Georgie Babe
Active Member
I'm interested in becoming a hair extension technician and I was wondering if you have to be a fully qualified hairdresser in order to do a training course.
Do I have to be a professional hairdresser to start doing hair extensions?
- Thread starter Georgie Babe
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persianista
Well-Known Member
I think only hair pros have any credibility as ext technicians. You have to cut the ext when they have been applied. Half assed guesswork will show you right up.
Plus you are ripe for being ripped off by fly by night training and hair companies if you have no idea about hair
Plus you are ripe for being ripped off by fly by night training and hair companies if you have no idea about hair
lucelasticx
Well-Known Member
Unfortunately due to a loop hole in UK law there is no legal requirement for anyone hairdressing to be qualified!!! Hopefully this will change in the future.
Alot people will choose a trained hairdresser to apply extensions who will also be able to cut and style in the design of choice.Not everyone wants just one length one styles! Would you honestly pay a unqualifed mobile colourist to colour your hair !!
So you will be competing with recognised stylist who will be charging the same. 50% of my clients ask about qualifications and many will ask to see nvq certificates so i always have them with me.
Here on Salon geek i personally am trying to encourage all interested parties to become qualified.
I was exactly the same as you just interested in extensions , but i knew to be the best i had to be qualified to set my self apart from the unqualified. So i bit the bullet and retrained BEST thing i have everdone and would ALWAYS encourage people to be the best they possibly can.
I can honestly say that you wont regret it as you need all the basics of hairdressing, shampooing, blowdrying ,styling , cutting and health and safety even if you specialise in hair extensions.
Alot people will choose a trained hairdresser to apply extensions who will also be able to cut and style in the design of choice.Not everyone wants just one length one styles! Would you honestly pay a unqualifed mobile colourist to colour your hair !!
So you will be competing with recognised stylist who will be charging the same. 50% of my clients ask about qualifications and many will ask to see nvq certificates so i always have them with me.
Here on Salon geek i personally am trying to encourage all interested parties to become qualified.
I was exactly the same as you just interested in extensions , but i knew to be the best i had to be qualified to set my self apart from the unqualified. So i bit the bullet and retrained BEST thing i have everdone and would ALWAYS encourage people to be the best they possibly can.
I can honestly say that you wont regret it as you need all the basics of hairdressing, shampooing, blowdrying ,styling , cutting and health and safety even if you specialise in hair extensions.
TweezerHappy
Well-Known Member
I know I wouldn't want them from someone who wasn't qualified. If I'm payin all that money I want the best job possible. And after spending all that time getting them done I would want to go to someone else to have them cut.
kimi1101
Well-Known Member
In short, no, you don't need to be qualified.
But it is definitely an advantage. Clients are becoming more and more aware of what we do, and I know from friends I've spoken to outwith the profession that would only use a qualified, level 3 hairdresser to have extensions done.
Good luck with your search xx
But it is definitely an advantage. Clients are becoming more and more aware of what we do, and I know from friends I've spoken to outwith the profession that would only use a qualified, level 3 hairdresser to have extensions done.
Good luck with your search xx
i seen this thread and thought...
phew... red rag to a bull lol
do you ever get the feeling your repeating yourself? i know i do
no you don't have to be qualified but it is in my opinion a specialised area of hairdressing that i think needs a hairdressers talent to make work x
Georgie Babe
Active Member
Thanks everyone.
I thought this would be the case but was worth finding out for sure.
Obviously i would do a course in applying and cutting extensions, but from what you've told me this wouldn't be enough? I wouldn't want to offer anything other than the best, so I'll probably be giving it a miss.
Thanks again everyone
I thought this would be the case but was worth finding out for sure.
Obviously i would do a course in applying and cutting extensions, but from what you've told me this wouldn't be enough? I wouldn't want to offer anything other than the best, so I'll probably be giving it a miss.
