Are you dreaming of longer, fuller locks but unsure how to choose the perfect hair extension colour that seamlessly blends with your natural hair? With a myriad of shades and textures available, finding the ideal match can be a daunting task. Fear not! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to discover the perfect hair extension colour that will leave you feeling confident and fabulous.

Understand your natural hair colour

Before diving into the world of hair extensions, closely examine your natural hair colour. Identify the undertones and any highlights or lowlights. Understanding your base colour is crucial in selecting extensions that complement your existing hair, creating a harmonious and natural look.

Consider your style and preferences

 Your personal style plays a significant role in choosing the right hair extension colour. Do you like experimenting with bold colours or prefer a more subtle and natural look? Consider your wardrobe, makeup choices, and overall aesthetic when selecting a shade that suits your unique style and preferences.

Match your undertones

Matching the undertones of your natural hair is key to achieving a seamless blend. Whether your hair has warm, cool, or neutral undertones, choose extensions that share those characteristics. 

Take lighting into account

 Lighting can significantly affect the appearance of hair colour. What might look like a perfect match indoors could appear different in natural sunlight or artificial lighting. Examine potential hair extension colours under various lighting conditions to ensure a consistent and flattering blend in any setting.

Use colour swatches

Many reputable hair extension brands provide colour swatches or sample strands to help you choose the right shade. Take advantage of these resources to compare colours side by side and find the one that most closely resembles your natural hair. This hands-on approach can be incredibly helpful in making an informed decision.

Explore balayage and ombre options

For a trendy and modern look, consider balayage or ombre hair extensions. These styles incorporate a gradual transition of colour, allowing for a more forgiving blend with your natural hair. This approach is particularly beneficial if your natural hair has multiple shades or highlights.

Read reviews and recommendations

Researching reviews and seeking recommendations from others who have similar hair types and colours can provide valuable insights. Online forums, social media groups, and customer reviews on product pages are excellent sources of information that can guide you towards the most suitable options.

Have realistic expectations

While you may be tempted to try a bold new colour, it’s essential to maintain realistic expectations. Choose a shade that enhances your natural beauty and complements your skin tone. A subtle change can make a significant impact without looking overly dramatic.

Find your perfect match at The Ivy Hair and Extension Lounge

The Ivy Hair and Extension Lounge is a luxurious hair salon that offers premium quality micro-beaded Remy hair wefts. These hair extensions are made of the finest hair and are available in a wide range of colours that are sure to match any hair type or style. Whether you are looking for longer or fuller hair, our professional and experienced stylists are here to help you achieve the hair of your dreams. 

We are committed to providing our clients with the highest quality services and products available in the industry. That is why we offer a complimentary consultation to help you determine the best hair extension options for you. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will work with you to determine the perfect length, colour, and texture of hair extensions that will complement your natural hair and enhance your overall look. 

So why wait? Book your complimentary consultation or first appointment with us today and take the first step towards achieving the hair you have always wanted. Our team is dedicated to making sure that you feel confident and beautiful with your new hair extensions.

Finding your perfect hair extension colour involves a combination of self-awareness, research, and experimentation. By understanding your natural hair colour, considering your style, and utilizing resources like colour swatches and professional advice, you can confidently choose extensions that enhance your beauty and leave you with the luscious locks you’ve always desired. Happy hair styling!

The post How to Find Your Perfect Hair Extension Colour appeared first on Ivy Hair Lounge.

• Protect Your Hair from the Cold

The cold winter weather isn’t kind to your hair. The dry air, cold rain and snow can all rob it of its natural moisture and make it prone to breakage. Wear a hat or a scarf to protect your hair from the elements. You’ll keep nice and warm too! 

Make sure your hat or scarf isn’t too tight to prevent sweat from building up. If you’re wearing a hat, get one with a silk lining to prevent frizz and prevent hair damage from friction from materials like wool. We needn’t say more about silk scarves other than “Oomph! That’s Classy!”.

