencers with developing our plans and I think this has been an important part of those relationships. I love working with them, it's inspiring. We work together in a mutually beneficial way to reap the rewards. It’s very motivating. What advice would you offer newly certified stylists to best take advantage of their GL skillset? First and foremost - Respect your client's hair. Stay true to this and you can do amazing work. Mix tone on tone to create beautiful finishes, and develop a style that is unique to you and your client. What personality traits do you think are most beneficial to your success? I’m a perfectionist! Some would say that in your personal life, perfectionism is not entirely beneficial, but at work it gives you an advantage. I’m very committed to ensuring everything I do feels well-executed, clean, as close to perfect as possible. My approach to social media and Instagram have also proven to be incredibly beneficial. What is your favourite part of being a stylist? I love giving advice, guiding my clients, and proving to them that anything is possible when it is well-executed. Above all, I love being able to change perceptions of hair extensions with Great Lengths. Do you have a favourite mantra, a quote or a saying you like to keep in mind? “Respect the hair.” With your recent engagement, a young daughter and a successful salon, 2020 is bound to be a busy year for you! What are your goals and aspirations as you move forward? I believe that staying busy and being surrounded with people and things that make you happy makes us move forward in all aspects of our life. This year, Salōn XN will continue to evolve in big ways; we have several beautiful projects launching soon. I’ll stay busy! FOLLOW NATACHA AND SALON XN ON INSTAGRAM.
Great Lengths Universal’s latest campaign features elegance and beauty against the backdrop of Italian heritage and culture. Creative directed by Alessandro Molinari, Elisa Barbieri and Rossano Ferretti, the new 2020 global campaign is titled, “The Great Italian Journey” and is a colourful and elegant display. As indicated by the title of the campaign, the aspirational collection of photographs and videos feature five women on a journey through Italy, discovering the Sicilian atmosphere, flavours, and traditions. Each of the five woman have an individual style and beauty that has been enhanced with Great Lengths. The contemporary and varied personal beauty, hair style and personality of each woman become stand out features against the Baroque backdrop. The Palermo setting is an incredibly fitting location for this collection; Italy plays a huge part in the Great Lengths story. Great Lengths Hair Extensions were founded in Italy in 1993 and our extensions are made there with pride to this day. Our production facility is located in the town of Nepi, near Rome. By producing our extensions here, Great Lengths ensures our value of quality and ethics are upheld, with a working environment that respects human rights, local traditions and all standards of ethics. This Italian identity is a big piece of the Great Lengths’ culture, and with its warm light, bright colours, strong heritage and tranquil lifestyle, it’s also a beautiful backdrop for the photography of this campaign. In this campaign you’ll discover the hidden gems of the Sicilian atmosphere, flavours, and traditions; loud markets, warm-hearted local people, and stunning architecture. You’ll also see symbols of the Sicilian identity, such as the pomegranate, representing wealth and joy. You’ll see unique places, like the eclectic and unexpected Chinese Palace, or the Casa-Museo Stanze al Genio, a museum hosting 5000 glazed tiles derived exclusively from ancient Southern Italian palaces. And of course, you’ll see beautiful hair. Through each episode of, “The Great Italian Journey,” the five women explore hidden gems of Italy, giving a taste of the “Dolce Vita”, the good life, while sporting elegant and minimalist hairstyles created by the artistic team. VIEW PART OF THE COLLECTION BELOW AND STAY TUNED TO OUR SOCIAL FEEDS AND BLOG AS, “THE GREAT ITALIAN JOURNEY” CONTINUES.
