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Installing tape-in hair extensions

installing-hair-extensions-with-Walker-beautify-Tape-image

Ever wondered exactly how Tape in Extensions are installed? I know people may say,  “Oh, it’s so easy you just sandwich them together!!”  Well, what does that mean?

Not everyone is a hair extensions specialist. Walker have put this compilation of pictures together for everyone who may be wondering how to install tape-in hair extensions using their Beautify Hair Extension tape tabs. These are shown in a detailed step by step process below, which applies to Beautify Hair Extension tape range.

If you still have questions Walker have a full install video that is very helpful.

How to install tape-in hair extensions

Beautify Hair Extension tape tabs application detailed step by step process

Make sure that you have unwashed, dirty hair!

Decide where you want your hair extension.

Make sure you have a straight part!!

Perfectly, straight line!!

Pick which colour(s) you want to put in.

Apply Walker Beautify Extension Tape Tabs to weft. Make sure you align the tape perfectly.

Do the same with your second piece of hair.

Make a part directly above your first one. Make sure you have about 1/8″ of hair.

With Walker Extension Tape Tabs on the weft, peel off the white liner.

Line the tape weft flush with your bottom straight part.

Lay down the 1/8″ of hair on top of the tape weft. Make sure you press the hair onto the tape.

Important. Remove all loose hair not stuck on the tape. If you do not, the hold will not be as good and will not stay in as long.

Align the second piece of hair perfectly with the bottom piece.

Press FIRMLY together. Pro tip – using caution, straighteners on low heat help cure tape at this stage – see video.

Cut the length off to match your own.

Now you look fabulous!!

Stay looking fabulous longer with our Hair Extensions care guide

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Adhesive removers explained – Walker Tape overview

Walker Tape Adhesive Removers Overview image

Adhesive removers – How to remove Walker Tape adhesive products

Common questions about Walker Tape products often share a similar pattern. “How to remove Ultra Hold?” “How to remove Lace Front?” “How to remove Extreme Hold?” hope this article explains more about adhesive removers.

With products that stay on as well as ours, it’s only right to also offer ways to take them off. So, to those with questions like the ones above, we have a slam-dunk answer: remove Walker Tape products with Walker Tape removers.

Though, of course, we have quite the variety to choose from. Where should you start? Or how do you know you’re going with the right choice? In hopes to help your search, we’ve created the following background to adhesive removers and an overview of our entire product line.

Original article by Walker Tape

How do Adhesive Removers work?

Removers are often called solvents since they dissolve adhesives down to liquids. This weakens the hair system’s bond to the scalp for an easy removal. Plus, it also softens the residue buildup, making it much easier to clean off.

Basically, removers work by reversing the process of what makes adhesives sticky. Think, for example, of our liquid adhesives.

  1. They stay soft and glue-like in their bottles thanks to solvents.
  2. Once applied to your client’s scalp, the solvents evaporate from the mixture.
  3. With no more solvents, adhesives solidify and become tacky to the touch.

Now, here’s what happens when we add removers into the mix.

  1. Without solvents added yet, tape and adhesive bonds are solid and strong.
  2. Once solvents are added, tapes and adhesives soften and become liquid.
  3. Now softened by solvents, they become easier to remove from hair systems and skin.

 

 

Walker Tape Removers

 

Oil-Based Adhesive Removers

Oil-based removers are the fastest at breaking down adhesives, and our selection offers you the fastest-acting solvents we’ve ever seen. Plus, we’ve created our oil-based options to work with all hair systems and all adhesive and tape types. Whatever the combination, whether your clients prefer lace frontals with Lace Front tape or poly systems with Extreme Hold, our oil-based removers do the job.

When you use an oil-based solvent, it will leave behind some oily residue that needs to be cleaned off. That’s why we’ve made all our options in this category easy to rinse out with soap and water. For the cleanup phase of your removal process, we recommend Bond Breaker Shampoo.

Below are the six oil-based options we offer. All but Rapid Release are skin safe. Rapid Release happens to be stronger than we feel comfortable for your client’s skin, yet it works great on all hair systems.

