valencia

Hi, I am a stylist in Belleville Illinois, and I have some questions about hair fusion. 1. How does one got about getting the proper tools. 2. What is the best hair to use for the process. 3. What shape should the clients hair be in. 4. How long should the process take. 5. How long the client hair has to be. Hello Jacob, I find that Remy Virgin Hair is the best hair I have used so far, I have the hair shipped to me, treat it and pre-tip it myself and I have not had a problem so far and believe me, I have had my share of trial and error...... The clients hair should be healthy, no less than 1 1/2 inches with great elasticity. The good thing is if there is little damage that is ok because you can build the hair with the system in place...I wouldn't do a client with moderate to severe damage because the hair might not handle it so if in doubt do a strand test..... It is hard to say how long the method takes because it depends on the client, how long the hair, the amount of fullness the client want, ect I could go on forever, I have done an entire head in 2 1/2 - 3 hours, 4 hours max.......... I don't like to publish my distributer information I'm sorry, but just make sure the fusion bond is keritin based NO POLYWAX......... THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT QUESTIONS!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank You for your response Valencia

Email me Ebony........ hairbyvalencia@yahoo.com Thank You Valencia

Hello Ladies........ First of all I want to thank all the ladies who have shared their hair horror stories with me through email and I want to thank the ladies in advance who are sending photos........... AM I TRYING TO SCARE YOU?....YES I AM....... Please be careful ladies take the time to read each and every post on my thread to arm yourself with the information that you need BEFORE you get the fusion method and if you have additional questions please ask. If you get the service done and start to have problems contact your extesionist right away (even if I am the extensionist) I am not above problems, or if you don't want to deal with the person find an extensionist that you trust or call your regular stylist, don't assume that the problem is something that you did wrong. My emails have doubled because of an ongoing situation on this forum I am not happy about the situation but I'm thrilled that something positive will come of this for you ladies. I have ladies from across the country speaking out and I applaud each and every one of them because this is not an easy thing to do but when you speak out you help others and let them know they are not alone. A young lady emailed me yesterday and called me EARLY this morning with her story, she is not from my state (just wanted to make that clear) but she had a VERY BAD experience with an extensionist in her state she told me that she is going to mail pictures today, I will post them on my online gallery as soon as I get them. It breaks my heart to hear these stories but it also motivates me to continue to fight the good fight for each and every one of you.........Keep checking back for the pictures and I will keep you posted MY ONLINE PHOTO ABLUM Thank You Valencia