We recently invited our Instagram followers to ask us anything in our Instagram Stories. When we encouraged people to submit their questions they had about Great Lengths, it turns out a number of our followers were wondering about the same thing: “How long will my Great Lengths Extensions last?” “If I take really good care of them, how long can I wear the same extensions for?” We want to make sure we answer this FAQ in detail for all of those wondering! Our keratin bonds are tiny, but despite their size, they have staying power, lasting longer than most other hair extensions. How long exactly? THE SHORT ANSWER: Great Lengths pre-bonded extensions can last 4-6 months. GL Tapes can last 4-8 weeks. Upon removal, they can be re-used. THE LONGER, MORE DETAILED ANSWER: While in general, we recommend removal of Great Lengths pre-bonded extensions every 4-6 months, and removal of GL Tape systems every 6-8 weeks, both of these removal time-frames are dependent on a number of factors, such as: The condition of the client’s natural hair, as well as how quickly it grows Their lifestyle The type of application (i.e. Was it to lengthen or to add volume; were full bonds or half bonds installed etc.) The aftercare products that are used And of course, how well the client follows the very important maintenance routine. While some of these elements are out of your control, such as how fast your hair grows, the most important factor, the maintenance and at-home care, is solely in your hands. The length of time Great Lengths can be worn truly comes down to how well you take care of them. In order to maximize your wear-time, we highly recommend the following: Use the recommended aftercare products. Aftercare products specific to Great Lengths extensions are available through all Great Lengths stylists. Stylists will provide instructions for use. Be sure to follow them! Regular maintenance and care are a must. Great Lengths stylists are extensively trained, not only to install the extensions, but also to instruct clients on how to maintain them at home. Your stylist will provide you with expert after-care tips. If you are not clear on an instruction or have questions, always ask your stylist for more clarification. Contact your stylist immediately with any questions or concerns. Your stylist will schedule you for a follow up appointment and will let you know when your extensions need to be removed. Removal is always done by a Great Lengths Certified Stylist to ensure your hair remains healthy, damage free and ready for your next application. Interested in learning more? for a consultation and learn how Great Lengths can help you meet your hair goals.
We launched our exciting #BigDayGiveaway contest at the start of the month! We’re so happy to see the entries rolling in. We can’t wait to make one Bride’s wishes come true. With the contest closing May 31, we’ll be declaring a winner just in time for the busy Canadian wedding season. Did you know almost 70% of weddings in Canada take place between June and September? Most, in the month of August. IF YOU MISSED IT: We talked to Jessica Kurtz, a Great Lengths stylist in Nanaimo, BC about the photo shoot that resulted in the beautiful bridal photography for the contest. No wedding dress is complete without the right hair to finish the look! Great Lengths are an incredible solution for a bride-to-be with fine hair, or the bride who wants something spectacular on their special day. A bride can add length, colour, sparkle, or even double or triple the thickness of their hair on their big day. For many women, Great Lengths for their wedding day is a first-time experience that hooks them. This was the case with Chelsea, a bride whose hair we made over for her wedding day in June of 2018. “It is thanks to my Great Lengths extensions that my hair looked the best it has ever looked, on the most important day of my life. My hair was a huge part of my feeling as beautiful and as confident on my wedding day as I did. I would 100% recommend Great Lengths extensions for brides looking to achieve their dream hairstyle on their wedding day. I had such a good experience and I could not be happier that I decided to get them for my wedding day. I was expecting my hair to be longer and thicker after, but I was not expecting the entire process to be so smooth, and for the extensions to last as long and as well as they have.” With three different application methods, Great Lengths is a versatile solution, with each method offering different benefits. Thermal fusion keratin bonded extensions, our original method, continues to be the most sought-after extension technique available. Our cold fusion method offers the same incredible results using ultrasonic vibration, rather than heat, to soften and attach the bonds. Each offer incredibly natural results, versatile styling options and several months of maintenance-free wear. And then there are GL Tapes, which incredibly talented Great Lengths stylist, Steven Mathew, raved about in a recent guest blog: “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.” Tapes also offer the benefit of being a quicker and more budget-friendly application. A wedding is a bride’s day to shine, and a hairstylist’s opportunity to help make that happen. If you’re a bride-to-be, do not miss entering our Big Day Giveaway for your chance to win our $10,000 Great Lengths prize package that includes the installation, styling and removal of our keratin bonded extensions by one of our talented certified stylists, an aftercare kit, and your very own professional photo shoot before your big day, to be featured in a Great Lengths ad. LOOKING FOR SOME BEAUTIFUL BRIDAL HAIR INSPIRATION? WE’VE GOT PLENTY OF DREAMY SUMMER WEDDING HAIR IDEAS HERE.
