Faking It
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Some salons score points for offering a broad range of
extensions appropriate for many different types of hair. James Joseph Salon (30 Newbury Street, Boston,
617.266.7222), led by stylist, colorist, and extensions specialist Lana
Soussan, lets clients choose from among a slew of different extensions
techniques. Among them is the So-Cap method; comparable to the Great Lengths
and Cinderellas of the beauty world, it features individual strands pre-bonded
with synthetic keratin. Known for its natural look, the brand offers a number
of different hair colors and textures. And for those in search of a highly
customizable product, Hair Locs are the way to go: attached by clamping the
extensions to hair section by section with a small metal tube, these locks are
completely reusable — plus, the brand is known for its ability to match any
hair color under the sun.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that
hair extensions are only for those looking for length, either. Plenty of the
stylists we spoke with mentioned their success with short-haired clients
looking to volumize their ’dos with a few strategically placed pieces.
Extensions can also be a major confidence booster for women whose hair has
thinned with age or because of a medical condition. And don’t count out the
guys, either. Mendes boasts a number of men among her client list, though, as
can be expected, an even greater percentage of them choose to keep their
“little secret” under wraps — sometimes going so far as to request that their
extensions be applied in the bathroom, out of view of the rest of the salon.
Bottom line? If you’re really looking to lengthen or plump up
your locks, you have a plethora of techniques and top-notch salons to choose
from — ones that won’t leave you with bald patches or other hair horrors. So
it’s really all about hair type, proposed budget, and personal preference.
Prices range from a couple hundred dollars up to two thousand, all contingent
upon your hair type, your desired length and thickness, the quality of the hair
being purchased, and the time it takes to apply the extensions with the method
you’ve chosen. And, in reality, no pro will recommend a specific type of hair
extension without actually meeting the potential client or, at the very least,
checking out an emailed photo of her current look. In fact, before the actual
appointment, it’s standard procedure to have a 15-minute consultation, during
which stylist and client discuss not only process, but also the client’s hair
type along with her preferred color, texture, and style. A deposit is generally
required, the hair is placed on order, and from there, the rest is history — as
are your bad hair days.
