New Hair Who Dis?

I did a thing! I have had some form of extensions for 12 years, but with the hot summer ahead and all the days by the pool…it was time. It is crazy how light my hair feels! I went from three rows of 24 inch extensions to one row (8 wefts) of 18 inch extensions now, which is the length of my real hair. Over the last year, my hair had gotten pretty dark, but for summer I decided to go blonder! As usual, Lauren (@laurendomyhair) at Gem Studio did such a great job!

WHAT LAUREN DID

“To recreate a similar look PLEASE keep in mind everyone’s hair lifts different, which means the toner used will be different-and it should be! Toner is used to enhance tonality while canceling out unwanted tones. Along with the fact that everyone’s hair history varies and is a huge contributing factor with the transformation process.”

“We used Blonde Me lighter with 30- heavy highlights mixed with babylights to create a multidimensional base. I teased out her ends and balayaged them with the same formula. Then I used Paul Mitchell’s clay lighter with 20 over her money pieces in the front that were left out of foils. Toner for her base dragged down to her mids- Redken gels equal parts 6N 5AB and a touch of 8NG. Toner for her ends and extensions. [{Extensions are the brightest blonde I could get! Root smudged and balayaged with 5N Redken shades EQ]} 8N, 7NW, 9NW and 8VG. We did one 1 row of extra thick wefts to help give her a lot of fullness and add more lighter pieces.” Lauren Pruitt

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I put a question box up for these!

• How do you manage extensions with thick hair? I’ve had extensions of some form for 12 years, so for me it’s just “normal.” You definitely need a stylist who knows your real hair and what it can handle. Lauren knows my hair, so she is very strategic in placement and the amount she puts in.
• Do you ever get headaches from your hair? Or just in the beginning? Your head will be tender the first few days. Take Tylenol if needed, after they loosen up a bit and you’re good!
• What do you typically pay for hair, installation and color? I would say it ranges anywhere around $1500 for new hair and install, maintenance – $250+. Again this all depends on where you live, your stylist, and how much hair you have! Don’t hold me to these prices.
• How often do you have to get your extensions moved up? I go every 8-10 weeks for a move up. I’ve pushed it to 12 weeks before, but 8-10 is healthy for me.
• Do you know anyone taking clients for color in the LBK? Yep! Message @gemstudiolbk page, and they’ll get you in! Tell them I sent you!
• What’s your favorite hair tool? My extra long curling iron-I use the 1.25 barrel linked HERE.
• How do you train your hair? My hair has always been dry and coarse. I would recommend a good dry shampoo and texture spray! Linked my favorites below!
• How do you keep your curls intact? Good products, quality hair, and a good curling iron! Also, sleep in a low loose ponytail (all linked below).
• What products do you use? All my faves are linked below!
• How often do you have to replace the actual extension hair? The hair can last 6-12 months depending on quality and how well you take care of it. I usually replace every 6-8 months.
• Do you color or highlight the extensions? Yes! Lauren custom colors the extensions to match my hair!
• How do your hand tied wefts not show when you put your hair up? It’s all about placement and how thick your hair is too. Make sure to tell your stylist you want to be able to pull your hair up without seeing them.
• How do you tame frizz? I use THIS.
• What pony tail holders do you use? THESE hold all my hair securely!
• Is your hair cut in long layers? Yes, I will NEVER have short layers again. I’ve worked way too hard to grow those suckers out and going to keep working to get my hair as long as I can.
• Swimming in a pool or ocean with extensions, can you do it? This is why I went shorter and less hair-you really do not want to get them in chemical or salt water. I personally won’t get mine wet (besides shower) so I just throw a huge bun on top of my head.

LIQUID COLLAGEN

This is my before and after of my real hair! I have been working on growing my hair out for about two years, and I am thrilled with the progress. It’s never been this long in my 35 years! This is in large part thanks to the liquid collagen I take daily! I have seen so much improvement with my hair, skin and nails. I had tried for years before this to get my hair to grow, but it would never get very long.

I often get questions about my hair routine, skin routine and fitness/health routine. These are the products I have used and will continue to use daily because of my own personal results. If your primary focus is hair, skin, nails and joint benefits, you would want to do two tablespoons per day of THIS collection. If you are also wanting help with weight management along with everything I mentioned above, THIS collection would be a good option. You would want to take one tablespoon of each per day. To help with hydration, shine and styling damage, I use THIS mask 2-3 times a month as well (I sleep in it).

MY ROUTINE/PRODUCTS I USE

I wash my hair about once a week, let air dry as long as possible then blow dry in sections. I use dry shampoo nightly on my roots (I do not rub it in). I sleep in a low pony every night as well. Besides what I listed above. I have linked up my everything else I use. The shampoo feels so good, my scalp feels like it can breathe! Since I only wash my hair once a week, I use the masque as a conditioner. Then I use the QUAI leave in conditioner and Amika’s The Wizard detangler (smells so good). Kenra blow-dry spray I have used forever, one of my favorite hair products. I use the Living Proof instant de-frizzer, my hair is naturally curly and needs it! The texture spray I use most is the Oribe, but I do use the Navy one as well. I rotate between the Navy and Living Proof dry shampoo. The Dry Bar products smell amazing, and I use their heat protectant sometimes before I curl my hair. My hair is super thick, so the GIMME bands work best for me!

If I missed anything, you can ask below in the comment section!