Beauty

January 12, 2025

6 Reasons to Get Microbead I-Tip Hair Extensions

There are many different hair extension techniques – and they’re not all created equally.

At our salons, we only use the highest quality, real human hair for our extensions, but the quality of hair extensions and the techniques for installation vary widely across the industry. In fact, it’s one of the first things we talked about on this blog!

Our founder Christina developed a unique and intricate beaded extension technique. This technique (which she developed in her parent’s garage in Staten Island) quickly gained her a devoted clientele, helping her become a master of her industry.

We’ve already shared the various hair extension installation techniques, so today we’re going to talk specifically about i-tip extensions and share 6 reasons why you should choose this style for your hair extensions.

1. Zero Damage and Zero Discomfort

With Christina’s intricate beaded extension technique, you’ll always leave the salon with zero damage to your natural hair – and zero discomfort.

When applying i-tip extensions, your stylist will take small bundles of the extension hair and attach it to equally small bundles of your natural hair. This is done in rows across layers of your hair. Because the attachment points are small, there is significantly less tug and pull on your scalp and natural hair – helping free you from the typical discomfort of extensions.

They’re also safe on your natural hair. I-tip extensions are actually a great way to promote natural hair growth.

2. No Heat-Fushion/Glue

This is a common concern for women who are getting extensions for the first time – they don’t want to damage their natural hair with the heat bonds and glue that’s typically used in extension application. It’s normal to have apprehensions about heat and chemicals used on your hair.

However, i-tip extensions are glue-free and heat-free. No chemicals are used to bond the extension hair to your natural hair. Instead, we apply the extension strands to your hair using small beads that clamp around your hair. The installation is much more comfortable and gentler on your hair.

3. Natural Finish (Extensions that look like your natural hair)

This one is so important! Hair extensions shouldn’t look like hair extensions – they should look like your natural hair.

At Olivia Christensen Salons, we custom blend each bundle of hair extensions to perfectly match your natural hair. Your hair is not ‘one color’, in fact, it may be hundreds of different colors and this hair extension technique can make sure that your extensions are perfectly blended.

This is just one step in the process of making sure your hair extensions look as natural as possible.

4. They Style Like Normal

Also thanks to this application, you can style and treat your hair extensions like normal.

You can run, sweat, swim and workout with i-tip extensions in. You can also curl, straighten or pull your hair into a ponytail without ever seeing the extensions. It’s also important to note that this is also because we use high-quality, full-cuticle human hair for our extensions.

The only thing we advise you to do is wash and protect your hair differently. But don’t worry, each of our clients leaves the salon with specific care instructions and product recommendations.

5. Perfect for Fine/Short Hair

If you have fine or short hair – you’ll want to avoid most hair extension techniques because they either won’t look natural, or they won’t hold well in your hair.

However, that’s not the case with i-tip extensions. Because of the way we install i-tip extensions, they’ll hold well in even short or fine hair. They also add volume and length in a way that looks perfectly natural.

We also love them because they’re incredibly lightweight – which means they won’t put stress on your natural hair, helping it to grow long and full while you’re wearing your extensions.

6. They’re Reusable

One of the benefits of i-tip hair extensions is that they are reusable, this helps make them more cost-effective. Hair extensions are an investment – with the proper maintenance and care, you should be able to wear them for up to 12 months.

Our clients come in every 6-8 weeks for maintenance and during these appointments, we remove the extensions, comb out the hair fall and reinstall them. This ensures that the hair extensions maintain their quality month after month.

If you’re looking for a long-lasting hair extension solution, i-tip hair extensions are definitely the right choice for you.

Overall, there are lots of different hair extension techniques, but of course, they’re not all created equally. If you’re looking for hair extensions that are natural looking, safe on thin or fine hair, and last longer, we highly recommend i-tip extensions.

If you have more questions – make sure to read our frequently asked questions here. And if you’re ready to join us in making 2025 the year of “No Bad Hair Days”, book your consultation with our founder Christina today.

Follow us on Instagram for styling inspiration and make sure to follow Christina (@hairgoddessofNY) for daily life in New York as a hair extension specialist and mother of 3 adorable kids.

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Beauty

January 5, 2025

How to Have the Ultimate 2025 Glow Up

Happy New Year! We hope you’ve spent the last week celebrating and planning for the year ahead. If you’re anything like us… you’ve probably already set New Year’s resolutions. We love setting goals and looking towards the year ahead. And this year, we have one very important New Year’s resolution.

We’re determined to make 2025 the year of no bad hair days.

Healthy, beautiful hair, every day. That’s our goal for 2025.

If you’d like to join us in this goal, book a consultation with our founder to kickstart your hair resolution.

Now, if you don’t want to stop at great hair – and having a glow-up is on your list for 2025, then keep reading because our founder Christina is sharing her favorite products for your hair and beauty routine this year.

**This post contains affiliate links! That means if you purchase anything from this post today – We’ll receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only share products that we use and love! Thank you so much for your continued support.

How to Have the Ultimate Glow Up in 2025

Shampoo & Conditioner Sets for your 2025 Glow-Up

Girlies, for the ultimate glow-up in 2025 – you need to start using shampoo and conditioner sets. They have been designed to work together for your hair. No more… whatever you have in the shower. It’s time to pick a powerful duo to help strengthen and protect your hair.

Kérastase: Première Repairing Shampoo

Sometimes perfect hair starts with damage control – and that’s exactly what this shampoo does. The Kérastase Première Repairing Shampoo is specially formulated to cleanse and strengthen damaged hair.

It’s enriched with restorative ingredients, that help repair hair fibers, reduce breakage, and restore softness and shine. Ideal for revitalizing over-processed or brittle hair, it leaves strands healthier and more resilient with every wash.

Kérastase: Première Repairing Conditioner

Pair the shampoo with the Première Repairing conditioner for the ultimate repair duo. You’ll be able to see and feel your hair get stronger with each wash. This conditioner from Kérastase is also designed to repair damage while improving your hair’s manageability.

If you’re ready to uplevel your hair care routine in 2025, start with these two products.

Kérastase Genesis Strengthening Shampoo

If you’re not in need of damage control, but you still want an amazing shampoo for strengthening your hair – we highly recommend the Genesis Strengthening Shampoo from Kérastase. This is a luxurious shampoo that gently removes oil and dirt without stripping your hair.

Genesis has been designed to combat breakage and nourish hair from root to tip. It’s perfect for everyday use and leaves hair full of vitality. In 2025, use this Kérastase shampoo for strong, softer, and more resilient hair.

Kérastase Genesis Strengthening Conditioner

Once again, pair the Genesis shampoo with the strengthening conditioner for the ultimate results. The Genesis strengthening conditioner by Kérastase is a powerful and lightweight treatment that works hard to combat breakage while restoring vitality.

This duo is a must-have for your 2025 glow-up

Kérastase Nutritive Hydrating Shampoo

If you have medium to thick dry hair – then get this shampoo from Kérastase (especially in the winter months!!) This is a deeply nourishing shampoo that’s been designed to replenish and soften your parched hair. The Kérastase Nutritive Hydrating Shampoo is enriched with ingredients that target dryness while enhancing your hair’s smoothness.

Truly transform your dull and dehydrated hair this winter with this hydrating shampoo and conditioner set from Kérastase.

Kérastase Nutritive Hydrating Conditioner

You’re probably starting to get the hang of this! For ultra-dry hair this winter, make sure to use the hydrating conditioner from Kérastase alongside that shampoo. These two products have been designed to work hard to make your hair softer and more luxurious with each wash.

Hair Styling Products

Keep your 2025 glow-up going with some of our favorite hair styling products. From taming your flyaways to protecting your hair from heat treatments, these products will ensure no bad hair days in 2025.

BondiBoost Anti-Frizz Fly Away Hair Serum

No bad hair days also mean no flyaways! The BondiBoost Anti-Frizz Fly Away Hair Serum is a lightweight, smoothing formula that tames those unruly flyaways and controls frizziness for a polished and sleek finish. This is one of our favorite products for styling.

