We've often wondered how Hollywood hairstylists work such magic in their medium.  It's bizarre for Hollywood outsiders (normal women, like most of us) to see a starlet on the big screen with a short brown bob one day and the next in the "Stars Are Just Like Us" section of US Weekly with long, luscious blonde locks.  Granted, we know that there is major lag time between the production of a film and its press junket.... Even still.  They seem to have some magic, healthy hair-growing tonic at their fingertips.  When we try to grow our hair out, it takes more than two years of "shape-up haircuts".  What's their trick?  Special shampoos and vitamins?  We were stumped.  Until...

While watching re-runs of The Girls Next Door we saw Bridget's little sister transformed by having extensions added to her hair!  You wouldn't believe the difference.  Sure, it took FOREVER, but it looked so natural!  More recently, we have all seen the press on Kate Gosselin's new look.  So, there we have it.  Female stars add extra "oomph" to their dos with woven-in hair.  Cool.  Right? 

Once our radar was attuned to this beauty trick, we started hearing local, Mississippi women talking about having their extensions "touched up", or "taken out".  We were shocked to learn that lots of local women swear by their weave!  "How big city," we thought and made a mental note to investigate further.  How much does it cost and how long should you plan to sit in the stylist's chair?  Do you treat your hair any differently once it is "in"?  Where can we have it done locally?  The questions went on and on.  So, we got the scoop! 

Read our interview below with the owner of Nathan's Salon to find out all that we learned.

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Extensions for Caucasian hair have been around awhile.  Right?
Yes, but they have generally been poor quality.

Why are they just now coming to our market? 
Recently extensions have become more accepted and trendy.

How can you find a salon that will give you “star-like” extensions?
Many salons offer extensions; however, you must be careful making your selection because 80% of the products out there are damaging to the hair.  It is important that you research the type of extensions offered and find out where the service provider was trained. The extension system that we use is only offered by licensed professionals who have undergone additional training in Burbank, CA.  We think it is the safest and best-looking extension system around.

How are extensions applied?
The safest application process for your natural hair is threading.  In this process, your hair and the extension are bound together using a special tool.  There are no chemicals, heat, or glue involved in this application process. 

How long do they last?
We suggest using 100% human hair.  If properly maintained the hair should last 10-12 months.  Proper maintenance includes seeing your stylist every three months to reapply the locks.  Other maintenance involves not going to bed with wet hair and brushing three times a day.

How do you wash your hair when they are in?
There is no difference.  The exact same way you would your natural hair.

What about color treated hair and extensions?
Extensions can be custom ordered to match color treated hair.  Extensions can also be colored by your stylist.

How long does it take to have them "installed"?
Each extension is applied individually, throughout the entire head; so, it typically takes about 5-7 hours.

Does it hurt?
No. There should be no pain involved.

Okay.  Final Question.  How much should we expect to pay?
The typical cost is $2,600.  This pays for the hair and the application.  The hair can be expensive because it is 100% human -- no synthetic. 

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