  • Walker Signature Remover: our fastest solvent for your clients with sensitive skin
  • C-22 Solvent: our most popular remover, a great balance of fast-acting and skin-gentle properties
  • Action: our fastest skin-safe solvent
  • Rapid Release: the fastest-acting solvent, meant to be using on the hair system only and not on your client’s skin, also ideal for solvent soaks
  • S3 – Sensitive Skin Solvent: our first remover meant for your clients with sensitive skin

Directions

  1. Saturate the adhesive area. Breakdown begins in seconds. The release time will depend on adhesive buildup.
  2. Wipe or brush off the residue.
  3. Shampoo, and rinse.

The Solvent Soak Method

  1. Fill a large bowl with solvent.
  2. Submerge the unit completely with the adhesive-side up, and let soak.
  3. Wearing gloves, work off the adhesive while keeping the system submerged.
  4. Shampoo, and rinse.

In theory, you could use any of our oil-based removers for a solvent soak, but we recommend using either Walker Solvent or Rapid Release. Considering the quantities needed for a solvent soak, we’ve created these to be the most economical options to save your salon money.

Alcohol-Based Adhesive Removers

Though alcohol-based removers are slower at breaking down adhesives, they offer the fastest cleanup. Alcohol evaporates quickly and completely. This means zero oily residue left for you to rinse out.

We offer an excellent, skin-safe option that’s meant for delicate mesh and combined mesh/poly systems, such as popular lace front choices. Its breakthrough is the ability to release the fragile mesh while keeping most of the adhesive on the scalp. This supports a safer way to remove delicate (read expensive!) mesh systems.

  • Lace Release: releases adhesive from mesh, lowering risk of damage to fragile systems

Directions

  1. Apply generously through the unit toward the scalp.
  2. Wait for 30 seconds.
  3. Repeat once more.
  4. Gently lift the system away from the head.
  5. Shampoo, and rinse.

We wouldn’t recommend trying to do a solvent soak with an alcohol-based remover. It evaporates too quickly to allow any time for the adhesive to soak.

Water-Based Adhesive Removers

Water-based removers are made just for water-based adhesives. They’re the only nonflammable solvents in this overview, which makes them the easiest on shipping costs. Plus, the water base makes these solvents a breeze to clean up, leaving hardly any residue. But because their main solvent is water, they break down adhesives at slower rates than oil-based options.

That said, we’ve found that our water-based option below works faster than any other competing brands out there.

  • H2GO: removes water-based adhesives faster and easier than any other water-based adhesive remover that we’ve ever seen

Directions

  1. Saturate adhesive area, and let sit for 5-10 seconds.
  2. As it softens, start removing adhesive.
  3. Wipe or brush off residue.
  4. Repeat the process as needed until the skin is clean.
  5. Shampoo, and rinse.

We also wouldn’t recommend using a water-based remover in a solvent soak. Since water is the main solvent involved, it would take extra time to achieve the desired results.

Proper Storage

Besides H2GO, the rest of our removers are flammable and combustible. Considering this, it’s critical to keep them away from possible sources of ignition: heat, flames, sparks, pilot lights, electric motors, static electricity, etc.

As is good practice with any solvent-based mixtures, it’s best to store them locked and out of reach of children. If there is an accident, we have safety sheets available for each of our removers.

To get the most from our removers, we also have the following storage tips.

  • Make sure to keep their lids tightly closed.
  • Store them in a consistently cool, dry, and well-ventilated place.
  • Keep them in areas controlled at room temperature, at the very least below 90°F at all times.

 

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Coronavirus (COVID-19)

News Update

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Friday 20 March 2020

We will continue normal business hours and will endeavour to maintain good stock levels and deliver orders on time, but please be aware that some delays may occur over the coming weeks.

Holistique are a small online only store, with minimal contact except postal services and stock deliveries, rest assured we are following all recommended guidelines.

Thank you and stay safe. Lesley

FAQ: Can customers catch coronavirus from the mail?
Public Health England has advised that there is no perceived increase in risk of contracting the new coronavirus for handling post or freight from specified areas. From experience with other coronaviruses, Royal Mail know these types of viruses don’t survive long on objects, such as letters or parcels. Find up-to-date information on the Royal Mail website.

FAQ: Coronavirus: changes to Royal Mail Delivery service (Last updated 19 March 2020)

For health information and advice, read pages on coronavirus. Learn about the government response to coronavirus on GOV.UK.

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My hair is thinning, what can I do?

My Hair is Thinning, What Should I Do?

