Unlocking Lush Locks: A Candid Chat with Hair Extension Guru Cassandra Celestin.
Dreaming of being photographed with long, flowing hair that looks as if it's been lifted from the pages of a hair ad? There’s something undeniably enchanting about luscious lengths. So, let's ask the professional to get the inside secrets to those dreamy locks.
In the glamorous world of hair styling, Cassandra Celestin is a standout professional known for her unparalleled expertise in hair extensions and unique approach to women’s beauty. Her talents have been called on by several hair product companies, celebrities, commercial photographers, and network shows.
I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Cassandra to learn about her fascinating journey into the world of hair extensions, her tips for selecting and caring for hair extensions, and the top mistakes to avoid that could lead to serious hair loss.
Cassandra Celestin,“
The Beauty Chemist ”
Standing at the pinnacle of science and beauty care with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, a Master’s in Cosmetic Science, and a license in cosmetology is Cassandra Celestin. Her 15-plus years in the professional beauty industry have seen her develop personal care products—from hair care and color to skincare and cosmetics—that have lined the shelves of beauty stores under top global brands. More than just a chemist, Cassandra’s expertise extends into hair coloring, styling, trichology, and makeup artistry, making her a sought-after talent. Her work has been featured in elite magazines, theater, television, and film projects, collaborating with both national and international networks and productions. Cassandra’s blend of scientific expertise and artistic vision truly sets her apart as a luminary in the beauty industry.
More than a Chemist- An Artist.
Cassandra’s expertise extends to hair coloring, styling, trichology, and makeup artistry, making her a sought-after professional. Her styling & artistry work has been featured in elite magazines, theater, television, and film projects, collaborating with both national and international networks and productions.
Cassandra’s blend of scientific expertise and artistic vision truly sets her apart as a luminary in the beauty industry.
Paul: So, Cassandra, when did you start working with hair extensions?
Cassandra: Well, hair extensions have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up, adding braids – that’s hair extension. My journey really evolved as I got older, especially after getting my cosmetology license. It’s been a lifelong journey from braids to hair weaving, tape extensions, microlinks extensions, and even wigs.
Paul: It sounds like hair extensions have been a big part of your identity.
Cassandra: Absolutely. In the Black culture, hair extensions are just part of our hair regimen. It’s almost like washing your hair in other cultures. For us, it’s just the norm. It’s always been around hair extensions and care since I was a little girl. So, it wasn’t a matter of becoming interested in it; it was just a part of life.
Paul: What made you decide to turn this part of your life into a business?
Cassandra: Hair extensions are a lucrative market, especially in Black culture. Now, it has crossed over to many cultures because of social media, influencers, and celebrities wearing hair extensions and wigs. It’s one of the biggest sectors in dry hair goods.
Paul: With celebrities like Beyonce, J.Lo, and Kim Kardashian showcasing different hair extensions, would you say they’ve influenced the market?
Cassandra: “Oh, definitely. Celebrities and influencers have made hair extensions and wigs a part of their everyday and red-carpet looks. It’s made a huge impact on the market and how people view hair extensions as a beauty essential.”
Paul: What should a woman consider when choosing the right type of hair extensions?
Cassandra: There’s much to consider. Remy human hair extensions offer the most natural look. Synthetic hair extensions are also an option, as they are more affordable and easier to care for. I always advise consulting with a professional to get the right match for your hair type and lifestyle.
Paul: What is Remy hair for people new to the luxury hair extensions world?
Cassandra: Remy hair extensions reign supreme because they’re real human hair. Remy keeps the cuticles (hair’s protective layer) intact and not stripped, minimizing tangles. This special collection method, where the hair is bundled (like a braid), makes Remy human hair extensions the gold standard for long-lasting, easy-to-work-with extensions for professionals.
Cassandra:
“When considering Remy extensions, you must look at the fine print before purchasing to ensure you understand what you are buying. While it’s supposed to be 100% human hair, many manufacturers are now playing around with that. Some brands are 80/20, 90/10, or even 70/30 human to synthetic hair. Also, check that all the cuticles are in one direction, the way your natural hair shaft grows."
Paul: What can you tell us about synthetic hair extensions?
Cassandra: Synthetic hair is made of plastic fibers, and it won’t be as versatile as Remy hair in terms of combing, washing, coloring, or even flat ironing. You can’t use hot tools on synthetic hair because they will burn.
However, clip-ons are convenient because they’re usually already styled, and you can pop them in or put on a synthetic wig.
There are now some better-quality synthetic hair that you can restyle with a bit of heat—not the same amount of heat that you would put on Remy or natural hair.
Paul: What’s the advantage of the clip-in extension?
Cassandra: “Clip-in extensions are something you could use for the day or your photoshoot. It can easily add lots of volume and length to your natural hair if applied properly.”
“Word of Warning: You should not sleep with your clip-ins. That’s how people acquire hair damage. They are not designed to be on for more than a day.”