Thanks again everyone
Georgie Babe
Active Member
Hi me again
I've spoken to some hairdresser friends who have said cutting hair extensions is totally different to cutting hair. They said they've tried to cut hair extensions & had huge probs. They said hair extensions are like wigs & that cutting a wig is also totally different to normal hair & needs specialist training. They've said if I received proper training for the extensions or wigs I'd be better qualified to do extensions than a qualified hairdresser.
Any advice on who offers best training?
I've spoken to some hairdresser friends who have said cutting hair extensions is totally different to cutting hair. They said they've tried to cut hair extensions & had huge probs. They said hair extensions are like wigs & that cutting a wig is also totally different to normal hair & needs specialist training. They've said if I received proper training for the extensions or wigs I'd be better qualified to do extensions than a qualified hairdresser.
Any advice on who offers best training?
lucelasticx
Well-Known Member
Exactly your trained hairdresser friends have problems cutting extensions!!! This is because it is a highly specialised field of HAIRDRESSING and wont suit all hairdressers! So how on earth do you think you without any prior cutting experience will be able to give your clients the latest look!
I have recieved proper training in hairdressing, wigs and extensions.This is the case for many hairdressers .
So therefore i have to disagree that with your friend that a few days course would make you more qualified or better than fully qualified hairdressers who have specialised in extensions.
The best training will be with any company who maintains its standards and only train professional. Such as Racoon!!!!
I have recieved proper training in hairdressing, wigs and extensions.This is the case for many hairdressers .
So therefore i have to disagree that with your friend that a few days course would make you more qualified or better than fully qualified hairdressers who have specialised in extensions.
The best training will be with any company who maintains its standards and only train professional. Such as Racoon!!!!
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kimi1101
Well-Known Member
Don't think i'm treating you like an idiot for spelling this out like this...
Level 2 - is a qualified hairdresser. It takes between 18-24 months tocomplete and you are a competent hairdresser then (or should be but thats another story)
Level 3 - Once L2 is completed, you can do L3. It takes between 12-18 months, and you complete modules in things like colour correction, specialised cutting, i even did a photoshoot in mine. You can also do a module in hair extensions in L3. This is the BEST way to do it.
Although your friends are saying its hard to cut hair extensions, and they are correct to an extent, I am level3 qualified and I don't enjoy cutting extensions at all because I didn't do the extensions module.
But if you do a course in extensions, say it is a day long, you will spend about 3/4 of the day learning application and 1/4 getting taught cutting. Honestly honey, you will struggle. Remember when your mum cut your fringe when you were young? Thats what you'll be like.
Good luck againx xx
Level 2 - is a qualified hairdresser. It takes between 18-24 months tocomplete and you are a competent hairdresser then (or should be but thats another story)
Level 3 - Once L2 is completed, you can do L3. It takes between 12-18 months, and you complete modules in things like colour correction, specialised cutting, i even did a photoshoot in mine. You can also do a module in hair extensions in L3. This is the BEST way to do it.
Although your friends are saying its hard to cut hair extensions, and they are correct to an extent, I am level3 qualified and I don't enjoy cutting extensions at all because I didn't do the extensions module.
But if you do a course in extensions, say it is a day long, you will spend about 3/4 of the day learning application and 1/4 getting taught cutting. Honestly honey, you will struggle. Remember when your mum cut your fringe when you were young? Thats what you'll be like.
Good luck againx xx
Hi
Thought id put my thoughts down here on non qualified ppl applying hair extensions!
Fistly i agree with the posts above,cutting extensions is totally different in cutting normally(so to speak!) and applying them takes more than knowing how to apply the sections.
You also need to be comfortable with the different types of clients hair,any medications they may be taking as this can change/damage natural hair,if theyve had chemo before,etc etc..
Ive been a level 3 hairdresser for 13 years and been qualified in extensions for the last 7 years.
Ive maintained my training throughout the years as things/hair/bonds/applications change alot.
I pay alot of money for my training as i think with extensions,you get what you pay for im afraid.
