Many salons employ hair extension specialists who can braid, weave or dreadlock hair, to do all these hairstyles which have become an integral part of salon services. However the truth is that the salon hires these specialists to perform braids, dreadlocks, weaves and extensions on clients fast, accurately and with imagination and creativity; but many of their clients are losing hair.
Weaving and braiding has now become a compulsory part of cosmetology training syllabus, for Caucasian and ethnic hairdressers. The manipulation of hair is a very creative skill, a technique.
According to Tangled Hair Techs, “most hairdressing students enjoy weaving and braiding immensely even if they can not do it for long periods of time. That is why the more interesting and fun we can make the Take Down Removal Education Seminars, the better they will learn and remember.”
Hairdressers must not only be proficient in the application of hair extensions, weaving, braiding or dreadlocks; they must also be adept at the safe removal of these hairstyles.
Removal Hair Analysis
Hairdressers are always taught to analyze the hair before applying hair extensions or braids. A head of hair must be healthy to take any additional weight, such as fusion extensions, or to stand up to the pulling and tension of braids. The strength of the hair around the hairline is particularly important.
So in line with this training, before removing a hairstyle, the hairdresser should analyze which type of take down removal method they want to apply to detangle and save their clients hair-while protecting all the new growth at the roots.
Another important factor for examining the hair, is that if the entire head of hair is weak, split and breaking, or if the hairline is weak or breaking, this area should not be pulled at all while removing extensions or braids. And if the client is wearing a sew-in weave-gently unravel the cornrows at the hairline. This will give the new growth hair protection .
Choice of Style & Removal
The popular view in cosmetology is that braids and extensions allow the hairdresser to be enormously creative, and to choose a look that suits the client's image and also fits in with her budget and the needs of her hair.
However, the costs for improper removal and hair loss or damage can outweigh this decision if the hairdresser chooses a great style for the client and is not properly trained on its removal technique.
Albeit a client has a problem with hair loss on her hairline and very fine extensions are attached to the front areas while the rest of the hair is braided with cornrows for a weave to be attached; those fine extensions could break still the hairline.
On the other hand just because a client with strong, healthy hair can wear all types of hairpieces as long as she dares, because her natural hair will handle the extra weight does not mean her hair is impervious to hair loss from improper braid/extension removal.
Stocking Up With Resources
Every clients hairstyle has to be removed someday, and hopefully it will be by the same salon that created the hairstyle.
On the word of Tangled Hair Techs “there may be price variations for different types of hair, but when it comes to braid, extension or dreadlock removal there is no expensive or cheap way to do it. Just the safe and correct way. And that’s what the love of hairdressing really is.”
Professional Attachment Methods Equal Professional Results
Even though most women have some knowledge of braiding and it is wise to choose the attachment method that suits your client's needs and budget. Being a professional in the salon is not just about the speed, accuracy, artistic creative eye or precision-its about knowledge and understanding.
There are many different methods of attaching individual extensions. Some use glue, some use a heat-activated fusion bond, others use tiny metal clips, and others require the extension to be attached to the real hair with a miniature cornrow or braid. Consequently whatever attachment method used, the salon and the staff should be proficient in doing it, and removing it.
This is why constant practice is important, and the salon should have ongoing training to keep the stylists skills sharp. Also every stylist should attend occasional refresher courses to sharpen their skills, to update themselves on new techniques, and to learn different creative ways of incorporating braids, dreadlocks and extensions into a hairstyle.
Common Braid/ Extension Removal Errors
Common mistakes made by so many professional hairdressers are:
Chemically Relaxing tangled with knots or matted hair
Chemically Coloring or Relaxing the hair without completely removing glue (bonding or fusion)
Shampooing very tangled/matted hair
Rushing and pulling while removing braids/extensions around hairline
Using oil sheen and conditione r to remove bonding glue
Choosing the wrong removal technique for the client's hair needs
Diluting the
Take Down Remover
Good Maintenance
Despite the fact that ongoing care and maintenance of extensions, braids and weaves is crucial-proper removal techniques prevails over them all.
When a client sits down in the hairdressers styling chair, they are giving that stylist the authority to enhance their God given natural beauty-not to destroy it.
So a stylist must respect that clients crown by doing a hairstyle they can apply safely and remove safely.
A caring hairstylist will educate their client exactly how to look after her braids, hair extensions, dreadlocks or weave. How to prevent itchy scalp, how to wash without damaging or loosening the style, what products to use, how to shampoo and rinse, how to dry.
Also what degree of heat can the hair stand up to if it is artificial, how to condition the hair and scalp, or how to brush the extensions. And last but not least, why the proper take down removal technique of any hairstyle is crucial to save their natural hair.
Hair extensions, braids and weaves should not be left in the hair for long periods of time. But a well trained stylist on proper take down removal techniques can still save and protect the clients hair. And clients will not mind paying for a service that will save their hair.
Finally, hairdressers must educate the client on maintenance while they are sitting in the styling chair, because the more likely the client will be to come back again. The client is pleased with their look and feels confident that you truly care for their hair.