With summer quickly approaching, it's easy to crave the long locks seen on celebs. Look no further than Kacey Welch, a celebrity hair stylist, master colorist and extension expert. Welch has been styling the extensions of Goldie Hawn, Kate Hudson, LeAnn Rimes and Kristin Cavallari for years. Check out her tips for getting perfect hair extensions like the stars:
So Kacey tell us, how do celebs keep their extensions looking so real?
With the right extensions, anyone, not just a celeb can have hair that looks real. The trick is the right hair, and in most cases, celebrities are using 100% human hair. It's matches the client exactly - from the texture, the color the density. That is the key to assuring that the length and volume you are adding with extensions, look like they are real.
Who are some of your favorite celebs to work with?
I've been lucky enough to work with some amazing clients through the years, celebrity or not. My favorite clients are those that want to keep the look long after they walk off the red carpet or wrap the magazine shoot. I have been lucky enough to work with Kate Hudson for years, and she and her mom Goldie Hawn love the look of extensions. And Kate's Oscar look, from head to toe made all the best-dressed lists this year.
Is there an essential secret the stars have for extensions that look real?
Celebrities are willing to pay anything to get the best quality hair out there. To me, the best hair is virgin, Russian hair that has never been processed or colored. That's not to say that there aren't less expensive alternatives. You don't have to be a celebrity to be able to afford great quality. The hair itself, depending on the type, can start at $500 per piece for individual extensions, to custom-made wefts that will cost about $600-$700, and tape extensions can range between $250 - $1500. The best stylist will work with you through your lifestyle, your budget and how active you are. There are many options out there.
What techniques do you use on celebrities that we can try at home?
For a quick change or to add some color or style that is temporary, clip-in extensions can duplicate a look at home.
What types of extensions look the most real?
If you work with your stylist to match the hair and technique, you will have a look that will have people doing a double take at how amazing your hair looks, whether more full or longer. It's not just about putting some pieces of hair in your head - you need to make sure that you are also getting the best cut and color as well. It prevents the hair from looking stringy or like it doesn't match your own hair.
Check out Part Two of our interview with Kacey on Monday, where she will break down the best hair extensions for every budget!