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Hair Treatment

This hair treatment from Living Proof is a multi-tasking hero that is going to transform dull lifeless hair into smooth, shiny, and vibrant hair every day. It’s all in the name – Perfect Hair Day.

It’s been designed to strengthen, protect, and enhance your hair health. It works to improve your hair texture with every use. Lightweight and silicone-free, this treatment will deliver visible results making every day a perfect hair day!

Kérastase Genesis Heat Protecting Leave-In Treatment

Protecting your hair is one of the most important steps to having healthy, nourished hair. Always start with Kérastase Genesis Heat Protecting Leave-In Treatment. This dual-action formula will strengthen fragile hair while also shielding it from heat damage up to 450°F.

K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-In Hair Mask

This groundbreaking treatment deeply repairs and restores your damaged hair at the molecular level. It’s infused with patented peptide technology that works in just 4 minutes to rebuild your hair’s strength, elasticity, and smoothness.

Lightweight and easy to use, this leave-in hair mask from K18 transforms tired and brittle hair with lasting results.

Body Care Essentials for Your 2025 Glow-Up

This 2025 glow-up doesn’t stop at your hair! If you’re going to have a year of great hair days, you should also have a year of feeling, smelling, and looking your best. These are Christina’s favorite luxury body care essentials. Coco Mademoiselle Foaming Shower Gel

If you’ve never tried Coco Mademoiselle, you’re in for a treat! This is the ultimate shower essential for your 2025 glow-up. This luxe shower gel turns into a rich, silky foam that leaves your skin feeling refreshed and soft. Get wrapped up in the classic and sophisticated scent of Coco Mademoiselle.

Coco Mademoiselle: The Body Oil

Transform your bathroom into a luxury, high-end spa in 2025 with the body oil from Coco Mademoiselle. This is the perfect product to pair with their foaming shower gel – you’ll smell and look incredible all day long. Mist after your shower and massage into your skin as an indulgent step in your body-care ritual.

N°5 The Beige Gold Body Oil

If you’d like to add a bit of shimmer to your day – you need this beige gold body oil from Chanel. The N°5 The Beige Gold Body Oil is the ultimate indulgence. Not only does it add gold to your every day – but it also leaves your skin feeling soft and hydrated.

Infused with the iconic N°5 fragrance, 2025 isn’t just about looking good – it’s about feeling like you’ve just stepped out of a 5-star spa.

Gabrielle Chanel: Body Lotion

Finally, end your body care ritual with this hydrating and luxurious body lotion. This lightweight lotion hydrates your skin for up to 6 hours while also wrapping you in the delicate scent of Gabrielle Chanel created from four flowers – jasmine, ylang-ylang, orange blossom, and feminine Grasse tuberose.

Skincare Products for your 2025 Glow-Up

Lastly, let’s chat skincare! Have beautiful hair and skin all year long with these glow-up products. From face masks to subtle and beautiful makeup, this guide has everything you need. Shop luxurious skincare products this year. Your skin deserves it!

Tatcha: The Kissu Hydrating & Plumping Lip Mask

The Kissu Hydrating and Plumping Lip Mask is your 2025 glow-up secret weapon for soft, smooth, and hydrated lips. Packing with nourishing camellia oil and squalane, this lip mask deeply hydrates and plumps, leaving your lips feeling irresistibly soft and fuller.

It’s an overnight treatment but you can use it anytime for the perfect, pout-ready glow.

Tatcha: The Dewy Skin Cream Line-Plumping Moisturizer

For the fresh, dewy glow that everyone’s craving in 2025, then make sure to try this plumping moisturizer from Tatcha. Packed with Japanese purple rice and a blend of skin-loving botanicals, this cream deeply hydrates and visibly plumps for bouncy and radiant skin.

Add a touch of glow to your morning routine for your 2025 glow-up.

Glossier: Priming Moisturizer Rich Face Cream

The ultimate skin prep for a smooth, radiant base. This thick, nourishing cream is packed with ingredients like shea butter and glycerin to lock in moisture while giving your skin a subtle dewy glow. Ideal for dry or dehydrated skin, it creates the perfect canvas for your makeup.

BIODANCE Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask

This Biodance Collagen mask is a powerhouse treatment that’s been created to rejuvenate and firm your skin. Perfect for your 2025 glow-up, this mask deeply hydrates and plumps your skin, visibly reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles after just one use. It’s like a mini facial in a jar!

GOODAL Green Tangerine Vitamin C Serum

Fall in love with Korean skincare this year – and learn what the hype is all about with the Goodal Vitamin C Serum. This brightening powerhouse infuses your skin with fresh tangerine extract. Packed with vitamin C, it evens out your skin tone, reduces dark spots, and promotes a glowing complexion. Feel more radiant after each use.

belif The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb

The belif True Cream Moisturizing Bomb is a rich, ultra-hydrating moisturizer that delivers intense moisture without feeling heavy. Created with a blend of herbs and plant extracts, this moisturizer will strengthen your skin’s moisture barrier. It’s perfect for dry or sensitive skin.

VT Cosmetics Pro Cica Reedle Shot

If your skin is prone to irritation, make sure to get the VT Cosmetics Pro Cica Reedle Shot. Infused with Centella Asiatic, it helps to repair and strengthen your skin barrier, reducing redness and promoting a healthier, more balanced complexion. This serum provides hydration and calming benefits for sensitive or stressed skin.

From perfect hair days to glowing skin and beautifully smelling luxurious body care products, this guide will help you have the ultimate glow-up in 2025.

If you want to join our “No Bad Hair Days” movement for 2025 – make sure to book a consultation with our founder Christina today.

For daily hair inspiration, follow us on Instagram, and for life in New York as a hairstylist, follow Christina.

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Beauty

December 30, 2024

5 Reasons Why You Should Work with a Good Stylist for Your Hair Extensions

We’ve talked before (a lot) about the importance of high-quality hair extensions – but we also need to talk about the importance of a high-quality hair extension installation. In other words, how do you find the right hairstylist to apply your hair extensions?

Hair extensions are an investment, and it’s important to work with the right stylist to apply and maintain them. After all, when you invest in high-quality hair extensions – you should only want the best person to take care of that investment for you.

So today, we’re sharing 5 reasons why you should work with a good stylist for your hair extensions (and how you can know when you’ve found a good one!!).

5 Reasons Why You Should Work With a Good Stylist for Your Hair Extensions

1. Hair Health & Protection

When installed incorrectly, hair extensions can a lot of damage to your natural hair. However, when installed and maintained correctly – hair extension should help your natural hair grow and thrive.

Take our client Cierra who was coming to us for hair extensions 7 years ago. During this time her natural hair was able to grow long and thick and it got to the point where she didn’t even need the extensions anymore. She moved across the country and had extensions applied in a new salon and unfortunately, they ruined her hair.

Now years later, she’s back to square one. She came back into our salon recently and we helped remove the extensions and placed our i-tip extensions throughout her hair. Hopefully, with the proper care and maintenance, we’ll be able to bring her natural hair back to what it was years ago.

If you want to see a full video of this process, we’ve shared it on Instagram.

This is just one example of why it’s so important to have your hair extensions installed by an expert. Correctly installed hair extensions should help your natural hair stay healthy and strong. You should see more hair growth – not hair damage and loss.

2. Your Extensions Will Last Longer

As we mentioned before – hair extensions are an investment. But when you invest in high-quality, full-cuticle human hair extensions, that investment should last you for years. This is another reason why you should also choose to work with a good stylist for your hair extensions.

Aftercare is important here, but the right installation will give your hair extensions a solid foundation. And the right stylist can ensure that your hair extensions are fixed properly, keeping your hair type, style, and scalp in mind.

With the help of a good hairstylist, you’ll know that your extensions will last you longer and not fall out.

3. Your Hair Will Look Better

Trust us on this one. We have seen some bad-looking extensions over the years.

There are a few things to consider when choosing extensions – and it’s important to note that all extensions are not created equally. However, at our salons, we make sure that your hair extensions don’t look like hair extensions.

Hair extensions should look like your natural hair.

A good hair stylist will be able to help you determine the right type of hair extensions for you. They should also be able to correctly color match and blend your extensions to help them look as natural as possible.

