braidworks

Valencia. We play Russian Roulette with our hair when we use heated appliances, perms, color, get cuts, weaves, and braids. Clients rip their hair out when they brush, comb, use barrettes and rubberbands, and when they take out weaves and braids. A woman can have her hair done perfectly by a licensed cosmetologist, looking absolutely great, and then go out and have unprotected sex. What's there to stress about? It's hair, protein that extends from our skin, that beautifies and protects us. It grows back! The stores and beauty supplies are full of products for us to do-it-ourselves. No matter if you or a stylist gives you extensions, color, perms, or the like, stress is put upon the hair. You care for your client, you teach your client. You care for yourself, you educate yourself. Whether you are getting beauty services or auto repair. Nonetheless, no matter where you live in these United States, a woman has a right to do her own hair how she pleases, or allow someone else to do it. It's up to her to do her homework on that individual or face the consequences. Yes, there are laws in a few states regarding fusion extensions and braids. These are non-chemical practices, so all states have not set regulations. An individual would have to do their homework. Like I mentioned earlier. Fusion is no rocket science. Anyone with fingers can learn this technique. You can purchase supplies online w/o a license! We all know this. You and I both know persons that are licensed and have caused damage. Then there is the next unlicensed person, who is simply talented, and can please you with the way he/she styles and cares for your hair. That's just how it is. Nothing can be done about it. Really, there are more pressing issues on our planet. Basically, you have this thread to educate. Your photos of bad extensions are to educate, and make us aware of what is out there. Your readers appreciate that, and therefore can make informed decisions when it comes to their hair. It's all about doing your homework and researching anyone applying to your head, or instructing you on how to apply these extensions to yourself or anyone else. Valencia, you are doing a wonderful job, and it makes me proud to be a stylist. This was an important dialouge. I appreciate the exchange of thoughts. Helen

By the way. I feel that a great stylist should not feel threatened nor intimidated by another stylist and her skills. This is a major problem in the community stlyists and cosmetologist, and is causing disharmony instead of a coming together of stylists to lift one another up, praise and bless one another. Yes, I admit it was not proper for me to show up on your thread. At the same time, you don't know who I am, my skills, my experience, my love of the craft, and my concern for others. So you can't say what anyone can learn from me. I am doing the extensions this weekend for Ms Fitness Olympia 2005. I have been a professional stylist and Master braider since 1981. I know my work and am proud of it and proud to share my skills with someone that has the right and priviledge to learn this artform. Fusion can be learned anyway. As a matter of fact, no one taught me. Once I found out about the supplies, I ordered them, practiced, and figured it out. I am a master of it! Fusion is not rocket science! It's all about TLC, skill, attention to detail, and excellent customer service! I have seen the work of other fusion stylist. I am inspired by it, wish all stylist the best in their careers. Let's support and build one another up. Helen

My Apologies. I am not very skilled when it comes to message boards. No it's not fair for me to be on someone else's turf. Again I am sorry, and I will get a thread for myself. Sincerely Helen