I promise I have nothing against Sophia....Just that bit of information that she posted about HAIR OIL not the removal process. Yes I trained Jessie and I also encourage my students to be independant, I think Jessie charges for removal and that is fine that is the way she choose to run her business I give my clients an option and I train them as well and ask them to give me a demonstration to make sure they not only do it right but to make sure they are comfortable like I said it is not brain surgery. Maybe Jessie choose not to give her clients removal lessons in that case yes they need to be removed by a professional (JESSIE). Please let us open that can of worms, I don't do an application and tell my clients that I don't do removals go to a professional WHY? Because I am a professional and it is their choice but I DO REMOVALS but only MY WORK unless it is an emergency. Thank You for posting Valencia I'd like to clarify ONE thing. MY website is just that MY website and completely updated by ME. And I'm very proud of it I might add. The FAQ asks whether a client can remove the extensions themselves. MY response (not valencia's) was "no" for TWO reasons 1. different systems require different removers 2. if not removed properly damage can result. Not b/c I want the client to be dependent on me or b/c I want the extra money but b/c I will ensure that it's done properly. This is why they come to us folks! We clients, b/c I too have been a client at some point in my life, decide that we're smarter than the professionals and take matters into our own hands and end up regretting it later. WE professionals try to save them the grief but some lessons we clients have to learn ourselves. Am I completely opposed to a client removing them themselves...no! Is Valencia...no! What we professionals find more often than not is an impatient client trying to hurry and get the extensions out. I've seen this happen with acrylic nails as well. If a client is not able to come in and see me would I tell her how to do it...OF COURSE. It's all about customer service people! As a matter of fact I have a client that asked me to take out her sew-in weave for her b/c she didn't know where to start. I said yes b/c it's a courtesy I'd like to give her, that's why I'm the professional. It's about taking care of the people that are willing to give us their hard earned money in order to feel marvelous when they walk out our doors. They trust OUR judgement. This is absolutely ludicrous. We do what we do b/c we care about people. It's a plus to get paid for such small favors. Someone once told me that rules are not set in stone, they're just guidelines by which we can live by. I don't want a client sitting at home thinking removal is a simple feat w/o the proper information. My lesson learned in all of THIS. Maybe I'll add that to my FAQs! Ciao ladies. I feel that I've already exerted too much time and energy on something so trivial. Continue to be blessed. This is what I mean by independant thinking. All I can do is arm them with the tools and be there if they need me, I don't tell them how to think or run their business that is up to them.......It is called FREEDOM OF CHOICE not to mention I have a diffrent clientele (for some reason that doesn't register) I am doing a solder this week from Iraq she is here for only 15 days what am I suppose to tell her? It is a must that I remove your fusion or just not do her hair at all? My choice is to give her the service that she deserves to make her feel GREAT and give her removal lessons because they are simple and I'm refuse to assume that she is an idiot, if she can get through basic training I'm sure fusion removal will be a breeze (MY CHOICE) and my business.............I dont brainwash my students or waste time telling them how to run their business I also remember I was green at one time and had to learn from experiance, Jessie telling clients that the bonds need to be removed by a professional does not harm the client so why should I worry about that opinion..I'm too busy teaching them preparation, proper application, removal, marketing and customer service, I don't need clones I want diversity and unless you have taken one of my sessions the only thing you can do is assume. and WHAT IS THAT WORTH? You know my clients would read this and laugh, I can count on one hand the number of ladies that choose to remove thier own bonds, and most of those ladies live out of the state......AND AGAIN I don't charge to remove MY WORK so of course the majority come to me for removal I just leave that choice up to them. Thank You Valencia

I see Sophia is not trying to comprehend....You are all over the place, all I ask is you not tell AFRICAN AMERICAN women not to oil their hair THAT IS IT what is wrong with you?.......As for removal, by the time this client came in for her consultation she had about ten bonds left and I'm being generous and her fusion wasn't in for two weeks so I doubt if removal was a problem and please don't get me started on the quality of the hair THANK GOODNESS you changed to Remy Hair Today, that should be one less worry. Shedding happens to the best of us, but I have tips to minimize that, all you have to do is ask. I am not saying that you don't have happy clients and I understand that you can't please everybody there is more than enough business for everybody so I don't need to compete with you, I just ask that you care enough about not some but ALL your clients to accept a bit of friendly advice but I see that is asking too much................That is a reflection on you not me...........I don't have the time for a hair war I'm too busy cleaning your mess. Valencia

First of all YIKES!!!!!!!! I hope this is some kind of slang that I am not familiar with, if not pick up a dictionary it is great for the spelling impaired (no offense) I am the same way but I know there is a resource out there to help (dictionary) , ok that is out of the way. I promise I have nothing against Sophia....Just that bit of information that she posted about HAIR OIL not the removal process. Yes I trained Jessie and I also encourage my students to be independant, and that is the way she choose to run her business. I give my clients an option and I train them as well and ask them to give me a demonstration to make sure they not only do it right but to make sure they are comfortable like I said it is not brain surgery. Maybe Jessie choose not to give her clients removal lessons in that case yes they need to be removed by a professional (JESSIE). Please let us open that can of worms, I don't do an application and tell my clients that I don't do removals go to a professional WHY? Because I am a professional and it is their choice but I DO REMOVALS FOR FREE, (MY WORK ONLY) unless it is an emergency. Thank You for posting Valencia

THANK YOU YOLANDA!!!!!!! I apreciate you ladies stepping up and helping others, and I'm sorry we didn't get to you before this ordeal. Luck always follow those who help others.........I use remyhairtoday.com and I LOVE IT........Not only does the hair look and feel GREAT but guess what? VERY LITTLE SHEDDING, I even colored my hair (I have fusion) and didn't lose a strand......Now that is a bonus........ Again, Thank You Valencia

