The Extend Event may have come and gone but we’re still so inspired by the incredible panels, vendor booths, and hair demos that made the event a success. The two-day event offered plenty of networking opportunities and education on all-things hair extensions.
Attendees were kept busy with a variety of helpful and informative panels covering topics like custom coloring, cutting and blending, and multiple installations. Not to mention, keynote speakers like Kathy Nunez and Annette Waligora provided endless amounts of tips and tricks on social media best practices, building your personal brand, and perfecting your craft.
Below, we’ve gathered the most memorable soundbites from the incredible speakers at the virtual event.
Christina Cinque
Hair Extensions Specialist and CEO of Olivia Christensen Salon, @hairgoddessofny
On the impact her reality show had on her business: “I had a show on TLC called Hair Goddess. It aired in 2017 and had six hour-long episodes. It was so much fun and it was definitely a huge accomplishment for myself and my career to say that I had a reality show about myself and my hair extension business that not only showcased my work but my salon. The show had a huge impact on my business. It brought us so many customers that we were just bombarded all at once. It was basically like a huge commercial for us.”
Cherry Petenbrink
Joico International Artist and Olivia Garden Artistic Director, @hairbycherryp
On the magic of hair extensions: “There are so many roles that extensions can play in the hair — for some it’s length, for some it’s thickness, for some it’s the combination of the two, and for others, it’s just wanting to create a whole new shape and new look.”
Mindy McDermaid
Extend Event Director, @mindy.mcdermaid
On how stylists should be using social media: “I think perfecting our craft is exactly what we need to do social media. There are so many opportunities to demonstrate who we are and what we do. But perfecting our craft is where we’re going to really find followership and success.”
Kathy Nunez
Blonde specialist and owner of Studio One Salon @kathynunezhair
On her advice to stylists that are hair extension newbies: “If you’re just starting out with extensions, I want to encourage you to really master this craft. It’s going to be a learning curve just like everything else but there’s so much continued education out there. The more you invest in this craft, the more you are going to take from it. In our salon, I’ve seen my stylist grow from just dabbling in extensions and now it’s one of our main sources of income. It’s such a great way to expand your services and your clients will love it.”
Annette Waligora
Bridal hairstylist and educator, @annette_updo_artist
On building your brand on social media: “When you are creating an Instagram page and you are a stylist, it’s important to figure out your niche. What do you want your clients to know you for? I’ve always loved upstyling, so with my account I really wanted to focus on that. I feel like if you are a colorist or an extension specialist, you should hone in on that and showcase your talent.”
Did you attend The Extend Event? Let us know in the comments below.