On a professional level,it probably took me 2 years of applying extensions before i was comfortable and confident in my own application and cutting.From a personal point of view.there is no way i would pay to have extensions applied by somebody who has no history in the industry or idea on this type of trade.
I think there needs to be a governing body that stops ppl being able to train in extensions when not qualified in the industry.
Its ppl that do quick courses and make a packet,but apply bad hair that give those of us that put everything into it a bad name.
Remember the old show britains worst hairdresser presented by Nik Knowles?
My point exactly!
Hope i havent offended anyone but i find it offensive when ppl think this job is so easy and quick to learn
:lick:
Thought id put my thoughts down here on non qualified ppl applying hair extensions!
Fistly i agree with the posts above,cutting extensions is totally different in cutting normally(so to speak!) and applying them takes more than knowing how to apply the sections.
You also need to be comfortable with the different types of clients hair,any medications they may be taking as this can change/damage natural hair,if theyve had chemo before,etc etc..
Ive been a level 3 hairdresser for 13 years and been qualified in extensions for the last 7 years.
Ive maintained my training throughout the years as things/hair/bonds/applications change alot.
I pay alot of money for my training as i think with extensions,you get what you pay for im afraid.
On a professional level,it probably took me 2 years of applying extensions before i was comfortable and confident in my own application and cutting.From a personal point of view.there is no way i would pay to have extensions applied by somebody who has no history in the industry or idea on this type of trade.
I think there needs to be a governing body that stops ppl being able to train in extensions when not qualified in the industry.
Its ppl that do quick courses and make a packet,but apply bad hair that give those of us that put everything into it a bad name.
Remember the old show britains worst hairdresser presented by Nik Knowles?
My point exactly!
Hope i havent offended anyone but i find it offensive when ppl think this job is so easy and quick to learn
:lick:
-sophisticutz-
Well-Known Member
I teach the application of hair extensions for a living and can spot an non-hairdresser at 10 paces! Not just anybody can do extensions and I have seen fabulous hairdressers apply extensions poorly. Extension application is an extension (pardon the pun!) to existing hairdressing skills.
You need to be able to recognise scalp conditions and understand what medications/ illnesses have an adverse reaction on hair.
Understand hair porosity
Have a background in chemical services ie colouring etc.
Be able to correctly colour match.
Be able to section correctly, understand tension and cut and style hair.
None of these things are taught on an extension course. These skills are obtained in level 1 and 2 hairdressing.
If you are looking to make a quick buck, with crappy hair and make people go bald, then do it. But the gist I get from your posts is you are already a professional and a sensible person.
The correct way to become an extensionist is to become an hairdresser first.
LindaHR
Well-Known Member
I'm really surprised that professionals such as yourselves should be so judgemental about those that choose to specialise in extensions alone. Not all extension training turns out crappy technicians who will make their cients bald! How strange to think that it will.
There is absolutely no need to know all that you would learn in 18 - 24 months of hairdresser training to be an excellent extensionist.
Simple blending techniques are sufficient for most extension fittings and if the client wishes for restyling then that is not included in the price and she can be signposted to another professional who is trained in cutting extensions. Quite correctly it has been noted that cutting extensions is quite different to normal hair. The same techniques will not work.
Like any training it is important to choose a good quality course from a reliable company or trainer. There are courses which will not fit you for excellent fitting but willl leave you stumbling along making mistakes you don't understand. But not all One Day Intensives have that result.
I wonder how many of these courses you ladies have tried. Any? At all? Or are you basing your knowledge of them on a few tales that have been told. Sure there are horror stories from poorly trained extensionists but I've heard an equal amount about hairdresser trained salon fitters. Have seen some fittings that would make your hair stand on end on it's own.
So come on ladies by all means give your opinion, you are entitled to do that, but this is a forum for professionals and I would encourage you to behave professionally in our discussions. It is not professional to speak disrespectfully of others in your profession.
