Questions about Care of your Hand Tied Hair Extensions
How Often do I need to Move Them Up? Every 8-11 weeks
Your natural hair will grow and your extensions will grow out with your hair and feel loose. (They are actually not loose, they are still secure and cannot fall out). Unlike all other methods I have done that Can fall out. It is similar to the installation of a BRAID. Very Secure and comfortable. In order to move them up I will need to cut the thread I used to sew the wefts on to remove the wefts and remove the beaded track and replace the beaded row closer to your scalp and re-sew the wefts onto it. (Move up/Tighten Them). This takes about 1 hour per row (and an extra hour for styling or smudging the root of the wefts., taking before/after photos and rebooking your next Appt)
Move Up: 1 Row = 2 hours $175. 2 Rows = 3 hours $350.
Always arrive with CLEAN, Dry Hair. Products are fine to use. No Dirty Hair or I will reschedule you.
Please be sure you have enough time for your appointment. I cannot rush what I do, I'm a perfectionist.
Does it hurt?
You may experience some mild tightness for the first night , up to 4 days after installation or move up. Take 400-800 mg Ibuprofen or something similar. Benadryl at night will help you sleep that first night. Your menstrual cycle can make you more sensitive. Do not scratch or pick at the beads or you will irritate your scalp and it will cause redness. Don't attempt to put your hair up high for about 10 days, but you can easily pull it gently back in a low pony. There is always an adjustment period when trying something new. After Move Ups, Wait a few days to shampoo. The extension hair is very light weight. People always comment that they can't even feel them in their hair, especially if they are used to other methods that are extremely tight or cause pain at installation. If you are experiencing pain or itching after the first night take a photo of your scalp so I can help you figure out what the issue might be. There are 1 in 1000 people who for whatever reason cannot tolerate anything on their scalp. If you are one of them then we will have to remove them asap at no charge. This is the risk you take. I do not give refunds. If you try Eyelash Extensions and you don't like them you don't get your money back. You pay to have them removed. Perhaps a removable Halo would be the perfect solution if you have a very sensitive scalp.
Brushing your Hair
Use the brush I recommend, it is the most gentle and feels great on your scalp. Hold your extensions in a ponytail and brush the ends out first, working your way up. Don't brush over the top of the row of the extensions the hand tied wefts are delicate. Brush Twice a Day: before bedtime and in the morning, also before getting your hair wet: (shower, swimming, exercise). Hair that is tangled and wet will need to be dry to remove the tangles. Do Not Brush Wet hair. Hair stretches when wet like a rubber band, it can and will break. Best to only brush Dry Hair. If you get a tangle come in and let me help you or I can talk you through how to remove it. A great trick is to use a comb at the very top of your extensions, gently insert if just below the top of the weft, comb down 1-2 ", then brush out any tangles from the bottom up. Hand Tied Hair has a mustache at the top where the hair is hand tied, the excess hair hangs down and runs the opposite direction of the other hair, that top 1-2" can tangle when shampooing it. Wait until it is dry and do the comb trick. Secure your hair above the row out of the way with a clip first. The "return" hair should remain tangle free until it gets wet again. Some "return" hair is longer, I can show you what I mean when you are here for your appointment. Sometimes this return hair can feel itchy, usually when your hair is dirty. Always protect your scalp where the beads are attached, we want that hair to stay healthy. Do not Pull or Tug on the beaded row. You can also exfoliate with your finger or a soft toothbrush just above your row of beads. If you notice flaky, dry scalp. this will help, or apply a few drops of oil and massage it in at night, shampooing in the morning. Rinsing completely is the best way to ensure your scalp is not irritated. I carry everything you need to care for your extensions. I've always got something new I'm excited about! The special pillow case I have is amazing and will help keep your hair static and tangle free while you sleep.
Shampooing your Extensions
You may Shampoo every 3-4 days using dry shampoo in between washings. Many like to wait 7 days. To Shampoo: Brush out all tangles first. Clip up your crown hair, clip up your top row of extensions, and the other rows one at a time. Shampoo from the bottom up. Be sure it is tangle free before wetting it. Massage your scalp with shampoo and rinse thoroughly with a hand held filtered shower nozzle. shampoo and rinse twice. Drop down your row of extensions and massage above it. Only wash your scalp, not your extension hair, the suds will do that. Rinse each section thoroughly. Always shampoo each section twice before moving to the next. Oway rinses out very quickly. The first shampoo only gets rid of surface dirt and products. The second shampoo treats your scalp and cleanses it. Towel Blot and add Conditioner to your Extensions Only. From a few inches away from your scalp . Leave in for a few minutes. to 30 min. Then rinse thoroughly. (Shampoo your scalp, Condition your ends). Towel Blot to remove water. Spray in your Detangler and Oil and Leave in, gently comb thru if you need to. As you dry it with a diffuser or air dry the tangles will be easy to remove. Do not pull on wet hair with a round brush, wait til the hair is 80% DRY to do that. Blow Dry the Attachment Site because the hair is thickest there. Then let the ends air dry. Use low-med heat and a quality blow dryer. (I love the Dyson) Extension Hair holds a curl very well, don't use hair spray to curl with, it has too much alcohol which can dry it out. Use a Thermal Protection Spray on Dry hair prior to curling or flat ironing. Set your Heat Tools to 280 - 300 Degrees. No Hotter or you will burn your extensions and your natural hair.
