Training

I am very excited to bring a new installation service to my customers. I am traveling to LA at the beginning of February to take the Combline class. Combline offers a “nano” installation. The technique is specifically designed to install hair in in areas that are very visible, like the perimeter of the hairline and the crown of the head.

These areas are a problem to disguise for clients that are concerned about thinning hair. Normally a client would have to wear a topper, a ton of dry shampoo and or hairspray to fluff the hair up. Or a client might use a scalp powder to disguise the shine and visibility of the scalp.

The compline technique will allow clients to double or triple the hair in the area without chunky or heavy bonds.

The other incredible feature of these delicate extensions is that they are designed to fall out on their own. Anyone who has had extensions can attest that removal is a costly and irritating process which puts natural hair in a vulnerable state. The Combline extensions are designed to shed on their own. This is similar to the principle of eyelash extensions. After a period of 4-6 weeks the majority of the COmbline extensions will have shed away from the natural hair.

Another incredible thing about these Combline extensions is that any hir can be used with this installation process. I really love this! We can use a clients old hair or we can use any new hair in their specific color, texture and length that they desire. This goes a long way in the ability to accurately match and blend the extensions.

I will let you know more about this incredible technique when I learn in just a couple weeks. I will also be putting in some incredible museum time while I am in LA so I will get lots of artistic inspiration.

Are your hair growth products working?

When you invest time and money into a product line that promotes hair growth you typically have to just sit back and wait to see if there are any results. Are these things working? The pills, the shampoos, the serums, the thickeners. All you have to go by are the testimonials that are on the websites of the products themselves.

Fusion studios is offering a detailed scalp analysis appointment to determine if the time and money that you are investing into these products are actually working. What would this appointment include?

The appointments are set up as a pair. The initial appointment would include a detailed intake of the current topical products and or supplements that you are taking. In the treatment room a detailed scalp analysis is conducted. This analysis includes a inspection of every inch of your scalp, section by section, talking you through any and all features that we believe to be of importance. This would include analysis and location of moles, angiomas, scalp conditions, and density measurements. In a few specific areas of concern we will take a microscopic exam of the hair follicles and the hair coming of them. These images allow us to accurately measure and determine the effectiveness of the products in use. The analysis process is deeply relaxing and enjoyable.

After the scalp analysis a separate service of scalp micro needling and topical treatment to the scalp are available if requested. The micro needling service is relaxing, not painful. The micro needles do not puncture or bruise the skin. The process stimulates circulation. The scalp treatment is finished with head and neck lymphatic drainage.

The follow up scalp analysis appointment is included in the cost of the initial appointment. During this appointment we will again perform a therapeutic and detailed scalp analysis. Imaging of the previously measured scalp and follicles will again be charted.

Afterwards there will be a side by side comparison of the measurements and imaging taken during both appointments These will be used to make further recommendations about the effectiveness versus the cost of the current program that you are on.

The cost for the pair of scalp analysis appointments is $250. Additional scalp treatment services, including micro needling are $100-150.

Products related to scalp care, growth and exfoliation will be available for purchase at Fusion Studios. All products are very affordable, generally being around $20 per item.

Book an appointment today by contacting 208.841.1090

Moving

I am thrilled to announce that I am moving into my own personal 1000 sq ft salon space. I will continue to do all types of hair extensions. In addition I will be adding a few services.

I have been studying and training for a few years in facial cupping and lymphatic drainage. I will have a facial treatment room and offer a facial cupping service combined with gua sha and lymphatic massage.

I am hoping to be moved in and working in the space by the second week of December. I will add a new treatment menu that will start in January.

Hybrid Hair extensions

Why choose just one method of installation when you can combine the best of both worlds? I have been mixing up my client’s application methods lately. You can mix Hand tied weft and fusion application or machine tied weft and beaded application. I have one client who combines both beaded and fusion methods.

