The Truth Behind What Really Causes It By Diane Shawe
A quick reminder for anyone who wears human hair extensions 👇
✅ 100% Virgin Remy human hair has never been dyed or chemically treated ✅ It cannot release dye or ammonia unless something has been applied to it after installation (such as bleach, purple shampoo, or chemical-based products) ✅ The first 7 days are critical – extensions should not be washed or disturbed, as this can cause stress on the scalp and slippage
Hair extensions is at its most secure in the first week after application. Attempting to remove, bleach, or aggressively wash it too early can lead to irritation, redness, and even hair loss — not because of the fitting, but because the foundation has been disturbed before it has settled.
As an extension artist who designed the Hook & Latch™ system and has been recognised nationally for excellence in scalp-safe techniques, my number one priority is client safety.
🔒 Protect your hair. Protect your scalp. Always follow aftercare advice and never allow untrained hands to remove extensions prematurely.
If you’d like me to do a video breakdown of what can damage Remy extensions from home or salon misuse, comment “YES” below 👇
In a competitive beauty industry, salon owners face a criti Ical decision: Do you aim to serve everyone, or do you specialise and dominate a niche?
As the founder of Need a Hair Makeover®, an award-winning Specialist Hair Extensions and Hair Loss Salon Franchise, I’ve seen both models up close — and the difference is striking.
If you’re thinking of opening your own salon or investing in a franchise, this direct comparison will help you choose the best path forward.
🏪 General Salons: The Jack-of-All-Trades Model
✅ Pros:
Serves a broad customer base Familiar to most consumers Easier to staff with general stylists Variety of services from cuts to colours
❌ Cons:
High competition — every high street has one Harder to stand out or build loyalty Lower average spend per client Must constantly discount to attract footfall Vulnerable to economic downturns
💼 Specialist Salons: The Expert-Focused Approach
A Specialist Salon focuses on solving a specific, high-impact problem — such as hair loss, extensions, or textured hair care.
At Need a Hair Makeover®, we cater to clients with hair loss, thinning, breakage, or post-chemo recovery, providing non-surgical solutions and instant confidence restoration. That changes everything.
✅ Pros:
High demand + low competition Premium pricing model Customers seek expertise, not just convenience Easier to build a reputation and attract press Supports specialised services, training, and innovation Attracts loyal, high-value clients with ongoing needs
❌ Cons:
Requires specialist training (we provide this) Must be positioned correctly in marketing May limit walk-in traffic if not branded well
📊 Real Talk: Which Model Wins?
Factor General Salon Specialist Salon
Profit Margin Moderate High Customer Loyalty Medium Very High Ease of Startup Easy Supported via franchise Market Saturation High Low Scalability Moderate High (if franchised) Marketing Edge Weak Strong — you’re solving a problem
💡 Verdict: In today’s economy, specialists win. The market craves experts — not generalists — especially when it comes to confidence, appearance, and identity.
🧩 The Gap in the Market
There are millions of people in the UK experiencing hair loss due to:
Alopecia Chemotherapy Hormonal changes Stress Ill health and medication Hair damage from styling
Very few salons are trained or equipped to help — let alone in a dignified, professional, specialist setting.
That’s the gap. That’s the opportunity. People don’t just want creams and lotions, they are looking for instant gratification that makes them look normal and improves there self esteem.
🚀 Why We Chose the Specialist Franchise Model
Need a Hair Makeover® started from a personal experience of hair loss and evolved into a brand that empowers others — from clients seeking transformation to franchisees ready to own a purpose-led business.
Our model includes: Full CPD-accredited training Salon setup support Product sourcing and supply chain access Ongoing marketing and business coaching
We help you own your zone of genius — not compete in a race to the bottom.
Being a generalist may feel safe, but the future belongs to specialists. In a world full of salons, it pays to be the one salon that truly solves a problem.
📣 Let’s Talk
👉 Interested in launching a specialist salon franchise? 👉 Curious about the real costs vs. benefits? 👉 Want to stand out in a saturated industry?
Message me or apply online — your expert salon journey starts here.
Choosing the perfect lash extension curl types is a skill that demands careful assessment of a client’s unique features, such as their natural eyelashes, eye shape, and desired style. At The Lash Professional, we offer a diverse selection of premium-quality extensions in various shapes, enabling experts to customise their designs to meet each customer’s requirements and expectations.