Can I Color my Natural Hair while my extensions are in?
Yes! It is easy for your colorist to do your routine touch ups / Hilights on your natural hair while your extensions are still in. Check with them first to be sure they are used to working around extensions. Do not let them color your extensions. DO NOT let them CUT your extension hair. I'm happy to recommend a colorist if you need one. I can explain to you how to isolate the extension row when they are coloring your hair . Always color your hair BEFORE you get your Extensions Moved Up. If you forget, wait about 5-7 days after your move up to get your color done. Your natural hair fades, extensions don't fade much at all. You will need to get a toner to maintain your natural hair on the ends. I can move/adjust the extension wefts to change the colors if you get more hi lights at your color appointment. I can also add new wefts to add lowlights or other colors. Your extra hair will be stored safely in my studio if we need to add/replace any of your wefts with new colors. Extension hair is colored at the Production House with Fabric (Textile) Dye, causing the color to last a very long time . Using Human Hair Color over Fabric Dye is not a good idea. Results will not be reliable and the color will fade, quickly. I can opt to color the roots of your extension wefts (smudging the roots) a slightly darker color and have great luck doing this so that your wefts blend in with your natural regrowth and doesn't show when you pull your hair up.
Be Gentle
To maintain the longevity of your extensions be gentle when styling, brushing or pulling them into a ponytail. Do not tug or pull tightly on the attachment site. Use only Professional Products recommended by me. Let me know everything you are using and I can suggest some changes or let you know if I think you can continue to use your regular at home products. This method is the most secure so it will not fall out. Use a larger hat or helmet because of the extra hair. Always hold the hair when brushing it. Don't round brush wet hair, dry it 80% first.
Contact me via text if you have questions or problems immediately
No question is silly. Text me as soon as you think you may have a problem. Don't attempt to do anything yourself. Text me a photo of what you are concerned about and I will help you troubleshoot it. At your next move up I can rearrange the row(s) if needed to accommodate your lifestyle best. There is always give and take when wearing extensions. If you are frustrated don't worry I've probably helped someone else with the same situation. We will get through it together. I promise! These are the most gentle and maintenance free extensions I have ever worn or installed. If installed by a professional they are completely safe if you follow my instructions for care and maintenance and use the recommended products. If you need to see me I can work your in within 24 hours for emergencies.
What Method do you do?
Since 2015 I have been doing The Kacey Welch Method. It is a beaded row using silicone lined beads and hair to form a track or row. Then the hand tied hair wefts are stacked and clipped onto the row and then sewn securely and comfortably. I'm taken classes/certifications in: The Tightline Method, SKW, NBR, Hairdreams, Dreamcatcher, Soap, Shrink Links, Fusion and Individual Beads, and Tape in. I had issues with all of these other methods. I learned so much from each method and I have been doing extensions since 2004. Once finding the KWM I knew it was just what I needed for my fine haired clients. It's the most natural and comfortable method and it literally can NOT fall out. It takes about 10 min per row to remove, I can remove them safely for you for $50 (If you ever want to take a break from longer thicker hair). Sometimes you may want to completely change your color, make an appointment for me to remove them first. Or, your vacation plans may include swimming in the ocean for 7 days straight, if you don't want to worry about extension care on your vacation I can remove them and you can purchase a Halo to wear instead, when you are on dry land.
Is this for very Thick or very Curly Hair?
No. For shoulder length Very Thick Hair I would need to add an extreme amount of hair to make it longer and it would not be comfortable. I have done it many times and realize that when you already have thick hair, adding the same amount of hair to that thick hair to make it look believable and longer is just too much hair. It's a lot of weight and takes a long time to dry and style. If your thick hair is already past your shoulders or to your bra strap in the back then adding 2 rows would be a great option.
