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Synthetic Extensions vs. Human Hair Extensions

May 29, 2019

There are so many different styles of extensions and terms from clip-ins to tape-ins to weaves to pre-bonded, the list goes on. Quite frankly it can be overwhelming if you are new to the world of hair extensions. Luckily, we are willing to break down everything you need to know about hair extensions starting with the two different types. For the best hair extensions in Houston make an appointment with M Salon!

How Each Type is Made

Human hair extensions are made out of real, human hair that is collected from a donor. Remy hair means all the cuticles are intact, running in the same direction at the time of collection. This allows for almost no tangling and ensures that the extensions remain smooth and silky throughout their lifetime. Synthetic hair is made out of various synthetic, blended fibers, and contains no human hair. These fibers are usually very fine, plastic fibers that are manufactured to imitate real human hair.

Quality and Length of Usage

Because it is made out of synthetic fibers, synthetic hair does not last as long as human hair as they can easily be damaged by the sun, heat, etc. Generally, synthetic hair extensions last for a few months, whereas human hair extensions can last upwards of one year if they are well taken care of.

The Look and Feel

Both extensions come in many styles, colors, and different forms of application. The quality of synthetic fibers can vary, but they are generally stiff and move differently from human hair, so they don’t blend as well with your natural hair. They sometimes have a wiry or coarse feel to the touch. Real hair looks and feels real (because it is) and blends more naturally with your hair.

Ask Us About Extensions

Human hair can be treated and styled just like your own hair and will look and feel the most natural. It will blend easily with your hair and last much longer than synthetic hair. Although it is cheaper than real hair, synthetic hair does not look as natural, cannot be styled with heating tools and do not last as long as real hair. If you want to add extensions to your hair, request an appointment with one of our expert stylists and allow us to help you obtain your desired look.