• Use a Humidifier Indoors

Whether it’s a log fire or a radiator, indoor heating simply sucks the moisture out of the air and dries your hair out in the process. Fight indoor dryness by investing in a humidifier. Both your hair and your skin will be grateful that you did. 

• Hair Washes: Less is More

Hat hair, frizz, and extreme dryness can collectively tempt you to wash your hair fairly frequently during the colder months. The frequent use of shampoo strips hair of much-needed natural oils, dries your scalp out and causes it to start producing more sebum. The result? Excess scalp build up that flakes and feels itchy. Try and limit your hair washes to a couple of times a week.

If you have oily hair or feel like you must wash more frequently, a dry shampoo should do the trick.

Whatever you do, don’t forget to condition during every wash. A leave-in conditioner post-wash will protect your hair from the harsh winter elements while you’re out and about.

• Get Used to Not So Hot Showers

It’s tempting to get into a steamy shower when the weather is cold – and we say go for it! Just not when you’re washing your hair. Hot water strips your hair and scalp of its natural moisture, and we know how that goes. Keep the temperature as low as you can comfortably do so and give your hair a cool rinse to seal the cuticles if you’re brave enough to.

• Don’t Go Out with Wet Hair

Apart from being a fast track to a winter cold, stepping out with wet hair can cause it to freeze and break. Use a hairdryer on a cool setting to dry your hair out after a wash if you’re stepping out immediately after.

• Moisture: More is More

There’s no such thing as too much moisture (even for oily textures!) when it comes to your hair in winter. Use a hair treatment before your hair wash once a week to replenish moisture. Massage your scalp with a hair treatment half an hour before washing it. The massage also helps improve blood circulation to your scalp helping your hair grow better.  

Use a weekly hair mask for a deep moisturizing treatment that keeps your hair soft and hydrated and repairs dry damaged hair. 

• Use a Heat Protection Spray

While you ought to try using heat styling tools as little as possible (they dry your hair out etcetera etcetera), let’s be realistic. The festive season is going to make you want to style your hair and look your best whenever you step out. Keep heat settings as low as you can to still achieve the look you want and make sure you use a heat protecting spray before you apply any heat to your hair. 

• Trim Your Hair

A lot of hair damage starts at the ends of your hair before working its way up. Combat hair damage by getting your hair trimmed regularly. Depending on your hair type, how fast it grows and the damage it’s prone to – we recommend getting a trim every 6 – 8 weeks on average. 

The Ivy Hair & Extension Lounge is your one stop shop for all your winter hair care needs. Get in touch with us to book an appointment today.

The post Hair Care Tips for When It’s Cold Out appeared first on Ivy Hair Lounge.

The Causes Behind Hair Thinning

It’s normal to shed around 100 hairs a day. A larger increase can result in visible hair thinning. There are plenty of reasons why this can occur including hereditary thinning, stress, medical issues, and nutrient deficiencies. While hereditary balding is common in men, women can also suffer from female pattern baldness, aka androgenetic alopecia, where hair starts thinning from the parting on the scalp before spreading.

Hormonal imbalances at various stages of women’s lives like post-pregnancy or menopause can also cause hair to thin. Certain medications or medical treatments are other factors that can cause hair loss. Deficiencies of iron or vitamin B12 are some other known causes. Periods of immense stress or anxiety can also contribute to thinning hair. 

Thankfully, not all these reasons behind thinning hair are permanent. It’s a good idea to consult a doctor or trichologist to understand the root causes of your hair woes and start treatment according to their recommendations. 

Apart from consulting a medical professional, as hair stylists, we can recommend increasing protein intake, making sure you take your multi-vits regularly and taking care of your hair when you’re out and about.

Hair Extensions Take the Power Back

Once upon a time, you couldn’t really do much to hide thinning hair other than donning headgear in the shape of hats, scarves, and itchy wigs. Hair extensions are your way to fuller, gorgeous looking locks. 

But don’t hair extensions tug on your hair and cause it thin even further? 

Not if you use the right extensions! We discuss a few different types of extensions and their positives and negatives below.

