Hair Extension Artist Kaliopi Matheakis has been growing artwork her complete lifestyles. The daughter of Greek folks who had emigrated to New York, her folks moved the circle of relatives again to Greece when she used to be 8 years previous. Rising up, she persisted to design, craft and sculpt, till her herbal enthusiasms introduced her to the learn about of cosmetology in Europe.
After a foul minimize (it used to be too brief!) from a co-worker, Matheakis changed into very concerned with hair extensions and the chances that got here with them. In the end, she opened a salon in Greece that used to be such a success, she made the verdict to carry her extension mastery again to New York.
These days, she is the landlord‐operator of each a salon, PR Hair Extensions Salon, and the developer and distributor of a line of hand made, high quality hair extensions, Kalia Hair Extensions. She additionally operates a non-public suite for one-on-one services and products and gives non-public instruction within the artwork and alertness of extensions.
Turning into a Hair Extension Specialist: Dos and Don’ts
Do not paintings with deficient high quality extensions.
“When I was starting over in New York, the inferior quality of hair extensions that were available was discouraging and heart wrenching,” says Matheakis. “Do NOT use mediocre quality even when practicing. No matter how talented you are you cannot make up for inferior quality extensions through application techniques. The old adage ‘you get what you pay for’ is true in the quality of hair extensions.”
When she could not to find merchandise that met her requirements, Matheakis mentioned she realized that the usage of lower than the most efficient can value you your popularity. “To gain and maintain a reputation as a hair extension specialist, don’t compromise on price and quality.”
Her advice is that extensions will have to be the very best quality 100% human hair with detailed, precision utility.
“People want hair extensions that make them look exquisite, so don’t aim for anything less than what the client wants and expects,” says Matheakis. “Don’t risk your career or license, always provide your clients the best products.”
Do not be informed hair extensions from any person who isn’t a certified specialist.
“I have encountered so many excellent hairstylists who do not know how to properly apply hair extensions. There are hairstylists who advertise and apply hair extensions every day, yet they really are not experienced in the craft. You can’t learn a professional craft from a teacher who is not a professional.”
Photograph: Kalia Hair Extensions
Do run the numbers and perceive the prices of providing extension services and products.
When crunching the numbers Matheakis says that is what to imagine:
There’s a value interested by supplying high quality hair extensions to the customer.
A correct hair extension utility is time eating; this can be a contributing issue to the associated fee.
The common buyer visits a hair styling salon seven to 8 occasions a 12 months and when glad turns into a normal lifetime shopper.
The common hair extension shopper visits for particular events and visits 3 to 4 occasions a 12 months. The vast majority of folks in the hunt for hair extensions are doing so on account of a short lived scenario. i.e., Repairing harm from a foul haircut, longer hair for a specific glance, and harm from sickness and illness.
“This is not to minimize the trend of hair extensions for fashion looks and those who want them as part of their everyday style,” says Matheakis. “Those clients do exist and when you gain a reputation as a master professional in hair extension applications, you will gain a following. Regular satisfied clients will willingly recommend your services to family, friends, business associates and neighbors when it is evident that you are passionate about the craft.”
Matheakis cautions that during her enjoy, the upper value of hair extensions does now not mirror the next benefit. “It reflects the prices of the products and the extra time you will spend with a hair extension client,” she explains. “A hair extension specialist can earn greater than a hairstylist when it turns into their number one occupation. When juggled as an extra carrier through a hair stylist it should in fact minimize revenues.
“The typical hair stylist may be able to service three clients in the time it takes for one hair extension application,” she provides. “These are numbers that need to be considered when deciding to add hair extensions to the menu of a busy salon.”
Photograph: Kalia Hair Extensions
“Proper Hair extension application requires detail, precision and technique. Hair extension application is a complicated service dealing directly with the skin of the head and the most sensitive part of the hair, the roots. Incorrect hair extension applications damage the scalp, and hair creating bald spots caused by the weight of the hair extension when not properly applied.”–Hair Extension Artist Kaliopi Matheakis
Photograph: Kalia Hair Extensions
Do take skilled coaching.
Mathakis encourages all stylists who want to soar into hair extension packages to take a step again and ask those questions:
Am I being introduced this crash path certificates as a result of they care about me as a certified?
Do they care about my purchasers receiving a wholesome, skilled hair extension utility?
Do they care that I might put my license and trade in danger?
“If you are ready to pursue a new career, know that it won’t come easy,” says Matheakis. “It will take time, dedication, passion and determination.” Start through in search of and enrolling in a certified newbie path the place you’ll be informed the fundamentals. Proceed with extra detailed lessons to be told, discover and observe method.
Even after incomes the primary newcomers certificates, she recommends:
Apply nonstop for no less than 1 12 months.
Apply 3 days per week for 4‐5 hours an afternoon for the primary 6 months on a model.
The following 6 months, proceed 3 days per week practising on an individual. Ask for members of the family or pals to enroll in and fortify you on this new adventure of yours through being your hair fashions. DO NOT PRACTICE ON CLIENTS.
“During this practice year you will have the chance to familiarize yourself with hair quality and learn the differences. You will evaluate your work, noting such things as how long it lasts, your timing, when to do maintenance, removals, and reinstallations. Get feedback from others on the quality of application and hair. Use feedback to make improvements in technique, and application.”
And in case you to find you have the persistence to observe for three hundred and sixty five days and you continue to have that keenness to be a hair extension specialist, Matheakis says that tells her one thing. “To me, that is a sign that you have found a calling in a career as a Hair Extension Specialist.”
