Last week, you met Nicole Longstreath of The Wardrobe Code. That girl has some serious skills, right? Have you figured out your weekend go-to outfit formula yet? I’m still working on mine but you should see my closet — I’ve totally edited it down to three shirts and two pairs of pants. Who wants to go shopping?
I’m excited to feature another amazing contributor to the #iwillrockthis weight-loss challenge today. And keeping with the theme of looking and feeling fab, I am pleased to introduce you to the uber-talented Tera Rae Stephens.
Tera works at Tek Salon in Costa Mesa, CA and has ten years of experience. She has taken advanced courses at Paul Mitchell The School, Rare Academy in NYC, Vidal Sassoon, and Schwartzkopf. She also has recently become an educator for Hotheads Hair Extensions. Tera prides herself by staying ahead of trends and is inspired by fashion, travel, her photographer husband and amusing kids.
I was recently able to talk to Tera about hair trends, Hotheads Hair Extensions, and her top tips for great summer hair. Here’s what she had to say:
What are your clients asking for these days?
I’m doing a ton of balyage which is hand painting highlights for a really natural sun kissed blonde that grows out beautifully. The Ombré trend is still going on but more clients are starting to transition into more natural blondes that show their natural color and require less maintenance. I think hair is becoming more natural looking. Less flat ironing, less drastic color. There is nothing more beautiful than shiny, healthy hair!
What is one hair trend you’d never like to see return?
The one where guys grew out the top really long but shaved the sides super short and then slicked the top back into a ponytail!
Tera working her magic at Tek Salon
Which female celebrity hair are you loving? (long and short, respectively)
My fav is Jennifer Lopez because her hair is incredibly versatile. She goes from sleek and chic to big and curly to a playful pony like no one else can! [For short hair] My fav is Emma Watson. She is stunning, youthful and chic all at the same time!
Name a celebrity you’d love to get your hands on and why?
Ugggghhhh! Christina Aguilera has such potential to be gorgeous and her hair always ruins it for me! It’s too blonde, too stringy and just too over done!
She REALLY wants to get her hands on Christina!
Let’s talk hair extensions. Are there more women wearing hair extensions that we realize?
Absolutely! A ton of celebrities are wearing them and they have become so accessible that your next door neighbor is likely wearing them! Extensions are a quick, easy way to add incredible length and volume. Most of us have to enhance what God gave us!
Tell me what’s great about Hotheads Hair Extensions as opposed to others? [Tera uses Hotheads exclusively and is an educator for the brand]
Hotheads are the newest technology in extensions. They are a tape in method that can be applied in about an hour, the hair lasts for 6 months, and you visit the salon every 8 weeks to have them serviced. They are made of great quality hair and are virtually undetectable in the hair!
One of Tera's Hotheads Hair Extensions clients.
Are Hotheads made of human hair or synthetic hair?
Hotheads are 100% Remy hair. This means that great care is taken to ensure that all of the cuticles of the hair are facing the same direction so the hair doesn’t mat or tangle. Most comes from India and Europe.
Can you use a curling iron, blow dryer, hot rollers, flat iron on Hotheads?
Absolutely! It’s human hair!
Are they colored to match hair exactly or can they be highlighted?
Hotheads come in 22 colors and can be custom blended to match most hair! I rarely color them and it’s actually recommended that you don’t since they have already been colored.
Can you pull your hair up or back with them in?
Your hair can be worn in low ponytails or buns. No cheerleader ponytails!
Can Hotheads be used just to lengthen bangs?
Hotheads can’t be used to lengthen bangs but the newest product coming from Hot Heads, Tress Couture, offers clip in bangs. I’m sure I’ll be selling a ton of those!
Perfect blending of Hotheads Hair Extensions
How much do Hotheads Hair Extensions cost and what is the maintenance?
Generally the cost is between $800 and $1200 depending on length, color, and amount of hair needed. That includes the hair, application, and cutting to blend them into your existing haircut. An hour maintenance every 8 weeks costs about $100.
Who is a good candidate for Hotheads Hair Extensions?
Anyone looking for length and volume! Some of my clients have hair that is so thin you could see right through it, those are my favorite afters because you can literally see the confidence growing right there in the chair.
Tera was recently featured on San Diego’s Fox 5 demonstrating how easy it is to have Hotheads Hair Extensions applied. In the same interview, she also gives a sneak preview of the new Tress Couture clip-on hair fashions she mentioned earlier!
Check out Tera Rae Stephens’ 5 quick summer hair tips:
Use Aveda Sun Protective Hair Veil like its going out of style!
Rinse chlorine out ASAP and see above for more protection!
When it’s hot, air dry! Rock your natural texture or amp it up with Oribe Après Beach spray for shine, volume, and texture.
Spin pins by Goody are the best for holding up quick, messy buns.
Use a great moisturizing mask once a week so you don’t look like the Straw Man in September! I love Oribe’s Mask for Beautiful Color or Moroccan Oil’s Intense Hydrating Mask.
Appointments with Tera can be scheduled online through Schedulicity. You can also find her on Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook. And definitely check out her awesome website – Tera Rae Stephens – where in a video tutorial she demonstrates how to trim a friend’s bangs, which tools and products she personally uses, and my absolute favorite new feature “The Style(ist)“!
Have you had hair extensions? Or would you considering getting some after what you read here today? Me? I would love to try out the Tress Couture clip-ons!
Photos courtesy of Tera Rae Stephens and Kathleen Enge of Sugar and Spice.
This is a non-sponsored post. Tera Rae Stephens has generously donated her hairdressing services to the winner of the #iwillrockthis weight loss challenge. Wendy Will Blog does not endorse any products mentioned. This post appears in exchange for her services.