Eyelash Extensions: Elevate Your Eyes & Confidence with Long-Lasting Beauty
Eyelash extensions have taken the beauty industry by storm, becoming a must-have for those looking to enhance their natural beauty effortlessly. Whether you want to wake up looking refreshed, cut down your makeup routine, or simply feel more confident, eyelash extensions can be a game-changer. But beyond aesthetics, proper care is key to making them last longer and keeping your lashes healthy.
Let’s dive into why eyelash extensions are more than just a beauty trend and how you can maintain them for maximum impact.
Why Eyelash Extensions Enhance Your Eyes & Confidence
1. They Make Your Eyes Pop
Eyelash extensions add length, volume, and curl to your lashes, making your eyes appear bigger, brighter, and more expressive. Whether you opt for a natural or dramatic look, the right set of extensions can enhance your facial features and draw attention to your eyes.
2. Say Goodbye to Mascara
Imagine waking up with full, fluffy lashes every morning—no smudging, clumping, or reapplying mascara. Eyelash extensions give you that fresh, polished look 24/7, making your daily beauty routine faster and easier.
3. Boosts Self-Confidence
Beauty isn’t just about looks—it’s about how you feel. With fuller lashes, many people feel more confident and put together, even without makeup. Whether you’re heading to work, an event, or a casual day out, lash extensions give you a naturally glamorous look that boosts your confidence.
4. They’re Customisable to Your Style
From subtle enhancements to dramatic volume, lash extensions come in various lengths, curls, and thicknesses. A professional lash technician can tailor your extensions to suit your eye shape, preference, and lifestyle.
How to Care for Your Eyelash Extensions So They Last Longer
To get the most out of your lash extensions, proper aftercare is essential. Here are some expert tips to keep your lashes looking fresh and flawless for weeks.
1. Avoid Water & Steam for the First 24-48 Hours Lash glue takes time to fully cure, so avoid water, steam, and excessive humidity in the first two days. This means no hot showers, saunas, or swimming until your lashes are set.
2. Be Gentle—No Rubbing or Pulling Resist the urge to rub your eyes or tug at your lashes. This can cause extensions to fall out prematurely and may damage your natural lashes. Instead, pat your face gently when cleansing.
3. Use an Oil-Free Cleanser Oils can break down the adhesive used for lash extensions. Use a lash-safe, oil-free cleanser to gently clean your eyelids and lashes to remove dirt and makeup residue.
4. Brush Your Lashes Daily Using a clean spoolie brush, gently comb through your lashes daily to prevent tangling and keep them looking neat.
5. Sleep on non cotton pillowcases If you’re a side or stomach sleeper, your lashes may rub against your pillow, leading to premature shedding. Try using a silk pillowcase to reduce friction.
6. Avoid Mascara & Eyelash Curlers Extensions already give you that lifted, voluminous look, so mascara and curlers aren’t necessary. Using them can weigh down or damage your lashes, reducing their longevity.
7. Get Regular Refills Lash extensions naturally shed with your natural lash cycle. To keep them looking full and fresh, schedule touch-up appointments every 2-3 weeks.
Final Thoughts: Enhance Your Beauty with Confidence
Eyelash extensions are more than just a beauty treatment—they’re an investment in confidence and convenience. Whether you’re looking for a subtle boost or a bold transformation, well-maintained lash extensions can enhance your eyes and help you feel beautiful every day.
By following the right aftercare routine, you can extend the life of your extensions, save time on daily makeup, and enjoy effortlessly gorgeous lashes.
Are You Ready to Elevate Your Look? If you’re thinking about getting eyelash extensions or need expert advice on lash care, visit Need a Hair Makeover Hair Extensions & Hair Loss Specialist Salon. Let’s bring out the best in your eyes!
Would you try eyelash extensions? Let us know in the comments!
