When a client wants the style, but doesn’t have the volume or length, turning to hair extensions can be a way to achieve it. From temporary clip-ins to longer-wearing versions, including the quick-applying tape extensions, make sure you’ve added them to your repertoire for holiday glam.

Here are the top five tips for using them.

1. Be a bit of a perfectionist.

“In the application, make sure placement is correct for the various hair looks,” says Vivienne Mackinder, artistic director of Simplicity Hair Extensions. “You want to make sure that when you sweep hair back, you’re not seeing any of the extensions around the hair line. From there, it’s about a beautiful blend. I blend them in to have that grown-in feeling as opposed to that one length of hair that looks heavy and looks like hair extensions.”

2. Clients can save the university fund.

“Especially during the holidays, with gifts, parties and all the other expenses we go through, clients can still get their hair extensions without having to break their bank accounts,” explains Jessica Morello, technical director for Hair Treats. “Most salons charge by strand as opposed to time. Compared to the older methods of application that used to take up to five hours to apply, Hair Treats can be done in just about an hour, so salons are charging clients an average of $8 to $12 per strand. A full head of, let’s say 100 strands, is making hair extensions the most profitable service to add onto a salon menu.

3. Create a plan first.

Whether the extensions are temporary or permanent, develop an idea of how you want the end result to look. “I’ve had situations when I’m mindful of which way the parting is falling at the top of the head and how the placement is,” says Mackinder. “Sometimes I’ll put the hair extensions on top of the occipital bone to get the thickness at the bottom of the hair or so that the top of the hair is free for ponytails, top knots or bouffants. It’s about strategizing so that you integrate the extensions and you’ve got the versatility.”

4. Extensions aren’t just about going long.

“Whether the client wants longer locks, mega volume, a fun, new asymmetrical cut or just seasonal highlights for a change, the possibilities are endless,” says Morello. “It is up to us, the stylists, to communicate with our clients and show them the possibilities with hair extensions. The options are endless, and during the holidays, clients want those changes. It’s the time of year I am booked back-to-back with extension clients, and the glow on their faces when they see it done is the best part of the job.”

5. Home care, home care, home care!

Make their time and money worthwhile by ensuring that you sell special products for extension-haired ladies. “Most hair extension clients believe that if they use a professional hydrating shampoo and conditioner on their hair extensions, they will last,” says Morello. “Regular hydrating shampoos and conditioners take into consideration the natural oils that our scalps produce. The problem is, while wearing wigs and hair extensions, the hair does not receive those natural oils, so it tends to dry out faster than it should.”

Hair: Vivienne Mackinder for Simplicty Hair Extensions; Photos: Rober Ligresti