A woman with long hair is wearing a brown shirt and a black belt.
18 Apr, 2024
Nothing brightens a face and transforms a style quite like a beautiful set of highlights. For beauty enthusiasts and salon goers alike, keeping up with the latest trends in hair highlighting is a constant thrill – an art form that can uplift, define, and even completely reinvent your look. With the myriad of highlighting methods available, you're no longer bound to a single shade or technique. It's time to explore the top trends in highlights that promise a fresh, vibrant, and utterly stunning transformation. The Art of Balayage: A Detailed Look At the forefront of popular hair color trends techniques sits balayage, a French word that translates to 'to sweep' or 'to paint'. This technique creates a sun-kissed, natural look with warm tones by delicately hand-painting highlights across the hair. From a subtle to striking transition starting at the roots, the contrast can be personalized to achieve your desired level of dramatic effect. The key to a successful balayage lies in the skillful subtle highlights that starts from higher up on the hair, allowing the color to grow out seamlessly. Why Balayage? It's low maintenance. Because the dye is painted on by hand, there's no harsh line as your hair grows out, so you won’t need frequent touch-ups. It adds dimension. Balayage creates a multidimensional look that emulates how natural hair color changes in the sun. It's versatile. This technique isn't limited to blonde highlights; it can work wonders with brunette hair, cherry cola hair, and even funky color choices. Foilayage: The Fusion of Foils and Balayage Foilayage combines the creativity of balayage with the precision of traditional foiling for more of chunky highlights. This method is particularly appealing for those who have darker brown hair and need lightening treatments. The hair is sectioned and lightener is applied, then the hair is folded in foils to incubate and enhance the color lift, producing a more pronounced effect. Advantages of Foilayage It lifts color higher and more evenly than traditional balayage, which can be advantageous for darker bases. Foilayage is great for those who want a bit more intensity in their highlights while maintaining a natural grow-out. Suitable for All Hair Types If you have thicker or coarser hair, short hair or longer hair the use of foils ensures that the lightener stays in place, processing more evenly, which can be a challenge with the freehand approach of traditional balayage techniques. Babylights: Creating a Subtle, Natural Glow Babylights are delicate, ultra-fine highlights that imitate the natural hair color of children, providing subtle dimension and softness to the hair. Unlike balayage, Babylights involve closer sections and a gentle application technique for a very natural look. Hair Color Impact: Babylights work wonders for light-haired individuals, enhancing their natural shade subtly. Blondes can brighten up, while brunettes can enjoy sun-kissed highlights. Achieving Babylights involves meticulous sectioning and coloring, leading to delicate yet beautiful results. Maintenance includes using purple shampoo to keep brassiness at bay. Money Pieces: Adding Bold Accents to Your Look Money pieces are larger, contrasting face-framing highlights that have been in the hair trends in the beauty scene for a while. They add a modern, edgy twist to the traditional lightening job. Money pieces can be as subtle a golden tones band around the face or as daring as a platinum shock against dark hair, giving a bold pop of color. Who is it for? Money pieces are versatile, suitable for various hair types and colors. Ideal for medium to long hair lengths or curtain bangs and even face framing layers all while providing colorists ample canvas to work on. Styling to Enhance Money Pieces Styling with money pieces is all about making them the statement piece. From sleek straight hair to textured curls, styling that brings the front and center will enhance the look and its eye-catching nature. Color melting: The Seamless Blend of Hues Color melting is a technique of coloring that blends the highlights with the natural root color, the mid-shaft, and the ends so smoothly that you can't tell where one color starts and another ends. Essentially, colormelting is about the transitions and maintaining a flawless blend from root to tip. How is it Different? Unlike traditional highlighting that often involves bold contrasts, colormelting creates a softer, more seamless integration of different shades. Think of it as highlighting with an effortless, atmospheric twist. Adapting to Different Hair Colors This technique is incredibly versatile, and it adapts to different hair colors beautifully. From creating a natural vibe on brunettes to adding a glow on blondes, colormelting highlights can be customized for each individual. Conclusion If you are ready to make a change and brighten your hai r, book an appointment at M Salon with one of our master colorist. Our team is skilled in the latest trends and techniques to ensure you leave with a look that truly transforms and elevates your style. At M Salon, we are all about change, understanding that a fresh hair color is more than just an update—it's a reinvention of your style. Our expert team thrives on creativity and is constantly exploring innovative hair color ideas tailored to your unique personality and lifestyle. Whether you're seeking subtle shifts or dramatic transformations, we are committed to crafting a look that not only accentuates your features but also reflects the essence of your individuality.
The ultimate guide to highlighting your hair
11 Apr, 2024