This image shows a guide to eyelash extension curls, volumes, thickness, and lengths. Understanding the different curl types helps customize lashes to suit individual eye shapes and desired effects.Let’s break down the curl types shown:🔠 Eyelash Curl Types & Their Best Uses
1. J Curl (Natural Lift)• Curl Description: Slight, gentle lift. The most natural curl available.• Best For: Clients who want a subtle enhancement, ideal for those with straight or downward-pointing natural lashes.• Eye Shape Suitability: • Hooded eyes• Mature eyes• Straight-lashed clients
2. B Curl (Slightly More Lift)• Curl Description: Slightly more curl than J, still quite natural.• Best For: Clients who want a little more lift but still a soft, everyday look.• Eye Shape Suitability: • Almond eyes• Clients with slightly curled lashes already
3. C Curl (Popular Choice)• Curl Description: Medium curl, creating a bright, open-eye look.• Best For: Most versatile curl; perfect for everyday glam.• Eye Shape Suitability: • Round eyes• Almond eyes• Monolid eyes
4. D Curl (Dramatic Lift)• Curl Description: Strong curl for a doll-eye effect.• Best For: Clients seeking dramatic, wide-eyed glamour. Great for photoshoots and nights out.• Eye Shape Suitability: • Deep-set eyes• Downturned eyes• Monolids
5. CC Curl (Between C & D)• Curl Description: Curlier than C but slightly less than D.• Best For: Lifted look without being too dramatic—ideal balance.• Eye Shape Suitability: • Almond eyes• Hooded eyes• Slightly downturned lashes
6. L Curl (Flat Base + Curl Up)• Curl Description: Straight base with an upward curl—gives a lash lift illusion.• Best For: Clients with monolids or straight/downward lashes. Also helps retention.• Eye Shape Suitability: • Monolids• Hooded eyes• Deep-set eyes
7. L+ Curl (Extra Lift with Flat Base)• Curl Description: Enhanced version of L Curl for even more lift and visibility.• Best For: Great for droopy or hidden lids; gives a super lifted, edgy look.• Eye Shape Suitability: • Droopy or heavy eyelids• Clients with lashes pointing down
👁️ Quick Tip: How to Choose the Right Curl Understanding curl types ensures that your lash set enhances your natural beauty, suits your lifestyle, and delivers the exact vibe you’re going for—whether it’s natural charm or full-on
With insights from Diane Shawe, Founder of Need a Hair Makeover Hair Extensions & Hair Loss Specialist Salon
When you see celebrities like Zendaya, Issa Rae, Keke Palmer, Oprah or Beyoncé rocking a different look every week—from goddess locs to waist-length braids to flawless lace wigs—it’s easy to assume it’s all for glam. But beneath the style switch-up lies something far more intentional: protective styling.
Protective Styling: More Than a Trend
Protective styles, which include lace wigs, braids, twists, crochet installations, and faux locs, are designed to shield natural hair from damage caused by heat, environmental exposure, and excessive manipulation.
While it may seem counterintuitive to cover healthy hair, many high-profile women—and everyday queens—do so to preserve their hair, not hide it. “Afro-textured hair is beautiful and versatile, but it’s also incredibly delicate,” explains Diane Shawe, expert hairloss enhancement and founder of Need a Hair Makeover.
“People wrongly assume it’s strong because it’s thick or coily, but the curl structure makes it more prone to breakage, especially at the bends.”In fact, afro hair has fewer cuticle layers than straight hair, making it more vulnerable to dryness, tangling, and mechanical damage. And for celebrities whose schedules demand 5 a.m. call times, multiple weekly appearances, and frequent travel, managing natural hair daily becomes almost impossible and would end up irreversably damaged.
“Natural hair takes time—not just to style, but to protect, moisturise, stretch, and detangle,” Shawe adds. “Protective styling becomes a practical and empowering solution.”
What Regular Women Love About It Too
It’s not just celebrities turning to protective styles. Across the UK and beyond, thousands of Black women are embracing this method to grow out their hair, manage conditions like alopecia, or simply enjoy style versatility without stress. “Many of my clients want hair that’s low-maintenance but still beautiful,” says Diane. “Whether they’re dealing with hair thinning from medication, stress, or postpartum changes, protective styles allow them to feel confident again—without compromising their real hair.”
Tips for Choosing the Right Protective Style
Before jumping into any protective style, Shawe encourages thoughtful planning:
1. Choose your stylist wisely. “Not every braider or wig installer understands tension, density, and scalp health. If your style is too tight or heavy, it’s not protective—it’s destructive.”
2. Mind the material. Opt for quality synthetic or human hair, depending on your needs. “There’s a myth that synthetic braiding hair is carcinogenic,” (see my article covering that topic in another blog.)