Our founder Christina developed her own method of color blending and installation to help your extensions look as natural as possible. Learn more about her story and how she’s grown a loyal client base, opened two salons, and starred in her own TLC show.

4. You Can Have All of Your Questions Answered

If this is your first time getting hair extensions or if you’re a seasoned pro, you’re likely going to have questions about your hair extensions. The right hair stylist should be able to answer all of those questions for you with ease.

You also want to work with a good hair stylist who has an aftercare plan for your extensions.

For example, with our method of i-tip extensions, our clients need to come in for regular maintenance appointments. We schedule these appointments every 6-8 weeks depending on your hair growth. We also make sure that each of our clients leaves the salon with detailed information about aftercare.

It’s important to have all of your questions answered, and a proper aftercare plan in place before you leave the salon. This helps to ensure that your hair extensions last for years.

5. Product Recommendations

You’ve just invested in beautiful new hair extensions! Now you need to make sure that you take proper care of them. I know, we’ve talked a lot about aftercare in this post – but the right hair stylist should be able to help you make a good aftercare plan. And that also comes down to the products that you use.

There are certain things and products that you shouldn’t use with extensions. Things like hair masks and oils can cause slippage – and low-quality products can damage your hair extensions. Your hair extensions aren’t getting the natural oils from your scalp… so you need to make sure that you’re not using products that are stripping them down even more.

You even want to make sure that you have the right hair brush for detangling your hair extensions.

We always sit down with our clients and make sure that they have the right arsenal of products to style and care for their extensions.

Here are some of our top product recommendations for hair extensions:

When you work with a good stylist for your hair extensions, you should find that your hair is healthier, your extensions last longer and your hair looks natural and lush! Plus you’ll have all of your questions answered – and a proper aftercare plan in place. All of these things will help ensure that 2025 is the year of nothing but good hair days.

If you’re ready to start your own hair extension journey, book a consultation with our founder Christina today.

For more hair extension inspiration and behind-the-scenes day-in-the-life content, make sure to follow us on Instagram (@oliviachristensensalon) and our founder Christina (@hairgoddessNY).

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Hair Extension Care

December 22, 2024

What to Expect After Getting Hair Extensions

How you take care of your hair extensions will help ensure that they last much longer. At our salons, we only use the highest quality, full-cuticle human hair for our extensions – which means with the proper application and care, they should last for years.

By attending regular maintenance appointments and following our aftercare routine, you can keep your new hair looking amazing for longer than any other style of hair extensions! Of course, to talk about hair extension aftercare, we also want to talk to you about installation.

Proper Hair Extension Installation

We can’t stress enough how important proper installation is. That’s one of the reasons why we have clients who travel from all across the US for maintenance appointments. Hair extensions that are fitted and maintained properly will last years longer.

Hair extensions should be treated like an investment. Something you’re going to use daily for the next 1-2 years.

When coming to your first appointment, it’s important to make sure your hair is clean but free of products. You don’t want any residue in your hair during application.

Don’t worry though! When you come in for your consultation appointment we go over all of this information with you – and we’ll answer any questions that you may have.

Today, we mainly want to focus on what you can expect after getting your hair extensions for the first time!

What to Expect After Getting Hair Extensions

Weight & Tenderness

You might have heard stories from friends or coworkers about scalp tenderness and an overall ‘heavy’ feeling after your first appointment. And that usually comes down to what kind of hair extensions they’re getting.

We’ve talked before about the various types of extensions, but at our salons, we specialize in microbead i-tip extensions.

If you’ve never had extensions before, after your first appointment you will notice that your hair feels a bit heavier – you will have a lot more hair after all! However, because we take small bundles of hair and attach them to your natural hair, the weight is distributed evenly across your scalp.

Our clients who have come to us after having a weft have said that the first thing they’ve noticed is that their head suddenly feels so much lighter. Wefts tend to feel heavy and it can take you a while to get used to that. They can also cause your scalp to feel tender, because of the way the bulk of the hair is sitting in one row of your natural hair.

Aftercare

We send each of our clients home with special aftercare instructions and product recommendations to help prolong the life of their extensions. One of the first things that we ask is that you wait 2-3 days after an appointment, before washing your hair.

It’s also important to avoid using hair conditioners, oils, or masks around the bonds. This can cause your hair extensions to slip.

You want to keep your hair clean with high-quality products. We always recommend Oribe (this shampoo and conditioner are especially good). Along with high-quality hair care products, having the right brush makes a difference.

This brush is specifically designed to keep your hair extension bonds completely tangle-free! And this is the ultimate detangling brush that you need whether or not you have hair extensions.

Because you’ve invested in hair extensions, you’re also going to want to invest in high-quality products to care for them. While we only use the highest quality hair extensions, they’re still not going to get the nutrients that your scalp is giving to your natural hair.

So while you can style and treat them like your natural hair, they’re more susceptible to damage – which is why aftercare is so important!

The Best Products for Hair Extensions

The Loop Brush from Olivia Christensen Salon
The Untangle Me Brush from Olivia Christensen Salon
Featherweight Professional Hair Dryer
SinglePass Smooth X Professional Flat Iron
Slipsilk™ Skinny Scrunchies
Shampoo for Beautiful Color from Oribe
Conditioner for Beautiful Color from Oribe
Genesis Heat Protecting Leave-In Treatment

Maintenance appointments

You can also expect to book in for regular maintenance appointments. Our clients come in every 6-8 weeks and during the appointment, we remove the extensions, come out the hair fall, and then reapply the extensions. While that might sound like a lot – regular maintenance appointments should only take around an hour.

You shouldn’t wear your extensions for longer than 2 months continuously, simply because of hair fall, tangling, and slippage. During this time, your hair will have grown over an inch! That extra space can cause your hair extensions to pull on your natural hair and it leaves room for your roots to get tangled.

Regular maintenance appointments avoid all of this.

With proper installation, you should leave your first hair extension appointment with luscious new locks and relatively no pain or scalp tenderness. And with regular maintenance and proper aftercare, your new extensions should last for years to come!

If you’d like to learn more and see if our specialized style of hair extensions is right for you, make sure to book a consultation with our founder Christina today.

If you have more questions you’d like us to answer here or on Instagram, make sure to follow our account @oliviachristensensalon and our founder Christina @hairgoddessofny.

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Beauty

December 15, 2024

How to Style Curtain Bangs: The Do’s and Don’ts

There comes a point in every woman’s life when she asks herself, “Should I get bangs?” And for the most part… the answer is usually no. Micro-fringes and heavy bangs can be super flattering but are always a lot of work, plus they can take an entire year to grow back out.

However, if you have your heart set on bangs but you’re not ready for the full commitment, curtain bangs might be perfect for you.

This gorgeous hairstyle isn’t your typical ‘blunt’ bangs. They’re more tapered and open in the middle to frame your forehead. They’re also a lot easier to grow out if you end up not loving the style.

What are Curtain Bangs?

Curtain Bangs are an iconic look from the ’60s and ’70s. They were first made famous by actresses like Goldie Hawn. They get their name because they essentially act like curtains around your face.

Curtain bangs split in the middle to frame your face on both sides like an inverted V. To help achieve this effortless look, your stylist will usually cut slightly longer than the average fringe, with pieces closer to the cheekbone longer.

It’s the perfect option for those looking to add texture to their hair with the commitment of full-blown bangs.

Who are curtain bangs best for?

While curtain bangs were made famous years ago, they’re having their comeback! We’ve seen actresses like Dakota Johnson, Selena Gomez, Nicole Richie, and Halle Barry all sporting curtain bangs recently.

The beauty of this hairstyle is that it can look good on anyone. Whether your hair is straight, curly, long, or short, the right curtain bangs can help you change up your look and emphasize your beautiful face. They help to cover up your hairline while the soft, swooping style helps elongate your face.

Essentially, anyone can pull off curtain bangs, as long as they know how to style them for their face.

How do you style curtain bangs?

To achieve the best look with your curtain bangs, it’s best to use a round brush and blow dryer. Christina (@hairgoddessNY) recommends a medium-barrel round brush. She then recommends blow drying your bangs away from your face, backwards.