I had an interesting day, you know this mess started because of hair oil, TO OIL OR NOT TO OIL...I did a consultation last week with a client that you told not to oil her hair I am doing her hair on the 19th of this month, I also saw it on one of your post and that is why I posted.......I had an 11am client this morning, she came in for her consultation on Oct 14th with the fusion bonds still in her hair, she had her fusion done around the 2nd or 3rd of Oct her name is Lanetta.....(sounds familiar?) At that time I had no idea you did her fusion so you know when I found out this morning, I was shocked to say the least and guess what? she thinks she has pictures....WOW another client.......but PLEASE don't take my word for it you will soon read her words..........IF you need help ask for it.....I mean it, no hard feelings I can't have you doing this...................I am extending my hand to help you, email me or call me and tell me what is going on YOU KNOW AND ONLY YOU KNOW I am not posting everything I'm sure that won't be necessary. Maybe you where having a bad day............ Valencia

You keep going back to the stylist that emailed me....How do you know about that? I posted it, again I have nothing to hide and I wish she had posted. I will say it again, ALL FUSION BONDS NOT ARE THE SAME.....Back in the day oil was used to remove the bonds but there has been improvements made because it pulls the hair out, that is not in dispute here. That is why I tell the client to ask questions and PLEASE ask about the removal process there are better choices now...... I do want to apologize to the readers, not for the information given, but the way this was handled. I made a promise to you all last year and I plan to fulfill that promise, I am not saying Sophia is not qualified, I can't make a claim like that without proof but the oil comment was incorrect, I am sitting here with fusion and oil in my hair RIGHT NOW that is why I am so amazed. I am not telling you what I heard or read it is apart of my everyday hair regime. The only reason I posted is because that oil comment was posted and it makes no sense for me to tell her in private and leave you hanging. I thought I was giving advice but if anyone thinks it was an attack I AM TRULY SORRY........I am here to help and protect the clients and assist the stylists. My fear is a client reading misleading information on this board, take the advice and heaven forbids her hair breaks off or worse....I started the hair extension thread on this forum and I have worked TOO HARD to build this to allow that to happen and lose readers. If I didn't post it I would be just as guilty. I expect no less from any stylist posting, I hope you feel an obligation to the clients and if I post misleading information I expect the same, you need to tell me. I too make mistakes and if you don't call me on it, I will not grow and that too would be a tragedy......... CLIENTS:first.........STYLIST:second.............. Thank You Valencia

Sophia , before you question my skills and experience you need to read my resume' and check my refrences. My first three jobs where at mainstream salons total:(nine years) that is why I am so marketable and everytime I left it was because there was an offer of more money and a better opportunity, and please know that if I didn't have that background I would just tell the clients and allow them to move on to someone that does there is no shame in that, and If I don't know the answer to a question I find the answer....... I can't afford to give opinions and the clients can't afford it. You posted that oil is bad and I didn't say anything because I thought you would fix that with a retraction, but then I'm contacted by a client who tells me that you told her that as well that is two too many and who knows how many more. So you made a mistake but don't blame me for calling you on it, what counts is how you handle it. We both know there is no excuse for the way it was handled because you have email access to me as well and I thought I gave you a contact number and please if you don't want to deal with me find a qualified extentionist with the answers and do research. I started on this board to protect women and I can't in good faith allow you or anyone to give information that could cause damage to the client and all the forms in the world mean nothing if the information is not correct, It only protects you and not the client. Remember you published that information not me and the only way to reach others is to post. Feel free to post whatever you want about me I have nothing to hide, as a matter of fact I expect no less if you feel you are protecting the clients. I truly applaud that, it goes back to the reason I started this..................... And I need to make it clear that it doesn't matter the race of the client but the quality of the information I'm suprised those ten years of experience didn't kick in and tell you, wearing them and doing them is two diffrent things....... I made the distinction to let you know that African American women 99% of them have the need to oil their hair.....but for some reason you didn't take this as advice but an attack, how unfortunate....but it goes back to being well versed in all hair types.........And with you being the ten year certified profesional you can hold your own but not the client who has no idea.... Valencia