I am a trained and qualified hair technician and trainer in extensions. I am not hairdresser trained. I fit excellent hair extensions, blended in well and turn out good students competent in their trade.
There is absolutely no need to know all that you would learn in 18 - 24 months of hairdresser training to be an excellent extensionist.
Simple blending techniques are sufficient for most extension fittings and if the client wishes for restyling then that is not included in the price and she can be signposted to another professional who is trained in cutting extensions. Quite correctly it has been noted that cutting extensions is quite different to normal hair. The same techniques will not work.
Like any training it is important to choose a good quality course from a reliable company or trainer. There are courses which will not fit you for excellent fitting but willl leave you stumbling along making mistakes you don't understand. But not all One Day Intensives have that result.
I wonder how many of these courses you ladies have tried. Any? At all? Or are you basing your knowledge of them on a few tales that have been told. Sure there are horror stories from poorly trained extensionists but I've heard an equal amount about hairdresser trained salon fitters. Have seen some fittings that would make your hair stand on end on it's own.
So come on ladies by all means give your opinion, you are entitled to do that, but this is a forum for professionals and I would encourage you to behave professionally in our discussions. It is not professional to speak disrespectfully of others in your profession.
I am a trained and qualified hair technician and trainer in extensions. I am not hairdresser trained. I fit excellent hair extensions, blended in well and turn out good students competent in their trade.
persianista
Well-Known Member
I am basing my comments and opinions on being a FULLY qualified hairdresser, extensionist (several prof courses thankyou), salon owner, and expert witness for disputes involving hair ext.I'm really surprised that professionals such as yourselves should be so judgemental about those that choose to specialise in extensions alone. Not all extension training turns out crappy technicians who will make their cients bald! How strange to think that it will.
There is absolutely no need to know all that you would learn in 18 - 24 months of hairdresser training to be an excellent extensionist.
Simple blending techniques are sufficient for most extension fittings and if the client wishes for restyling then that is not included in the price and she can be signposted to another professional who is trained in cutting extensions. Quite correctly it has been noted that cutting extensions is quite different to normal hair. The same techniques will not work.
Like any training it is important to choose a good quality course from a reliable company or trainer. There are courses which will not fit you for excellent fitting but willl leave you stumbling along making mistakes you don't understand. But not all One Day Intensives have that result.
I wonder how many of these courses you ladies have tried. Any? At all? Or are you basing your knowledge of them on a few tales that have been told. Sure there are horror stories from poorly trained extensionists but I've heard an equal amount about hairdresser trained salon fitters. Have seen some fittings that would make your hair stand on end on it's own.
So come on ladies by all means give your opinion, you are entitled to do that, but this is a forum for professionals and I would encourage you to behave professionally in our discussions. It is not professional to speak disrespectfully of others in your profession.
I am a trained and qualified hair technician and trainer in extensions. I am not hairdresser trained. I fit excellent hair extensions, blended in well and turn out good students competent in their trade.
We have debated this topic endlessly. Before spouting off about the pro hairdressers on here, please do a search, and read all the threads.
How ON EARTH can a non hairdresser teach hair cutting (on any medium) to other non hairdressers?? It is like the blind leading the blind.
So you can call me as unprofessional as you like, I will never be convinced that a 2 day course makes an office worker into a pro hairdresser as you claim.
Roll on regulation. Thatl put the shysters out of business.
kezza*
Well-Known Member
When you have hair extension's some people want you to cut the hair into shape, eg round the face or totrim length abit, if you weren't a qualified hair dresser how you planning on doing this??????
Some hair extension compplanies want you to be qualifeied before you train with them.
Seriously, if you are serious about doing hair extension's why don't you train, even at college, first.
Some hair extension compplanies want you to be qualifeied before you train with them.
Seriously, if you are serious about doing hair extension's why don't you train, even at college, first.
lucelasticx
Well-Known Member
Us qualified and fully trained professionals DONT judge people whom specialise in hair extensions alone!!