Start with damp to dry hair, but slightly damp hair will help set the look.

When they’re dry, she recommends using a dry texturizing spray to pinch the bangs into place. Finish with hairspray to set!

The tools you’ll need to style curtain bangs

You can also style or ‘refresh’ your curtain bangs with your favorite hot tools. With your curling iron, clamp your hair lightly inside and twist it towards your face. Wait a few seconds and release. Repeat on the other side.

If you want less volume, you can use your straightener to style your curtain bangs. This will give you a much ‘sleeker’ look. For this style, hold each section of your hair upwards, then while holding the flat iron horizontally, clamp your hair and twist your wrist away from your face.

Then repeat on the other side.

How to style your curtain bangs without heat

Lastly, the best part about this hairstyle is that you can also style your curtain bangs without heat! We love recommending heatless curls to all of our girls – all you need is this set from Kitsch or these heatless rollers from Babyliss.

Sleep with your rollers in and wake up to perfectly styled hair.

Curtain Bangs Don’s and Don’ts

Curtain Bangs Do’s:

· Ask your stylist! Your stylist will know which style and length of curtain bangs will best suit you. They’ll also be able to help you learn how to style them when you leave the salon.
· Make sure you’re using high-quality products to protect your hair. We love this shampoo and conditioner set that helps protect against damage and breakage.
· Book your trims. Bangs grow fast, make sure they always look great by booking your next appointment every 5-6 weeks.

Curtain Bangs Don’ts:

· Cut them yourself. They may seem simple but anytime you attempt to cut your own hair, things can go wrong and you’ll end up in the stylist chair anyway! Trust your hairdresser the first time around and you’ll have a much better experience with bangs.
· Be scared of the round brush. This will be your new styling BFF.
· Get curtain bangs if you’re not prepared for the little daily upkeep. They’re not nearly as bad as a full fringe, but you will want to take the time to style them each day. Trust us, it’s worth the extra five minutes!

Bangs are back! If you’ve been wanting to jump on this trend, book a consultation with our specialists today! We’re determined to make 2025 the year of perfect hair. Find a time to come into the salon and see what the right cut and perfect extensions can do for you.

For more hair inspiration, follow us on Instagram (@oliviachristensensalon), and make sure to follow Christina (@hairgoddessofNY).

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Beauty

December 8, 2024

2024 Classy & Chic Hairstyle Trends

As the year comes to an end, let’s celebrate the best classy and chic hair trends of the season. 2024 has seen some incredible style trends and we’ve seen many of them come through our salon.

We’ve noticed a trend towards women who want hairstyles that are easier to maintain. There’s been a huge uptick in looks that are no-fuss and effortlessly chic. From hair colors that don’t require as much maintenance to cuts that are easy to style at home.

From our client with a gorgeous rich red to our latest teddy bear blonde, let’s dive into these styles and how you can achieve them yourself!

2024 Classy & Chic Hairstyle Trends

Teddy Bear Blonde

For a toned-down blonde, look no further. Teddy bear blonde is the perfect balance of warmth with light shades of caramel and blonde to create dimension. It’s a natural-looking blonde that’s very ‘sun-kissed’. Teddy Bear Blonde is the perfect transition into fall and winter.

Color Maintenance & Tips: To maintain this gorgeous blonde, Christina recommends that you avoid purple shampoos to keep the warmth and dimension of this dye. Her favorite shampoo for warm blondes is this Bright Blonde Shampoo from Oribe and she always recommends pairing it with their Bright Blonde Conditioner. And make sure to try this Leave-In Hair Repair Mask for extra healthy blonde hair.

Rich Reds

Embrace your reds girls! This is a trend that we’ve seen all year long. We recently had our client come in for a red refresh and she left looking ready to take on the city.

Red hair isn’t just beautiful, it’s also practical! As the season changes, deep red hair can add warmth and radiance to your overall look. Red hair will compliment your cozy scarves and autumn/winter wardrobe. We absolutely love our redheads and encourage all of our girls to embrace this trend.

Color Maintenance & Tips: To maintain your rich, beautiful red hair all winter long, Christina recommends that you wash your hair in cooler water, and spread out the number of times you wash your hair per week. Her favorite shampoo for redheads is the Shampoo for Beautiful Color for Oribe paired with the Oribe Conditioner and she recommends this Dry Shampoo Powder to use in-between washes.

Curtain Bangs

Curtain bangs are making a comeback! We first shared them in our fall hairstyles round-up and the trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. These face-framing pieces have a warm, romantic comedy feel that’s been a growing trend this year. Pair them with your teddy bear blonde for a classic (and gorgeous) style.

We love them because they are flattering for most face shapes, easy to maintain, and very versatile.

Styling Tips: Christina recommends this Hair Straightener to perfect your face-framing pieces every day. It’s safe on colored hair (and extensions!) and will make sure your curtain bangs look beautiful. She also recommends this Genesis Leave In Treatment for heat protection.

Long Textured Layers

It’s no secret that we love long hair! This season we’re loving long textured layers that offer an additional playfulness and joy to our extensions. They’re a great way to add dimensions to your hair – without sacrificing length.

There are so many ways that you can style textured layers, from face-framing curtain bangs to beach waves all year long.

Styling Tips: Christina recommends using a round brush when blow-drying your hair to keep texture and volume in your layers. She also loves this Genesis Leave In Treatment as a heat protectant before you style your hair. You can also use her favorite spray for added texture!

Sleek, Straight, Long Hair

Sleek, straight, long hair made its comeback in 2024. It’s always been a timeless look that we’ve seen across Hollywood and magazines, but it’s come back into popularity in 2024. This style is all about smooth and glossy hair. We shared a similar style with sleeked-back ponytails earlier this year.

This hairstyle is perfect for formal occasions or anytime you want a minimalist, modern look. Plus, keeping your hair straight is a great way to show off your length!

Styling Tips: Christina always recommends this Genesis Leave In Treatment for straightening your hair – because it actually works to protect your hair while you straighten it. She also loves this this Leave-In Hair Repair Mask for an extra healthy shine.

What’s your favorite look of 2024? We’d love to help you achieve it! Book a consultation with our founder Christina and make 2025, the year of perfect hair.

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Beauty

November 24, 2024

The Perfect Stocking Stuffers for Gorgeous Hair

When it comes to shopping for the holidays, stocking stuffers are the perfect way to show thoughtfulness in small packages. For the hair care enthusiasts in your life – or anyone who loves a good hair day – choosing the right tools and products can make all the difference.

This year, skip the predictable gifts and go for practical yet luxurious items that elevate her hair care routine. From new styling tools to nourishing treatments and fun accessories, these stocking-sized gift ideas pack a big punch in keeping her hair looking fabulous.

In this guide, we’re rounding up your must-have hair tools and products that are perfect for Christmas stocking stuffers. Whether they’re after silky strands, voluminous curls, or a flawless blowout, these picks will leave them feeling like they just walked out of the salon.

**This post contains affiliate links! That means if you purchase anything from this post today – I’ll receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only share products that I know and love! Thank you so much for your continued support.

Christmas Stocking Stuffers for Good Hair Days: Products & Tools They’ll Love

Stocking Stuffer Hair Products They’ll Love

Fairy Duster Volumizing Dry Shampoo Powder

This Fairy Duster volumizing dry shampoo from Dae is a lightweight, talc-free formula that refreshes your hair while absorbing oil and adding instant volume! It’s infused with clean, nourishing ingredients and it always leaves your hair looking fresh and full of life – without residue.

Not to mention, this tiny bottle lasts for 600 pumps! (That’s the equivalent of four aerosol bottles!) This compact dry shampoo powder makes the perfect stocking stuffer, offering a practical yet fun gift for anyone who loves a quick and effortless hair refresh on the go!

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day (PhD) Dry Shampoo

This dry shampoo from Living Proof is their best-selling, salon-grade formula that cleans your hair by absorbing oil, sweat, and odor. With a few sprays, your hair is fresh and revitalized without water. Its advanced technology ensures your hair looks and feels clean with no visible residue.