Why would you combine methods? Each method offers its’ own advantages. The hand tied and machine tied wefts add a lot of hair in a short amount of time, but you may find that you still want some noticiable highlights. Or you might want some more hair around your hairline perimeter which needs to be fairly invisible, so fusion could be the answer in that particular area.

Fusion extensions are not recommended to be reused. But if you place a few highlight pieces of fusion on your hand tied weft they will never have to be removed from that hair. Those piece will be moved up when the weft is moved up. You can dream big dreams when it comes to hair replacement. There is a method that is just perfect for you.

Sunscreen

I am slightly obsessed with sunscreen. I have been actively applying sunscreen to my face since I was 13 years old. It all started with Oil of Olay face lotion that had an SPF 15.

My obsession increased after I had children. Pregnancy caused melasma on my face, brownish splotches, which I hated. I was so confused why I was having these spots when I had been so diligent about protecting my skin from the sun. Old sun damage did contribute to the blotchiness on my skin, but I believe hormones were the primary cause of the brown spots. Fast forward 13 years and tons of beauty treatments (Botox, IPL, Microdermabrasion, Pico wave laser, skin peels) and I really do feel great about my skin. The brown spots have completely faded and my skin is glowing.

So naturally I am wanting to keep my skin looking fabulous and that is where sunscreen comes in. Not only do I wear an SPF 40 daily (Origins, A perfect world is my current favorite) but I also wear a hat when out in the direct sun.

My skin inspirations are Nicole Kidman and Cate Blanchett. They have such beautiful, naturally glowing skin. I know that they take great care of their skin by protecting it from the sun and probably rubbing thousands of dollars of special creams on their faces.

My other new skin obsession is getting a Gua Shau facial. This facial helps to move all the lymph around in your system. It also massages lovely oils into your skin, lifts and improves the tone of your skin and deeply relaxes me. I adore my facialist, Angela S and if you want her number I will gladly give it to you.

How much do Hair extensions cost?

There are a few different methods to choose from so I will just cover the most popular current types. I use a few different brands depending on the method of installation. Any of these methods can be combined. The cost varies depending on the length, color, texture and amount of hair needed.

• Hand Tied Weft $800-1800

• Fusion $250-1600

• Volume or Machine Tied Weft $800-2000

• Tape In $250-1000

• Beaded $250-1000

Hand Tied Weft

This is an invisible installation using 2 pieces of hand tied weft.

Volume Weft Installation

The volume weft installation has been a tremendous way to add a lot of hair. For your money this is the best way to add as much hair as you can. The volume weft comes with three rows sewn together. I like to take one of the rows apart from the other two and perform an invisible installation with the double orw on the bottom and the single row on top. This allows the beads to be concealed for any up or down styling. It also adds the maximum amount of hair. The volume or machine tied weft has a bit thicker of a seam even deconstructed to one. This makes it a bit more durable so this hair is very likely to last for a year without shedding. The weft can also be cut anywhere and will not unravel. You cannot do this with a hand tied weft. The hand tied weft can only be folded over.

The volume weft is also called a machine tied weft. You get more than double the amount of hair that comes in the hand tied weft!

Client requirements: You must have fairly dense hair. This installation is best for people who want to add length and have medium to thick density hair.

Bead foundation

Invisible installation

Invisible Seamless Weft installation

This installation is brand new to the world and it is amazing for fine hair. The difference in this installation is the way the weft wraps around and under the beads. It is ideal for a client with fine or thin hair who would like to experiment with a volume installation. This is done only with hand tied wefts. It is the perfect combination of the delicacy of the hand tied weft and the invisibility of a multiple weft installation. Check out the pictures below. I have had a lot of fun installing this configuration.

Invisible seamless weft installation, the beginning of the installation.

Invisible seamless weft, the end of the installation.

The underside. See that the first 4 inches of the underside perfectly hide the beads.

