~Kesini
]]>#7: Trim your hair extensions to keep them looking new
Your human hair extensions need trimming, just like your natural hair. Trimming prevents split ends and keeps your extensions looking refreshed.
#8: Go to your hairstylist to check the health of your extensions
Your hairstylist has a wealth of knowledge, and they can give you suggestions on how to extend the life of your investment and preserve your natural hair.
#9: Most importantly, do not keep your extensions in too long
It is suggested that keep your extensions in longer than 4-8 weeks.
In a Nutshell
As mentioned above, taking care of the hair extensions is equally important as taking care of your own hair. I hope the tips mentioned above help you increase the durability of your hair extensions and keep them looking new for an extended period of time.
For more tips on how to maintain your extensions or if you want to share what works for you, please comment below or message us on our live support chat box. We look forward to hearing from you.
]]>
1. Your base is important. Your wig should lay as flat as possible. No lumps or bumps
Now that your foundation is set, it's time to secure your wig. There are many options you can use to secure your wig. taken care of, it’s time to move on to the security. Security is important, and there are multiple ways to get your wig secure.
2. Wig Grip Band
A wig grip is a double-sided velvet band with one side made of Velcro. The band prevents the wig from slipping and it is kind to your hairline. Wig grip bands can be found on Amazon, online beauty supply stores, or in your local beauty supply store.
3. Glueless Wigs/Combs
Glueless wigs are wigs that have combs attached inside and can be used to secure the wig to your head. If you are making a wig you can add combs to help secure your wig in place. I
4. Wig band
Most wigs come with adjustable straps. These help your wigs to feel incredibly secure and are also kind to your hairline. Make sure the straps are not too loose or too tight.
5. Glue/Tape method
Glue and tape are both methods you can use to secure your wig. You can even go swimming, exercising, or whatever else you please without having to worry about your wig lifting. The glue method did not work for me. As soon as I started to sweat, my wig started to lift. Some women swear by it. When removing the glue and or tape you want to use a remover to make sure you do not pull your hairline out.
6.Gel
Some women use gel to lay down the lace. Got2b glue, Eco Styler, Gorilla Snot gel are products that I've seen Youtube influencers use. I've tried all three and my favorite is Eco Styler. It is easy to apply and simple to remove.
Wearing wigs can be fun and can ease the pressure of wearing a weave, but it is important to remember to have a flat foundation and a method to secure your wig in place are key to wearing your wig with confidence.
~ Kesini
Vietnamese Yaki Straight Hair
If you are natural, but want to have a blown out look without compromise, Vietnamese Yaki Straight hair might be what you are looking for.With the weather cooling down, Yaki Straight hair can give you a subtle, classy look and easily blends with your natural hair. This beautiful look is attainable and is ideal for the transition into winter. Also, this hair is easy to maintain and gives you that silk press style with a little extra body and length.
Braids or Faux Locs
Braids are not only good to wear during the summer! Faux locs are also a great style to wear. I love wearing locs temporarily. Braids and locs are manageable, versatile, and stylish. There are many different styles you can choose from high up-dos for those hot fall days or wear it down to keep you warm and cozy. One of the pluses about wearing braids or locs, there is not much for you to do. Most importantly, braids and locs are a connection to our African roots and allows us to celebrate our uniqueness with pride. Braids and locs are my personal favorite because they allow my hair to get a break from being manipulated and allow for rapid growth.
Kinky Curly Textures: 3C, 4A, & 4C
Do you have 3C or 4A or 4B hair? Wouldn't it be nice to just rock your naturalness with a little length or width? A nice way to protect your hair and wear a weave with leave out is to have a weave that matches your texture exactly. If you just did the "Big Chop," and you want some length, find a texture that matches your own texture will make the process go easier.
No need to have boring hair; life is too short! Change your hair with the seasons and wear it proudly.
~Kesini
Weaves provide an option for women who want to change their look with longer lengths, colors, and or textures. Protective styling is a great way to preserve your natural hair.
However, wearing a weave requires proper maintenance and should be taken care of as if it grew out of your scalp, or else you run the risk of severely damaging your natural hair.
Hair damage has increased with protective styling. Braid patterns can be too tight and pull hair from the hairline and even cause hair loss. Wearing weaves consistently without any breaks is one of the significant factors that cause alopecia.
Here are a few tips to keep your weave and natural hair looking flawless and healthy:
Select Quality Hair Extensions in Textures Resembling your Natural Hair
Human hair will cost more than synthetic hair. However, it's significantly better for your hair and lasts longer. Wearing a weave is an investment. Invest in the best.