Diane notes. “This stems from misinformation. The hair is made of fibers like kanekalon or toyokalon, which are non-toxic and used globally. The only issue is when people don’t wash it before use, causing scalp irritation—not cancer.”
3. Keep it clean. “Just because your hair is tucked away doesn’t mean you can ignore it. Cleanse your scalp, moisturise underneath, and avoid styles longer than 6–8 weeks.”
4. Listen to your hair. “If your edges are thinning or your scalp feels inflamed, don’t ignore it. Take breaks between installs and rotate with loose styles like crochet or glueless lace wig alternatives.”
The Confidence Factor
Protective styles aren’t just practical—they’re powerful. They allow Black women to reclaim their image on their own terms.
Lace wigs give the illusion of a flawless hairline.
Knotless braids reduce tension.
Crochet styles blend natural texture with flair. And all of them offer freedom of choice.
As Diane puts it: “Black hair is a crown, but how you wear it is your right. Protective styling gives women options, confidence, and control. Whether you’re walking a red carpet or down your high street—rock your style with pride.”
Ready to switch up your style or get expert guidance? Visit http://www.needahairmakeover.com to book a consultation or follow @NeedAHairMakeover on social media to explore 18+ professional protective styling methods, book a consultations, or get help with hair loss solutions.
Most standard salons are not equipped or trained to meet the growing demand for hair loss support.
With their focus still on aesthetics, they often overlook the deep emotional and physical toll hair loss can bring. Clients facing hair thinning, alopecia, traction damage, or post-chemotherapy loss need more than a good blow-dry—they need specialists. And this is where Need a Hair Makeover Specialist Salon Franchise steps in.
A Specialist Salon for a Specialist Market
At Need a Hair Makeover, they specialise in non-invasive, confidence-restoring hair loss disguising techniques:
Hair toppers, toupees, lace frontals, bespoke wigs, 18 integration hair extension systems and infrared and laser hair regrowth theraphy.
Customisable treatments for traction alopecia, hormonal hair loss, and post-chemo recovery
Ongoing care and support for long-term client relationships and producing supportive documents for insurance claims for cranial prostheses.
There approach is holistic, empathetic, and highly profitable—with specialist services clients are actively seeking but struggling to find in conventional salons.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re seeking passionate individuals and salon owners who want to:
Be part of the £88 billion hair loss solution economy
Offer transformational services that change lives
Join a proven brand led by industry pioneer Diane Shawe, an award-winning hair loss specialist, entrepreneur, and published author
Whether you’re an existing salon looking to expand or an entrepreneur ready for your next big move, this franchise opportunity is your gateway to a high-impact, future-proof business.
Treating thin, balding or damaged hair
Act Now: The Demand is Growing Daily
With waiting lists growing, regions being reserved, and awareness accelerating post-pandemic, now is the time to act. We offer full training, brand support, client acquisition tools, and a turnkey business model tailored for long-term success.
Are you tired of the daily makeup struggle? Ready to transform your look and boost your confidence? Well, I am Diane Shawe of Need a Hair Makeover and we’ve got something exciting just for you! Because some of my clients asked, I am bringing you an exclusive one-day makeup course for just £55.00!
In this hands-on course, you’ll learn to master casual, elegant, and glamorous looks, step by step. Say goodbye to makeup frustration and hello to flawless beauty!
Join us from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM, and yes, you can bring your favourite makeup products!
My expert guidance will help you enhance your natural beauty and feel fabulous every for all skin types.
Unlock your makeup potential with me today on my one-day course. Sign up today and shine like never before! See you there! There’s more to adding hair!
How to Achieve Stylish, Low-Maintenance Hair with Kanekalon Synthetic Fiber Extensions
Need a Hair Makeover is thrilled to announce the launch of our Kanekalon blended hair extensions! These affordable, high-quality extensions are perfect for anyone looking to enhance their hair without stretching their budget.
Choosing between Remy human hair and Remy blended hair depends on your budget, how long you plan to use the extensions, and the level of maintenance you’re comfortable with. If you want high-quality, long-lasting extensions and are willing to invest more, Remy human hair is the best option. For a more budget-friendly, short-term solution, Remy blended hair can be a good choice and here’s why.
In today’s economic climate, where the prices of everyday essentials are steadily climbing, budgeting has become a critical aspect of our lives. As we navigate through these challenging times, many of us find ourselves making tough choices and prioritising our spending.