• Clip In Extensions: 

These extensions are a bad idea if you have thinning hair. Although they are easy to clip on and take off, the clips can tug at your existing hair if worn for too long. And forget about falling asleep with them on. 

• Tape In Extensions: 

The extensions come on large adhesive panels that are then glued on to the roots of your hair. While they don’t tug on your hair as braided extensions can, we’ve noticed that they can cause traction alopecia (bald spots caused by the extensions tugging on natural hair). 

• Beaded Wefts:

These are the best extensions for thinning or healthy hair. There’s no heat or glue used to adhere them to your hair, making them easy to maintain and style. With just a simple silicone lined bead crimped shut with pliers, you don’t have to worry about adding extra stress to your locks with beaded wefts. 

Hair Extensions Aren’t a Vanity 

You’ll see oodles of information online about how great hair extensions look. An often-overlooked aspect of getting hair extensions is that they can be empowering. Especially when you are going through medical issues that are already bringing you down. 

• Confidence Booster

It’s no secret – when you look good, you feel great. Hair thinning can give rise to feelings of insecurity. Hair extensions help take away those feelings every time you glance in the mirror.

• Self Care

By taking care of yourself, you are reiterating that you matter. The simple act of nurturing your wellbeing can help you cope with stressors better and help manage symptoms of chronic disease. Extensions are a simple way of showing yourself you care enough to tackle the issues that arise with hair thinning.

• Look Toward a Positive Future

An awesome new look can do wonders for your self esteem. Extensions can give you the confidence to embrace the future with positivity and allow yourself the luxury of a fresh start. 

• They Are Fun

Having fun is underrated! You can have fun with your extensions. Whether it’s by getting a playful haircut, experimenting with colors, or turning into a glam goddess – you’re guaranteed to enjoy yourself. 

The Ivy Hair Extension Salon and Lounge offers top-of-the-line micro-beaded Remy hair wefts that match any hair colour. Book a complimentary consultation or your first appointment today.

The post Combat Hair Loss with Hair Extensions appeared first on Ivy Hair Lounge.

• Go Easy on the Washes

Daily hair washes are a big reason behind dry, lacklustre hair. Over washing also causes hair colour to fade faster than it should. So, hold back on those hair washes as much as you can. Try and wash your hair a couple of times a week if you can.  If you just can’t bear it, try a colour safe dry shampoo instead. 

Also, avoid washing your hair for the first 48 hours after your colour appointment to really let the colour set in.

• Keep Cool

Hot water can make your hair colour fade – fast! This is because hot water can loosen the colour molecules and wash them away. So as tempting as it is to get under a hot shower after a long day, wash your hair with lukewarm water instead. 

Similarly, skip the heat styling tools as much as possible. The steam from the heat tools can open up your hair cuticles and strip the colour out. If you must use heat, then make sure you use a heat protectant spray before styling. 

While we’re on the subject of heat, check out this article to see how you can protect your hair from the sun this summer. The tips we’ve shared work well to protect your hair colour too.

• It’s All About the Products

When it comes to colour, you not only have to think about your hair type, but also colour. Choose shampoos and conditioners specially designed for coloured hair. Pick products that are sulphate free and alcohol free as sulphates and alcohol can strip your hair of colour. As a rule of thumb, choosing sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners is a good idea even if you don’t have coloured hair as they don’t strip your hair of its natural oils. Choosing a shampoo and conditioner based on the colour treatment you have had can help your colour last even longer. For example, purple shampoos are the ideal choice for blonde or grey highlights.

Avoid clarifying shampoos and if you do need an anti-dandruff shampoo, then pick one that is specifically designed for colour-treated hair. When you do wash your hair, make sure you shampoo only your scalp and skip applying it down the lengths of your hair and the ends. 

When it comes to conditioners, pick one that is designed for the colour most similar to the shades you have on your hair. 

• Mask Up

Using a hair mask once a week is a haircare mantra that we can’t chant enough. Deep conditioning counter the drying effects of hair colour to keep your locks looking luxuriant and healthy. Remember to choose a mask that is either designed for colour treated hair or one that specifically states that it is safe for coloured hair. 