This dry shampoo is a must-have for busy days. Its travel-friendly size is the perfect stocking stuffer for anyone who loves effortless, salon-worthy hair on the go.

Elixir Ultime Refillable Hydrating Hair Oil

The Kérastase Elixir Hydrating Hair Oil is a luxurious, multi-purpose oil that nourishes, smooths and adds radiant shine to all hair types. Its lightweight, refillable design makes it both eco-friendly and convenient for travel.

This elegant hair oil is a great stocking stuffer, offering a touch of indulgence and professional-quality care for anyone looking to elevate their hair routine.

Amika Un.Done Texture Spray

This texture spray from Amika is a fun stocking stuffer for haircare enthusiasts! It’s a lightweight styling spray that adds instant volume, texture, and a tousled beachy finish to any hairstyle. Infused with nourishing ingredients, it enhances your hair’s natural movement without weighing it down.

Beach Club Volume Texture Spray

Another amazing texture spray is Beach Club from IGK. This is another lightweight, buildable spray that creates effortless volume, texture, and a beachy tousled look – without the crunch or dryness! It’s perfect for all hair types. We love this texture spray because it delivers a soft, matte finish while enhancing natural hair movement.

This travel-friendly bottle is a great stocking stuffer for Christmas – helping them add a touch of glam to any haircare routine!

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

The Dry Texturizing Spray from Oribe is a cult-favorite styling product that adds incredible volume, texture, and a tousled finish while also absorbing oil at the roots! It’s infused with Oribe’s signature fragrance and leaves your hair looking effortlessly chic.

If she’s never tried an Oribe product before, this is the perfect stocking stuffer and product to get her hooked on their incredible line of haircare. There’s a reason we’re always recommending Oribe to our clients!

Antisocial Leave-In Dry Hair Mask

This leave-in hair mask from IGK is a unique product that works as a ‘dry’ hair mask! It’s a time-saving, no-rinse treatment that repairs and strengthens your hair overnight. You’ll wake up to soft and smooth hair by morning. Its lightweight, bond-building formula works without mess or residue, making it perfect for all hair types.

Compact and convenient, it’s an excellent stocking stuffer for Christmas, providing a thoughtful and practical gift for anyone who loves effortless haircare solutions.

Mini Honey Infused Hair Oil

We love this infused hair oil from Gisou; this mini size is the perfect stocking stuffer! The Gisou Mini Honey Infused Hair Oil is a nourishing, lightweight oil that is enriched with sustainably sourced honey to deeply hydrate, repair, and add shine to your hair.

Its compact size and luxurious formula make it perfect for on-the-go haircare and maintaining healthy, silky locks! As a chic and practical stocking stuffer for Christmas, it’s a delightful gift for beauty lovers.

Style + Treat™ Hair Styling Sleek Stick

As someone who is always slicking back her flyaways, this product is a must-have! This is the style and treat styling stick from Briogeo. Not only does it tame flyaways and smooth edges, but it also adds shine with a blend of nourishing oils. Perfect for touch-ups and achieving sleek, polished looks. Plus it’s suitable for all hair types.

The compact size means she can easily throw it in her bag – making it the perfect stocking stuffer for Christmas! It’s a practical and stylish gift for anyone who loves quick and flawless hair fixes.

All Grip No Slip Alligator Hair Clips

The Mane “All Grip, No Slip” Alligator hair clips are durable, professional-grade hair clips that are designed to hold the hair in place during styling and sectioning. There’s a reason we use these exact hair clips at the salon! And we always recommend to our clients for styling their hair at home.

With their strong grips and versatile use, they’re ideal for all hair types and perfect for home (and salon) use. They’re definitely a practical and thoughtful stocking stuffer for anyone who loves styling their hair – which is pretty much everyone, right?

Untangle Me Brush

Designed to actually detangle your hair (and safe to use with extensions) this is our very own Untangle Me Brush! This classic brush has gentle, metal needle-like teeth which make detangling your hair extensions easier than ever. Use it in the shower for detangling wet hair, shampooing, and massaging your scalp to distribute conditioner. It’s the ultimate detangling brush designed by our very own hair extension specialist, Christina Oliva.

The Loop Brush

Ready to keep your hair extension bonds tangle-free? Then you need this loop brush! Our loop brush has been carefully designed with plastic loop bristles to prevent the snagging that ordinary brushes cause. This brush is a must-have for all hair extension stypes – especially our strand-by-strand techniques.

If you know anyone with hair extensions – this is the perfect stocking stuffer for their Christmas!

Stocking Stuffer Haircare & Beauty Sets They’ll Love

If you’re looking for something extra special this holiday season, shop these beauty and haircare sets. These products are perfect because they’ll let her try a variety of new products (that we know she’ll love!) Plus sets like these only really come out around the holidays – so you should probably grab a couple for yourself as well.

Social Butterfly Hairstyling Trio Value Set

The Social Butterfly Hairstyling Trio from Dae is a versatile haircare collection that’s been designed to create effortlessly polished styles. It includes a trio of Dae’s signature products:

Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream
Fairy Duster Volumizing Dry Shampoo Powder
Dual-Edge Styling Brush

These are perfect for taming, styling, and adding shine. This set makes a thoughtful gift, providing all of the essentials she’ll need for achieving salon-quality looks at home!

Sephora Favorites Holiday Hair Must-Haves

Get her the ultimate hair care starter kit full of Sephora’s favorite products of 2024. This kit makes sure she has the chance to sample all of the best products of this year. The Sephora kit comes with:

COLOR WOW Xtra Large Bombshell Volumizer
amika The Kure Intense Bond Repair Mask
dae Fairy Duster Dry Shampoo
Gisou Honey Infused Hair Perfume
Kérastase Paris Elixir Ultime Hydrating Hair Oil
Living Proof Full Dry Volume & Texture Spray
Moroccanoil Treatment Hair Oil
Oribe Gold Lust Transformative Mask
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Joia Milky Leave-In Conditioner
Vegamour HYDR-8 Leave-In Conditioner

This is an incredible value and the perfect opportunity to discover which products she loves the most.

IGK Hair Set

If you’re not sure what to get her for Christmas, we recommend shopping for some of our favorite hair sets! They’re the perfect way for her to test a range of new products and see what she loves best for her hair. This IGK “As Seen on Social” Hair Set is a range of their most popular products.

This incredible set comes with:

Expensive Clear Gloss Topcoat
Antisocial Bond-Building Dry Hair Mask
Good Behavior Spirulina Protein Smoothing Spray

K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Set

Another amazing set you could get for Christmas is from K18. It’s their Ultimate Reset + Repair Hair Mask and Shampoo Set. It comes with their Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo and a full-size Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask, which together will give you smoother, softer, and healthier hair in just four minutes.

Vegamour Haircare Set

For someone looking to upgrade their haircare routine, get them this haircare set from Vegamour. This incredible haircare set helps with hair growth in as little as 90 days. Plus these aren’t testers! These are full-size products for an amazing value.

This haircare set from Vegamur comes with:

GRO Revitalizing Shampoo
GRO Revitalizing Conditioner
GRO Hair Serum

Gisou Value Set

If they’ve never tried Gisou products, they’ll be thanking you forever for this value set. This is the Honey Gloss Hydration Heroes Hair Value Set and it comes with Gisou’s most popular products that help with hydration, frizz control, shine, and heat protection.

This set comes with:

Honey Infused Hydrating Hair Mask
Honey-Infused Hair Oil
Honey Infused Hair Perfume in Original
Honey Infused Hydrating Lip Oil in Watermelon Sugar (clear-pink shimmer)

Oribe Sets

Oribe makes some of our favorite haircare products of all time. We are always recommending them to our hair extension clients! If she’s never tried Oribe before, she’ll be hooked after trying either of these incredible holiday sets they’ve put together for Sephora.

Both of these sets are new and limited edition (so you might want to pick one up for yourself as well!)