One of the most frequently asked questions in the world of hair extensions is: Will hair extensions damage my natural hair? We want to give all the insight you need on this frequently asked, and very important question, so you’re well informed when it comes to deciding if extensions are right for you. There are many different hair extension application methods available, and doing your research is key. In this blog post, we’ll focus on our fusion extensions to answer the question, “Will Great Lengths damage my hair?” THE SHORT ANSWER IS NO, GREAT LENGTHS WILL NOT DAMAGE YOUR HAIR, WHEN APPLIED CORRECTLY BY AN EXPERTLY TRAINED PROFESSIONAL. Our unique bond is designed to mimic the structure of your natural hair. It is lightweight and flexible, allowing the extensions to work in harmony with your natural hair, never against it. Our application methods are very gentle, and the use of heat is minimal to avoid any unnecessary damage to your natural hair. Our Classic method uses a small amount of heat to soften the bond that is attached to the natural hair, while our Cold Fusion method uses vibrations to fuse the bond. The bond synchronizes with the hair, expanding and contracting accordingly when wet or dry, cool or heated. This flexibility allows your natural hair to move freely and ensures that your natural hair will not be damaged while wearing Great Lengths. You can rest assured that your hair will look and feel 100% natural and will remain damage-free; these bonds have been scientifically proven not to cause damage to your hair or scalp when applied, maintained and removed correctly. In fact, wearers often find that their natural hair has grown more, gotten thicker, and/or noticeably healthier, after their extensions have been removed! While it is true that extensions that are applied incorrectly can cause problems such as breakage and sore spots, our in-depth training results in Great Lengths Certified Stylists that are experts at what they do. They have been thoroughly trained in the art of applying extensions for the best possible, natural and damage-free finish. Stylists are taught to expertly apply the extensions to avoid any strain or tension for the client. They are taught how to customize each bond to suit different hair types and densities, to ensure extensions will never weigh down your hair. And, they’re highly educated on the consultation process. Before any application, a stylist will carry out a thorough assessment of your hair to ensure that Great Lengths are right for you and determine the best approach to your application. When it comes time for removal, the bond is gently removed from the hair using a specially formulated gel, causing the bond to break down and be removed from the hair with ease. When people say extensions damage hair, it’s almost a guarantee that they have not dealt with a trained professional. Always have an experienced stylist apply your extensions, regardless of the type of extensions you choose. Be sure to follow aftercare instructions provided to you, do not exceed the suggested wear times, and when your wear time is up, visit your stylist for a proper removal. Do these things, and hair extensions will not damage your hair. At Great Lengths, we only offer the absolute best in hair quality, bond technology, and stylist education, all to ensure our extensions cause no damage to natural hair. BOOK A CONSULTATION WITH A TO FIND OUT HOW GREAT LENGTHS CAN ENHANCE YOUR LOOK.
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! ENTER TO WIN A $10,000 GREAT LENGTHS PRIZE PACKAGE FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY!