I'm sorry if I offended you but one of your potential clients contacted me in a panic because you told her not to oil her hair and we both know NOW that if she had followed that advice you and that client would have bigger problems to deal with down the line, there, it's on the table. I am here to give the facts and also to protect the client and that has nothing to do with you, I'm sorry but am not going to stop now.. I tell my clients to use an oil free shampoo, also called clarifying, stripping, deep cleansing, before the application and touch-up's but not after. My certification is through the Art Acadamy of Hair Fashions and at the time of my certification that was one of the top schools and both instructors where caucasion women I didn't care because I wanted to learn from the best and they where the best, I am well versed when it comes to all hair types, I am a fusion and haircare expert..Not all fusion bonds are the same just because they have the same base ingredient (keritin). I have worn several types of fusion bond and not all react the same to oils and that is why I don't use them, and to prevent the bond from getting sticky always do a cold water rinse after the shampoo and conditioner is rinsed out. I had to make sure my product was compatible to all hair types whether a client uses oil or not so I doubt if we use the same product. One more thing as for emailing, It is easier for me to reply to an email because I receive so many my email.........hairbyvalencia@yahoo.com I check my email daily reply to as many as I can and then I check the message boards. The rest of my time is spent doing or prepping hair. And remember I am not above mistakes and I expect you to do the same to me and for me to protect the clients.............If you are unsure ask questions, I do. Valencia

Hey ArmyChick, First, salutes to you in Iraq from an Air Force chick back home! I commend you and wish you a safe return. Second, whomever said you cannot get fusion b/c your white has obviously never seen Paris Hilton or Gwen Stefani for that matter. Their hair doesn't grow down their back over night! Not to mention that the leading company in the industry for extensions, www.greatlengths.net, caters predominantly to those of caucasian descent. I'm not familiar with who does extension in the GA/ATL area but what I AM familiar with is that on your way HOME from Iraq it's more than likely that you'll travel through BWI (Baltimore Int'l Airport). If this is the case you should email me because what I DO know is that we have a few reputable fusion extension specialist in Maryland that may be able to help you if you're willing to make the layover in Maryland. If it's a consideration email me and let's chat. Hope to hear from you soon and remember "keep your head down" 'n "lock 'n load" if necessary! Best wishes and be safe out there. Hello, ArmyChick........ I sent you an email....... Thank You for your response Valencia

Hello Kemi, I to relax my hair and curly/wavy styles are my signature I always tell my clients to relax their hair because beleive it or not the hair blends better (even curly/wavy) with a fresh relaxer. I go straight on occasion but I like the freedom, fullness, and convience of textured hair. I always tell my clients to concentrate on their hair even after getting fusion, so you don't need to change your products or methods and because your hair is exposed you are able to get to it to deep condition or use any treatment you presently use so it will remain healthy. I don't give fusion lessons unless you are a certified stylist or certified extentionist looking to take advanced classes you need to know hair basics before doing extended services, knowing the dynamics of proper haircare is SO IMPORTANT. I only asisst in the removal because the product that I use is so easy to remove. I presently don't have anyone in your area , (I wish I did) I get a ton of emails from Texas and I am seriouly thinking about bringing a team to a local salon there in the future. I will keep you posted.. Thank You for your response Valencia

WE NEED TO TALK........ I have no idea what kind of bond you are using that can't handle oil I ALWAYS OIL MY SCALP AND HAIR, if I don't it will become brittle and break-off, but I understand your confusion because I do tell my clients not to oil their hair before the process because the bond doesn't adhere as well to the hair as it does to clean dry hair but after the application they can oil. Low oil products works well on some but not all there again it depends on the indiviual, I can get away with light oil but my daughter needs the heavy stuff and we both wear fusion. I warned you before you had a bigger problem on your hands. Valencia