If your hair is naturally prone to dryness, then it is a good idea to use a pre-shampoo treatment to extend the life of your colour even longer. The Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector, for example, only adds 10 minutes to your routine and strengthens and repairs your hair while giving it the deep nourishment it needs.

• Consider a Hair Gloss

Hair gloss treatments not only add that shine to your hair but prevent hair colour from turning brassy or to give it a refresh when it starts to fade. Use an at-home hair glossing treatment to seal in the colour. You can choose a clear hair gloss treatment product to add tons of shine to your existing colour or a pigmented one to enhance your existing colour. If you’re opting for the latter, remember to choose a product which matches the lightest colour of your highlights. Most hair gloss treatments also add oodles of moisture to your tresses as a bonus!

Before you start your coloured hair regime, book your professional hair colour appointment at the Ivy Hair and Extension Lounge today! 

The post How to Make Hair Colour Last Longer appeared first on Ivy Hair Lounge.

Nobody likes a bad hair day and unfortunately when your locks feel dry and damaged, they seem to occur more often than not. If your hair is brittle and lacks its typical shine, you’ll have to implement an intensive damage control plan to bring your hair back to life. 

Maintaining your hair’s health isn’t difficult. It’s simply a matter of following a regimen that suits your hair. Read on for our top tips on how to develop the best hair habits for dreamy tresses.

• Eat the Right Foods

Just like your body functions better when you eat well, so does your hair. The roots soak in the nutrients you eat and use them to stimulate better hair growth and strengthen each strand. As hair is primarily made up of proteins, a protein-rich diet is key to hair growth while Omega 3 Fatty acids make sure your hair maintains its shine. Include foods like salmon in your diet for both. Eggs and beans are great sources of protein too. Leafy vegetables like spinach are great sources of iron, another nutrient your hair loves.

• Protect Your Hair From the Sun

An often-overlooked hair stressor is the sun. The UVA and UVB rays from the sun can dry your hair out and lead to bleaching. Sun damaged hair is prone to frizz while prolonged exposure to the sun can turn it brittle. Use hair products with SPF if you are going to be out and about or cover up with a scarf. You can read about how to protect your hair from the sun in this article.

• Sleep On Silk

Friction is damaging, roughing up your hair cuticles leading to breakage, split ends, and frizz. While your high thread count cotton pillowcases may feel soft, silk pillowcases are the ones you really need. Silk strands have a smooth structure simply lets your hair glide against them as you sleep. Additionally, silk is less moisture absorbent than cotton and other fabrics. This means that a silk pillowcase allows your hair to retain its moisture. 

The luxurious feeling that silk gives is simply a bonus!

• Pick the Right Products

There is a wide array of haircare products out there each meant for a particular hair type or to solve a particular issue. These specialized products can make a huge difference to how your hair looks and feels. Choose shampoos and conditioners that are designed for your hair type. Picking reputable brands like Unite, Davines, and Moroccanoil ensures that your haircare products actually do what they say. 

If you aren’t sure about your hair type, speak to your hairdresser and ask them to explain what you products and care your hair needs.

• Use a Hair Mask

Every other blog we have talks about using a hair mask, and we’ll continue to do so simply because of how important it is for your hair. In fact, we think one day a week should be deemed world hair mask day where you get to go home early to look after your tresses. So, use a hair mask once a week. The deep conditioning it provides will keep your hair happy throughout the week.

• Brush Your Hair with Care

How to brush your hair is a topic that just isn’t discussed enough. Always brush your hair when it’s dry – unless you’re following the CGM method which is a completely different topic on its own. Start by brushing out the tangles at the bottom before working your way up. Be gentle and use your hand to hold a portion of your hair as you brush below it to avoid pulling on the roots. Try loosening particularly gritty tangles with your fingers first instead of a brush.

Your stylist will be able to guide you on the best type of brush for your hair type. 