Hair Alchemy Strengthening Collection Set

Oribe’s Hair Alchemy set comes with two full-size products making this the best value for money we’ve ever seen! This set comes with:

Hair Alchemy Shampoo (Full Size)
Hair Alchemy Conditioner (Full Size)
Hair Alchemy Treatment Serum (Travel Size)

Gold Lust Repair & Restore Hair Collection Set

Once again, a set we’ve never seen from Oribe before – sharing their bestselling Gold Lust products. The Gold Lust set comes with:

Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo (Full Size)
Gold Lust Repair & Restore Conditioner (Full Size)
Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil (Travel Size)

Stocking Stuffer Beauty Products They’ll Love

We love recommending the best hair care products on the market, but there are a few beauty products that we really love as well! These additional beauty products would also make for perfect stocking stuffers for the beautiful women in your life.

The Holiday Lip Butter Balm Set

The Holiday Lip Butter Set from Summer Fridays is a festive collection of their popular lip balms that provide intense hydration and a soft, smooth finish. Featuring a variety of shades and flavors, each balm is packed with skin-loving ingredients like shea butter and vitamins to keep your lips hydrated. This set makes a perfect stocking stuffer, offering a luxurious self-care treat.

Dior Addict Lip Glow & Le Baume

Speaking of lip care, this Dior set is definitely on our Christmas list this year! This is another luxurious lip care dup that provides hydration, color, and beautiful shine. This set includes the iconic:

Dior Addict Lip Glow: a color-enhancing balm that adapts to your lips’ natural tone.
Dior Le Baume: a multi-use balm that adds extra hydration and comfort to your hands, lips and body.

Perfect for the holiday season, this gift set delivers both beauty and care, making it an ideal present for anyone looking to pamper their lips with a touch of Dior elegance.

Dior Addict Natural Glow Set

Speaking of Dior elegance, this Natural Glow set from Dior is a great stocking stuffer for the women in your life. The Dior Addict Natural Glow Set is a festive holiday gift set designed to enhance lips with a natural, radiant finish. With this set, she’ll get:

Dior Addict Lip Glow (shade 001 Pink)
Dior Addict Lip Maximizer (shade 001 Pink)
Mini Dior Addict Lip Maximizer (shade 038 Rose Nude)

Shop this Dior set for the perfect pout all season long.

When it comes to Christmas gift-giving, the little details can make the biggest impact – and these haircare products and sets are bound to make an impact in her life this year. These stocking stuffers aren’t just thoughtful; they’re practical, pampering, and perfect for anyone looking to elevate their hair game.

From nourishing hair treatments to thoughtful haircare sets, each item is designed to help your loved ones achieve their perfect hair day.

Whether you’re treating someone special or adding a little extra to their holiday haul, these haircare gifts are sure to bring joy, boost confidence, and deliver beautiful results. This season, give their gift of gorgeous, healthy hair – it’s the stocking stuffer that keeps on giving.

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Lifestyle

November 10, 2024

Christmas Gift Guide for Hair Goddesses

Christmas is right around the corner and it’s time to start shopping for the incredible women in your life! Take the stress out of holiday shopping this year with our favorite hair styling tools, accessories, and products. Finding the perfect gift doesn’t have to be complicated.

There’s something on this list for girls with curls, straight hair babes, and hair extension obsessed. Let’s make 2025 the year of perfect hair.

Christmas Gift Guide for the Woman With Perfect Hair

10X Pro Ultralight Speed Dryer

This is the lightest hair dryer we’ve ever used! It weighs less than 1lbs and dries hair in under 10 minutes. Bio Ionic also uses Moisturizing Heat technology to keep your hair healthy and hydrated.

Featherweight StyleMax Professional Hair Dryer

The Featherweight Hair Dryer from T3 is one of people’s favorite hair dryers. This hair dryer has various settings for your hair texture (fine, medium, or coarse) with its automated heat programs. You can also choose rough, dry, smooth, diffuse, or volume. And we’ll be honest – we love the color!

Shark FlexStyle® Hair Blow Dryer & Multi-Styler

If you want to invest in one of the best hair dryers on the market, the Shark Flexstyle Blow Dryer is our top recommendation. Finally, a way to achieve the perfect blowout from home.

Long Barrel Curling Iron

This curling iron from Bio Ionic is 2” longer than the average curling iron, which is why it’s the number one curling iron we recommend to our hair extension clients. In other words – it is the perfect curling iron for long hair! We recommend the 1-½” version for a looser curl or wave and the 1-¼” version for a tighter ringlet.

Switch Kit Curl Trio Interchangeable Curling Iron with 3 Barrels

This interchangeable curling iron comes with a 0.5” wand barrel, 1.25” wand barrel, and 1.5” clip barrel, meaning you can create endless looks – without having to buy or keep multiple curling irons. This is the perfect Christmas gift with women who love options and are always styling their hair in new ways.

SinglePass Smooth X Professional Flat Iron

We love this flat iron because its extra long plates make it perfect for our hair extension clients. It has 9 heat settings and a smart microchip that keeps temperature fluctuations in check. Keep your hair shiny and beautiful with this professional flat iron.

Kitsch Satin Heatless Curls Gift Set

If you want to curl your hair without the heat, we love this heatless option from Kitsch. This gift set comes with everything they need to achieve voluminous curls. Their satin heatless curling rod is perfect for all hair types and this kit also comes with satin scrunchies, an oversized claw clip, and an additional roller for your bangs.

Kitsch Satin Heatless Curling Set

Another alternative for heatless curls is this satin curling set (also from Kitsch!). This slightly simpler version comes without the bangs curler or claw clip. It’s easy to use and the satin prevents your hair from becoming frizzy.

We highly recommend both of these Kitsch heatless curling products to our clients!

Slipsilk™ Skinny Scrunchies

Speaking of silk, did you know that silk scrunchies prevent your hair from kinking? If you’re looking for the perfect holiday stocking stuffer, look no further. These skinny scrunchies from Slipsilk are just what they need.

IGK Hair Set

This incredible set comes with:

Expensive Clear Gloss Topcoat
Antisocial Bond-Building Dry Hair Mask
Good Behavior Spirulina Protein Smoothing Spray

K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Set

Vegamour Haircare Set

This haircare set from Vegamur comes with:

GRO Revitalizing Shampoo
GRO Revitalizing Conditioner
GRO Hair Serum

Gisou Value Set

This set comes with:

Honey Infused Hydrating Hair Mask
Honey-Infused Hair Oil
Honey Infused Hair Perfume in Original
Honey Infused Hydrating Lip Oil in Watermelon Sugar (clear-pink shimmer)

Oribe Sets

Both of these sets are new and limited edition (so you might want to pick one up for yourself as well!)

Hair Alchemy Strengthening Collection Set

Oribe’s Hair Alchemy set comes with two full-size products making this the best value for money we’ve ever seen! This set comes with:

Hair Alchemy Shampoo (Full Size)
Hair Alchemy Conditioner (Full Size)
Hair Alchemy Treatment Serum (Travel Size)

Gold Lust Repair & Restore Hair Collection Set

Once again, a set we’ve never seen from Oribe before – sharing their bestselling Gold Lust products. The Gold Lust set comes with:

Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo (Full Size)
Gold Lust Repair & Restore Conditioner (Full Size)
Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil (Travel Size)

No matter who you’re shopping for this year, there’s bound to be something for her on this list! From our favorite hair styling products to haircare sets of the best products and brands – make this Christmas the Christmas of beautiful hair.

And if she really wants 2025 to be the year of the best hair of her life, book her a consultation for hair extensions with our founder, Christina!

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Beauty

November 3, 2024

Chatting With Our Clients: Hair Extension Tips

What’s it *really* like having hair extensions?

We’re the experts, and we love hair extensions. We can answer your questions about the logistics of hair extensions, and we can share the pros and cons of various techniques, but it’s our clients who can share what it’s really like to have our hair extensions.

So today we’re starting a new series where we ask our girls about their experiences, styling techniques, and favorite products.

Meet Laura Galebe! Laura started coming to us for hair extensions a couple of months ago. She was looking for length and volume and she wanted hair extensions that looked natural and wouldn’t feel heavy throughout the day.

How do you like our hair extension technique?