The whole term specialist means you devote yourself to one subject or to one particular branch hairdressing. This being said you can only specialise in a hair extensions when you are fully qualifed in the basics of hair . How someone can even think that they can be a 'specialist ' when they cant even be bothered with the basics is beyond me.
You do repeat yourself alot I must admit... and your above comment is totally unprofessional. I trained in Hair Extensions alone and then decided to go on the Saks cutting course.. I don't wish to learn colour or anything else to be frank.
I set up my business of eyelash extensions and hair extensions after being made redundant 3 times at 21. I do many hours of research, time and effort into my clients. I had one issue (due to the hair glue) and I sorted it and compensated through a free set of hair extensions.
Just remember there are many "trades" out there that have off spring courses ie beauty - spray tanning and eyelash extensions that are not taught in depth on a basic NVQ course... I've been made aware you only learn hair extensions in NVQ 3 as a hair dresser.... so does this mean you only agree with NVQ3 hairdressers learning hair extensions?
This is bazar and I'm sure Habia wouldnt approve of anything that was stupid and I would like to make you aware I trained with a city and guilds and habia approved company for hair extensions.
I'm keeping my family and my house due to the "regulations" being flimsy on the subject! Or maybe you would prefer people like me to be put out of our job and go on benefits and take your tax money! I'm sure you'd also have something to say about that too!! I could claim upto £1200 benefits and that will be the case if people like you decide to not share an industry that big enough for everybody!
I agree 2 days is bad! but luckly I went away after and done weeks of research and self training! but when balmain go to a salon there training is only 2 days! but I think for an untrained hairdressing wanting to explore the extension world there should be an additional course they should take part in ie short cutting course, health and safety, scalp conditions etc
thats my rent over
persianista
Well-Known Member
Yes, I do think that everyone doing hair for money should be trained properly as a hairdresser.
I have just been reading another hair ext thread, and you talk about the different types of hair. You sound very knowledgeable. Did you know "remy" hair is combings picked off rubbish dumps by children and hackled out? Did you know that "temple" hair is forcibly taken from children against their will? No you appear to have no real idea of ethical sourcing.
My argument is that these companies can tell you anything. You dont know how hair should feel.
Application of ext is, I agree, simple and repetitive. The rest of the subject is more complicated. I occaisionally work as an expert witness in disputes over hair ext, so see what an untrained person does.
As for your assertion that it is your only way of keeping off benefits, well emotional blackmail doesnt change my point of view.
I have just been reading another hair ext thread, and you talk about the different types of hair. You sound very knowledgeable. Did you know "remy" hair is combings picked off rubbish dumps by children and hackled out? Did you know that "temple" hair is forcibly taken from children against their will? No you appear to have no real idea of ethical sourcing.
My argument is that these companies can tell you anything. You dont know how hair should feel.
Application of ext is, I agree, simple and repetitive. The rest of the subject is more complicated. I occaisionally work as an expert witness in disputes over hair ext, so see what an untrained person does.
As for your assertion that it is your only way of keeping off benefits, well emotional blackmail doesnt change my point of view.
I'm so sorry to dissapoint you but emotional blackmail was not my intension. I was just stating how it would effect me if this was stopped!
So right back at you with your "ethical sourced hair" don't try tarnishing me with a brush when you just cleary done it yourself!
If you looked back threw my previous posts (which u did) I give my clients a choice of hair... I give them a print out on where different hair comes from and the read. Then choose. I know its not the point (kinda) but what if we all stopped buying there hair? The families the hair comes from are going to loose out... The problems of other countries are (and Im greatful for that) not mine and I believe that we all already do our bit buy buying items from the high street because if we didnt they would know longer be needed and then see the countries just die as they won't be a penny. This is not just hair its clothes, equipment, bags and so on but thats a whole dfferent subject!
On the other hand I would like hair in my possesion that is truly ethically sourced.. So I'm open to you letting me know who your supplier is so I can get this. I'm willing to try anything.