We all want amazing hair that’s full and healthy, but it can seem like an unattainable goal if your hair has started to thin. It can start to feel like a bit of a helpless situation, but just know that you’re not alone and you have so many options for treatment, as well as alternative hair.

By Walker Tape Co

Possible causes of hair loss

Before diving into a few different replacement options, we’re going to talk about why your hair may be thinning. There can be lots of different factors that can influence this, from your family history to stressful events.

Just like an eye color that’s handed down through family, heredity can be a major reason why your hair may be thinning. Unfortunately, it’s pretty unavoidable. You do have other options that we’ll touch on a bit later though.

Hormonal changes and medical conditions can also be another reason why bio hair starts to thin. This can be due to alopecia, medications, supplements, or medical treatments such as radiation therapy. You can also begin to lose hair after a very stressful time in your life and certain hairstyles/treatments can cause your hair to start thinning.

Prevention of hair loss

A few easy ways to prevent additional hair loss are to stop wearing tightly gathered hairstyles and avoid twisting your hair strands if it’s a nervous habit. Also if you smoke, consider stopping because it can really affect the health of your hair.

Along with these tips, try not to damage your existing hair. This means no excessive hair dying, brushing, overwashing, or skipping conditioner. Another thing to think about are the side effects from any medications that you might be taking because some medications can cause hair loss.

Another great way to prevent hair loss is to eat a healthy diet and make sure you’re eating enough protein. Not only is this just good for your health in general, but the hair is also primarily made of protein. We recommend talking to your doctor to see how much protein you should be eating based on your body’s needs.

Talk to your doctor, or schedule a visit with a Trichologist (a specialist in the hair and scalp), to talk about your experience, as well as taking a few supplements/vitamins. Multivitamins containing iron, vitamin C, vitamin B12, vitamin D, niacin, and biotin can all be great options for encouraging hair growth.

Alternatives to hair transplants

There are so many options to consider if you’re not happy with the current state of your hair. Although, it’s important to know that you’re great just the way you are. Self love is something that you can really dive into during this time and discover all of the reasons that you’re amazing, with or without hair.

However, if you’re interested in other options, you have several to choose from. You can try alternative hair systems or you can choose to investigate hair transplants.

Hair transplants or hair grafts (as seen on BBC3 Plastic Surgery Undressed: Hair Transplant) can be a painful expensive option, and can mean travelling abroad for surgery, so make sure it’s right for you and do your research before deciding on it.

Alternative hair systems, or wigs, can be great options for thinning hair. You can choose a full system that covers your whole head, or a partial unit that covers just the area of hair that’s thinning. Make sure you consult your experienced stylist to find the best option for you.

Hair systems can be much less commitment than a hair transplant, and you don’t need to go through a surgical procedure to get an amazing end result. Check out @WalkerTapeCo on Instagram to see how amazing a properly applied unit can look.

If you do choose to go with a hair system, make sure you find a skilled hair system stylist who is comfortable applying them.

For Stylists

If your clients are experiencing hair loss and you’re not sure what options are available to them, consider researching extensions, toppers, and full wigs. You can find out more about these different options, as well as the different ways units can be constructed in our Types of Wigs and Hair Systems post.

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Types of wigs and hair systems

Types of Wigs and hair systems

Types of Wigs: Finding Your Client’s Perfect Fit

There are so many different kinds of wigs on the market that it can be difficult to decide which type is right for your client. In order to help you assist clients, we’ve created this handy key to pull from. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly what to look for when you start helping your client shop.

By Walker Tape

What Kinds of Wigs are There?

There are so many types of wigs! First off, your client will need to decide if they’d like a ready-made or custom wig. Ready-made wigs are stock hair systems. They’re generally synthetic, pre-styled, and a one-size-fits-all option. For a slightly more customizable option, these units can be adjusted to the wearer’s head for an increase in price. Because these units aren’t custom made for individual clients, they tend to look a little less realistic. However, they’re generally the most affordable option.

Custom wigs are made specifically for a client. They’re generally made from lighter materials and can be more comfortable to wear. Because these are tailor-made, more detail can be focused on the front of the hairline. This is important because the front of the hairline is considered to be the most important part of a hair system. This is because the hairline can be a dead giveaway of a wig or replacement system. If it blends well, no one notices that it’s anything other than the wearer’s own hair.