As for very naturally curly hair, I'm always searching for curly hair that won't tangle and is Naturally Curly (not permed or steam curled). The Indian Hair I use does have a Curly option, They have natural body wave, extra wavy and curly. it must be ordered. 2-3 day shipping . It comes in 16" and 20" only. I have a few wefts in stock.
Will you remove my Fusion or Micro Links or Tape Extensions?
No. Have your previous stylist remove them. I will remove other beaded row hand tied sewn in methods only.
Confirmation Texts
If you do NOT receive a text from me confirming your upcoming appointment about one week prior then we do not have an appointment scheduled on My Books. Text me if you are unsure, I can only work with one client at a time. I don't double book. It is mandatory that you pre-book your move up appointments. Take a half day off work, put in for that day off if your schedule changes often. I do not have room in my schedule to move appointments around. You need to get them moved up every 8-11 weeks, depending on your hair growth and thickness. You do not want to damage your hair. If you are sick please do not show up to your appointment. Give me as much notice as you can and I can reschedule you.
Rescheduling or Canceling your Appointment
Give me as much notice as you can. I require 24 hours minimum. The first time There will be a $50 fee to rebook. Next time you will be required to pay 1/2 your service fee before rebooking. The next time you will pay in full. If you are running late please send me a text, I worry about you and whether I accidentally scheduled you for another day. Don't be early. I won't be able to take you. Wait in your car and text me, I will text you when I'm ready for you to come on up. Temple Coffee is on the corner of K and 22nd , coffee and tea and pastries.
After sending your Retainer I will Text you my FULL Hair Extension Care Guide.
NEW CLIENTS:
Please arrive on time (but not early).
Please arrive at your exact appointment time. I work from home and need to be sure my room is properly cleaned between guests. You may wait in your car. Text me when you arrive and I will text you when you may come up. I try to run on time and will give you plenty of notice if I need you to wait an extra few minutes. There are no parking tickets issued at the moment if Parking in the 2 hour spots (no meter). Metered parking you need to pay to park. Do not park in any parking lots or you may get towed. During the week Mon - Thurs if you arrive before noon you will need to pay special attention to the signs as they have City Services on those days. Temple Coffee Shop is 1/2 block away on 22nd and K, if you want to wait there. My Front Porch has a Great View of Midtown you are welcome to wait there as well. Check the signs posted for parking, there are only 2 signs per side of the street, the top sign is the most important, it tells you which days you cannot park from 8am - 12 noon.
Can I bring a friend to my appointment?
No. I need to concentrate on YOU and you alone. No Children, No Pets, No Friends, No Husbands, No Boyfriends. This is OUR time. I want to connect with you to be able to give you the hair of your dreams.
Before and after photos
I love documenting your transformation! Wear whatever you feel you will look your best in. Some wear makeup or lip gloss but I can also hide your face easily if you are shy. Before and after photos will help you see how far your hair has Grown since day one of your installation. You are able to see your actual hair growth each time you come in and I do your move up.
Wear comfortable clothing/bring water or snacks
The initial installation appointment can last 2.5 - 5 hours. You will be sitting a long time. I have water and tea, protein drinks and wine. We can order door dash if you would like. I do have cats and one will try to sit on your lap, she is very friendly but if you prefer I can keep her out of the room. I have a charger for iPhones you can use. I have wifi. Bring your laptop and work remote, many do!
You have paid your Retainer and are excited to get started!
I'm happy to finally meet you in person! I will give you a quick tour of my home/studio and then escort you to my salon chair. Now we can discuss your goals in more detail. If I get the feeling that a Halo might suit your lifestyle best I will recommend that and you can try it on to see what you think. If I feel that I cannot meet your expectations I will let you know. I will offer you a suggestions for another Extension Method that might work better for you or if I feel your hair is not healthy enough I will help you choose products that can get your hair into optimum condition. This has only happened a few times in the last 18 years. I need to let you know that it is a possibility. I reserve the right to refuse service. If we are not comfortable with each other then I will issue you a refund via PayPal or Zelle, however you paid your retainer.
PREBOOK YOUR NEXT APPOINTMENT
I will prebook your next appointment for 8 weeks out. This way you can get the best time and day to fit your schedule. When you come in for your move up we can determine then if you can stretch your move ups a little longer. If you would like to get a Complimentary Check Up at about the 2 week mark we can schedule a 30 min appointment so that I can answer any questions you may be having about your new extensions. You can also text me anytime with questions. I want this to be a comfortable and fun experience for you. The more you know the more at ease you will be. Extensions are High Maintenance when you first get them but after you ease into your routine they actually save you time on styling your hair. Every Day is a Great Hair Day! I'm here to help in any way that I can! My hours are 11am to 7pm. I will answer your text between 9am and 7pm.