| Barbara Lhotan's Journey With Hair Extensions |
| Written by TA Arceneau |
| Revised Date: 4/10/07 - Original Publication Date: 10/4/2001 |
Introduction
Barbara
Lhotan, a fabulous hair consultant, a favorite
contributor to HairBoutique.com, recently attended workshops to become a
certified hair extension technician. Barbara recently
invested several days attending intensive seminars and classes to
learn hair extension techniques. She currently offers hair
extensions services out of the salon she works at in New York.
Note: To
make an appointment for hair extensions call
Elie Elie Salon in Winchester, Virginia at 540-678-0050. You
can also email Barbara at Ms.BarbaraL@hairboutique.com
Barbara first heard about the hair extensions when she read
about fusion style hair extensions on the
HairBoutique.com site. After
much investigation into hair extension systems she decided to take the
certification training so she could offer the method to her existing
customers.
HairBoutique.com asked Barbara to share some of her experiences
with the classes. We also asked her to explain some of her
thoughts about her new certification in hair extensions.
Listed below are some questions posed to Barbara about her work
with hair extensions and her answers.
Hair Boutique Question:
Why did you decide to take hair extension classes in the
first place?
Barbara Lhotan Answer:
"It was the only thing that I haven't done yet with hair. Over
the years I have worked extensively with long hair, short hair, curly
hair and ethnic hair. I have worked on hair for men and women of
all ages.
As a senior educator for Paul Mitchell I do runway hair and other
hair shows. When it comes to hair, I have studied for many years
to learn all types of techniques for all types of hair. Hair is truly
my passion. I love learning new things and working with new
techniques.
The only type of hair that I had never worked with was
extensions. I decided that I really needed to make time to take
classes in hair extensions so that I could stretch my learning curve
and expand my knowledge base.
I found that learning about hair extensions was a wonderful
challenge both personally and professionally. I also discovered that there is a vast market for this
very rewarding work and I wanted to be able to offer it to both my
current clients and future clients that may want this
expertise."
Hair Boutique Question:
What were some of the facts that you learned in the hair extension training that was a surprise to you?
Barbara Lhotan Answer:
"I was really surprised by the large number of people who wear
extensions. It is not very well known how
many people wear extensions but the numbers are astounding. Another
surprising fact was that many men wear hair extensions to thicken
thinning hair issues.
Nothing else about the hair extension classes was really all that
surprising. A lot of the information was stuff that I was
already aware of and had read about in the past".
Hair Boutique Question:
What are some of the biggest mistakes that people make when
they wear hair extensions?
Barbara Lhotan Answer:
"The biggest mistake that people make is that they don't take
the time to get enough information in the initial consultation with
the hair extension expert.
The mistake is not specifically about the actual extension
techniques that are used, it has to do more with the client's ability,
willingness and understanding about what it takes to maintain and care
for the extensions after they are applied.
Hair extensions definitely require a certain amount of special care
and maintenance to keep them looking good and lasting as long as
possible.
Many people are not aware of this fact before they have the
extensions applied. When they do realize the care commitment
they may regret getting the extensions in the first place.
Another mistake is the cost factor. Many people are not aware
that good extensions can cost in the $2,000 - $3,000 range or
above. The least you can hope to spend for decent extensions is in
the $900 range. Even then, that range relates to limited hair and
extension range. Obviously people with shorter hair that are
using extensions for thinning or hair loss issues will require less
hair and time. They can get a good set of extensions for less than
someone with the need for lots of hair or for added length.
Depending on a wide range of factors (hair length, thickness, hair
texture, type of hair used) good hair extensions can be very
expensive. It really is true that you get what you pay
for.
Many people are wooed by very inexpensive hair extension systems
and basically if it sounds too good to be true, it really is.
Inexpensive or cheap hair extensions will tangle very easily, not last
long and can be a nightmare to remove. They can also be
more damaging to your own hair.
A good set of hair extensions involves a lot of work by the
technician and requires the purchase of good quality hair. The
hair alone can be quite expensive.
All of these possible mistakes can be avoided if a client takes
their time and does their research to find out what is available, how
much it costs, how long it lasts and whether it is right for them and
their pocketbook."
Hair Boutique Question:
Are some people just not suited for hair extensions?