“I really love the I-tip extensions because they can be individually placed strategically around your head, allowing for more personalized styling. Whether you want more volume or length in specific areas, this method makes it possible to target those spots, giving a natural and customized look that blends seamlessly with your own hair.”

Laura’s had other hair extensions in the past, so we wanted to see how our technique compared to what she’s used to.

How is it different from the tape-ins you’ve previously worn?

“Unlike tape-ins, which can limit how you wear your hair, I-tips offer much more flexibility. With I-tip extensions, it’s easier to put your hair up without worrying about the tapes showing. They are super lightweight and evenly distributed, reducing tension on the scalp and giving a more comfortable, long-lasting wear.”

What do you love the most about our technique & brand of hair extensions?

“What I appreciate most about your technique is how safe it is for my natural thin hair. The installation doesn’t require glue or heat, which keeps my hair healthier in the long run. Plus, your brand of extensions being 100% human hair is a huge benefit because it ensures the most natural appearance and feel. The extensions also match my natural hair color perfectly, making the overall look more cohesive and effortless.”

Lastly, we wanted to know about her styling tips!

Name one hot tool & product you can’t live without.

“Mini straightener from Baby Liss & product I would have to say Kristin Ess Dry Shampoo.”

If you want to see more photos of how Laura styles her hair extensions, make sure to follow her on Instagram or TikTok! She’s your Glow Up BFF sharing the best of life in New York City.

What is your favorite hot tool & product, if you can pick one?

“My all-time favorite hair tool is the Bio Ionic 1.25 ceramic curling iron. It creates the perfect beach wave for your hair because it has a longer barrel than what a regular curling iron has.

One of my favorite products to use is any type of texture spray to give those curls some volume & shape. The one I use and love the most is the Amika un.done volume and texture spray!”

What’s your number one styling tip for extensions?

“My best styling tip would be to always use heat protection when doing your hair and to always alternate your curls until you get to the top and last section when curling.”

If you want to see how Jordyn styles her extensions on a day-to-day basis, make sure to follow her on Instagram and TikTok. We love her glamour nights in New York and travel inspiration.

Lastly, meet our beautiful client Carson Light. We asked Carson to share with us how extensions have changed her life! We also wanted to know how she styles them and what products she can’t live without.

How have our hair extensions changed your life?

“They make me feel so much more confident. I love that every day I can just wake up and feel beautiful and feminine! They completely elevate my confidence every single day. I’m obsessed with them.”

Do you find them easy to style and manage?

“Yes! I don’t even feel them. I feel like styling is so much easier because your hair just looks good no matter what! They also look good air-dried.”

What do you love most about wearing our hair extensions?

“I have so much fun styling them in different ways! I just LOVE having them & they are basically invisible.”

If you can name one hot tool & product you can’t live without, what would they be?

“Oooooh. My hot tool is definitely my clamp curling iron from Hot Tools, which is 10 years old 😂. The product would be Fekkai full-blown volume texture spray!”

If you want to see how Caarson styles her extensions around New York, make sure to follow her on Instagram. We love watching her life in the city!

Do you want our clients to answer your hair extension questions? Head over to our Instagram (@oliviachristensensalon) to ask us your questions, and we’ll keep this series going. In the meantime, shop their favorite products and book your consultation appointment with our founder, Christina!

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News

October 29, 2024

Era’s Tour With My Mini Bestie in New Orleans

My daughter Simona and I flew from New York to New Orleans this past weekend for the Era’s Tour. We stayed at the Ritz Carlton on Canal Street and the Era’s fun started when we walked through the door with friendship bracelets from the hotel! My daughter Simona is a huge swiftie, so I loved how much effort everyone put into the weekend.

Day 1: New Orleans Era’s Tour

In the beautiful hotel courtyard, we met other Swifties, sipped mimosas, and traded friendship bracelets. The hotel had a list of fun events for the weekend, a neon sign for photo opportunities, and a complimentary beignet card for guests.

After getting settled into our hotel, we headed straight for Cafe Du Monde to finally try their famous beignets. This cafe has been on my bucket list ever since my family visited almost 10 years ago! I am a huge powder sugar fan and these were piled in it. If you’ve never had beignets, they taste like a hot funnel cake or zeppole.

Our next stop was to see St. Charles Skeleton House which was decorated with all of the Taylor Swift Eras. The whole city really went out of their way to show their love and support to Taylor and her fans.

After sightseeing around the city we ran to Sephora to stock up on glitter and goodies for the weekend. We needed a gem styler and glitter to complete our looks. We came across Danessa Myricks’s Sweet Tooth Infinite Chrome Flakes which we are totally obsessed with!

Then we went to the mall where we met another Swiftie from San Francisco who greeted Simona with a friendship bracelet. My favorite part of the trip was how friendly everyone was! Everyone was so eager to meet new friends and trade their bracelets, it was really sweet.

Our night ended at the hotel with room service, a new skincare routine, and a movie night!

Day 2: New Orleans Era’s Tour

We woke up today dreaming of beignets and decided to give Cafe Beignet a try. To our surprise, they had the “Taylor Version” of beignets with pink and blue sprinkles, so of course, Simona ordered that.

We strolled through the antique shops before heading back to our hotel early because we knew we had a long night ahead of us (and an early flight to catch in the morning!)

Then it was time to get ready for our night.

We used a body oil that Simona picked out called Patrick Ta Major Glow Body Oil and the body brush by Patrick Ta to paint it on. We then applied glitter on top and it stayed nicely throughout the night – I highly recommend it!

For our hair we used IGK Good Behavior Prep Spray for detangled, it’s one of my favorites and it smells so good! We also used IGK Disco Disco Clear Gloss Shine Spray that gives your hair that ultimate glass hair look.

I painted the Danessa Myricks SWEET TOOTH INFINITE CHROME flakes onto Simona’s hair in a balayage stroke with an eyeshadow brush. This was the finishing touch that really tied her look together.

Just like that, we were ready to go! And we couldn’t believe the moment was finally here.

Arriving at the Super Dome

When I tell you that New Orleans went all out for Taylor and her fans, I was not kidding! The entire Super Dome was wrapped in a friendship bracelet – it was so cute! We opted not to get any merch (the lines were crazy long!) and instead grabbed some cotton candy and headed to our seats.

We wanted to be surprised with the opening act – and when Gracie Abraham came on stage we immediately fell in love! Her voice is so unique – we are now huge fans!

When Taylor came on, Simona’s face dropped in awe. Taylor came over to our side of the stage and looked straight at Simona as she sang Cruel Summer. I get goosebumps just thinking about it. What a memory that neither of us is ever going to forget.

This was by far one of the best experiences and memories created with my daughter – and it’s the ultimate girl’s trip. I highly recommend creating these memories together that will last a lifetime.

I hope you enjoyed this blog as much as I did creating it! Thank you for letting me share our experience and memories with you!

XX Christina

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Hair Extension Care

October 13, 2024

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Hair Extensions

Extensions are a fast way to add length, volume, and style to your hair, but more importantly, they’re one of the fastest ways to boost your confidence.

Over the years, we’ve seen hair extensions change women’s lives from regaining their confidence after cancer treatments to falling back in love with themselves just by looking in the mirror. We’ve helped thousands of women on their hair extension journey.

Still, hair extensions aren’t something you should rush into. It’s important to know the different types of extensions and the upkeep and maintenance they require.

Today we’re going to share 10 things you probably didn’t know about hair extensions.

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Hair Extensions

#1: There are many different types of hair extensions

(and they’re not all created equally)

When most women embark on their hair extension journey, they’re not really sure what style or type of hair extensions to go with. In reality, a lot of women don’t realize just how many choices they have!

In this post, we do a deep dive into the various hair extension techniques and the pros and cons of each style.

These are the most typical or popular hair extension installation methods:

Clip-In
Halo
Tape-In
Sew-In (Weft/Weave)
Keratin Fusion (K-Tips)
Microbead Extensions (I-Tips)

We love I-Tips because they’re the safest and most natural-looking extension. This is because you’re taking smaller portions of extension hair and attaching it to your natural hair. This causes a lot less hair loss and matting and it alleviates that feeling of hair extensions being ‘heavy.’

