Can you be a good hair extensionist without being a hairdresser?

[lucelasticx]

So basically the best hair extensionist will always be a experienced hairdresser who has then after years in the trade specialised in extensions and does them day in day out. Background basic knowledge should not be undervalued. A non hairdresser will not compete with an experienced hairdresser who has then specialised. In my opinion.

 

[theextensionist]

So basically the best hair extensionist will always be a experienced hairdresser who has then after years in the trade specialised in extensions and does them day in day out. Background basic knowledge should not be undervalued. A non hairdresser will not compete with an experienced hairdresser who has then specialised. In my opinion.

I do agree with this but I also agree with what wifey said. As a non qualified hairdresser who has fitted extensions for 10 years is probably better at this than a qualified hairdresser who just done it once every other week for a month or so. There is so much more to this argument though, because there are those who go for a one day extension course and think they know everything, and there are those that take that course merely as a stepping stone and then go out and read books and learn more and practice and have a mentor that teaches them cutting techniques and even though they are never qualified as a hairdresser, their experience with hair and textures has left them highly competent to fit extensions. It is not so black and white and we can't think everyone is alike and just because they might not have gone down the traditional or preferred route does not always make them less competent. In the wrong hands a degree is sometimes just a piece of paper. It is more what you do with the knowledge you have and also that you continue to seek more knowledge, and that is true in all skills. That being said the ideal would be a qualified hair dresser that specialises in extensions and has experience in both.

 

[lucelasticx]

I do agree with this but I also agree with what wifey said. As a non qualified hairdresser who has fitted extensions for 10 years is probably better at this than a qualified hairdresser who just done it once every other week for a month or so. There is so much more to this argument though, because there are those who go for a one day extension course and think they know everything, and there are those that take that course merely as a stepping stone and then go out and read books and learn more and practice and have a mentor that teaches them cutting techniques and even though they are never qualified as a hairdresser, their experience with hair and textures has left them highly competent to fit extensions. It is not so black and white and we can't think everyone is alike and just because they might not have gone down the traditional or preferred route does not always make them less competent. In the wrong hands a degree is sometimes just a piece of paper. It is more what you do with the knowledge you have and also that you continue to seek more knowledge, and that is true in all skills. That being said the ideal would be a qualified hair dresser that specialises in extensions and has experience in both.

I would always be concerned if people only do hair extensions occassionally whether they are a hairdresser or not.

I did not go down the traditional route and my love of hair extensions encouraged me to qualify as a hairdresser and my services are much more professional and safe as a result. My opinion is from personal experience.

It scares me that people under value the theory side of hairdressing. You may have experience with hair if working with extensions for 10 years but if working alone you have no knowledge or peers to fall back on.

 

[Jennifer2089]

im a trained extensionist not a hairdresser in my course we where shown how to cut. in januray i am doing a 12 weeks course in colouring anc cutting for more experience so that i can offer the full extensions service that my clients need, i u just wish i had done hairdressing instead of beauty, Now i have changed into hairdressing and i will never look back, i enjoy my work x

 

[Katechaos]

Here in the Usa you MUST be licensed to cut. Im not saying a non pro extentionist is bad but I do not feel they could hold a candle to the licensed pros. Ive done hair, extensions, lashes, nails, skin, waxing and tanning for 6 years. Local "extentionists" are whose.work.I always have to fix. Not to offend anyone but if you are NOT a qualified pro I dont think you should be offering any services.