Barbara Lhotan Answer:
"Absolutely. Anyone that has a sensitive scalp or hair
may find hair extensions uncomfortable to wear. Also, anyone who
has limited time and can't dedicate the required time for caring for
their extensions should pass on the option.
It is hard to understand why people would take the initial time and
pay the money to get hair extensions added and then totally disregard
necessary care restrictions.
These issues should also be discussed with the hair extension
expert before they make a decisions to have the hair extensions
applied."
Hair Boutique Question:
How long does it take for hair extensions to be added to a
client's existing hair?
Barbara Lhotan Answer:
"It can take 6 to 8 hours depending on the fullness of the
client's hair and any special treatments that may be required.
Some people want the hair permed or colored after the hair extensions
are applied.
This can add to the time required to finish the process.
Another reason that it takes so long is because the hair extension
process is quite painstaking. Individual sections of hair
have to be carefully applied one section at a time.
One thing that most people don't understand is that after the
extensions are added, the technician is required to cut and shape all
of the hair (natural and extension hair) to integrate the extensions
into the total style. The goal is to make the extensions look as
natural as possible and match the client's existing hair.
This whole process is very precise and just takes time to get it
done right so the extensions last as long as possible and look
great.
Hair extensions technicians sincerely want to offer the client the
best possible work. This takes time and willingness for the
client to be patient with the process."
Hair Boutique Question:
What are the hair extension upkeep requirements? Are special hair care
products necessary?
Barbara Lhotan Answer:
"The main thing to remember is that the extension hair can NOT
stay wet for any extended period. If a client is going to do a
lot of swimming or participate in other water sports, it is not a good
idea for them to get hair extensions.
It really is important to dry the hair as quickly as possible after
it is wet. Yes you have to shampoo it but it needs to be dried
right after the shampoo process is ended.
Why is wetness a potential problem? The coating that is used on the
extension hair has a strong protein bond. When the hair
extensions get wet and remain wet too long this will tend to increase
tangling of the extensions.
The hair needs to be brushed twice a day to keep the tangles at
bay. Because of the weave in the hair extensions and the fact
that humans average a loss of 100 hairs a day, if you don't brush your
hair on a regular basis, the natural hairs that are falling out will
get tangled up with the extension weave. Tangles of any sort can
be a major problem and often can not be repaired.
Major tangles may require that both the extensions and the natural
hair are cut to eliminate the snarls.
In fact, one of the biggest complaints people have is that the hair
extensions are tangling. This can be avoided with high quality
hair that is applied correctly and taken care of properly. This
includes using the right hair care products and keep the hair dry and
well brushed."
Hair Boutique Question:
Are special hair care products required?
Barbara Lhotan Answer:
"Yes, certain products are better for hair extensions than
others. Every person who gets extensions may have specific
needs. The best thing you can do is consult with the hair
extension technicians and get their recommendation on the best products
to use for your particular situation and hair type.
Lot of shampoos have sulfates that will actually melt the hair
extension bonds. Dandruff shampoos are the worst for causing
potential problems with hair extensions.
You also need to be careful of hair conditioners. Some
products are just not compatible with the extension hair.
The best bet is to ask the technician what products to use to maintain
the longest life of the extensions.
Remember, the better you care for the hair extensions, the better
they look, the longer the last and the easier they are to
maintain."
Hair Boutique Question:
How do hair extension technicians prevent clients from
ruining their new hair extensions? Are there ways that the technicians
can help the client extend the life of the extensions?
Barbara Lhotan Answer:
"The hair extension experts give their new
clients a form that lists all the dos and don'ts about their hair extensions. The technicians ask the client to read the
instructions for their hair extension aftercare and then sign it.
This procedure of asking clients to read and sign a form goes a
long way to preventing problems because of misinformation about how to
care for the extensions.
It also protects the technician. Many clients don't pay
attention to the requirements for how to care for their extensions and
then because of lack of understanding may cause their own tangling and
other related problems."
Hair Boutique Question:
Where does the extension hair come from?
Barbara Lhotan Answer:
"All of the hair that I use comes from India and it is
pre-colored. It can actually be colored to match the client's
hair before it is applied.