The art of hair highlighting is a canvas of personal expression. It's a popular choice for those who wish to add dimension, depth, and drama to the color of their locks. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the various hair highlighting techniques, offer tips on choosing the right one, and provide insights. This post is designed to empower beauty enthusiasts and those seeking a salon transformation with everything they need to know about highlighting hair. Understanding Hair Highlighting Hair highlighting is the process of lightening strands of hair to achieve a desired effect, such as a natural sun-kissed glow or contrast against a darker base color. This method can be tailored to different types of highlights to enhance your facial features, complement your skin tone, and reflect your personality. Benefits of Highlighting Hair Adds dimension to one-dimensional hair colors. Camouflages the appearance of thin hair by creating the illusion of depth in overall look. Offers a low-commitment pathway to a new hair color without fully dyeing all your hair. Types of Hair Highlighting Techniques There are several popular highlighting techniques: Traditional Highlights: This method involves lightening sections of hair using foils. Balayage: A French term that means "to sweep or paint," balayage offers a soft, natural-looking transition between colors. Ombre: Darker roots gradually blend into a lighter shade towards the ends, creating a stunning contrast without a harsh line. Babylights: Extremely fine highlights are woven into the hair for a delicate, youthful result. Choosing the Right Highlighting Technique Selecting the right highlighting technique is critical for a flattering and desirable result. It's important to consider factors such as your skin tone, hair type, and lifestyle. Additionally, consult with a professional stylist to get personalized advice. Matching Hair Highlights With Skin Tone Cool Undertones: If you have fair skin with pink or blue undertones, ash-colored highlights might be more flattering. Warm Undertones: Golden and coppery shades work well with warmer complexions. The Importance of Hair Type Fine Hair: Look to techniques that add volume and texture, such as Babylights or finely painted balayage. Thick Hair: Ombre and traditional highlights can help to break up heavier hair textures. Considering Personal Style and Lifestyle If you prefer a low-maintenance look, a balayage technique might be a better fit than traditional highlights that grow out visibly. Traditional Foil Highlights Foil highlights, a traditional technique, involve strategically placing hair strands treated with a lightening product in foil for processing in an isolated environment. The Balayage Technique Explained Balayage is a technique where color is painted onto hair for a natural, gradual effect. Process and Cost: This method involves a skilled stylist hand-painting the color, allowing for more customization. Balayage typically costs more than traditional highlights due to its artisanal approach. Maintenance and Versatility: Balayage is valued for its low-maintenance growth and can be stretched between salon visits. It's a versatile choice that complements different hair lengths and textures. Ombre Styles Ombre and sombre are hairstyling techniques that create a seamless color transition from the roots to the tips of the hair. Sombre, in particular, achieves a softer and more understated effect compared to the bolder look of Ombre. The Art of Babylights Babylights mimic the natural highlights of a child's hair—subtle, delicate, and youthful. Ideal Hair Types for Babylights Babylights are perfect for those who desire a sun-kissed look without the contrast of more noticeable highlights. Maintaining Babylights Regular touch-ups are needed to keep Babylights looking fresh, but they are less labor-intensive to maintain than traditional highlights and are recommended if you have dark roots. What Color of Highlights Looks Best? Deciding on the color of your highlights heavily depends on your base hair colour, skin tone, and desired maintenance level. For those with darker hair, honey, caramel, or bronze highlights can add a warm glow without harsh contrast. Lighter shades of hair, such as blonde or light brown, can be enhanced with blonde highlights, ash, platinum, or even pastel shades for a more striking effect. It's also crucial to consider how much time and effort you're willing to invest in upkeep; natural and subtle highlights tend to require less frequent touch-ups than bold or very light colors. Professional Highlighting At M Salon Professional hair stylists play a crucial role in the success of any highlighting endeavor. They possess the expertise to assess your current hair color, whether it's darker shades of brown hair, blonde, or black, and determine which highlighting shade and technique will best achieve your desired look. M Salon's knowledge extends beyond color choice; they understand how different pigments interact with various hair types and conditions. Trusting a professional with your hair not only ensures the achievement of optimal results but also minimizes the risk of damage and dissatisfaction. Conclusion Highlighting your hair is a significant decision that can result in a beautiful and fresh look. With the array of techniques available, there's a style that will suit everyone's preferences. By understanding the different highlighting methods, considering expert advice, and using high-quality hair care products, you can confidently step into a new you. Take the time to book a consultation with M Salon to discuss your options, and don’t be afraid to push the boundaries of your comfort zone. Hair highlighting is a powerful tool in the hair coloring world, for changing up your appearance, and when done right, it can make you feel truly magnificent.
a woman is getting her makeup done at a salon
04 Apr, 2024
Getting your makeup done professionally in a salon is an experience that transcends the mere application of beauty products. It's a luxurious pampering session that not only enhances your physical appearance but also uplifts your spirit. Professional makeup artists use their expertise to tailor a look that perfectly complements your features and occasion. They wield a vast arsenal of high-quality products, ensuring longevity and flawlessness of the makeup. From the initial skin prep to the final touches, every step is meticulously crafted to make you look and feel your absolute best. The Art of a Professionally Done Full Face of Makeup The application of a full face of makeup is more than just a routine; it's a self-expressive art that empowers us to highlight our best features and step out with confidence. A makeup artist that has skills for years, and now it’s your turn to implement their expert techniques. Understanding the nuances of application can transform your look from amateurish to impeccably polished. For this guide, imagine taking a seat in a professional salon, like the renowned M Salon, where every stroke of the brush and every dab of the product has been carefully crafted to enhance your natural beauty. We will walk through each step of