extensions

Kelly Ripa's Extensions Create A Frenzy & I Have the Exclusive Scoop

Yesterday on Live with Kelly & Michael Kelly took the daring move and removed her extensions on air!  She named her wig "Wigston," and as soon as this happened a ton of people began commenting on my previous post "The Scoop on Kelly Ripa's Extensions" asking where to buy Wigston.  All of the info is in there!  She used to have Great Lengths and switched to TryBeauty Falls.  Thanks Kelly for sending more readers to BeautySweetSpot!  AOL even called out my post as it appears I had the exclusive scoop.  Check it out:

Long, Full Hair is Mine Thanks to the Ted Gibson Salon & Great Lengths

I'm so excited because I just got home from the Ted Gibson Salon where Jan-Marie Arteca hooked me up with Great Length extensions!  I feel like whipping my hair back and forth!  Yes, I noticed I'm using a lot of exclamation points already, but I literally just got home and am that happy. As you know, I've expirimented with extensions before and have taken a break for quite some time.  Most recently, I've been wearing clip in extensions for TV segments and spokesperson gigs to add fullness and length to fine hair.  I feel like having good hair makes a big difference in how I carry myself.  Therefore, when having the chance to get Great Lengths I jumped!  In case you're unfamiliar, Great Lengths are real human hair that's bonded to hair through a protein bond.

Jan used six bundles and three hues to seamlessly blend all of the hair into my natural hair.  "If you take care of them properly, they're not damaging to your real hair," she commented.  Since hair sheds as it grows out, it's important to brush it several times a day to free up loose strands from the bond so they don't become matted.  The proper brush is also important.  A Mason Pearson is perfect, but any mix of nylon and boar bristle paddle brush will do.  I can wash my hair regularly with a sulfate free shampoo (which is about three to four times a week) and make sure to keep conditioner away from the bond.  Another important tip is to make sure to dry the bonds as soon as I get out of the shower so they don't slip.

After all of the hair was added, stylist, Eugene Smith, cut a few inches off and added shape to them so they really look like my natural hair.  For people who don't know me, they'd never be able to tell I'm wearing extensions.  All in all, I added about four inches in length and a ton of fullness.  My Great Lengths are expected to last about three to four months depending on how well I take care of them.  Let me tell you, I'm going to baby these beauties!

*All of my before and afters will be up on my Glamour.com column soon!  Stay tuned!

Miley's New 'Do

As soon as I saw this photo of Miley Cyrus, it hurt.  She parted with her extensions and I felt it.  Being an extension wearer myself I cannot imagine my life without them. As different as Miley and I are (and thank God for that) – we both go to the same NYC salon to lengthen our locks – Gemini 14.  Having extensions is like a healthy addiction.  I mean, it's not like being an alcoholic, but it is an expensive habit to upkeep.  In between sets of extensions it is recommended to give your hair a break.  During the break you're supposed to freshen up your cut and color.  I have yet to experience this, but I'm dreading it!

I have to admit though, this new cut on Miley looks fantastic!  She got it done by stylist to the stars, Scott Cunha of the Andy Lecompte Salon in West Hollywood. She doesn't look as skanky and it gives her a refreshed, more mature look.  Let's hope she matches her personality to it.

Miley fan or not, what do you think of her new look?

Gemini 14: Manhantan's Elite Extension Hot Spot

I've been going to the same hair stylist, Naomi, for about the past three years with some cheating in between, (don't judge!, I have to, I'm a beauty blogger!) but our relationship recently changed when he told me he was leaving my hair salon.

I consider my relationship with him somewhat of a Jessica Simpson and Ken Paves relationship.  Besides my dad and brother, he's next in line of men I trust (it is my hair!).  Thankfully, he didn't stray too far and introduced me to one of the most coveted salons in NYC for hair extensions, Gemini 14.

Conveniently, I happen to have extensions right now too so his move felt right.  The week he started there the salon was all over the news including AOLStylist, because one of their clients claimed to pay $10,000 for hair extensions three times a year!  I was now a new extension client.

Home to starletts such as Julianne Moore and Miley Cyrus, Gemini 14 is glamourous, but the people who work there aren't the least bit snooty.  And even though extensions may cost a pretty penny it's because the hair is real and of the best quality.  Their prices for color, cuts and blow outs are pretty standard for NYC so I highly encourage you to check it out.