We’re very happy to introduce new products to our line and new stylists to our network! Read on to learn more. GREAT LENGTHS INTRODUCES MINI STRANDS AND GL TAPES MINIS Great Lengths Canada is happy to launch Great Lengths Mini Strands and GLTapes Minis. A welcome addition to the product range; these Minis promise to make the application process easier and quicker for the stylist and more detailed for clients. Great Lengths Minis are pre-cut to half the size of the standard bonded strands and half the size of regular GLTapes, making these mini versions perfect to use for clients with finer hair looking for a discrete application around the sides and/or fringe, or for areas of the head that look best when finer strands are applied (at the crown, around the face etc.) Currently, Minis are available in limited lengths and colours, but are available by special order in all existing shades (close to 90!). The Mini Strands and GL Tapes Minis have been welcomed by our stylists, says Louise Jenkins, Education and Creative Manager at Great Lengths UK. Our application methods are discrete but with the addition of the Minis, we are taking that up a level. These are especially good for clients that want just a couple of additions to enhance their natural look, rather than a full- head application. It opens up a lot of possibilities for our stylists to offer their client something that truly works for them, without compromise. Before bespoke looks could be achieved by cutting Great Lengths down to size, Minis allow the stylist to speed up preparation time, saving valuable time while making applications even more customized to each individual guest. Standard GLTapes come in bundles of 10 panels, or five sandwiches; new GLTapes Mini’s come in bundles of 20 panels (ten sandwiches). Standard Great Lengths bonded strands come in bundles of 25 strands; the new Mini’s come in bundles of 50 strands. In terms of pricing, Great Lengths Minis are the exact same price as their standard sized counterpart. NEW STYLISTS We’d like to extend a very warm welcome to our Stylists certified in the last year! Welcome to the Great Lengths network, we can’t wait to see what you do! ALBERTA Amber Walliser - Amber is a Colour, Calgary, AB Lisa Bray - Salon Luminous, Calgary, AB Blaguna Gjorgjevik - Reflection Hair Studio, Edmonton, AB Jayde Morin - Dandy Salon, Edmonton, AB Mackenzie Barrett - Dandy Salon, Edmonton, AB Amy De Kock - Buzz Buzz Hair Company, Hardisty, AB Rachel Rogers - Buzz Buzz Hair Company, Hardisty, AB Kamala Knight - Studio D Salon, High River, AB Jenna Bosch - Plush Salon & Spa Ltd, Medicine Hat, AB Antonia Tagliapietra - Cherish Hair Design, Sherwood Park, AB Delayne Shaye M Karbashewski - Cherish Hair Design, Sherwood Park, AB ONTARIO Donna Morand - Innovations Hair Studio, Carp, ON Francesca Rauti - Salon Nimmi, Etobicoke, ON Jordan Weise - Nova Vita Hair Studio, London, ON Kaylan Gracey - Nova Vita Hair Studio, London, ON Cayla Grbich - Salon Entrenous, London, ON Shauna McCarthy - Salon Entrenous, London, ON Angela Hutchison - Alchemy The Salon, Mississauga, ON Anna Delong - Dolly Mixtures for Hair, Mississauga, ON Kendall Webb - Rinaldi Salon & Spa, Mississauga, ON Mijung Hewit - Salon Distribution, Mississauga, ON Alannah G. Cugliette - Hair By Adamo, Ottawa, ON Alicja Pintscher - Hair By Adamo, Ottawa, ON Assana McDonald - Julian Marc Salon, Ottawa, ON Jessika Corbin – Showpony, Ottawa, ON Julian Tagliavento - Julian Marc Salon, Ottawa, ON Megan Paulin - Dolmar Salon, Simcoe, ON Sara West - Dolmar Salon, Simcoe, ON Lisa Code Parri - Glow Hair Studio, Sudbury, ON Megan Kowalski - Evolve Hair Studio, Toronto, ON Patricia Miaco - Solol Base Inc, Toronto, ON Ruth Fraser - Solol Base Inc, Toronto, ON Saina Sarafian - Medulla & Co, Toronto, ON Suzanne McGlynn - Movie