Hello, Porsha, I like my clients to have at least 2-3 inches, but keep in mind the shorter the hair the less styling options. They can still wear a ponytail and wear the hair up, but very limited parts, that is why I always ask if the client wears a part and I apply the fusion accordingly but I can't guarantee that the part can be changed. If applied properly it is still undetectable. I hope this helps Thank You for your resopnse Valencia

THANK YOU.........ANNSIMONE, I am not suprised, you understand where I'm comming from.............. Valencia

To the D.C. Message Boards Administration........ THANK YOU FOR MY NEW STATUS!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT AN HONOR VALENCIA

Thank You for being honest, So-Cap is not good for ethnic women, the hair is not compatible.........And please never tell an African American woman not to oil her hair, it is vital for us to use oil for the health of our hair. We should get our hair orders anyday now, the reason for the delay is due to the severe weather they are having in India, it is Typhoon season for them so they are having some of the same problems that we have in the states with our severe weather, just pray for them............. Valencia

Hello Ebony, I wish I had a student in your area but I don't at the time. I will look into that for you and email my findings.....Hang in there Thank You for your response Valencia

What I mean is I hope removals are not the way you make your money and if so you are in trouble. Asissting a client with the removal process should not be a problem, that is a tiny bit of information when you look at the grand scale of things. You bring up a great point YES I did get very angry when I saw SO CALLED professionals removing fusion bonds with pliers, IMAGINE THAT PROFESSIONALS, NOT CLIENTS and on national T.V. What is the poor client suppose to do when there are so many imposters out there? That is where all this energy should be focused getting rid of people ripping women off and ripping their hair out, NOW THAT IS CONSTRUCTIVE. I will continue to help my clients and my sisters that choose to ask me for help, it is not brain surgery.......I make my money after the application of fusion not the removal. And I have also made it clear that I have clients that fly in to get the system, I refuse to make them pay airfare just for removal unless they choose to. But that is the way I choose to run my business and these are my clients why should anyone care but my clients, my track record speaks for itself. That is why I didn't understand why I received that email from that stylist...I don't tell anyone how to run their business, I just tell them how I run mine........I work with some of the best stylist in the country and they never have complaints, we tag team all the time that keeps me humble because they see things during the styling process that I miss, I love having a second set of eyes (I never claimed to be perfect)......as a matter of fact they encourage me to continue to educate the clients it makes their job easier when the client has healthy hair so I will say it again I donot give trade secrets, (fusion removal is not considered cosmetology practice) and those who are legite should have no worries....... I hope this clears up that problem Valencia

You know what? I had to come back and respond to this. Yes most weave damage occurs during the removal process but what disturbs me is I know for a fact when you use quality products removal is simple and does not cause damage!!!!!!!!!!! I recieved an email a few months ago from a fellow stylist, she accused me of revealing trade secrets and setting the business back ten years TEN YEARS WOW!!!!!!!!!!! I told her that I protect women and if she is legite, she has nothing to worry about. I'm sorry but I think it should be the clients choice to remove or not to remove and of course she is going to get frustrated and tear her hair out if you don't educate her. I also make sure I show the client how to remove fusion if she requests it. To my fellow stylist, if that tiny bit of information affects your profit, you are in trouble. Thank You Valencia

THANK YOU SOPHIA for clearing that up. I have a colleague who is certified with SO-CAP and others and she says that it is not compatible to African American hair. I don't know alot about it just going by feedback I get from others.......... Thank You Valencia

MY ONLINE GALLERY

MY ONLINE PHOTO GALLERY Valencia

My name is Shiry and I just went to a hair show in Houston on Monday. I am looking into doing hair fusion but I don't know which product or method is worth my while. The toraine method was the only method introduced at the show . Can you please inform me on which method the toraine or agape collection or whatever you use. I would really like to offer this in my salon, but I don't have a lot of money due to the slow period to invest. I am horrified at what happened to this young lady. I wish her the best of luck in seeking a better experience. Shiry Email your contact information to me and we will talk hairbyvalencia@yahoo.com Thank You for your response Valencia