Covid Update

As covid continues to evolve in our nation and local community I have chosen to err on the cautious side. I have a HEPA air filter running in the salon. I continue to wear a mask during my time with all clients. I would prefer guests wear a mask while they are at Bonita but I obviously am not going to force you to wear one. I ask that each guest considers my family and our efforts to stay Covid free. I am fully vaccinated. Bonita offers total privacy for my clients so other guests will not be an issue.

Stay positive. Stay safe!

Serenity now

Wig customization

Wig customization is now another service that I am happy to offer to the public. I have been doing research and training in wig working for a couple of years now and I have finally had enough private priatve clients that I can move forward to offering the general public these services. Wig customization takes time and a lot of special knowledge. The skills that I have acquired over the last 16 years in hair extensions have really paid off. Building a relationship with the suppliers and getting to know the products is an ongoing process and hopefully always will be. Learning color techniques that are specific to human extension hair is crucial. Hair is considered a fabric. Some fabrics are fine and silky and then there are other fabrics, like jeans. Well, hair extensions are their own special kind of fabric and it takes a long time experimenting to learn the nuances of what works and what doesn’t work. Cutting and styling the wig are the other crucial elements that can make the wig feel like your own.

While I am busy setting up my online shop I can still take custom orders. I am currently dedicating 2 days a week specifically to wig working and hoping to expand that.

Hand Tied Weft

I have learned a few new tricks and now I can confidently say that I love installing hand tied weft extensions. I can make them invisible by installing one weft below and one above. I can blend them seamlessly by custom coloring. I can match the bead to the density and color of your hair and I can install quickly and accurately which will keep your hair feeling perfect for longer. I have been taking online classes over the last 12 months. I became certified in another brand and have dedicated myself to online learning every month over the last year. There are new options; new threads, new textures, new density, new installation techniques. Everything has gotten so much better.

Thank you to all of my current clients who allow me to experiment on your hair while learning what works best over time. If it weren’t for my amazing clients I wouldn’t know what I know. I can learn online as much as I want but actually practicing these techniques on real hair with different density issues is how I really learn.

I have included a few examples of my current work. Enjoy!

Hand tied weft

Hand tied weft installation

Hand tied weft

Machine tied weft, invisible installation

Machine tied weft

New Clients

I am not currently accepting any new clients at this time. I am focusing strictly on hair extensions and making time for the clients I have. I am assisting my daughters in their online school journey so I am working only 2-3 days per week. If you would like a referral for hair extensions you can contact me and I will try to find you someone based on what type you are interested in. Thank you so much for understanding.

Recent work

I wanted to show off just a few lovely client’s that I have worked with recently. Let me know if you have questions regarding any of the installation or removal processes.

Hand tied weft installation. One weft for density, same length as natural hair. Installation time, 30 minutes.

Hand tied weft after installation.

Fusion installation. 6 packages fusion body wave installed throughout the head. Installation time 3 1/2 hours.

Fusion installation after completion. Styled with triple barrel curling iron.

Fusion installation after.

Fusion installation after.

Fusion installation. One row, about 28 pieces to increase density. Additional 8 pieces placed near each ear to increase side density while being easily able to disguise with pony tail and braids.

Before fusion installation. The removal process was particularly tricky, it was another brand that I don’t recommend.

Fusion extensions after. 6 packages of fusion and micro fusion placed all over the head. Installation took 4 1/2 hours. We did additional trimming and texturizing after this photo was taken.

So there you have just a few of the new projects that I have done. If you would like to schedule a consultation let me know. I can do an in person or over the phone consultation. I am booking out into September right now.

Covid-19 salon protocol

How are you all doing? Surviving in this awkward new world I hope. I have been hunkered down with my family since March 13th. Some parts of this new way of living have been very nice I have to admit. I do miss my friends, my husband doesn’t laugh at my jokes like my friends do. My kids are barely being homeschooled because they argue with me every time I try to get them to do something educational. We are all keeping our heads above water though and staying healthy so that’s what really matters right now.