• Get a Hair Cut

One of the nicest things you can do for your hair is to give it a haircut. Regular haircuts prevent damage that starts at the bottom like split ends for example. It also prevents hair from tangling and breakage due to damage. Get a trim every six to eight weeks, even if you are trying to grow your hair out. Keeping it healthy is the best way to make sure it reaches the lengths you want it to. 

The Ivy Hair and Extension Lounge has stylists who can help you make the right choices for your hair

Browse our services and get in touch to book an appointment today.

The post Tips to Keep Your Hair Looking and Feeling Healthy appeared first on Ivy Hair Lounge.

We’re all careful about putting on some SPF on our skin when we’re stepping out. But our hair tends to be ignored. Did you know that the UV rays from the sun can be as damaging to our hair and scalp as they are on our skin. 

How Does the Sun Damage Hair?

Those sun streaks that look so good are actually signs of sun damage. Prolonged exposure to the sun dries hair out and discolours it. This can lead to hair becoming brittle, split ends, thinning, and frizz. The sun can also affect your scalp and lead to scalp burn and damage hair cuticles as your hair isn’t quite as protective of your scalp as you might want it to be. While dry and damaged hair can be brought back to its original lustre with a lot of TLC, preventing sun damage is far easier. 

Read on for our tips on how to protect your hair from the heat and sun this summer. 

• Prep Your Hair

Get your hair ready for the summer by locking in as much moisture as possible. Hair that is healthy is less likely to feel the full force of sun damage as the cuticles are stronger. Use a hair mask like the Unite 7SECONDS Masque that nourishes your hair deeply to prep it for the hot days to come. 

Use a hair mask weekly to maintain hydration.

• Sunscreen for Your Hair

Your hair needs a protective barrier between it and the sun just like your skin does. The Moroccan oil Color Complete Protect & Prevent Spray creates a layer that shields your hair from harmful UV rays without weighing it down. It also contains antioxidants that neutralize damaging free radicals from the sun. 

Another great product that acts as armour against the sun is the Davines SU Milk Hair Spray that softens your hair while protecting it.

• Limit the Shampoos

It can get tempting to shampoo your hair every day because you feel sweaty and icky as the temperatures rise. The frequent use of shampoo strips hair of its natural oils and dries it out. Also, when you start stripping your hair of its natural oils, your scalp’s defense mechanisms kick in and it starts producing excess sebum which causes scalp build ups. Limit your shampoos to twice a week (which is perfect for taking care of hair extensions too). Rinse your hair out with cool water if you absolutely must in-between washes. In fact, make sure you rinse your hair every time you go swimming in the sea or the pool.

Use moisturising shampoos and conditioners to make sure your hair remains soft and healthy.

• Use Sunscreen 

We often forget to use sunscreen around our ears and temples. Use sunscreen around your hairline to protect the delicate skin there from sun exposure. Protecting your skin around your hairline will make sure that hair damage doesn’t begin from there. 

• Avoid Heat Styling

It’s already hot out there. Spare your tresses additional stress from styling by avoiding heat tools. Speak to your hair stylist for suggestions on some easy dos that don’t require your curling irons or straighteners. If you need to blow dry your hair, then use your hair drier on a cool setting.

• Throw Some Shade

Just kidding! Make sure you create your own shade wherever you go by using a broad brimmed hat or an umbrella. They’ll protect your hair and scalp and the rest of you too. Try and find a brand with ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) numbers on their hats for maximum protection. 

You can also use a scarf and sunglasses to create an aura of classic mystery, romance and protect your hair. 

What to Do After Sun Exposure

On the rare chance you forget to get your hair’s protective gear on before you set out and start feeling some scalp burn, rinse it with some cool water and apply an aloe gel if needed to soothe the burn immediately. Depending on how severe the burn is, it can be best to avoid using product on those areas for a while. Use a gentle hypoallergenic shampoo to wash your hair until your scalp has healed.

The Ivy Hair & Extension Lounge is your one stop shop for all of your hair needs including the right products to care for your hair this summer. You can browse our services here or get in touch with us to book an appointment today.

The post How To Protect Your Hair from the Sun appeared first on Ivy Hair Lounge.