Stay Away from Adhesives or Glue
Sew-ins can be healthier for your hair if not done tightly. Weaving nets are favored by some hairstylists to help preserve your hair, as well. The goal is to use a method that causes the least amount of damage.
Handle your Extensions with Care
Once your extensions are installed, comb delicately from the bottom to abstain from pulling out or generally harming your hair. Some extensions are prone to tangling, so don't yank the brush through when you detangle. Use a wide-tooth comb or paddle brush.
Keep It Light & Simple
Avoid the use of heat on your hair and extensions. If you have leave it out, you must match your extensions. You don't require styling items to keep up your weave, nor should you utilize heat (flat irons, hair curlers). You want to minimize the use of heavy products on your extensions as well. However, some textures require more moisture, such as curly patterns. I like to use a little Argan oil on my hair to keep them moist and healthy-looking.
Sorry, You Have to Remove Your Weave at Some Point
It is suggested that you do not keep your install longer than three months. Your natural hair is growing healthy underneath, and you must allow them to breathe. :) One way to know it is time to remove your weave is when your tracks begin to loosen. I know some of us will get it retighten... However, I suggest that you remove it. When I wear a weave, I usually keep it in for four to five weeks. When I remove it, I am always amazed at how much my hair has grown. Healthy hair is the goal.
Weaves are great way to protect your natural hair or change your look, but please do not neglect your natural hair.
~Kesini
]]>Hair is extremely delicate fiber and strong at the same time. We must be careful when combing, brushing, and styling our hair. Do you ever see strands of hair in the sink after you've combed it? Maybe you've noticed hair strands on the bathroom floor… If your response is yes, don't panic yet. Shedding is normal, and you can shed between 50 to 100 hair strands per day. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, hair loss or breakage occurs when something stops the hair from growing. But how do you tell the difference between shedding and breakage? It is confusing to know the difference between normal shedding and hair loss. It can be distressing to witness hair loss of any kind, the thought of going bald is too much to deal with. Stress is attributed to hair loss, so let's get to the bottom of this issue so you can grow and maintain your hair's health.
What is shedding?
Hair shedding is a natural process of getting rid of dead hair from your scalp. Our hair naturally cycles in and out of seasonal phases. You might feel as if your hair is shedding excessively, and that might be the case. The best way to determine the potential cause for the excessive shedding to answer the following questions: Have you made changes to your diet/routine? Are you taking any new medication? Are you undergoing hormone therapy? When was the last time you conditioned or detangled your hair? Your answers should give you some insight as to what is going on with your hair. Excessive shedding is common in people who have experienced some level of stress to include, but not limited to, the following: lost 20 pounds or more, gave birth, undergone a change that consists of a lot of stress, undergone an operation, stopped taking birth control, etc.
What is breakage?
However, breakage is not natural and is an indication of some imbalance or mistreatment of the hair. Some of the common causes of hair breakage or hair loss include, but not limited to, the following: hereditary, over-processing, neglect, too much tension on the hair from weaves, ponytails, braids, lack of protein, etc., overactive immune system, compulsive hair pulling, etc.
How do you determine if your hair is damaged?
When you are styling your hair and short hair strands around your sink, there is a good chance you are experiencing breakage. According to LiveStrong.com, there are a few self-tests you can do to determine whether or not your hair is damaged.
Pluck one strand of hair from your scalp… I know, it sounds painful. The root must still be attached to the hair. Examine the end of the root's strand. It is shaped like a bulb, which means your hair is in good condition. If there is no bulb or if there is a small amount, your hair is damaged.
Healthy hair is strong, whereas damaged hair shafts absorb liquid quickly. The sink test measures how porous your hair strands are. Pluck 4 strands of hair from your head; 1 from the top, 1 from the back, and 1 from the side. Place the hair into a container of water. If the strands float, they are healthy. If they sink, they are damaged.
If you don't want to pull strands of your hair, you can do a porosity test to determine your cuticles. Damage cuticles feel uneven and coarse. To test your hair, take a few strands of hair and run your fingers through them from the tip to the root. If your hair feels rough and uneven, it is damaged.
Treatment for Hair Breakage
Breakage is a vital sign of whether you will need treatment, trim, or whatever the case may be. But, don't fret these damages can be reversible. Now that you know a little more about the causes and differences between natural shedding and breakage, you can be proactive in reversing the damage. Consulting with a hair professional to guide you to healthy hair. However, there are also some things that you can do at home, such as: using products that do not have sulfates, alcohol, or glycol, and use moisturizing shampoos and conditioners; leave-in conditioners are great, too.
