I know what you're thinking. Hair extensions are unaffordable, only worn by celebrities and detrimental to your hair. What if I said there is a new generation of hair extensions? I won't be able to change your mind with the price but I will with the other factors. And consequently, these factors will help you realize why they are worth every penny. This beautiful discovery is know as seamless hair extensions. To get the real, hard facts on this product and hair extensions in general, I sat down with the hair genius himself, Ricardo Rojas. Ricardo is known by many and now my new and forever hair stylist. His trusted clients include Eva Longoria, Jessica Chastain, Donatella Versace among many others. Ricardo has his own salon in the Upper East Side of New York City where he solely based. But the other portion of his time is spent working with celebrities on set for movies, music videos, fashion shows, etc. Ricardo currently offers seamless hair extensions as one of his services. It only took me 30 seconds to decide that I wanted them. Like I said, Ricardo is the hair genius. My advice is to take notes when reading my interview with him.
The Over-Analyst: Where did you first discover seamless hair extensions?
Ricardo: I discovered them on a shoot with Mariah Carey. And I immediately knew these extensions were amazing. They provide the extra texture, movement and length to hair. The first thing I look at his hair. Hair creates confidence. Hair creates sexiness.
The Over-Analyst: What is the hair actually made of?
Ricardo: It’s 100% remy human hair. Remy is human hair collected directly from a hair donor. This hair feels silky and has a natural, beautiful wave. This makes it easy to straighten or add curls. The best part about this hair is it looks natural and it doesn't look like you purchased hair extensions at a Ricky's. The best hair comes from India, not from China.
The Over-Analyst: How long does the process take and how many shades are offered?
Ricardo: The process surprisingly only take about 1 1/2 - 2 hours (of course, depending on the thickness of your hair). There are about 50 different shades. The shades can be mixed and create any type of look you desire.
The Over-Analyst: What is the process of assembling the hair extensions?
Ricardo: We call it the "sandwich technique." You place two adhesives between a small section of your hair (about 2 inches to 8 inches, depending on the thickness of your hair). Because you can grab a large portion of the hair to attach to the adhesive, it doesn’t pull out your hair. There is no risk in losing your hair.
The Over-Analyst: Can you see the extensions?
Ricardo: No. They have somewhat of a transparent adhesive and blend in with your hair color. The technique is more comfortable because it’s a soft, flat piece of adhesive and you can barely tell it’s there.
The Over-Analyst: Let's say you are tired of the extension and want to add highlights or just remove them all together. How do you remove the hair?
Ricardo: It's easy, simple and pain-free. With a citrus-based hair extension remover, you spray on to the adhesive and it slides off instantaneously and doesn’t create any tension. You have your choice of keeping your extension for 8 hours or 3 months (depending on haircare, could be longer).
The Over-Analyst: How much are they?
Ricardo: If you come to my salon, I charge my first time clients $2,500. $1,500 will be the average price though. To get technical, it usually comes to $150/sandwich (2 adhesives).
The Over-Analyst: What is your advice on taking care of the extensions and prolonging their expiration date?
Ricardo: First and foremost, I have a fabulous, gentle brush designed for these particular hair extensions. The price for the brush is $85. Absolutely wash your hair with organic, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. Do not put product on the hair extensions. Only apply to the roots of your hair. When you apply too much product to the extensions, it makes it harder to style and it starts looking stringy. More natural, the better. However, sometimes the hair naturally may get stringy. In this case, I recommend Leonor Greyl Palm Oil. It's been around since 1930. It's the "Chanel of Hair Care Products." It even smells delicious. The palm oil is only needed on the ends of the hair. A little goes a long way. You can either wash it out or leave it in.
My recommendation for shampoo and conditioner is Oribe. It leaves feeling hair incredible. After drying your hair, the only product you should apply is Phyto Volume. It creates a textured look without the buildup.
The Over-Analyst: What about during sleep? In a pony tail or laying flat?
Ricardo: When sleeping, definitely wear your hair down. I recommend silk pillow cases.
The Over-Analsyt: So cutting to the chase, why is this a great product?
Ricardo: It actually takes care of your hair and makes it healthier. When you're not applying any color or product, your hair is smiling from ear to ear. Less is more, right? And you've seen Jenna before and after. It just looks incredible. With our generation, we are all very open about what is fake and what is not. Jenna doesn't care to admit she has extensions in. She's not pretending to be someone she's not but if she has the ability to change what she doesn't like, more power to her.
