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What does it take to become an extensionist?

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Rocket22 View Drop Down
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    Posted: July 07 2006 at 11:38am
Do you have to go through beauty school?   I know it takes a lot to be good, but if you wanted to specalized in extensions can you take all the extension classes and learn that way?   I know you wouldn't be able to cut or color right???    Just wondering  
 
 
thanks
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metalgirl View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote metalgirl Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July 07 2006 at 12:39pm
We have had numerous discussions on this and people's opionions vary.  DIYer's seem to be in favor of learning through repetition and licensed professionals seem to favor taking classes  and then repetition.  Many classes usually only allow cosmetologists  to attend, therefore DIYers are not able to attend classes.
 
I think that taking a few classes is mandatory to learn proper placement, sectioning, etc,  (but reseach your classes you choose very carefully) and then do at least 10-20 full head installs before you charge any money for your services.
 
Most of my clients are also color clients so I believe the ability to legally have the ability to provide this service is crucial to establishing yourself as a professional.  There have been may times when extension hair comes in not the exactly right color and I have to color the client to make the extensions come out right.  Also you need to be able to complete the service by doing proper cutting and styling.
 
So some say you don't need to be licensed and some do believe you should be.  Certainly just because someone has taken a class will not make them a good extensionist in itself.  You need to learn the proper techniques (which a good class can teach) and then practice and you will learn through trial and error (and hopefully don't kill anyone in the process!)
 
One thing for certain this forum is a great place to start!  I wish I had this when I did my extension training 15 years ago!
 
Good luck to you!
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elvira View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote elvira Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July 16 2006 at 10:43am
Quote DIYer's seem to be in favor of learning through repetition and licensed professionals seem to favor taking classes  and then repetition
 
Although I'm a DIY, I think education is essential! I would never get a job in a hair salon doing hair extensions because I'm not qualified. But I think that the DIY should be able to do extensions on themseves or their friends in the home setting. I wouldn't want to go in a salon and pay for hair extensions and find out that A) she's not a hairdresser, and B) never had any formal training to do hair extensions.
Whenever I have anyone perform anything on myself, I always ask for credentials. When I made in inquiry in my doctors office about microdermabrasion, the woman behind the desk told me that she would be doing the proceedure if I decided to have it. I asked her for her qualifications and her reply was, "Oh I've been into skin care for twenty years and doing microdermabrasion for five." Well to me, that means no credentials, no formal training. Never had her do it. But now I'm looking into courses as a nurse aesthetic so I can learn how to do the proceedures myself!
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