28 May
SALON SUCCESS
How do you get started in the Color Takeover revolution? Stylists who have grown their business with extensions and hair color share their journeys, tips, and advice.
MISSY HART
Vintage Boutique Salon
Fox Lake, IL
@HairiswheretheHartIs
Before I became licensed in 2014, I was a practice extensions model for my best friend, another stylist. I was so happy with the Donna Bella Hair results, I became certified myself. Now, about 60 percent of my clients wear extensions.
My Method, My Specialty
One of the many things I love about Donna Bella is the versatility and range of what they offer: more than 50 shades, five lengths and four professional methods: Tape-In, I-Link, Flat-Tip, and Kera-Link, all in professional, easy-to-use Remy hair that can be professionally colored.
Most of my clients wear I-Link extensions, the beaded method. I do other types, too, but I-Link works well for me and my clients’ needs. Most of my clients are seeking length, and fullness is a side benefit. Some have vibrant extensions, like bright blue or multi-colored, custom applications.
I-Link is really good for stylists who are beginners with extensions and for clients who prefer low-commitment services. You place the hair and if you don’t like it, you can take it right out.
Pricing Pointers
I charge $45 for a regular cut and style, and I’ll charge about $150 to put one pack (20 strands) of I-Link extensions in. Many clients require or prefer multiple packs of hair, so an average service comes closer to $500 for an initial install service fee, with clients coming back every 4-6 weeks to touch up—and push up—the I-Link extensions.
Social Status
I’ve recently had really good luck attracting new extension clients by getting active with local Facebook groups as well as posting my work on professional Instagram and Facebook pages. I ask clients for permission to tag them and ask them to tag me and the salon.
My Tips
One secret to my success came from going to trade shows early in my career, soaking up all the knowledge I could and watching other stylists and asking questions. I still want to see how other stylists do I-Links. I’m always learning.
I also use the tools Donna Bella makes available on the Donna Bella Hair website to improve and speed up my application process. For my I-Link system, I grab each strand of hair with the pliers tool, for instance, saving steps. It’s a huge time-saver, not having to set a tool down 100 times when installing 100 strands of hair. I also love the specific Flare Hair tool I use to lock and remove the I-Link beaded extensions. It is very ergonomic and comfortable in a woman’s hand.
I still love going to shows, and I’ll be at Premiere Orlando and the Premiere Beauty Classic in Columbus, Ohio, this year, helping out. I won’t be on the main stage, but at the stations on the floor. When people buy hair, we will install it for free. It’s a great way to experience the extensions yourself and talk and learn directly from real stylists who do extensions for clients in regular salons every day.
Pursuing my passion for extensions is the best thing that I’ve done for my business. In just the couple years that I have been doing hair, it has been what’s kept me busy and set me apart from other stylists.
Visit the Color Takeover Portal today to learn more about combining the art of hair extensions with the science of color in your salon!
