How much do I tip???

Thanks Marie.. I'm pretty sure that, thats usually what it runs... I've looked at so many different salons.. even out of my state and its anywhere from 1500 to 2000...  but, even though I could have gotten it cheaper I decided it would be easier just to go to the more expensive one... so I dont have to travel.

Amanda-- yeah that would be alot cheaper... but, I'm not good with stuff like that & my hair is kinda damaged from bleaching... flat ironing etc.... SO im scared to do it myself... Plus I've heard Great Lengths is the best & my hair girl told me that it causes the least damage... I dont know if thats true... but I hope it is! ;)

Julz...please do a search on this board. GL is a fusion method. And can be very damaging for someone with damaged or brittle hair. Unfortunately EVERY method claims to be the best and least damaging. There are gentler methods, for already damaged hair...seriously....search through the posts. Did your hair girl give you any other options? Does she do any other methods? If you dont think you could do your own, at least seek out a professional that does several methods. Not one method is good for everyone, and an extensionist who is only trained in one method of course is going to tell you that method is the best.

Honestly there are a few methods that a DIYer can accomplish easily. Either alone or with the help of a another person, and can save yourself BIG BUCKS!

Great Lengths, like all other fusion methods are the worst extensions on the market for fragile hair types!

I have been doing extensions for several years, and I offer my clients about 5 different types of extensions, because as the others already said, it's not 'one size fits all'.

I would never charge a client that much.  Do you know that the hair probably only costs her about $300-$500, and the rest of that outrageous charge will be pure profit?  Now, I like profit just as much as anyone, but the girl is gouging you.

If I were you I would seriously reconsider.  At least have other consultations with other stylists who offer different methods and see what they have to say.

Thank you metalgirl for jumping in there as a professional  with some honest advise. I certainly dont want to badmouth any professional but when they only do one method and the most expensive method and also a method that can be very damaging I say....find someone ELSE!

Hang in there Julzz start reseaching the methods yourself, and we can help you locate a stylist or even someone in your area that would help you do your own. This is a very active board....

Ok I'll jump in.

Hi Julzz.  I have been doing Great Lengths for over 4 years now.  In addition I offer many other methods because I extremely feel that there is no such thing as a 'one-size-fits-all' method. 

I charge for my consults and apply that to their service should they decide to have the service done.  I give them as many samples as they need and let them play with them before they commit to a huge order.  I never give them deadlines too.  And I never tell them this method is better than this.  And since I have naturally long strong hair I have the luxury to wear whatever method I want so there's NO BIAS approach in my business.

Getting back to Great Lengths {GL}, in my experiences, I have to say that for wearability in comparison with other human hair- it's THE BOMB- especially if you need the blondes or any light colors.  If you need darker colors and want to save money than any other human hair is fine.  The GL coloring process uses no bleach {chemically stipping the hair's 7 color layers to achieve desired color} so the cuticle layers stay strong and remain healthy - virgin.

To figure out if your hair is in bad shape for human hair extensions, do some test strands and pull trying different areas on the head.  If it stretches, it is good.  If it breaks, refrain from any attachments that uses your hair for anchoring.  You may need a different solution.

Overall, I intend to have Great Lengths live on in my business as opposed to the others I have now discontinued.

Here are your pros and cons and in between

Pros- excellent wearability, no bleach so colors stay bright, bond is patented, very strong and does not disinergrate.

Cons- expensive {in order to keep my account open with GL, I have to charge $7-$14 per strand}, removal process is very long, high maintenance is required, anti-tap needed after every washing, hair roots must be dried to keep the bonds' integrity.  

In Between- GL uses Indian hair.  Indian hair genetically has a very strong curl and medium to thick hair shaft.   Now if you like a softer wave and finer hair shaft go European or if you like straight with a medium to thick hair shaft go Asian.

So I hope you at least got a hair sample to play with prior to spending your $2000.  As for the tip, I get anywhere from 0% to 100%.

Best of luck, Charlene

Hi again!

Julzz, if you feel 101% very comfortable, I would jump in an Go For It.  But if you don't, I would seek elsewhere and get more consults.

But getting back to the ends of your hair.  That's fine.  It's the install site {the roots} that you need to worry about {in other words, how delicate are they to support the weight}.  To get the best results, you need to start with a strong foundation.

Sounds like you'll be alright.  Hey, post some before and after pics too!!!

-Charlene

Hi!
So you have your mind set for Great Lengths- 101%, right?

Great choice!  .  I get anywhere from 0%-100%, so it's entirely up to you.  I own my own business so some feel that they don't need to tip.  But a lot of people do tip me and emotionally, I feel that they love my work when they show their appreciation in whatever percentages

Brad Johns owns a coloring salon in 5th Av in NYC.  He charges me $300 for hilites.  I give him a $60 tip, $20 to his assistant, and $10 to the person who gives me a complimentary blow dry and $5 to the coat check girl.  So altogether I spent 30% just on tips.

GOOD LUCK!!!

Charlene

I know that 2,000 dollars is alot for hair... but to me if it makes you happy then money isnt an object. yeah she is probably ripping me off... but, I've done searches for hair extensions in Dallas & all the top salons are from 1500 to like 3000... thats alot I know but... I just dont want to do them myself... & I want to go to the best salon... I guess I'm one of those people who still say "you get what you pay for"   I guess I will find out... LOL