Types of Wigs

There are four main types of wigs: polyurethane (“poly”), mesh (lace and monofilament), combo, and open weft units. Depending on your client’s needs for hair replacement, they can also choose from full wigs, toppers (partial wigs), and hair pieces. Let’s take a deeper look at these systems so your clients will know exactly what type of wig to reach for.

Polyurethane Styles

Polyurethane (“poly”) wigs are generally thin and pigmented. This helps them match your client’s skin tone and blend in. This skin-like material makes using tapes and adhesives easier on the wig as a whole and helps extend the wig’s life. The comfort of poly units isn’t quite at the level of what you’d be able to expect with a mesh unit. It tends to run hot since this base material isn’t as breathable. Some wearers have also reported that poly wig bases have a thicker feel and creates a “floating” sensation over their scalp. This has a tendency to affect the look of the hairline and can make it appear less natural.

Mesh Units

Mesh units are a general category that is made up of full lace and monofilament styles. The full lace group is comprised of swiss lace, glass silk, and 100% hand tied systems. Monofilament constructions include 100% hand tied, single, and double units.

Monofilament material is a blend of very fine lace-like material, generally polyester or nylon mesh. Because of the unique construction of this wig type, it’s great for sensitive scalps as the top is breathable. It also takes on the color of the wearer’s scalp once it’s in place. This is because each hair on monofilament wigs are hand-tied to the mesh blend base. This time intensive process creates a very natural look and blends the hairs together seamlessly. This enables you and your client to part the hair wherever you’d like and still have the appearance that it’s growing out of their own hair follicles.

This category is, without a doubt, the most versatile option. They can be styled in an updo, tucked behind the ears, and parted in virtually any spot without the wig base being noticeable. The hairline of the wig is almost undetectable and, generally, the scalp can be seen through the mesh. This gives a lot of versatility and provides a natural and authentic look.

Full lace units generally have urethane strips for adhesives to stick to. Our lace tapes are the perfect choice to use with mesh systems. These units are very delicate, so lace tape is gentle enough to use with these hair systems so they aren’t damaged.

Combinations

Some monofilament styles can be a combination style that can have a machine-made back and sides, with a hand-tied top. This is more affordable, while still giving your clients almost all of the benefits of a hand-tied mesh unit. The combos mentioned in this section are the most popular constructions, but we’ll talk in more detail about bases below once you read further.

The construction of lace front wigs is really as simple as it sounds. These styles have a lace portion only in the front of the unit. The sheer mesh base that the individual hairs are tied to is perfect for creating a natural-looking hairline. The lace sits right along the forehead where the hairline would naturally be. The rest of the unit utilizes a thicker cap as a base. These may also have clips sewn in that help to secure it to other existing hair or wig caps that might be used.

Welded lace is fibers that have been tightly interwoven, forming a “welded” fabric. This allows you to part the unit anywhere your client wants. Welded lace is also the most durable type of lace. Trimming the lace fronts on these types of units can cause them to separate, so if you choose to do so for a client, proceed with caution and use only the correct tools recommended by the manufacturer of the wig.

French drawn units are really interesting. They’re constructed using three layers of material. Two layers of glass silk are used, along with one layer of swiss lace. The swiss lace is sandwiched between the layers of glass silk and is the material that the hair is tied to. The glass silk above and below the knot allows for a smooth and comfortable wear experience. French drawn units create a very realistic and natural scalp appearance because of the layered construction that keeps the knots hidden.

Types of Knots

There are so many different types of knots used in wig construction. We’re planning on posting another, more in depth, blog post with all of the information we know about wig knots. For now though, we’re going to leave you with a brief list and a short description for each type of knot.

  • Single Knot – A knot that’s only been tied once where both hairs are looped back through the knot.
  • Single Split Knot – A knot which has been tied once. It has a lower profile than the single knot because only one hair (rather than two like in the single knot) is looped back through the knot.
  • Double Knot – This is the strongest type of knot because it’s been tied twice.
    Double Split Knot – This type of knot has the look of a single knot, with the strength of a double knot.
  • V-Loop Knot – This is not so much a knot, as it is a weave.  The hair is sewn in a “V” or “U” shape through the base material and the other side for added security.
  • Direct Inject Knot – The hair is directly injected into the wig’s base material and then trimmed and sealed on the other side for added security. The hair doesn’t return back through, so it results in less tangling.

Base Materials

As with types of knots, there are tons of different options for base materials. We’re also planning a more in depth post for these, but we’ll give you an overview of each type for now.