Luxuries such as hair treatments, manicures, and professional makeup sessions often take a backseat as we focus on the necessities. However, for those who still desire the transformative power of hair extensions, there’s an affordable and stylish alternative that doesn’t compromise on quality:
Kanekalon blended synthetic fiber extensions.Kanekalon blended synthetic fiber extensions offer an excellent solution for those seeking to enhance their look without breaking the bank. These extensions combine the best of both worlds – the affordability of synthetic hair and the natural appearance of human hair.
As you read on, we’ll explore why Kanekalon blended extensions are an ideal choice during these times of financial constraint, allowing you to maintain your beauty routine without sacrificing your budget.
Choosing between Remy human hair and Remy blended hair depends on your budget, how long you plan to use the extensions, and the level of maintenance you’re comfortable with. If you want high-quality, long-lasting extensions and are willing to invest more, Remy human hair is the best option.
For a more budget-friendly, short-term solution, Remy blended hair can be a good choice. Discover the Perfect Hair Transformation for Your Special Occasion with Kanekalon Blended Hair Extensions at Need a Hair Makeover!
Are you looking to enhance your look for an upcoming holiday, wedding, or special event? Look no further than our premium Kanekalon blended hair extensions at Need a Hair Makeover.
Here’s why our extensions are the perfect choice for your short-term hair transformation:
Unmatched Realism and Softness: Our Kanekalon blended hair extensions are expertly crafted to mimic the natural look and feel of real hair. With their soft texture and realistic appearance, you’ll enjoy a flawless, stunning look that’s perfect for any occasion.
Flexible Styling: Kanekalon fibers are heat-resistant, allowing you to style your hair with curling irons, straighteners, and other heat tools at low to moderate settings. Whether you desire elegant curls, sleek straight locks, or a trendy wavy look, our extensions can help you achieve the style you envision.
Vibrant Colour Options:Choose from a wide variety of colors to match your natural hair or experiment with bold, fashion-forward shades. Our extensions offer endless possibilities for creative and personalized styling, ensuring you stand out at your special event.
Affordability:Enjoy the luxurious look of high-quality hair extensions without breaking the bank. Our Kanekalon blended extensions provide an affordable option for those seeking a temporary yet stunning hair transformation.
Low Maintenance: Designed for ease of use, our Kanekalon extensions require minimal upkeep, making them ideal for busy schedules and short-term wear. Focus on enjoying your event without worrying about constant hair maintenance.
Looking for affordable yet high-quality hair extensions? Look no further! Our new Kanekalon blended hair range is here to make your dream hair a reality without breaking the bank. Get stunning 18-inch extensions at just £390, compared to £590 for human hair. That’s a huge saving without compromising on quality or style! Say hello to gorgeous hair extensions that won’t hurt your wallet! Our Kanekalon blended hair range offers incredible quality at an unbeatable price. Get ready to shine with beautiful, affordable hair.
Book Your Appointment Today: At Need a Hair Makeover, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service and transforming your hair dreams into reality. Our skilled specialists will work with you to achieve the perfect look tailored to your unique style and needs.
Ready to elevate your hair game for your upcoming event? Book an appointment with Need a Hair Makeover today and experience the beauty and versatility of Kanekalon blended hair extensions. Let us help you shine and make your special occasion truly unforgettable. www.needahairmakeover.com
Become qualified in 3 days after completing your theory course.
Acrylic and gel nails are the flawless solution to chip-free, freshly polished nails that last for weeks on weeks. In today’s blog post, we will be explaining why now is the time to Set up your own Nail Extension Business.
Our CPD Nail Technician Course is the perfect launchpad to get you on your way to becoming a certified nail technician which can lead you to a number of different avenues within the nail extension industry from being able to successfully set up your own freelance nail business to being able to rent a station in a beauty salon to carry out nail treatments.
With the price of everything going up, every penny helps. Train to become a nail extensions technician and work from home or from a salon.
A Continued Professional Development Nail Technician course runs for in two parts and goes through the steps on nail artistry and the anatomical elements of nail care such as:
Part One: Theory Course 2 weeks
Health & Safety considerations & regulations
Hygiene & preparing the client, treatment room & trolley
Anatomy & physiology: structure of the skin, the structure of the nail
Nail diseases & disorders
Client consultations / contra-indications
Manicure & Pedicure
Marketing your Business
What is nail matrix?