the process, starting from skincare prepping to the final setting spray, ensuring that the end result is nothing short of stunning. Preparation Steps—The Foundation of Your Makeup Before any makeup touch, it’s essential to prepare the canvas of your face. Skincare prepping is a crucial first step that can significantly impact the finish and longevity of your makeup. Hydrating and priming the skin are not to be overlooked. Skincare Prepping Begin your full face makeup session with clean skin. Apply a gentle cleanser to remove any impurities and follow with a toner to rebalance the skin’s pH levels. Next, apply a hydrating serum or moisturizer. This is particularly important in creating a smooth surface for makeup and ensuring that it doesn’t settle into any dry patches or fine lines. Choosing the Right Products The success of your makeup look is heavily reliant on the products you choose. Select a primer that corresponds with your skin type—whether it’s mattifying for oily skin, hydrating for dry skin, or illuminating for a radiant base. Quality foundation, concealer, and setting powder are non-negotiables. opt for products that match your undertones and offer the coverage you need for your particular skin concerns. What to Avoid Before Getting Your Makeup Done Preparing for a professional makeup session requires not just what you should do, but also knowing what to avoid to ensure the best possible outcome. A simple misstep could affect how the makeup adheres to your skin or how long it lasts. Here are critical things to avoid before sitting in a makeup artist’s chair:  Avoid new skincare treatments or products : Stick to your regular skincare routine in the days leading up to your appointment. Trying out new products or treatments can potentially irritate your skin or cause an unexpected reaction, making it difficult for makeup to apply smoothly. Shaving Face: Refrain from having your facial hair waxed, even your brows. Waxing can irritate your skin and can cause it to become too sensitive. This, in turn, might give your makeup artist a difficult time when applying makeup to the said area. Do not exfoliate right before your appointment: While exfoliation is essential for smooth skin, doing it right before your makeup session can leave your skin sensitive and more prone to redness. Ideally, exfoliate 24-48 hours beforehand, allowing your skin to settle. Skip heavy moisturizers or oils : On the day of your makeup application, avoid heavy creams or facial oils. These can interfere with the primer and foundation, causing them to slide off or not adhere properly to your skin. Understanding these pre-makeup application do’s and don’ts ensures your skin is in the best condition to achieve that flawless, enduring makeup look you’re aiming for. Benefits of Getting Your Makeup Done for Special Events Long-Lasting Makeup: Professional makeup artists use high-quality makeup products, ensuring your makeup stays flawless all day long. They are trained in techniques to make your look last through sweat, tears and even a dance party. Customized Look: Whether it’s for a wedding, prom or any special event, professional makeup artists personalize the makeup to suit your preferences and features. They work with you to create a look that enhances your natural beauty while also taking into consideration the occasion's theme and dress Makeup Experience: As mentioned earlier, having your makeup professionally done is a luxurious experience. It's an opportunity to relax and be pampered while also gaining insight into new techniques and products that you can incorporate into your own routine. Professional Touch: Makeup artists are experts in their field, with years of training and experience. They know how to bring out the best in every face shape, eye color, and skin tone. M Salon Signature Tips for a Flawless Makeup Finish M Salon has mastered the art of achieving a flawless makeup finish through a combination of skill, technique, and the right products. Here are some of their signature tips to elevate your makeup game: Layering for Longevity: Begin with a light application and gradually build up. This technique ensures your makeup not only looks more natural but also lasts longer. M Salon artists swear by layering, especially when it comes to foundation and blush, for a look that endures the entire event. Blending is Key: The secret to a seamlessly beautiful look is blending. M Salon professionals spend ample time blending eyeshadows, foundation, and even lip liner to ensure there are no harsh lines. They often use a combination of brushes and sponges for the best effects. Highlighting with Precision: Instead of applying highlighter all over, M Salon experts apply it strategically to areas where light naturally hits the face. This includes the brow bone, the tops of the cheeks, and the cupid's bow. The result is a subtle, natural glow that enhances your features. Setting Spray in Layers: One of M Salon's ultimate tricks for makeup that lasts is to use setting spray in between layers of makeup, not just as a final step. Spritzing a little setting spray after applying foundation, then again after powder, helps lock everything in place for a longer-lasting effect. Personalized Product Selection: Recognizing that everyone's skin is unique, M Salon artists always tailor their product selection to each client's specific needs. They consider factors like skin type, tone, and individual concerns to choose products that will perform best for each person. By incorporating these M Salon signature tips into your makeup routine, you're sure to achieve a beautiful, lasting look that feels as good as it appears. Conclusion — The Power of Professional Makeup The precision and finesse of professional makeup application have the power to boost your confidence glam and give you a fresh outlook. Whether you're preparing for an event, a special occasion, or just a regular day you want to feel exceptional, trust that M salon will do an amazing job in making you feel and look your best. So why wait? Book an appointment today and experience the transformative magic of professional makeup for yourself. Don't forget to follow these tips to get the most out of your session and maintain that flawless look all day long! With M Salon, you'll be ready to take on any event with confidence, knowing you have a team of skilled makeup artists.
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