  • Welded Lace/Mono – This is the most durable type of lace. It allows you to part the unit anywhere, while maintaining a natural hairline.
  • Swiss Lace – Softer than welded lace and also more delicate. Part the unit anywhere your client wants while maintaining a natural hairline.
  • Single Monofilament – Part the hair anywhere with a natural looking “growth” at part.
    Double Monofilament – The same base as single monofilament, with a layer of glass silk underneath to mimic the appearance of a scalp.
  • Glass Silk – Very soft and fine material that creates a realistic scalp color and effect
  • French Drawn – This is a special construction that gives the most natural look. It creates the appearance of growth at the scalp and allows for parting anywhere.
    100% Hand Tied Stretch – This type of base mimics natural hair density and movement.
  • Polyurethane – Usually clear or flesh-toned, this base can be bonded. Polyurethane also generally coats the edges of monofilament toppers for extra durability.
  • Silicone/Anti-Slip/Suction – This base can grip against bare skin. It’s best for use with clients who have no biological hair.

Determining the Best Option for Your Client

When you’re helping your client shop, you’ll need to know if they’re aiming for a curly, wavy, or straight look. You’ll also need to know their preferences for base material and hair type. Check out our downloadable chart if you have questions about determining what your client might like best. Those elements can make a big difference in comfort and how the unit wears.

Hair texture is an important aspect to consider when your client is hunting for the right hair system. If they’re leaning towards wearing a partial wig, matching the wig with your client’s hair is crucial so that it’ll blend smoothly. You may also need to consider the density of units your client is looking at, especially if they’re aiming for a more natural look.

Types of Hair: Synthetic or Human

This is the issue at the heart of choosing a hair unit! Your client can choose from human or synthetic hair, and there are multiple types within those two categories to decide between.

  • Human Hair – This hair type gives the most natural look and feel, along with the most styling versatility. This type of hair also requires more styling and care. It can be worth the investment though as they can last over a year with proper care.
  • Virgin Hair – This is the highest quality human hair available. This hair is all from a single donor. This hair hasn’t been dyed, permed, or bleached. This helps cut down on tangles and can last over a year with proper care. Virgin hair qualifies as Remy hair, but not all Remy hair is virgin hair.
  • Synthetic Hair – Higher quality synthetic hair offers a look and feel similar to human hair, but has limited styling versatility. Requires little maintenance and can generally be worn as soon as it’s unpackaged. Less durable than human hair and will last 4-6 months with proper care.
  • Heat Friendly Synthetic Hair – This type offers more styling versatility due to heat friendly construction. Can be more challenging to style than human hair. Less durable than traditional synthetic hair that can last 2-3 months with proper care.

Synthetic hair is generally less expensive, but needs to be handled differently and doesn’t last as long. That’s not necessarily a bad thing if your client likes to change their style up often though. Although, working with synthetic units can be a bit of a challenge because they aren’t able to be styled using hot styling tools unless you get a “heat safe” model.

Synthetic hair might be the perfect choice for your client is looking for a more affordable option and want to use it on a short term basis. These units are also better for short to mid-length hairstyles. Just remember, you’ll need to keep synthetic wigs away from any kind of heat. It will cause permanent damage to the hair fibers and may even melt the hairs together.

Human hair wigs are generally a more versatile hair replacement option. While they are generally more expensive, they can last much longer than synthetic alternatives. They also just tend to look more natural as the hair shifts during wear because they have a higher quality texture and feel.

Heat tools can be used on human hair wigs and are great for clients that get bored of how their hair is styled day after day. They’re able to change the style of these wigs up much more often than if they were using synthetic hair. If your client’s goal is to wear their wig for longer than a year, human hair is the best option. These hair systems hold up well and are the best choice if your client prefers the look of longer hair.

Human hair can come from places all over the world, such as Asia, Africa, China, and Europe. Hair can be sourced through various different ways, so make sure to do your research and look into different types of hair from different regions before taking the plunge and making an investment in a wig.

Whichever unit your client chooses, you’re going to need something to adhere it to their scalp. Various glues (sometimes known as bonding adhesive) and tapes are used by over 90% of alternative hair wearers because they offer a more secure attachment. Some stylists even feel that the adhesives can help to give a more natural appearance. Shop our tape and adhesive products today to find the right fit for your client’s needs.