Detangling is critical for African American hair, and you want to make sure that your ends are lubricated before you start the process. I've used the product As I Am and coconut oil to detangle. When using coconut oil, I let it sit for 30-minutes to an hour before gently combing the tangles. I love using coconut oil on my skin as a moisturizer. When detangling, be patient and take your hair time, so no yanking or pulling. Use a wide-tooth comb and start detangling at the tip of the hair strand and work your way slowly to the root. Depending on the thickness of your hair, you might need to section off your hair.
Lastly, minimize using heat on your hair. Heat dries out your hair and is a leading cause of hair breakage. If you must apply heat, make sure to use a heat protectant before you begin. When drying, set your blow dryer to cool. It will take longer for your hair to dry, but it is much better for your hair's health.
~Kesini
]]>What is a Brand?
A "brand” is what your potential customers think of when he or she hears your brand name. It is your promise to your customers. If your customers support your brand, they will support your hustle. By following these tips, you will understand how to make your mark in this saturated market and increase your overall hair weave sales. Let’s begin!
What is Marketing?
Before I can go in depth about any tips on how to promote your brand and your merchandise, we have to dissect the concept of marketing. By the dictionary's definition, marketing is the action of persuading your consumers on why they should choose your product over others in the market. You have to select the right marketing messages and marketing methods to reach and influence your audience successfully. Many business owners think marketing is merely advertising when in reality it is way deeper than only buying ads. Engaging your audience using different platforms is essential to the success of your business.
1. Website
Having a website is essential to your business. It gives you an online presence necessary to sell your hair extensions. The hair extensions industry is very competitive, and your online store must reflect why potential customers should shop with you. Your website must be compelling, shows value to your customer, and be easy to navigate.
2. Social Media Platforms
In building your brand, it is crucial that you have a presence on social media. 51% of Americans purchase online. According to Statista, the most commonly used social media platforms have the following active accounts:
Social media is where people go to get recommendations, ideas, nail techs, hair salon and retailers of human hair extensions. Social media allows you to interact with people interested in purchasing your products. People buy from people and brands they feel comfortable with and trust. Social media gives you an opportunity to share with your customers and potential customers who you are and why they should engage with you.
3. Advertisements
There are different ways to expand your message through advertising in various mediums. Placing an ad in your local newspaper or on Facebook are inexpensive was to get brand awareness. An advertisement is an integral part of marketing process and designed to inform and motivate people to make a decision. A woman in search of a quality Glueless, Lace Frontal, straight bob wig might Google different hair companies so she can make a purchase. You want her to find your company, so you can provided her with what she wants. To ensure that more people know about your company, invest in some form of advertising like Google Adwords or Facebook. Advertisements vary, and they all work differently based on how you want to reach your audience.
Social media is a great platform to sell your products and to let your potential customers more about your brand. You can create ads and promote posts in order to reach a significant amount of people.Facebook provides you with a way to target audiences with various different ad formats and parameters. You can do a lot on Facebook as follows: tap into recent purchasing behavior, nurture leads and build loyalty, expand to a lookalike audience, and much more. You are more likely to reach your specific audience due to specific targeting of consumers. Advertisements are a great to expand your brand and get out past your local community.
4. Search Engine Optimization Marketing
SEO marketing stands for Search Engine Optimization marketing and is the practice of increasing the quantity and quality of traffic to your website through organic search engine results. The hair industry is heavily saturated and has a lot of competitors within it. Therefore, you have to push your way to the front of the line. Websites that are well-known and generating more followers will usually pop up first. One of the strategies includes adding keywords, certain links to your website so that search engines can place it at the beginning of the search list.
5. Discounts
Discounts are a great way to get potential customers to visit your website and purchase from you. As we all know hair extensions are not always the cheapest, and your potential customers will be w looking for a bargain, especially if they are not familiar with your brand. If your hair meets or exceeds their expectations they will become repeat customers and share the information with their family and friends. As a business owner it is good to offer discounts occasionally, but not too often, as it is not good for your bottom-line.
6. Events
E-commerce is a great way to sell your products and to reach more people. However, selling your products online is not the only way to expand your brand. Your potential customers want to connect with you and events are one of the best ways to interact and engage with them. People buy from people; therefore, it is crucial for you to build and foster a trusting relationship with the public. Attending or creating events such as trade shows, pop up shops, hair shows, conventions, and cross-promotional events all aide in the expansion of your company. It allows people to check out the quality of your products and further connect with you.