  Unfortunately, there isn’t a ‘Bumble’ that’ll match you with the perfect hair stylist, so here are some great tips on how to find one instead.

• Ask Around

Your friends and family know you the best. They know what you like and what you don’t, especially when it comes to your hair. Ask them who they go to, which salons they like and which ones they don’t. Have in-depth conversations about their experiences. If you like someone’s trendy new haircut or colour, ask them where they got it from.  It’s also a bonus if any of them have hair that’s similar to yours in terms of texture and thickness.

• Do Your Own Research

Check out the world wide web for top-rated stylists around your area. Read reviews left by customers online and check out their social media. Stylists who are proud of their work are always happy to share it on media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. You’ll be able to see first hand if the stylist has a similar aesthetic to yours. 

• Ask for a Consultation

You don’t have to dive right in and get a haircut from a stylist you’re considering going to. Ask for a consultation to discuss your hair goals and what they can do for you. Most stylists are happy to fit you in for a quick 15-minute chat. Be mindful of their time, however, and book your consultation in advance so they can give you the attention you need.

• Check if They Ask the Right Questions

Whether you’re looking for a cut, colour, or want new extensions, a good stylist will ask questions about your lifestyle, the amount of time you are willing to put into styling your hair everyday, and what your hair goals are. For example, if you’re a get up and go kind of girl, a hairstylist will recommend a haircut that doesn’t require a lot of styling every day. 

They will examine your hair health, make recommendations based on your answers and take into account your face shape while recommending a particular hair style. If your hair is dry or damaged, a good hair stylist may also recommend a treatment schedule before agreeing to colour it. Trust us, it’s a good sign – it shows they care about your hair. 

• Ask the Right Questions

The consultation is a good time for you to ask questions of the stylist to understand their vibe too. Use this time to learn about their experience, what styles or hair types they specialize in and whether they undergo regular training to stay on top of the trends. It doesn’t have to be an interrogation. Keep it friendly. After all, chances are that you may end up spending hours at their salon trusting them to make sure your hair looks its best. 

• Check Out the Products on Display

Have a look at the haircare products the salon has to offer. The best brands are quite picky about which salons they choose to display their products in. Having top brands in the salon also means that the stylists are trained on how to use them. For example, The Ivy Hair and Extension Lounge stocks only the top hair care brands like Olaplex and Davines, so you know that your hair will be well cared for.

• Do a Blow-Dry Test

If you’re still on the fence, test them out with a blow dry the next time you are going out. You’ll experience how they treat their clientele firsthand and can also use the time to discuss your hair goals further. 

• Just Do It

Finally, you simply just have to take the plunge. Book your appointment and let your stylist know that you are nervous if you are. Although by now your research and consultation should actually have you feeling confident and pretty excited about trying something new. 

The stylists at The Ivy Hair and Extension Lounge in Calgary have oodles of experience styling hair of all textures and lengths. Browse our services and get in touch to book an appointment today.

The post How to Find a New Hair Stylist? appeared first on Ivy Hair Lounge.

What Causes Dry Hair?

Dry hair can be caused by a number of different factors, including:

• Sun exposure
• Heat damage from excessive styling
• Chlorinated water (like in a swimming pool)
• Frequent hair washes
• Humidity (including sweaty workouts)
• The wrong hair products for your hair type

Your dry hair may be caused by one or more of the factors above or it may be caused by nutritional deficiencies, medications, or other medical conditions for which you may need to consult a doctor. 

Thankfully though hair damage and dry hair is rarely a permanent condition and there are plenty of things you can do to bring your locks back to their luscious glory. 

What to do when you have dry and damaged hair?

It’s always a good idea to consult your hair stylist about your hair. While they cannot give you medical advice, they will definitely be able to help you with a number of different hair care tips to bring the shine and health back to your hair. Read on for some top dry hair care tips from the expert stylists at the Ivy Hair and Extension Lounge.

1. Get a Haircut:

Heat styling can cause ends to fray making your hair look scraggly at the ends. It can also make your hair more brittle and result in split ends. Getting a trim regularly takes care of the frayed ends before the damage travels upwards.