The nail matrix is the area where your fingernails and toenails start to grow. The matrix creates new skin cells, which pushes out the old, dead skin cells to make your nails. As a result, injuries to the nail bed or disorders that affect the matrix can affect your nail growth.
This will be completed as a home theory study with the help of our Virtual tutor.
There will be practical and written assignments which have to be completed in the students own time before attending the 3 day practical training course.
Part Two: 1 Day Practical Nail Course
This will consisit of working on a training hand where you will learn how to prepare the nails, apply nail tips, blend nail tips, the different nail shape, apply acrylic and shape, apply gel and cure, how to use electric and manual files, how to apply nail polish or gel and cure under UV Light. Working on live models.
Educational Content on Hair Extensions by Diane Shawe:
Hair extensions are a fantastic way to achieve length, volume, and versatility in your hairstyle, but they require proper installation, care and maintenance to ensure optimal results. Here are some key points to consider:
– Mistakes:
1. Improper Installation: One of the most common mistakes is having extensions improperly installed, leading to discomfort, damage to natural hair, and a less-than-desirable appearance.
2. Neglecting Maintenance: Failing to follow proper maintenance routines, such as regular brushing, washing with sulfate-free shampoo, and avoiding excessive heat styling, can lead to tangling, matting, and premature shedding of the extensions.
3. Choosing the Wrong Type of Extensions: Selecting extensions that are not suitable for your hair type or lifestyle can result in discomfort, poor blending with natural hair, and difficulty styling.
– Fears:
1. Damaging Natural Hair: Many individuals fear that hair extensions will damage their natural hair, either through excessive tension during installation, adhesive damage, or improper removal techniques.
2. Discomfort: Some people worry that hair extensions will be uncomfortable to wear, especially if they are heavy or if the installation method causes scalp irritation.
3. Visible Extensions: Another common fear is that the extensions will be noticeable or look unnatural, leading to self-consciousness and a lack of confidence in one’s appearance.
– Desires and Results:
1. Length and Volume Enhancement: The primary desire when getting hair extensions is usually to achieve longer or fuller hair, enhancing overall appearance and confidence.
2. Seamless Blending: Clients want extensions that seamlessly blend with their natural hair, creating a cohesive and natural-looking hairstyle.
3. Effortless Styling: Ultimately, clients want hair extensions that allow for effortless styling, whether it’s curling, straightening, or simply wearing their hair in various styles without worrying about the extensions showing.
– Frustrating Symptoms:
1. Tangling: Tangled extensions can be frustrating to deal with, causing discomfort and making it challenging to maintain the desired hairstyle.
2. Shedding: Experiencing shedding or hair loss with extensions can be alarming and frustrating, as it diminishes the volume and fullness of the hair.
3. Discomfort: Discomfort from wearing extensions, such as tightness, itching, or soreness, can detract from the overall enjoyment of having hair extensions and may even deter individuals from wearing them altogether.
By addressing these common concerns and providing education on proper installation, maintenance, and care techniques, individuals can enjoy the benefits of hair extensions while minimising potential drawbacks. It’s essential to consult with a professional stylist who specializes in hair extensions to ensure a positive experience and long-lasting results.
Braiding hair is an ancient practice that dates back thousands of years, with evidence of its existence in various cultures worldwide. The exact origins are challenging to pinpoint, but braids have been found in archaeological artifacts from ancient civilizations.
Braiding has stood the test of time due to its practicality, versatility, and cultural significance. It can serve functional purposes like keeping hair neat and organized, as well as aesthetic and cultural reasons. Different societies and periods have embraced braiding for its beauty and as a form of self-expression.
Today, it remains popular for its ability to create diverse hairstyles and reflect cultural identity Box braids: These are the most common type of braids. They are created by dividing the hair into square sections and then braiding each section. Box braids can be done with natural hair or with extensions.
Cornrow braids
Cornrows: Cornrows are a type of braid that is created by braiding the hair in three sections. They can be done on natural hair or with extensions. Cornrows are a popular protective style for black hair Cornrows are Narrow, tight braids close to the scalp, often created in straight lines or intricate plaits.