Paul: Talking about what not to do, what are the most common mistakes you see clients make when they consider buying hair extensions?
Cassandra: The first mistake is going straight to Amazon and buying extensions based on reviews. They should be talking to a professional about the type of hair extensions, the length, the color, synthetic vs. Remy, or something in between. That’s the number one mistake.
Paul: What other mistakes do you see clients make when considering buying hair extensions for DIY?
Cassandra: Not having a professional consultation. The first step to perfect hair extensions is a professional consultation. A skilled hairstylist can recommend the best options for enhancing your hair’s volume while ensuring a natural look that complements your features, which is crucial for daily wear and special occasions.
So, as professionals, we match the color and the texture. If you consult with someone like me, then I would say, okay, your hair texture is a 2, 3, or 4. It either has a thick or thinned, high density or not high density. I go through the complete characteristics of your hair, hair type, and face shape, and I recommend which extensions would work best for you and your needs.
Paul: I hear women say they are getting 18, 20, or 22 inches. Is this what they should be looking for?
Cassandra: “There’s more to consider. Most of the time, women only think about hair length. But no one wants to walk around with unstyled straight hair. Choosing extensions that add volume at the top of your head is vital to balance it with your face and give it a fuller, natural, luxurious appearance.”
“Also, your choice of extensions should align with your lifestyle and the amount of effort you’re willing to put into your hair care. "
Natural hair falling out.
Poor hair application could seriously damage your natural hair.
Paul: What other serious mistakes do you often see?
Trying to do it yourself. Applying and choosing the right extensions are tasks best left to professionals. An expert can ensure your extensions are applied safely and look as natural as possible.
Plus, a professional can match the color correctly, which is essential for extensions to blend seamlessly with natural hair. Slight differences in shade can make even the highest-quality extensions look obvious, especially in professional photos.
Also, keep in mind that lower-cost extensions you can buy at Sally’s or the regular neighborhood beauty supply store can quickly get matted and tangled, especially if they are not cared for properly. Though it might be tempting to save money, you’ll have a long-lasting investment when you buy quality hair from the beginning. Cheaper extensions can look fake and wear out quickly.
“Always opt for high-quality extensions to ensure they look authentic and last longer with proper care."
Paul: How much does good human hair cost?
Cassandra: Really good quality human hair comes in bundles; let’s say 3 ounces and 100 grams will cost you anywhere from $300 to $500 a bundle.
People usually need to have 3 bundles applied. So you’ll spend about $1,000 on high-quality hair. But it’s worth the investment because the hair you’re buying will last you a very long time.
Paul: What are the other costs for someone applying top-quality extensions?
Cassandra: Custom coloring will cost about $300 to $400. Then, the application will cost $300 to around $800, depending on what technique you decide to use for your hair.
Paul: Let’s imagine you have just had amazing hair extensions applied. Can you share any tips for maintaining hair with extensions?
“Your first priority is your natural hair. Then, it depends on what type of hair extensions you’re using. “
Cassandra: Use the best products possible. Make sure you detangle properly from the ends up to the root. Make sure you wash correctly with the right type of shampoo. Usually, for extensions, use sulfate-free shampoo.
Paul: How do you self-care for clip-in extensions at home?
Cassandra: If you’re using clip-ins, you should use a dry shampoo on them, backcomb your natural hair, and add the clip-ins at a specific angle to push that hair up a little bit. The clip-in will sit underneath, boosting up a little volume on top.
You should never wash the clip-ins while attached to your own hair. Since they are made of metal, they tend to rust when wet, which can cause hair and scalp damage and even hair loss.
“I’ve seen hair loss with hair clip-ins of people who left them in while washing them and some who went to the beach and left them in. So, clip-ins are only for 24 hours maximum if you are awake.”
Paul: What about self-caring for non-clip-in extensions at home?
Cassandra: For the tape-ins, microlinks, welf, and keratine extensions, use a good sulfate-free shampoo and a moisturizing conditioner. The conditioner should be applied half an inch after the hair extension attachment point. Avoid applying conditioner on the roots when you have tape-ins and microlinks because it can loosen up the extension.
For weft/sew-in, you can apply the conditioner directly on the scalp and into the hair braids. But make sure you rinse the conditioner out thoroughly, as any residue will also loosen up your hair extensions.
In the case of deep cleaning, you may choose to use a clarifying shampoo, but some of them are formulated with sulfates. The shampoo can be applied from the mid-shaft to the ends of the hair and not at the roots because it will strip the hair extensions and some of the oils from your natural hair. That will cause a lot of damage to your hair because it can get tangled together near the roots because of the lack of moisture.
Backcombing between the hair extensions also helps build volume between them, whether weft, tape-in, or micro-links.
Paul: Talk about hair extension maintenance and how important it is.
“You should care for your hair extensions as a valued possession and see a professional regularly. While always making your natural hair your priority."
Extensions knots at the roots.