1. Limit Your Hair Washes:

It can be tempting to wash your hair everyday, especially after hitting the gym or during the summer. Washing your hair frequently strips your hair of sebum – the natural oil that makes your hair and scalp feel soft and moisturized. Try and limit your hair washes to once or twice a week and make sure you use shampoo only on your scalp and condition the lengths of your hair. Avoid using hot water to wash your hair. Pick products that are specifically meant for dry locks. For example, Davines OI shampoo and conditioner are gentle on your scalp while providing your hair with much-needed hydration.

1. Moisturising Treatments:

Treat yourself to some ‘me time’ every week by giving your hair the TLC it deserves in the form of a deep moisturising treatment. Use deep conditioning moisture masks like Davines Oi Hair Butter or Olapex No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask to jump start your hair’s moisture locking properties. 

You can also go DIY and make your own moisture mask at home by mixing together equal parts of honey and olive oil. Rub the mask evenly through your hair and cover it with a shower cap for 10 minutes before washing. 

1. Try a Hot Oil Treatment:

Hot oil treatments are another great way to add some shine to your hair. You can use a variety of different oils including olive oil, coconut oil, almond oil, jojoba oil or argan oil. Gently warm about half a cup of oil (more if you have really long hair). Make sure it’s not hot. Massage it into your scalp and cover with a warm towel. Leave it in for at least 30 minutes or overnight before washing it off. 

1. Avoid Heat:

Heat may have caused the damage in the first place, so it’s a good idea to avoid exposing your hair to heat. Use the cool setting on your hair drier to dry your hair or better yet, let it air dry. Use a t-shirt or a microfiber towel to wrap your hair in after a wash instead of a regular towel to help combat frizz. If you must use heat, then make sure you use a good heat protection spray like the Moroccan Oil Perfect Defense Spray on your hair before styling.

Wear a hat or a wrap your hair in a scarf (think old school glam Hollywood style) if you are going to be spending time outdoors. Not only will you be shielding your hair from harmful UV rays, but you’ll look uber chic doing it too.

The Ivy Hair and Extension Lounge carries moisturising and repairing haircare products from some of the top brands to help bring your hair back to its health. 

Learn how to care for your extensions by reading this article or browse our services and get in touch to book an appointment today.

The post Solutions for Dry and Damaged Hair appeared first on Ivy Hair Lounge.

If you’ve been thinking about getting extensions but have gotten lost among all the jargon like ‘wefts’, tape-ins, halos and more, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn everything you need to know about getting the hair of your dreams.

Human Hair or Synthetic Hair?

Hair extensions are either made from synthetic fibres or real human hair. There are varying qualities available in both but human hair extensions will always be top notch!

• Synthetic hair:

Synthetic hair tends to be cheaper with varying grades of quality. A big drawback of synthetic hair is that it cannot be heat-styled. So, you can’t really change up your look much. Additionally, synthetic hair may be coated with silicones to make it look shiny. This wears off over time and you’re left with dry, dull looking extensions.

• Human Hair:

Natural human hair extensions also come in varying grades of quality. The best quality hair extensions are referred to as Remy (or Remi) hair extensions. These are extensions where the hair is untreated (or virgin) and has the cuticle intact. While they may seem pricey at first, Remy hair extensions last longer than other types (provided you follow the stylist’s care instructions) so they can actually end up saving you money in the long run as you don’t have to get them replaced as often. It’s a good idea to check with your stylist regarding the quality of extensions if you’re purchasing them from elsewhere as the quality and ethical provenance can vary.

Long story short, opting for high-quality, natural, human hair extensions is a better overall choice. Purchase them from a trusted stylist so you know you are getting the best-quality extensions.

What Kind of Extensions Do You Need?

Before we move on to the different types of extensions out there, there’s one cardinal rule. Don’t go down the DIY route if you have no experience with extensions. A professionally trained stylist will be able to install them safely so that they don’t pull or tug on your natural hair. 