7. Email Marketing
A great way to gain and keep your clientele is by creating an email list for your website. Allowing a possible buyer to add their email to your list enhances the chances of them shopping with you again. They can keep up with sales, events, promotion, or membership rewards. People enjoy sales and retail therapy, and there is no better way to speak to your consumers by sending them relevant and value-based emails to remind them of the great products you provide.
8. Blog/Vlog
Similar to creating social media accounts and attending events, you should have a blog or a vlog to talk about your product to build a level of trust. People buy from brands they trust. Trust is earned over time and can be built through consistent messaging. It is important for you to build a relationship with your new and existing customers and you can do that by sharing relevant and value-based blogs or vlogs. Most websites have an option for you to add a blog and I encourage you to have one or your site. You can create a YouTube channel for your vlogs. Stepping away from the business aspect of it all and focusing on your audience can generate a significant following which is great for your brand!
9. Exceed Expectations
Finding that right vendor for your hair extensions and or products can be challenging and costly, but it is important that it is the best quality. People turn to specific products and pages when they believe that it exceeds their expectations. Additional, your branding materials and image matters. If you are not a designer, I suggest hiring a professional or student intern to help you. Your brand identity needs to be on all your social media platforms, website, promotional collateral, packaging, etc.
10. Quality Product
It is vital entrepreneurs know about their product and ensure that they are providing a quality product. Before putting a product out into the world, it is vital to research and testing. There are many vendor selling hair and they all want you buy with them. I personally spent $10K on testing and certifying the hair we sell. When we started and through the years, we have had our fair share of hair that didn't meet our expectations. However, it was worth the investment to make sure that the quality we sell now is the best. You want to sell your hair with confidence and that could only happen if you test. We used a lab in Atlanta to test our hair to ensure that it was 100& human hair with no fillers or animal hair. You can also do your own in-house burn test to make sure the hair is not synthetic. We also wear the hair for up to 30 days. If your bundles or wigs don't last for 30 days, move on to the next vendor. When consumers know your business for its quality product, they will continue to shop with you, and they will refer others to shop with you.
To be successful in this highly competitive industry, you have to stand out! Make a mark in your community and get your face out there!
If you are interested in selling quality human hair extensions, please reach out to learn more about our Wholesale Program.
]]>
Many women want to transition from a relaxer to their natural hair, but do not know where to begin or how to care for it properly. Therefore, many turn to protective styles to refrain from having to deal with it but, forget to care for their natural tresses underneath the weave or braided hair. Ignoring your hair while wearing extensions can lead to long-term extensive breakage or even alopecia. I am going to share a couple of tips on how to grow and maintain your natural hair while underneath your protective style.
Keep your hair clean and moisturized... Shampoo, Condition, and Deep Condition your extensions and your natural hair
Wash your hair a minimum of once a week to keep your extensions lush and your natural hair free of any product build-up, dirt, and excess oil. Utilizing a sulfate-free shampoo allows your hair to get a thorough cleanse without stripping its natural oils. For the best results, concentrate on your scalp, lather, and work your way down the shaft of the weave. After shampooing, be sure to condition your hair and weave with a sulfate-free conditioner. Refrain from bunching up the weave because it can get tangled and difficult to work with. I also recommend doing a deep conditioner after your wash to ensure that your weave and natural hair regain its moisture and to repair it from the damage of heat.
While wearing extensions, your scalp is begging for the proper nourishment. Your scalp and natural can become dry rather quickly, so it is also necessary to oil it. This is the fun part; you can make your own oil using natural products that promote healthy hair growth. The application process is also simple. Use an applicator bottle with a nozzle tip to effectively apply to your scalp. If a little gets on your extensions do not worry, it is human hair. Oiling your scalp faithfully can result in strong, thick, and lustrous hair. Consider oil as your hair food, not only does it promote hair growth and prevent dandruff. It acts as a replenishment that prevents and treats fungal activities and clogged pores.
Suggested Oils
Many women chose to leave some of their hair out when getting a weave to better blend with their natural hair. This method usually requires the use of heat, which damages the hair. Heat is the primary reason of hair breakage. It is essential for the healthy growth of your hair that you avoid using hot curlers, flat irons so that your hair will flourish. There are many protective options that you can use such as lace frontals, closures, wigs, bobby pins for pin curl, and flexi-rods. If you decide to wear a weave anyway, opt for textures that match your natural hair. Your beautiful natural hair will thank you later.
~Kesini