| My Client Needs a Weave |
|
During a New York fashion show I felt like I was caught up in a bad dream and I kept hearing that old phrase about hair color “Does she or doesn’t she, only her hairdresser knows for sure” except this time no one was talking about color. They were talking about the hair extensions on the runway models. Many of the editors had just seen the same models in Europe with much shorter hair and here they were coming down the runway with long flowing locks. And whether they will admit it or not, there really is no getting around it, weaves and extensions are an everyday occurrence in our business of music, movies and fashion.
 If you are a freelance stylist in a major city and you work with celebrities, super-models or recording artists then at some point you may be asked to recommend a hair weaver to your clients. The goal may be to transform a short cropped haircut into a full blazing mane or just add some length in back or on the sides, weaves or extensions are the only way to go. Before we give you referrals from some big city freelance stars and industry folk, let’s be clear on the topic.
The techniques for adding additional hair into a clients natural hair continues to be called by a variety of names such as weaving, extensions, braids, or corn rows. Though each service is offers the same thing, more hair, they differ in methodology and end result. Extensions May Be Added in Four Methods:
The actual hair used in extensions also comes in a variety of grades, qualities and sources which break down into three basic categories:
Hair extensions and weaving can completely change a persons image in a matter of hours and can be worn for two or three months, depending on the clients natural outgrowth. It can also be removed in about an hour. The temporarily pinned in extensions are great fun and a blessing on a shoot when you want something totally new and current for a client, without a permanent change. They are inexpensive and many companies are incorporating them into hair pieces or barrettes, which makes them easy to clip, style and go.
Weave prices vary between cities and change with factors like the amount and quality of hair used, whether its use is permanent or temporary, if it’s for a full or partial head and if the hair is weaved or bonded. Basically, the process starts at around $300 for a partial head and can go up to $2,500 for a full head on your favorite super celebs!!
Following are the recommendations from top hair & makeup artists and agents who, while they will not divulge their celebrity clientele, you can bet these weavers are some of the Best In The Biz:
ATLANTA
Ruth Sinclair- Co-Owner and Stylist at Khamit Kinks
Phone: 404/607-9805
Phone: 713/521-1420
Rhonda is an internationally recognized platform artist and has had work published in Modern Salon, Essence and American Salon. Her experience and sheer love for what she does is evident. She is also co-hosting Hair Color USA.LOS ANGELES Spice Hair Oasis Phone: 213/934-5592 Clients who need extensions or a weave are sent to Spice. She does everyone who’s anyone and she’s into hair care so she’s not going to recommend doing anything that will damage the hair. MINNEANAPOLIS Hair Police Salon The hairstylists at the Hair Police Salon are the gurus of weaving. Besides celebrity clientele they also travel with several bands and have movie credits. They also have a sister salon in Amsterdam. Truly international!
NEW YORK CITY Annu Prestonia- Khamit Kinks in Tribeca Khamit Kinks handles all the top models and recording artists here in NYC. Ruth and Annu are amazing artists at creating these new current short curls, low afros, and braids. Their specialties are weaving and braiding.
Bumble & Bumble is simply one of the best salons for every day styles or editorial styling. They have great products and are very informative with clients. Hardly a month goes by that you cannot find their quotes in half a dozen magazines worldwide.
Maria- Rosalie's New Look in North Beach Maria, Rosalie's daughter, does extensions at the salon. She has a unique personality and is very talented at her craft. Rosalie has been in the business for forty years and teaches classes on weaving and extensions. They also perform them in the salon. She has styled wigs and extensions for major Las Vegas shows and traveling European shows." Rosalie and her daughter teach both individual and group classes. Individual classes start at about $50 an hour. Call for group schedule and rates.
Tia is the best in the salon or on set. She's been doing hair all her life and has a strong and dedicated clientele. Besides, she gets standing ovations at hair shows...what better recommendation do you need?! SEATTLE Nello Addabbo of Zenobia- Makeup & hair stylist at Salon de Carlo Salon de Carlo is a creative and inspiring environment and provides a testing ground for new styles and ideas. Nello provides weaving and extension services to a select clientele. Celebrities and models usually want the extensions out right after the shoot so I just pin them in, then quickly remove them following the shoot. By Jonathan Wright, Senior Editor/1stHOLD magazine |