#2: You get what you pay for

Not all hair extensions are created equally. That’s just the honest truth of the hair extension industry. There’s simply not enough hair for the demand, which means you can end up with synthetic hair extensions or hair that has been wrongly stolen from women around the world.

This is why it’s so important to go with a salon that’s sourcing quality, real-human hair from distributors that are compensating women fairly. At Olivia Christensen Salon we source all of our hair from Eastern Europe and India and it’s always high-quality full cuticle hair.

This also means with proper care and maintenance, your hair extensions should last for years to come!

#3: Extensions require a bit of extra care and attention

Each of our clients leaves the salon with detailed instructions on how to care for their extensions. Luckily, because we use full-cuticle human hair, installed using i-tips, you can style and wear your hair like normal. You can also exercise as normal, but you will need to take extra care when washing and maintaining your extensions.

Our clients come in every 6-8 weeks for maintenance appointments and there might be certain products you can’t use anymore.

#4: Good hair extensions should look like your natural hair

Another place you’re going to see the difference in the quality of hair extensions is in how they look when you’re wearing them. In other words, quality hair extensions should never look like hair extensions. They should genuinely look like an extension of your natural hair.

We love that each client who walks out of our salon looks like she has fuller and longer natural hair. Even with transformations like this one.

#5: Hair extensions aren’t just for length

One of the common misconceptions about hair extensions is that they’re just for women who want longer hair. When in fact, a lot of the women who come to see us want volume just as much (if not more) as they want length.

Hair extensions help your hair look healthier and fuller, so if you’ve always struggled with volume, reach out to see how we can help!

#6: Hair extensions are faster to install than you think

At this point, you’re probably loving the idea of getting hair extensions yourself, but the time commitment feels overwhelming. That’s because it’s a common misconception that hair extensions take a lot of time.

Our first-time installation can be done in an hour-long appointment. And your routine maintenance can be done in an hour, every 6-8 weeks. It doesn’t have to be a huge commitment to have full beautiful hair, you just need to make sure you’re choosing the right salon.

#7: Hair extensions should be comfortable

A lot of our clients who switch from weft or weaves to i-tips comment on how much lighter their extensions feel. Here’s the thing… hair extensions shouldn’t be heavy. They shouldn’t leave you with a headache at the end of the day. That’s a sign that they haven’t been installed properly or that it’s not the right hair extension technique for you.

If you’ve never had comfortable hair extensions, get in touch with our team. We’ll be able to show you a whole new world of extensions.

#8: Good hair extensions won’t damage your natural hair

One of the first questions women ask me when they enter the salon is this, “Will hair extensions damage my natural hair?” The truth is, that hair extensions should promote your natural hair to grow and be as healthy as possible. When installed properly, hair extensions actually protect your natural hair and help improve its appearance.

However, if you get poor-quality hair extensions or you have them installed by someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing… that’s a surefire way to ruin your natural hair.

#9: Hair extensions can be good for your hair

We already touched on this one slightly, but hair extensions can be really good for your natural hair. We’ve seen women post-cancer treatment come in for extensions and over time see their own hair grow back beautifully alongside the extensions.

When you have extensions, you’re likely going to be caring for your hair so much more than normal. You’ll be attending regular maintenance appointments, you’ll be using products that are better for your hair and you’ll be more conscious of decisions that affect your hair – all leading to stronger, healthier natural hair.

#10: Hair extensions require different haircare products

Lastly, when you have hair extensions, you’re going to need to use a few different products – and there are going to be products that you need to avoid. Going forward, you won’t be able to use hair oils and you’ll need to be careful with things like hair masks because they can cause your extensions to slip.

Your best bet is to always go over a haircare routine with your stylist before leaving the salon. And make sure to pick up any products that they recommend! You’ve just invested in beautiful, high-quality new hair extensions. You’ll want to make sure you have the products needed to make them last.

Whatever your reasons for wanting to get hair extensions, remember that this is a great chance to try a new hairstyle, regain your confidence, and fall back in love with yourself. We’ve seen hair extensions help thousands of women regain their confidence, and we’d love to help you too.

At the end of the day, the health of your natural hair is the most important thing, so don’t compromise! Make sure that you’re choosing the right salon and buying quality hair extensions. When you invest in high-quality extensions and expert installation, you can expect amazing results.

If you’re ready to explore getting hair extensions, make sure to book a consultation with our team.

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Beauty

October 6, 2024

Upgrade Your Fall Hair Care Routine With These Tips

Autumn is here and it’s bringing with it cooler weather, falling leaves, and pumpkin spice. We love fall in the city, and along with everything we love about this new season, it also brings new challenges for your hair. Fall and winter can cause problems for our hair, such as dry scalp, split ends, and even duller-looking hair!

Today we’re going to take a fresh look into your shower and bathroom, to make sure that the products and routine you’re following are aligned with what your body and hair need this season. Together we’ll build the perfect fall hair care routine.

Upgrade Your Fall Hair Care Routine With These Tips

1. Book a Trim

Kick off the fall season with a trim! We often hear that people feel the same way about booking a trim as they do about going to the dentist, but with Olivia Christensen extensions, you don’t have to worry about losing any length this fall.

Summer sun exposure, chlorine, and saltwater can rough up our hair cuticles. Getting an end-of-season trim can help leave your hair healthier and ready to tackle cooler weather.

2. Treat Your Hair to a Deep Conditioning

Fall tends to be a lot dryer than summer, so one of the best ways you can rehydrate your hair for the season is with a deep conditioning treatment.

When deep conditioning your hair with i-tip extensions, you need to take extra care, otherwise, the extensions can slip. We recommend:

Avoiding the bond/attachment points: when applying the deep conditioner, focus on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair. You should never apply the product directly to the i-tip bonds (where the extensions are attached) because oils and heavy conditioners can weaken the adhesive or cause slippage.
Use a Sulfate-Free and extension-safe conditioner: make sure to choose products that are safe for your extensions. When in doubt – always ask your stylist what products they recommend.
Detangle carefully: after applying the treatment, gently detangle your hair using a wide-tooth comb. Be mindful of your i-tip bonds and avoid pulling or tugging.
Rinse well: make sure to rinse out all of the product to prevent any residue that could cause buildup or tangling.
Dry carefully: pay your hair dry gently with a towel and avoid excessive rubbing. When blow drying, use low heat.

However, you can always book a deep conditioning treatment on the day of your regularly scheduled maintenance appointment. This would be a great time to get a conditioning treatment and trim for the fall season.

3. Use Protective Hairstyles

Chunky braids, buns, and hair accessories can actually help protect your hair during windy, rainy, and cold fall days.

Tucking your hair and loose ends away can help protect your hair from further damage in the elements. We recently shared a post with our favorite fall hairstyles and accessories. If you need inspiration for your hair this autumn, read this post next.

4. Use a Clarifying Shampoo (Sparingly)

Summer can leave your scalp with a lot of build-up, and a clarifying shampoo can be just the reset you need as you move into fall. Clarifying shampoos are designed to remove product buildup, oils, and impurities, which can be helpful for both your natural hair and the extensions. However, they can also be harsh and potentially dry out your hair and the extensions if used too frequently.

That’s why we only recommend using a clarifying shampoo sparingly (no more than once per month, or once per every two months).

As always, remember that you need to avoid using the product on your bonds themselves, choose sulfate-free shampoos and rinse well.

5. Upgrade Your Pillowcase

Upgrading to a silk pillowcase is one easy way to take better care of your hair this fall. We always recommend that our clients use silk or satin pillowcases. Silk pillowcases help alleviate friction and damage to your hair while you sleep! And they’re also great for your skin.

While fall is one of our favorite seasons in the city, it can be more challenging for your hair. As the leaves change, so does the nature of your hair and its needs. That’s why transitioning from a summer to a fall hair care routine can make all of the difference.

If you’d like to learn more about how you can fall back in love with your hair this autumn, book a consultation with us today to learn more about the extensions that we offer. Extensions aren’t all about length, we also love them for volume and confidence! Because hair really is everything.

Book a consultation with us today.

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