As we know, hair extensions provide a whole wealth of different solutions to help switch up a client’s hairstyle. Here, Katy Grimshaw, founder of Spectrum One Hair Extensions explains step-by-step how you can work some seamless colour magic into your client’s hair using tape hair extensions.
Step 1. Select Your Shades
The key to a seamless colour blend when using tapes is to blend colours together. Tape application works by sandwiching two tapes together, one on the top of the natural hair, and one below. A regular application would consist of the top and bottom tape matching, but with this technique you choose two different shades.
When selecting the first colour, Katy always matches to the ends of the natural hair and not the root. Then, for the second shade, decide whether to add a pop of lightness, or depth. For this to work and look seamless, you’ll need to create a ‘bridging tone’. This is about half a shade lighter or darker than the natural hair or root that’s coming through, and acts as a guide to selecting the second shade.
Step 2. Perfect The Blend
The aim of the game is to pick up as many tones in the hair as you can with your two shade selections.
To install, take the lighter mixed colour shade option, then sandwich with the bridging tone running through, or another neutral colour depending on the look you want to create.
Step 3. Consider Your Cutting Technique
If you choose the right shades, the blend should come easily. Pre tape install, you have the option to thin out the client’s natural hair towards the end to assist with the blending process.
To perfect it even more, overdirect the haircut as you move around the head. To do this, pull the hair from side of the head over to the other, carving through the middle with your cutting technique to blend the natural hair with the extensions – you can do this with both scissors or a razor. This is really easy to personalise for each client depending on what they’re looking for in terms of the final finish. Doing it this way means you can maintain the length while blending the natural hair with the extensions, which most extension clients want, even though you’re adding some layers.
Step 4. Finish It Off
Use products of your choice to finish off the overall look!