Industry, Toronto, ON Vanessa Hannah - Borg & Boutros, Toronto, ON Zinka Tuminski - Movie Industry, Toronto, ON BRITISH COLUMBIA Annella Cusano - Spa Utopia Salon & Spa, Langley, BC Erika Clare Condon - Vivid Hair Boutique, Langley, BC Mirva Schulze - Spa Utopia Salon & Spa, Langley, BC Rachael Louise Thorne - Vivid Hair Boutique, Langley, BC Tiffany Thomas - Serenity The Salon, Nanaimo, BC Deva Funk - Zazou Salon & Spa, North Vancouver, BC Saghar Keshavarzi - Zazou Salon & Spa, North Vancouver, BC Kellie Doan - Citrus Hair Salon, Vancouver, BC NEWFOUNDLAND Dominique Linehan - Colour Palette, St. Johns, NL Kayla Nugent - Colour Palette, St. Johns, NL QUÉBEC Alexandra Phaneuf - Salon XN, Blainville, QC Natacha Thivierge - Salon XN, Blainville, QC Alessia Foriero - Lov Coiffure & Spa, Laval, QC Alyssa Dias - Lov Coiffure & Spa, Laval, QC Angela Lambroulias - Nuva Beaute & Spa, Laval, QC Josee Landreville - Coiffure Carole Charron, Laval, QC Ricardo Da Silva - Nuva Beaute & Spa, Laval, QC Roxanne Ouellet - Lov Coiffure & Spa, Laval, QC Stacey Ann De Sousa - Lov Coiffure & Spa, Laval, QC Cloe Landry - Institut Edition Beaute Inc., Montréal, QC Dalia Di Benedetto - Labo Mtl, Montréal, QC Jo-Anny Proulx - Le Lowkey, Montréal, QC John Cicione - Salon Mute, Montréal, QC Maggie Semaan - Labo Mtl, Montréal, QC Marie Pier Gagne - Local B, Montréal, QC Mathieu Mainville - Espace JNFLD Inc., Montréal, QC Rebecca Duchard - Local B, Montréal, QC Sabrina Dumont - Le Lowkey, Montréal, QC Sophia Jabrallah - Institut Edition Beaute Inc., Montréal, QC Steven Heins - Stephen W. Atelier, Montréal, QC Micheline Leblanc - Salon Vogue, St. Catherine, QC Veronique Boyer - Salon Vogue, St. Catherine, QC Clementine Anceau - Complex 10e Avenue, Saint Georges, QC Karel Sevigny - Complex 10e Avenue, Saint Georges, QC Idalia Saavedra Galan - Medz Salon, Verdun, QC
Great Lengths Canada is extremely proud to once again be a Sponsor of the very prestigious Contessa Awards. The Contessas, or the Canadian Hairstylist of the Year Awards, have a long-running track record of excellence, and as such are the gold standard in Canadian beauty. Since 1988, the Contessas have brought the best of Canada’s talent together to measure their creativity in a photo-based competition. The Contessas are open to all licensed beauty professionals across Canada, from coast to coast. Categories span across all aspects of the beauty industry, with awards for hairstylists, colourists, nail artists, and makeup artists; salon interiors, and an award for community service. Winners are blindly selected; identities of the entrants remain anonymous for the judging of the photo-based contest. The judges include two prestigious panels of independent experts from within the Canadian professional beauty industry… A Contessa win is a huge addition to an entrant’s portfolio and reputation. Crowning the Contessa winners takes place at a glamorous gala in Toronto, with more than 1,000 guests in attendance. The big night kicks off with a lavish cocktail party and is followed by a formal sit-down dinner. The evening is rounded out with a show featuring the awards ceremony and inspiring presentations by leading hairstylists. The Great Lengths Canada team will be there to cover all the excitement! For an inside look at Contessa31, be sure to follow Great Lengths Canada. We’ll be sharing highlights throughout the evening on social. Keep an eye on our Instagram Stories on November 10, 2019 to be inspired by this spectacular display of creativity, style and excellence in beauty. To read more about the Contessas, learn how to enter, and for helpful hints to get an edge over the competition for next year, visit the Salon Magazine website.
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.
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