11 Tips for Seamless CombLine® Hair Extensions
With the revolutionary CombLine technique, bonds are invisible, extensions are seamless, and clients experience a level of comfort no other method achieves. One of the best parts of learning a groundbreaking new application? Being able to craft more precise results than any other stylist in your network. One of the worst? Not having a trusted stock of application tricks and tips at your disposal.
We’re here to help you bid goodbye to mid-appointment mishaps. Read on to discover our best tips for achieving refined, fully concealed CombLine transformations.
1. Tidy Your Tools
When immersed in your work, clipping sections and placing bonds, the last thing you need is a tool malfunction to disrupt your flow. Before every appointment, take stock of your tools to ensure clean, precise placements.
The Glue Pin, for instance, should always be free of residual adhesive after an appointment ends—give it a quick wipe with a paper towel as soon as you can. Ensure the Applicator Comb can easily move through the hair without transferring dried adhesive onto the strands. If the Applicator Brush seems too layered with adhesive, you can extend its lifespan by trimming the bristles.
2. Store Your Stuff
And just as important as tool cleanup? Storing your tools where they belong. While perhaps not the most exciting part of your day-to-day, prioritizing organization will save you from prematurely replacing your equipment. For instance, we recommend storing the Glue Tube in the refrigerator for the most pliable and flexible texture; storing it at room temperature is fine, but this will reduce the shelf life.
3. Check Their Hair Type
Most hair types are compatible with CombLine, but clients with an overactive sebaceous gland (where excess sebum production makes the hair oily) may find the extensions do not bond as readily. For those still wishing to try the application, wash their hair twice with a clarifying shampoo and blow-dry. Place test strands in the client’s hair to ensure they will stay in place after a week.
Clients with curly hair textures can also enjoy the application—just straighten their roots and the top of the extensions to create bonds.
4. Ask the Right Questions
Yes, there are no perfect consultation agendas as each client has unique hair goals, but there are certain questions that will set your appointment up for success. A good rule of thumb for CombLine precision: assess your client’s 1) allergen history 2) conditioning routine and 3) history with hair-thinning conditions.
Of course, conduct an allergen test for the adhesive and remover before every application but also analyze other potential triggers that could impact your service (a shampoo’s fragrances, for example). Because using leave-in conditioners or conditioning treatments can cause product buildup on the hair shaft, make sure your client’s regimen will not interfere with the bonds adhering properly. Finally, this application may not be suitable for clients experiencing active or extreme hair loss, as CombLine extensions need to hold onto the natural hair.
5. Choose the Right Extensions
The CombLine application system is compatible with all hair extension brands and types. However, because the application makes use of small sections, we recommend choosing methods with similar placement styles—both to streamline the process and not waste any hair. Consequently, consider using tape-ins or keratin extensions over wefts. Simply cut the application point of whichever method you select before the application begins.
6. Don't Forget to Prep
Tools cleaned, station organized—one last bit of preparation to ensure a smooth appointment. Shampoo both your client’s hair and the extensions with a clarifying shampoo to remove excess oil and avoid using conditioner. Make sure the hair is completely dry before beginning your application.
7. Beware of Blooming
Blooming, when dried adhesive clumps onto the hair and discolors, can turn a would-be seamless section into a sticky mess. Some factors that can cause blooming include 1) touching a bond while it is still wet 2) excessive adhesive use 3) excess adhesive on the Glue Pin, Applicator Comb, or Applicator Brush 4) a client picking at the bonds.
When isolating a new strand of hair, try not to accidentally brush against previous sections. Make sure to also use the Applicator Brush to remove any excess adhesive.
8. Stop & Stand Back
You’re sweeping adhesive against the hair, smoothing with the Applicator Brush, and building fullness in thinning areas. In your rhythm. But don’t forget to take a moment and check that the sections are cohesive with volume evenly distributed on both sides. For more details on seamlessly attaching this new hair extension method, check out our step-by-step guide here.
9. Less is More
The CombLine application method sets itself apart from all others on the market. Unlike a clip-in, distinct from a weft, this new hair extension technology does not require wide or dense sections to be pulled for the application. Keep things light.
While clients will naturally shed their extensions over time, doing so prematurely can be disheartening, especially for those already struggling with thinning hair. Often, shedding occurs when too-heavy sections limit the adhesive from fully forming a bond. Make sure the adhesive is distributed evenly across your sections as you work.
10. Consider a Hybrid Application
Have a client looking for volume to the max? Add another layer of coverage by incorporating traditional extensions as well. While any method works with CombLine, our Keratin Collection is especially well suited for fine-hair textures—apply the extensions in fragile areas (like the hairline and fringe) and create discreet, matte bonds that blend with the natural hair. Our Tape-In Collection, which features options for a completely concealed adhesive band, is also designed to limit tension on delicate strands.
11. Capture the Transformation
Your client looks in the mirror and realizes the bouncing, full locks they envisioned have come to life. Help make the transformation all the more impactful by showing them how their hair has evolved. By taking transformation photos (with permission of course), you will not only see your client sit taller in the chair, beaming at their revived look, but also build your portfolio. Not every hair extension type is able to achieve such a confidence-boosting effect, and clientele will gravitate toward a stylist already tested in this new hair technology.
_____________________________________________________
Because CombLine is such a revolutionary development in the hair industry, receiving certification is essential. To fuel your career growth and achieve remarkable results for your clients, explore our hair extension classes today.
Leave a comment