The hair is designed to be as universal as
possible and tends to be wavy. The advantage to wavy hair is
that it can easily be straightened or permed. Straight or curly
hair might be harder to work with.
The hair is also completely stripped of the cuticles after it is
purchased from humans and as it is processed by the hair extension
company.
The hair can be ordered already permed before it is attached or it
can be permed afterwards. It can also be colored or highlighted
after it is attached.
The hair is flexible for most hair extensions needs
and is easy to work with."
Hair Boutique Question:
Can clients potentially suffer from allergies from the
bonding materials or get headaches from having the hair extensions
added?
Barbara Lhotan Answer:
"I think this is very rare. In fact, I have not
personally ever heard of this happening. The hair extensions do
not actually touch the scalp directly so it would be almost unheard of
for anyone to experience allergic reactions from either the bonding
chemicals or the hair itself. Anything is possible but I suspect
that allergies are extremely unusual.
Headaches are also rare, but if they do occur it is because of the
lack of ability of the hair extension technician. Poor
techniques in applying the hair can lead to potential problems.
Again this is a direct result of how the technician applies the hair.
If a client is having hair extensions applied and experiences a
headache or allergic reactions they need to mention that information
immediately to the technician. Like everything else involving
hair, the client needs to maintain an open communication with the
technician or their stylist so that adjustments can be made
immediately.
Remember to always speak up, ask questions, be involved and express
any concerns."
Hair Boutique Question:
How long does a client's hair have to be in order to be qualified
for receiving Great Length's extensions?
Barbara Lhotan Answer:
"A client must have at least 3-4 inches of hair for the hair
extension method to work. Much shorter than that and the extensions
would probably just not be anchored well or not stay in place as they
should."
Hair Boutique Question:
What is the longest length of most hair extensions?
In other words, could we get hair that would go from our shoulders to
our knees?
Barbara Lhotan Answer:
"Realistically 22-24 inches is the longest length that hair
extensions are available in. Longer hair extensions just don't
work for a number of reasons.
Since the hair extensions have to be attached to the hair
approximately 1/4 inches from the scalp it is impossible to go from
shoulder length to knee length. The length of your hair is limited
with hair extensions to about middle of the back as a maximum.
It is impossible to have hair to your rear with hair
extensions. You would need to have a full custom wig to achieve
that type of look.
If you have short hair you are able to get hair to your
shoulders.
Another consideration is the potential damage that can be done to
longer hair. If you apply extensions to healthy long hair there
is a risk of some damage.
If a client is looking to go from ear length hair to below the
waist length hair then we really can't help them."
Hair Boutique Question:
Is extending the hair length the only type of clients that
want hair extensions?
Barbara Lhotan Answer:
"Hair
extension methods really work fabulously for people with painfully
thin or fine hair.
There
are so many people that suffer with thinning or super fine hair that
can benefit tremendously from having hair extensions added. It's
not just length that people want. In fact, probably the majority
of the people getting hair extensions want the added hair
thickness. Just like everything else in life, people with
thinning hair can be discriminated against because of their
looks. Even if they aren't necessarily treated differently
because of their lack of hair, they may feel that they are. Many
people, especially women suffer horribly from hair loss issues.
Men
have discovered that hair extensions are a great way to help them deal
with thinning hair. Not only can it make their hair a lot
fuller, hair extensions can be more comfortable to wear than other
alternatives.
Hair extensions can also be a lot less detectable than
other hair systems. A lot of men have really benefited from hair
extension options."
Hair Boutique Question:
What do you see as the biggest advantage for a client of
getting Great Length hair extensions?
Barbara Lhotan Answer:
"The biggest advantage is that it greatly helps a client's
self esteem. It is miraculous how having hair extensions added
can make a person feel a lot better about themselves in so many
ways.
I
have met people whose self esteem was destroyed by bad hair. It
ruined their lives. The idea that extensions could help them
have a normal life is a great thing. People suffering from
cancer treatments, alopecia or other heredity hair and scalp problems
can conquer hair loss issues and feel a lot better about their looks.
In
some cases I have seen how hair extensions added to women and men with
thinning or hair loss problems because like new people
overnight. It is very exciting to watch the transformation.
The
most satisfying thing for me doing this work with hair extensions is to
help people who are suffering needlessly from hair problems that have
destroyed their own self esteem and their ability to function socially
in the outside world.