Twist braids
Twists: Twists are a type of braid that is created by twisting the hair into two or three sections. They can be done on natural hair or with extensions. Twist Braid also known as (Rope Braid) Two or three strands of hair twisted around each other to form a rope-like braid. Twists are a popular protective style for black hair.
Three-Strand Braid (Regular plaiting): The most basic form, created by crossing three strands of hair over one another.
Plait braids
French Braid: A style where the hair is gradually incorporated into the braid as it progresses, typically along the centre of the scalp.
Dutch Braid (Inverted French Braid): Similar to a French braid but with the strands crossed under rather than over, creating a raised, 3D effect.
Fishtail braids
Fishtail Braid: A two-strand braid where small sections of hair are crossed over each other to create a textured, fishtail-like appearance.
Knotless braids
Box Braids: Long, small, and square-shaped braids plaits that are often used to create long styles that can be worn up or down. Can be done as micro or jumbo plaits.
Braids with beads
Feed-in braids: These braids are similar to box braids, but the hair is not divided into square sections. Instead, the hair is braided strand by strand, and the extensions are fed into the braid as it is being created. Feed-in braids are often considered to be less damaging to the hair than box braids
Feed in braids
Knotless braids: Knotless braids are a newer type of braid that is becoming increasingly popular. They are created by braiding the hair without using knots. This means that there is less tension on the hair, which can help to prevent breakage
Waterfall Braid: A braid where sections of hair are dropped to create a cascading effect, resembling a waterfall.
Waterfall braids
Herringbone Braid (Fishbone Braid): A braid that consists of two strands, with small sections of hair crossed over to create a herringbone pattern.
Herringbone braids
Milkmaid Braid: Two braids wrapped around the head like a crown, creating a regal and elegant look.
Milkmaid braids
Micro interlocking braids
Using the interlocking method to start microlocs is great for fine textured hair or for those that desire the smallest version of microlocs
Versatility: The small size of microlocs often creates hundreds of locs, which means that the styling possibilities are almost endless.
Neatness: Microlocs maintained with interlocking will stay neater for extended periods of time, compared to retwisting, because the sections are smaller, which means less frizz at the roots.
Fullness: Microlocs generally result in at least 150-300 locs, depending on the size of your head and which size of microlocs you chose, therefore they will instantly create fullness and volume.
Micro interlocking braids
Crochet
You’ve probably heard of crochet braids, but how much do you really know about them? First things first, crochet braiding isn’t actually a ‘braiding‘ in the traditional sense, which is where some of the confusion around this style stems from.
Crochet braiding
Instead, it’s a process through which loose hair extensions are woven into cornrows using a crochet hook, giving the illusion of longer locks. The results are so natural looking that people won’t even suspect that you didn’t grow them yourself!
Other major advantages of crochet braid styles are that they take significantly less time to install compared to box braids (bonus!), and causes less strain on your scalp than sewn-in weaves, since the hair is looped onto existing braids. So, feeling inspired to take plunge? Then check out our favourite looks from Instagram, below!
These are just a few examples, and the world of braiding offers a wide array of styles, often influenced by cultural traditions and personal preferences.
Pros and cons of different braiding techniques
The pros and cons of different braiding techniques vary depending on the technique, but some general pros and cons include:
Pros:
• Braids can protect the hair from heat, humidity, and other environmental factors.
• Braids can help to stretch the hair, which can improve its texture.
• Braids can be styled in a variety of ways, which can give you a lot of versatility:
• Braids can be time-consuming to install and remove.
• Braids can be heavy, which can cause discomfort.
• If braids are done too tightly, they can cause hair breakage.
Which braiding technique is right for you?
The best braiding technique for you will depend on your individual hair type, preferences, and lifestyle. If you have delicate hair, you may want to choose a technique that is less damaging, such as knotless braids or twists. If you are looking for a style that is versatile and easy to maintain, box braids or cornrows may be a good option for you. Ultimately, the best way to decide which braiding technique is right for you is to talk to a hair stylist who can assess your hair and help you choose the best style for your needs.
Some photos have been accredited to the artist as stamped on the image. We take no responsibility if these have been plagiarised by the name of the artist listed on them
Become qualified in 3 days after completing your theory course.
Educational Content on Hair Extensions by Diane Shawe:
All about Hair Extensions & Hairloss Courses and Franchise Opportunity by Diane Shawe 
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