Advanced Hair Styling I SS2 Beauty & Cosmetology Lesson Note

Introduction to Hair Add-ons

Why do we use wigs and extensions? It’s not just about fashion; it’s about versatility, protection, and confidence.

• What are they? Wigs cover the whole head, while extensions are added to natural hair to provide length or volume.
• The Big Goal: A great stylist makes the “fake” hair look like it’s growing right out of the scalp.
• Protecting the Natural Hair: We call extensions “protective styles” because they allow the client’s real hair to rest from daily heat and combing.

Stylist Tip: Always check the health of the client’s scalp before adding any extensions. If the base isn’t healthy, the style won’t last!

Knowing Your Materials (Human vs. Synthetic)

Not all hair is created equal. Choosing the right fiber depends on the client’s budget and the look they want.

Pro Tip: If you aren’t sure if a strand is human or synthetic, the “Burn Test” tells all. Human hair smells like burning feathers and turns to ash; synthetic hair smells like burning plastic and melts into a hard ball.

All About Wigs (Construction & Fitting)

Wigs have come a long way from the heavy “hats” of the past. Today, it’s all about the Lace.

• Lace Frontal: Covers the hairline from ear to ear. It gives the most realistic look for parting.
• Closure: A smaller piece (usually 4×4 inches) used to close off a sew-in or wig at the top.
• Full Lace: The entire base is made of lace. You can put this in a high ponytail!

The Golden Rule of Fitting: Before putting on a wig, the natural hair must be braided down as flat as possible (cornrows). If the braids are bulky, the wig will look like a “helmet.”

Popular Extension Techniques

As a stylist, you need more than one tool in your kit. Here are the three most popular ways to install hair:

1. Sew-in (Weaving): Hair is braided into cornrows, and the extensions (wefts) are sewn onto the braids using a needle and thread.
2. Bonding (Gluing): The hair is glued onto a protective cap or directly (carefully!) to the hair. It’s fast but can be messy.
3. Crochet: Using a latch hook to pull hair through pre-braided cornrows. This is great for bulky, textured looks like twists or curls.

Maintenance and Client Care

Your job isn’t finished when the client leaves the chair. You must teach them how to keep the style looking fresh.

• Detangling: Always start from the tips and work your way up to the roots. This prevents shedding.
• Night Routine: Clients should wear a silk or satin bonnet. Cotton pillowcases soak up moisture and cause frizz.
• Washing: Wigs should be washed in a basin of cool water—never scrubbed harshly, or the hair will matte.

Quick Review Questions

1. Why is a “flat” braid-down important for a wig install?
2. Which type of hair would you recommend for a client who wants to use a curling iron every day?
3. What is the main difference between a closure and a frontal?