Hair Extensions

Stars Go to Great Lengths This Summer

Hayden Panettiere, Oliva Munn and Jessica Alba sport hair extensions.
When the heat is on, most women opt for shorter, cropped 'dos, but some of our favorite stars are going to great lengths this summer.

"Extensions can be very fun and rewarding," celebrity stylist and Hair Basics expert Ted Gibson tells StyleList. "They can range in price from $500-$5,000 and last from two weeks to four months, depending on which hair extensions you and your stylist decide on."

Hayden Panettiere, who has turned heads with her frequent hair switch-ups, attended the Vans Custom Culture Contest event in New York City on June 2 rocking wavy blond extensions. At the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation benefit on yesterday, Olivia Munn gathered her long, dark lengths into a ponytail and left out a few face-framing pieces. And for the Covenant House California Gala last Thursday, Jessica Alba paired her gorgeous mommy-to-be glow with layered, sun-kissed extensions for a half-up, half-down hairstyle.

Anxious to lengthen your locks like these celebs? Check out the expert advice below on how to style and care for hair extensions.

Not all extensions are created equal. "Always consult with a professional when it comes to hair extensions. You have to try and seek out the perfect extension type suitable for your hair. "Human hair extensions (especially Remy Hair) are by far the best, and they have to be customized according to your hair and the look you want to achieve. Regular salon visits are important to keep your extensions in good shape."

Ask and you shall receive.  there are three questions every pro should pose before you sit down in the chair:
• What look do you want to achieve?
• What length are you looking for?
• What is your face type and body frame?

It's all about blending and layering. "When extensions are applied, it is key to blend them with the client's hair to achieve a more natural look. Never wear extensions at one length. We suggest a lot of layering,". "When cutting the hair, make sure to use a razor but don't overdo it as the hair will look frayed. Be careful how much pressure you put on your hair extensions with accessories -- it can pull them out."

Paddle away. "The most important tool is a professional paddle brush made especially for extensions,". "It is important to always brush the hair from the bottom up."

Say no to alcohol. "Products are so important to maintaining a beautiful mane of hair,". "Alcohol-based products should not be used. Instead, focus on more oil-based products like shea or argon and a little goes a long way. Too much product will wear your hair down and increase build-up on the scalp."

Don't sleep on at-home hair maintenance. "Before taking a shower, slowly brush your hair upwards to prevent breakage. Use intense hydrating shampoo and conditioners followed by a great detangler and a wide-tooth comb. Apply a leave-in conditioner and let hair air-dry for a summer look,

Know when it's time to let go. "Keeping extensions in too long can cause major hair or scalp damage," adds Pitters. "I tell my clients to take them out after 10-12 weeks."

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5 Celebrity Secret Styling Tricks to Transform Your Hair

Transform your hair with these pro styling tricks.

If you've ever tried to recreate anything from a basic ponytail to the sexy bed hair seen on celebs and runway models with less-than-stellar results, there's a reason you can't match the look.

And it's not your hairstyling skills.

Experts tell us there are five essential tools in that are key to pulling off any hairstyle you want to create with ease.

The good news is, you can find all of them at your local beauty supply store.

And remember, attitude is key.

"Confidence is the best tool or product we use. When the girls walk down the runway, they believe they look good, even if they hate the clothes, hair and makeup. If you're trying a new look or product, own it!"

Bungee Elastics

Ponytails look freshest when you finger comb strands into place, but the process of pulling the gathered hair through a regular elastic destroys the piece-y texture and flirtatious tail height of your pony. This is why celebrities and models opt instead for bungee elastics.

Like a mini bungee cord, you simply wrap the elastic around your hair, and secure by hooking the ends together or on the surface of the elastic so as not to disturb the finish or volume of your hair.

"Regular elastics can only be wrapped a certain amount of times, and sometimes it's too tight or too loose. It's like shoes not coming in half sizes," says Ryan. "I like bungee elastics, as they allow you to wrap the elastics around until they are a perfect fit."

Dry Shampoo

How do red carpet updos stay in place so beautifully, when your attempts to replicate result in strands slipping out of place and flattening in minutes? It's actually not hairspray that's the key, but a dry shampoo that stylists just about always use to prep roots before styling hair.

