Want that long, shiny, dreamy hair like the tresses you see on the manes of the Kardashian clan or Bravo Tv's Housewives? You're not alone. What stops a lot of women, however, is the fear of a bad hair extension job. Hair extensions are one beauty trick that you do not want to get wrong.
Leave a job like this to hair care expert, Christina Olivia, a.k.a the Hair Goddess of New York. Olivia is a hair extension specialist who uses a very special technique of tiny beads that match your hair color as well as an amazing matching technique to create the same texture, color and even frizz level! Using imported hair from Eastern Europe, India, and Brazil, her techniques use no glue or weaves, getting rave reviews from celebs.
The Hair Goddess of New York has an impressive client list and she is the go-to for many of Bravo's Real Housewives and the Kardashians. Most recently she has worked with Jessie James and Joyce Giraud from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. In need of a few tips on how to get the best extensions? Check out our Q&A with Olivia below.
What's the secret behind the amazing hair the Real Housewives and the Kardashians always have?
When it comes to hair, the secret almost always is hair extensions. Hair extensions are Hollywood's best-kept secret! You can create length or fullness within hours.
So what's the difference between a weave and extensions?
The difference is simple, but the two are often confused. A weave is interwoven by braiding the client's hair and then sewing a track of extensions onto that braid; sometimes causing tension. The most popular hair extensions are fusion, tape in, and beaded extensions.
What types of hair are out there? How can we tell what's the highest quality and what works for a limited budget?
At Olivia Christensen, we sell Russian and Indian hair extensions. The highest quality hair on the market right now is Russian hair. Russian hair is the crème de la crème of hair extensions due to its fine texture and natural appearance. And although it is the most expensive, wouldn't you rather have the best of the best when it comes to your locks? Indian hair is the most popular when it comes to hair extensions. In the Indian temples, there are hundreds of men, women, and children daily donating their tresses in a ritual of purification.
It seems like the trend right now is the longer, the better. Is that true?
I wouldn't say it's a trend. It's a necessity. Hair extensions have been around since ancient times and are here to stay!
What types of hair and what lengths do some of your celeb clientele favor the most?
Our Russian hair in 20 inches is everyone's favorite. From the texture, to the natural feel, to the way it moves, it's our top seller.
Any styling do's and don'ts when it comes to rocking a weave?
Do rock a layered hair cut with your hair extensions to create even more fullness and volume. And definitely don't have your hair stylist cut your hair extensions straight across. It will only cause them to appear blunt.
What maintenance advice should we follow if we decide to get extensions?
You should always maintain your hair extensions every 6-9 weeks. No later. You should also have your hair extension specialist cut your natural hair section by section in between maintenance so it continues to grow healthy.
Is there such a thing as a bad hair day when you wear a weave or extensions?
I would have to say, no! My "bad hair day" consists of not having enough time to style my hair in the morning. There happens to be some mornings where I leave the house letting the extensions air dry. They air dry with a beachy wave, which I absolutely love because it's so effortlessly chic.
Any additional tips or styling tricks?
I've become obsessed with the Nume 4-Play curling wand ($00). I simply wrap my hair, hold for 7 seconds, turn my hair upside down, and spritz Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray ($00). Easy and done!
Thanks Christina!
Thinking about getting extensions? Let us know with a note!