Fina Fina is BAAACK!!!

My stitch is a 4-way macrame stitch that apparently CAN be taught to be done by just one person. In fact, as I was having mine done, the assistant kept getting tripped up because she had learned the "one person" method and was now doing the 2-person.

The stylist said that on caucasian hair she puts a small amount of glue *on the synthetic hair* (not on mine) that has been wrapped around at the end of the stitch, then "pinches" it with the tool to kind of melt the hair onto itself and the glue.

So far so good - the little braids feel quite secure. Kristin - I think there are 5 rows in the back and I'll take a picture of them with the hair parted.

She said something interesting which I have to agree with: that when you get to the fine hair in the front, with fusion, everybody wants "small" attachments but these actually are the worst thing for that very fine hair. I felt like I *had* to touch it up with shrinkies and still need to do more, actually.

The hair is very shiny and full of body -- I was working at a trade show this weekend and I am not kidding, I was treated like a celebrity. So many people came up to me and commented on how stunning my hair was. I was quite self-conscious of it because it's so "big".

Regarding the blowing of the ends to smooth them. honestly they haven't needed it so far. I brush them well after using the fabric softener & Pro Hair spray but have been very wary of getting heat near them for this reason:

When I was installing the shrinkies in the front, one time the heat tool got too close (apparently) to the hair not in the shrinkie and let me tell you -- that hair just FRIED and shriveled. It is REALLY nasty when it gets fried and there's nothing you can do about it.

Also the hair definitely has memory. For example if I put it on top of my head in a high ponytail it sticks out really far when I take it down.

I've also gone in and layered it (probably too aggressively) to get an even fullness -- it seems to be the fullest at the end, wherever that lands. So I've cut into it to get an even fullness rather than that "A" shaped hair.

I sleep with it braided or up. Bettie (my stylist) recommended that I sleep in a satin cap or on a satin pillowcase. . . well I got a satin do-rag thingie and it won't stay on my head and I don't really think it matters anyway.

I'm thinking that I'll get 2 solid months out of this and I may need to take the front sections out before then and replace them with shrinkies.

This hair looks *so* fabulous and shiny, in a really great way, that the hardest part is getting your own hair to blend well. Well-placed fusion extensions (shrinkies) are an absolute NECESSITY and the "final" styling makes all the difference in the world.

I paid $275 (and a very generous tip) to get this done. The PlastikHaar was, as you know, about $45 plus shipping. . .and I have *NEVER* loved my hair as much as I love it now. I need to also be more vigilant with how she mixes the colors -- one side of my head is noticeably a different color that then other. My business partner says "I have so much going on" color-wise that it's not really noticeable, but I definitely notice it. I was afraid of it being too ash-ey so I mixed in the Winterblond which is a true #27, but it's really quite red and just not necessary. The Birke & Platinum mixed together, along with the Blond, make an absolutely gorgeous mix.

Sorry to go on and on. But I am SO SO THRILLED -- my whole head feels better with these little macrame bonds -- better than it ever did with the GL.

One strange thing -- Bettie said I should wash my hair less often -- as little as once a week -- but that is simply not possible for me. My own hair starts to look SO crappy. Another woman who got her hair done after me said that Bettie told her to *WAIT* seven days to wash it to "let the bonds set". I DO NOT recall her telling me that -- and I sure hope I haven't wrecked the longevity of these bonds by washing it. If 7 days is a requirement then this is not feasible for me!! I'll let you know how they last.

Thanks SO MUCH for your compliments!! AND all the info you all shared.

So we'll see how this goes and continue the experiment!!

Fina

Mygod FinaFina...you are sex on a twisty stick! But in a classy/sexy way! The whole look is fabulous - the length, the wave, the colors...everything! Bettie did a fantastic job...did she do the styling as well? It's all about the styling, and yours looks just stunning. Well, well done - and we commend you on your BRAVERY and COURAGE to charge into what, for most of us, is uncharted territory! OMG I hope this holds up well for you!!
MOST EXCELLENT reporting! Between you, Jenny, Merguthrie, Kalika, Rae, Amm, Sherrie - the installations and lab work...we're on our way to synth heaven!!
Ohmygodohmygod...my plastikhaar was shipped on Sat priority mail...can't wait can't wait can't wait!
Hey...you girls taking the prostyles course...do you live in SoCal?!
omgomgomg.....

SAVE A STRAY!!! If you feel the need to practice practice PRACTICE - I'll pay to be your guinea pig! I live in Pasadena and can drive anywhere.
OhMyGAWD! These girls look absolutely gorgeous in this synth hair! I am completely blown away and excited!

Most Excellent! My hair is en route as we speak!
So all you southern belles and east coast girls better WATCHOUT!

Oh I wish Ohio wasnt so far away.... Id love to be the guinea pig and let someone else do my hair!

Birke, Blond, Platin Blond, Winterblond? I just looked at my color ring... that is a really creative color mix! 3 of them are medium/darkish blondes and the platin is very light, but on you the mix looks like beach girl blonde! That's an art school-quality color combination. And I am DIGGING the 28 mm curl! I'm ready to faint.

Fina, that looks wonderful. It looks so natural, the colors are perfect, and the finished style suits you well. Two thumbs up (and a toe, for good measure)!

Metalgirl, if I can find the time to get up your way, I will totally be your guinea pig!

Fabulous! I ordered the 28mm, too. Now that I see how yours looks, I'm happy I did. Gotta have that curl!

PS: I am in N/Central California! Us California gals need to get ourselves together sometime!

All - THANKS so much for your rave reviews. . .it really takes hair afficianados to truly appreciate this ARTFORM. And it is an artform, isn't it?? Comments/answers:

All you California Girls out there: I live in Texas which is in the MIDDLE of the country and I come to California quite often as well. . . customers in Sacramento/N. Cal area, tradeshows in S. Cal, etc., so I hold high hopes for meeting at least one of you in person!!

Jenny - I think there are 5 rows in the back. She actually started with the *sides* and did vertical rows (ear to part-ish), then did the back last. Also, yes I'm going to try to avoid the blow dryer. And really, it just hasn't needed it. A little spritzing with the ProHair stuff and a good brushing really seems to help it a lot.

Kimbearly - Yes I agree with you, it *does* looke like really healthy shiny hair. I LOVE THE SHINE.

Save-a-Stray - THANKS and thanks for the heads up on the process. . .it really was like the Dome video you sent!!

Syren - I take pride in that styling!! Bettie did the initial cut with a razor, but I did the real work! And thanks for the art-school color combo comment. I'm not thrilled with the Winterblond portions of it, but the Birke/Blond/Platinum is smokin. I'm thinking of doing some SatinBlond shrinkies. The SatinBlond color is SOOOO beautiful.

Kristin - You are always a gorgeous inspiration to us all!

Today I get to show it off at the OFFICE --

Fina

Very excited here Sara just emailed me and I can get wefts in any curl type. So looking at my hair picture you think the 22m woud be the best? And no blow drying right Jenny? Being that my hair will be on a weft I can cold water wash it and let it air dry. What do you do afterwards - finger comb it?

Jenny - BTW did your curls ever come back?