"These work by applying a layer of fine powder to the roots of the hair. It will absorb the hair oil, and when you brush it out a few minutes later, the hair will be fuller and dryer looking. It adds volume to limp, fine hair and gives great texture for updos, as hair that is too clean is slippery and hard to style,"
To apply, work through sections of hair separated by a pick comb, and spray powder in opposite direction of hair growth, at the root. Allow to absorb for a few minutes, and then brush out. Not only will your hair fall into different shapes more easily, but this is a great way to cheat more days out of a blowout.


Point-Tipped Straightening Iron

Straight hair on the red carpet always looks like freshly ironed sheets, while waves and curls capture long-lasting bounce. Yet the reason why your results are fleeting most likely has to do with the use of a too big or bulky-shaped flat iron.

"Don't buy a big iron to save time, because it will be hard to manipulate, and you won't be able to direct the hair. If the edges are beveled, you can create volume and movement in the hair without leaving the creases that sharp edges can,"
"I like an iron that tapers to a point so that you can get to the hard-to-reach parts of hair, like bangs. Curved edges and a heated curved back are great for straightening and adding volume to the hair,"


Backcombing Brush Or Comb

While the '80s may have given the art of hair teasing a bad name, a solid back comb is the crowning foundation for most hair styles you see sported on red carpets and runways.

"When you want to create volume, you need a back comb. A regular brush or comb doesn't have enough bristles or teeth. The more teeth and the closer they are placed together, the better,"
Grasping a section of hair, push a few smooth yet firm strokes down toward the root. Once you have a good base, continue the back-combing through to the ends, though using less pressure. Then spray a light workable hairspray for hold, making sure that the formula isn't too sticky. "Don't be afraid of too much volume -- it's easy to tame and remove,"
Once you've finished teasing, gently smooth down the exterior with a bamboo brush with both nylon and boar bristles for the sleekest results.

And don't get frustrated -- rarely does anyone learn to back-comb the first few times they try. With some practice, you'll be able to add the technique to your styling repertoire.

Salt Spray

Ever wonder why your authentic bed hair never quite looks the same as the tousled, come-hither waves of Victoria's Secret photo shoots and Sports Illustrated swimsuit covers? It's all in the prep spray.

"This is a backstage staple, as it gives a rough lived-in look, but still gives volume. If you blow-dry it in, it gives a dry full texture. When used on curly hair, it gives a chunky, sexy look. I like to use a little cream on the ends to give definition,"
For texturized hair that sits with volume, spritz all over roots before blow-drying with a round brush. Or to add a piece-y lived-in look, finish your style with a few spritzes all over strands, and distribute with your fingers.

How Not to Damage Your Hair With a Flat Iron

Before you pick up your flat iron, read these pro styling tips.

If you've ever used a flat iron, you've likely suffered from smoke and sizzle that led to split and fried ends.

But contrary to popular belief, you don't need to endure damage in order to achieve the sleek and smooth locks that flat iron addicts crave. Most people have simply never been versed on the proper way to flat iron. Bad techniques live on, and are often passed down from family, friends and poorly trained stylists.

Size your section: There's no one standard size to section your hair for flat iron use, as hair thickness, length and iron size all vary greatly. "The goal is to make sure that each and every strand of hair gets even heat distribution. If you choose a section that is too large, the outer portions will get heated while leaving the inner portions unaffected," says Davis. Experiment to find what amount heats all of your strands equally, and then stick to that size going forward.

Smooth, don't pull: "Those who have long been using irons such as the CHI have a tendency to grip the hair and pull it straight, using friction. This method will give you decent results in the short run, but over time, will damage your hair," says Davis. Instead, move the iron slowly yet steadily through your hair, focusing on smoothing the strands instead of tugging down on them.

Don't pass multiple times: "Passing over the same section continuously -- like more than three times -- damages hair more than using a high temperature setting," says Davis. The perfect degree varies by hair type and condition, but you'll want to experiment until you find a temperature that gives you the desired result in one to two passes. And if you're smoking, you're burning.

Use heat-protective serum: Anytime you flat iron, be sure to prep strands with a heat-protective serum, like those made with jojoba and argan oil. Typically, serums are more effective than sprays because they coat strands in a protective fashion, but be sure to use no more than a quarter-size amount at a time to prevent buildup.

Don't iron wet hair: While it's OK to style hair that is still slightly damp, wet hair magnifies heat to dangerously scorching levels. Too often, people use the flat iron to do most of the straightening work, when in fact, that's the role of a hair dryer. Use your iron as more of a finishing touch to set shine and seal in moisture and sleekness, or else pay the price with badly heat-damaged hair.