It
is a very rewarding opportunity to help people and I am grateful that
I can do this work."
Hair Boutique Question:
You work with people with natural long hair. In fact,
you are a well known long hair expert. Do you find that long haired
people resent people who get hair extensions? And if so, why is
this?
Barbara Lhotan Answer:
Most
people with natural long hair have spent a lot of time, money and commitment
growing their hair to its natural longer length. That is
great if you can grow hair or have good hair or don't have cancer or
other problems.
Some
people just can't grow long hair. So people with long hair that
they were fortunate to be able to grow just don't stop and think about
that. I think there is a major misunderstanding about why people
get hair extensions. Yes, some people do it because they want to
add instant length, but the majority of people just can't grow thick
hair or are suffering from diseases that cause hair loss.
Sometimes
I see a little bit of a jealousy factor from people with long hair
about people with hair extensions because the natural long hair people
believe that it just isn't fair that they put in a lot of sweat and
tears growing their hair and someone could just go and buy
extensions.
I understand their point
of view but they also need to
understand the pain and suffering that many people go through who just
can't grow their own hair. Believe me, if they could, they would
be happy to put in the effort.
Basically
I just think it is a misunderstanding that long haired people
have. The majority of people with hair extensions are getting
long hair, they are just getting hair to cover bald spots and patches
and super thin hair."
Hair Boutique Question:
So hair extensions can be used to cover bald spots and
patches?
Barbara Lhotan Answer:
"Yes
they can. One caveat is that hair extensions applied to cover
bald spots and patches just may not last as long as for other hair
problems.
Hair
extensions last 3-4 months with a full head of normal hair but may
only last 2-3 months for people with bald spots and patches."
Hair Boutique Question:
Is there a standard rule of thumb used to decide who should
or should not get extensions? How makes this rule and how does
it apply to the clients?
Barbara Lhotan Answer:
"Every
person considering hair extensions will have different needs, issues
and financial means. Each person should spend as much time as
possible researching the pros and cons of having extensions
added. Finding a good technician that you trust is very
important. A good technician may even advise a client that they
are not a good candidate for having hair extensions
applied.
I
know that I would not hesitate to advise someone that they should pass
on having hair extensions added. I want to know that I am
helping someone improve the quality of their life and feel good about
their appearance.
If
someone had a scalp that overly sensitive or lack of time to care for
their extensions, I would definitely talk to them about the challenges
that they might face with their extensions."
Hair Boutique
Question:
Do you have additional plans for more hair extension
training?
Barbara Lhotan
Answer:
"Yes,
absolutely. I am very excited about this technique and will definitely
go back and learn as much as I can. I want to continue to learn
new techniques of how to do this better for her clients. I am a
big believer in this process.
I have seem clients go through amazing personal
transformations when they feel good about how they look. I have
worked with women suffering from hair loss issues who have had a
complete personality change from finding a solution to their hair loss
pain.
This is so rewarding that I want to be the best
that I can be.
I am also very excited about the hair extension
system that I use. They do a quality job of training their
technicians. I also love the support they offer and the quality
of the hair that they make available. It is a great company and I am
proud to be qualified to apply their system."
Hair Boutique
Question:
How do people contact you if they would like to make an
appointment to have a consultation about having hair extensions
applied to their hair?
Barbara Lhotan
Answer:
"I welcome all new clients either in the New
York City or from wherever they would like to travel from. The
Renaissance Salon is on Long Island about 45 minutes from New York
City. It would be easy for people to fly into one of the NY
airports and get to my salon.
If someone would like to schedule a
consultation to discuss hair extension applications
they can make an appointment through the salon where I work. Call
Elie Elie Salon in Winchester, Virginia, at 540-678-0050". You
can also email Barbara at Ms.BarbaraL@hairboutique.com.
Conclusion
Barbara concluded this conversation by saying that hair extensions
give her so much more artistic freedom. She can do a lot more
with a client's hair that has been enriched with hair
extensions. She just has a lot more hair to work with and can be
incredibly creative. She loves this new opportunity to create
new looks for both existing and new clients.
Hair extensions also bring in a whole new type of clientele that
she gets to help and work with. |