As part of our Salon Spotlight series, we're sitting down with talented salon professionals from across the industry to learn more about their expertise, client recommendations and the trends they're seeing right now. This month, we're chatting with Kerry-Ann Buckell about all things hair extensions, from choosing the right method to keeping hair extensions looking their best between appointments.
What makes you trust SWAY Hair Extensions for your clients?
Kerry-Ann Buckell:
“As a hair extension specialist, I’m really particular about the hair I choose to work with. For me, it’s about having access to good-quality hair, a strong colour selection and different methods so I can make the right choice for the individual client.
One of the things I really like about SWAY is the variety available. Every head of hair I work with is completely different, so having options when it comes to shades, lengths and methods makes creating a bespoke result so much easier.
Ultimately, whatever I’m using, my priority will always be the condition of my client’s natural hair and creating a result that looks beautiful but is also manageable for them long-term”.
How do you help clients choose the right type of hair extensions for their lifestyle, hair type and goals?
Kerry-Ann Buckell:
“Consultation is EVERYTHING. I don’t believe there’s one “best” hair extension method, there’s only the best method for the person sitting in my chair.
I look at their natural hair density, condition, lifestyle, how they normally wear their hair, their commitment to maintenance and what they’re actually hoping to achieve.
It’s also why I love being able to offer different methods and hybrid applications. Sometimes one method is perfect, while other clients benefit from combining methods in different areas of the head.
Hair extensions should work around your natural hair and your lifestyle , you shouldn’t have to change your whole life around your extensions”.
What are your top tips for maintaining hair extensions and keeping them looking their best between appointments?
Kerry-Ann Buckell:
Aftercare is honestly just as important as the fitting!
Brush regularly and correctly while supporting the root area, use professional products recommended for your hair extensions and NEVER go to bed with wet hair. Oils, conditioners and masks should be kept away from your attachment areas, and making sure the roots and attachments are properly dried is so important.
And please don’t skip your maintenance appointments! Leaving hair extensions in way beyond their recommended maintenance time can put unnecessary stress on your natural hair.
You’ve invested in beautiful hair, look after it like an investment”.
What hair extension trends are you seeing more clients request right now?
Kerry-Ann Buckell:
“For me, one of the biggest changes is that hair extensions aren’t necessarily about having “long hair” anymore.
I’m seeing more clients wanting extensions for thickness, filling out finer areas, adding density around the sides or simply making their existing style look fuller and healthier.
Clients are also much more aware of discreet applications and bespoke colour matching. They don’t necessarily want somebody to look at them and immediately think, “She’s wearing extensions.” They want people to think, “Her hair looks AMAZING.”
I think that’s where the industry is really evolving. Extensions can be transformational without the transformation having to be obvious”.
What's your go-to hair extension method and why?
Kerry-Ann Buckell:
“Tapes! I absolutely love them and they’re probably the method I’m best known for.
I love how much you can do with them. They’re flat, discreet and with the correct application and placement, can create everything from subtle volume to a complete transformation.
Placement is a huge part of extension work for me. I don’t just think about where an extension can be fitted – I think about how the client wears their hair, where they need density, how everything is going to blend and how we’re going to make the finished result look as natural as possible.
I’m also a big fan of hybrid applications, so although tapes are my go-to, I’ll happily combine methods when I feel that’s going to give my client the best result.
For me, it’s never about forcing a particular method onto a client. It’s about having enough knowledge of different methods to choose what’s right for the hair in front of you”.
A huge thank you to Kerry-Ann Buckell for sharing their expertise and insights with us. From personalised consultations to expert aftercare advice, it's clear that achieving beautiful, long-lasting results starts with choosing the right extensions and working with an experienced professional.
Stay tuned for more Salon Spotlight interviews as we continue to celebrate the talented professionals who help bring our clients' hair goals to life.
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