As far as work goes I am limiting my clientele to just hair extensions. I can’t pick back up where I left off for a few reasons. The first reason is that I have my two lovely daughters at home full time and I don’t want to leave them at home for hours with nothing to do. The other reason is that I want to limit my exposure to people as much as I can. Since we have a complete moron running the United States of America and we still have no effective testing or tracing program for Covid-19 we all have to pay the price by assuming that everyone could be a potential unknown carrier. I personally have been tested for the anti-bodies and I tested negative so I believe that I have not been a Covid-19 carrier. If you have been a client of mine for some time and you don’t fall under the hair extension category I am sorry to say that I won’t be able to service you at this point, there are a lot of people to blame for that. I can give you a referral to an excellent stylist. I have a few in mind so send me a message and I will happily set that up for you.

If you are a hair extension client this is what you can expect at your appointment. Please do not bring any other guest with you to your appointment, this means children and friends. When you arrive at your appointment call or text me to let me know and I will make sure that you won’t have to be in the salon space with any other client. You are required to wear a mask. If you need a mask I have disposable paper masks that I am happy to provide for you. The salon chair will have been sanitized with a hospital grade disinfectant prior to your arrival. Your salon cape and towel will be used only on you and will be laundered immediately after your departure. All materials (combs, clips, bowls, brushes) will be sanitized prior to your arrival and cleaned immediately after your departure. While you are at your appointment I will be wearing a mask the entire time. In addition to all these safety measures I will have a HEPA air purifier running during your appointment which cleans and filters the air 4 times per hour. The HEPA filter traps virus and bacteria to create a much safer environment for both of us to be in. HEPA filters are used in hospitals and are currently being tested specifically with Covid-19. At the end of your appointment I can take payment a few ways. I can take your debit or credit card and run them using Square which will require you to touch my phone. If you prefer a touch less method you can pay with cash, check, Venmo, Apple Pay, Zelle or PayPal. I am fine with your preference.

Please let me know if you have any special concerns prior to your appointment and I will do my best to accommodate.

Halo hair extension

If you are looking for a quick way to increase the length and density of your hair during this global pandemic may I recommend this hair extension. It is super easy to install & remove. Looks fantastic braided or in a side ponytail. This hair comes in a great variety and can be custom colored to match your exact hair color.

Check it out!

Julia agreed to be my lovely model. She would like to wear it outside of the house, if we ever get out of here!

Applying full root touch up

If you have gloves wear them to keep color off your hands.

Wear a button up shirt or a shirt with a wider neck that you don’t care about.

Put a towel or a couple paper towels underneath your color bowl to prevent splatter stains in your bathroom.

Let your color process for 35 minutes. Start the timer when you finish the final swipe of color.

This video will show you the proper way to apply color to your full head without making a giant mess and ruining everything in your bathroom.

This video explains how long to process your color. 35 minutes is the standard for grey coverage using 20 volume developer.

Mixing color for a full head root application

This video will show you how to measure or estimate the amount of product (color & developer) that you will need for a full head application.

If you have gloves wear them to keep color off your hands.

Wear a button up shirt or a shirt with a wider neck that you don’t care about.

Put a towel or a couple paper towels underneath your color bowl to prevent splatter stains in your bathroom.

Let your color process for 35 minutes. Start the timer when you finish the final swipe of color.

DIY Hand Tied Weft Removal

Of all the hair extensions to remove this is one of the easiest. That being said if you can get a family or quarantine member to help you this, it will be much easier. All you need is a pair of needle nose pliers, a couple of hair clips, and some patience.

DIY fusion extension removal

Are you stuck at home like almost everyone else? So sorry that I had to miss our upcoming appointment. I wanted to show you how to remove your extensions in case the wait is too long until I am able to see you again. Please let me know if you have questions or if you need some remover.

DIY Tape In Removal

Instructions on how to remove your tape in extensions with minimal damage and minimal experience. You most likely have some stuff around the house that will enable you to remove your extensions. If you are lucky enough to be quarantined with another human being than you might even be able to ask for some help. I wish that I could help you, but I am only able to virtually at this point.