• Clip in extensions: 

Clip in extensions are the most affordable option. They are great if you want to change your look temporarily. You simply clip these extensions in before setting out, and take them off before going to bed. They come in various styles and colours which makes them a good choice if you don’t really want to commit to a particular hairstyle. Beware though, going to sleep with them on is a complete no-no, as this will cause damage to your natural  hair.

• Tape in extensions:

These are exactly what the name sounds like. The extensions come on large adhesive panels that are then glued on to the roots of your hair. They are reusable and typically last about eight weeks before they need to be reapplied by your stylist. However, tape in extensions are our least favourite type of extension, as we notice they can cause traction alopecia (bald spots) to your natural hair! They are a common technique, but we prefer to steer away from them personally.

• Beaded Wefts:

These are the best kind of extensions to get in our opinion! Sections of your natural hair are looped under and over the extension weft and secured at the scalp with a silicone lined bead and crimped shut with pliers. There’s no heat or glue used to adhere them to your hair, making them really easy to maintain and style. The beads can be hidden under your natural hair for a seamless look. 

The Ivy Hair Extension Salon and Lounge offers top-of-the-line micro-beaded Remy hair wefts that match any hair colour. With decades of combined experience under their belts, our stylists create the look you want with a seamless blend and zero damage to your natural locks.

We offer a complimentary consultation when you book one of our hair extension packages, so we understand exactly what you’re looking for with your new extensions. 

You can browse our services here or get in touch with us if you have more questions about how to take care of hair extensions or  book your first appointment today. 

The post What Hair Extensions are Right for Me? appeared first on Ivy Hair Lounge.

1. Fairy Tale Locks

Rapunzel hair is in – and as hair extension specialists, we couldn’t be more thrilled! The year is going to be all about extremes. Extreme length or extreme volume, or both. We offer wefted hair extensions at The Ivy Hair Lounge, so your extensions blend seamlessly into your natural hair. Once you have the length you need, we can style it as you will. 

Another thing to love about looooong hair is the Rapunzel braid. It’s perfect for both formal and casual events and so on trend!

1. Mix and Match Hair Cuts

Have you heard of the shullet? It’s a combination of the shag and the mullet. Layers are in too, along with a continuation of last year’s animal-themed hairstyles like the wolf, butterfly or octopus. In fact, the layers can help you get the look you want – whether you want extreme volume, something choppy, dramatic layers or an understated sleekness. 2023 is going to be all about hybrid hairstyles combining bits you like from different hairstyles, so you can get as experimental as you want. 

While you’re at it, curtain bangs are a great way to accentuate your gorgeous extensions with a trendy new cut.

1. Hair Colour

2023 is all about being experimental but without the OTT trends of the past. Natural looking hair colour and soft highlights are going to be on point, although you will certainly see jet black around a fair amount. Warmth is key when it comes to any colour though. All over reds are gone, replaced by subtle red highlights instead. Brown is in too – light to medium browns will be complemented by subtle reds or with golden brown to add depth and dimension to the look. Not ready to go jet black but want something deeper? Try going for a deep espresso instead in keeping with the lighter brown trend. 

Since 2023 colour trends are all about softness and natural looks, you can forget all about the strict lines of foils. Soft balayage blends are the perfect way to get natural looking highlights that don’t need constant root touch ups either. It’s a win-win all around!

1. Hair Accessories are Getting Bolder

Continuing from last year’s trend, hair accessories are still going strong but with a bigger and bolder look. Headbands are no longer going to be subtle. Think 80s style overstated workout headbands instead. Boring old scrunchies are out, luxe materials like satin or scrunchies with bows add glam to a traditionally relaxed style. 

Claw clips are making a comeback too. Easy-to-use and easy on your hair, they can be as blinged out or as subtle as you want them to be. The Ivy Hair and Extension Lounge has an awesome collection from Loop Lifestyle that add oodles of fun to your hairstyles and extensions along with all the right hair care products you need to take care of your extensions and colour. 

Browse the services we offer here or book an appointment today.

The post Hair Trends of 2023 appeared first on Ivy Hair Lounge.