We all know that when it comes to hair extensions, good hair is not cheap, and cheap hair is not good! If they are, there is probably a reason for that, such as poor quality! It is essential to care for the hair extensions correctly so you can get the most out of your hair extensions and minimise any damage during the duration of wearing your hair extensions. Here are my top tips for caring for your gorgeous new hair extensions. 

​1 - How to Wash Your Hair Extensions
Firstly be aware that washing and drying your hair will take much longer with hair extensions in. Don't try to attempt this for the first time if you are in a rush. So start by brushing your hair thoroughly before you wash it. We always recommend using a good shampoo and conditioner that does not contain any sulfates or parabens. Wet your hair and shampoo in a downwards motion. Massage your scalp in-between the bonds with your fingertips. Ensure that you rinse all of the shampoo out to prevent residue from building up. I would strongly advise not to wash your hair upside down, this could get you into a mess and make it much harder to brush through when it comes to drying your hair. Then add the conditioner through your lengths. Rinse the conditioner out, pat dry with a towel to remove excess water. Add a heat protector or leave-in moisture product if you are planning to blow-dry. Just avoid using any products that are too oily near the bonds as they may cause the hair extensions to slip out. I would also recommend not leaving your bonds soaking wet for a long duration of time as this can cause them to weaken.

​2 - How to Brush Your Hair Extensions
Invest in a good natural bristle paddle brush or a tangle teezer. Separate into two sections left side/right side, start by brushing out any tangles by working your way up the hair to the roots. With the right brush you can brush over your bonds and I strongly recommend to do so! This well prevent any bonds from getting caught round one another and keeps them neat. Remember to brush your hair every morning and night, if you cannot keep on top of brushing I would recommend having your hair extensions removed. 

3 - Sleeping with Hair Extensions
Before bed always remember to brush your hair and put it in a loose plait or ponytail to sleep. For extra brownie points you could even get a silk pillowcase which will help prevent matting because of the smooth surface. Just remember to never go to bed with your hair wet. As i said before leaving your bonds wet for a prolonged amount of time will cause the bonds to weaken. 


4 - Styling Your Hair Extensions Hairbrush, crocodile clips, heat protection product, hot curling or iron wand, etc.


Method: Use heat protection products first to protect your natural hair and extensions from potential wear and tear and heat damage. Avoid using hairspray. Always ensure that your hair is 100 percent dry before applying any heat tools. Use clips to neatly work on individual sections at a time. Style as desired, curl, crimp, straighten, blow-dry etc…


Tip: Avoid holding heat near the bonds at the roots of your hair for too long.

At Malcolm Murphy Hair we specialise in hair extensions and do hundreds of hair extension consultations each year. This guide will help you maximise your consultation with your stylist so you can find out all the information you need. Our hair extensions last four to six months so it is a big undertaking, it's important you do your research before taking the plunge. So wherever you are choosing to have a consultation for hair extensions, make sure you arrive armed with questions. 

​Hair Extension Questions to Ask During a Consultation

Do you use REMY hair? 
REMY is a process that ensures all of the hair cuticles are facing the same direction. This is very important and is a good indicator of the quality level of the brand of hair extensions you are using. Your stylist should also know about where the hair comes from and how it is processed. Don't be afraid to ask questions!

How are extensions applied? 
Most salons more than likely will have a couple of options for application. If they suggest one above the other for you, ask them why. They should be at ease with discussing their preference with you – and that is a good sign. You want someone who is willing to take the time to make sure you understand what it is you are having applied, how to maintain it and why. Extensions are not an exact science. There are so many “moving parts” to consider. It is not unusual for us to use two or more techniques/systems on a client for a natural, comfortable and lasting effect. This is a LUXURY service and should be treated as such by your stylist. They should be interested and attentive in answering your hair extension questions.

Colour Matching. 
The colour match is one of the most important parts of the consultation. A good stylist should understand that the colour of your “new” hair should not just match, but also complement. Keep in mind that extensions are an easy way to add high and/or low lights without using chemicals. Agreeing on colour choices before application is absolutely essential. Just make sure you give your stylist enough time to pick out the correct shades. In Great Lengths there are over 160 shades to choose from and all can be intermixed allowing for endless colour options. 

How long will they last? 
At Malcolm Murphy Hair we recommend that our Great Lengths cold fusion hair extensions can last four to six months. This will vary from salon to salon on what they recommend. This also depends on how often you shampoo, how fast your hair grows, and the length and density of the natural hair you are working with to cover the bonds. Some systems are reusable, which can prove more affordable with the correct maintenance, and IF you are a candidate. For example Great Lengths Tape extensions can be reused up to three times which makes it more affordable. With any application the general rule is, if you look after the hair extensions they will last longer. 

What goes into the proper maintenance? Ask about shampoo and conditioner and recommended styling products to help with the manageability and longevity of your style. Ask about how to brush it out, how best to style it and any tricks of the trade, like what to do with it when you’re sleeping. There is loads of information on maintaining hair extensions on our website too!

Removal, Cost and Maintenance
Most damage can be done in attempting to remove the bond (and usually in a hurry) rather than in the application or wearing of the hair extensions. Make sure you find out all about the salons removal service and how much it will cost. 

As for the cost of hair extensions just remember that you get what you pay for. Hair extensions are not cheap. Especially if you are looking for quality. Just keep in mind that someone had to shampoo and prep your hair, blow it dry, choose the right colors, apply it PROPERLY, without damage, cut it into your desired style, educate you on how to care for it at home, and consider what might serve you best for professional maintenance. Oh, and don’t forget – SOMEONE had to grow it! Don't forget that most salons will have options. The more hair you have and the longer hair you choose the more expensive it will be. 

​Now do your research and book that consultation. I promise you this when you find the right stylist and the right hair extensions you will NEVER look back.

​Unless you have been living under a rock for the past week you will have noticed our client and friend Rebekah Vardy has been busy slaying the jungle in 'I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!'. Since being in the jungle people keep asking us how she keeps her Great Lengths hair extensions looking so good? Another common question we've been asked is how she manages to hide her bonds so well in the jungle? Now of course application is so important so it helps that her hair extensions were applied by hair extension expert Malcolm Murphy. But after the initial application there is still plenty you can do to make sure there isn't an attachment in sight. We have compiled a step-by-step guide on how to keep your hair extensions looking seamless. 


​1. Always choose your extension length depending on the length of your natural hair, for example avoid going for hair extensions that are way too long for the length of your natural hair. Your stylist at Malcolm Murphy Hair will advise you on the best length for your hair. 

2. Keep up with having regular trims. An essential part of seamlessly integrating your extensions into your natural hair is trimming them to match your current cut. Just because you have just had your extensions applied does not mean you wont need another haircut for six months. Your hair will still grow and the hair extensions can get split ends from heat damage the same as your hair will. 

4. Grab the curling tools! At Malcolm Murphy Hair we will give you hair extensions that you can wear curly, wavy or poker straight. However If you're having a tricky time blending your shorter hair with your new extensions try loosely waving the hair together. Shop our selection of the best curling wands here

5. Wash before wear... New extensions often have an ultra glossy finish to them. While that may be awesome to look at, it's often hard to create the same shine to your natural locks. Luckily the remedy to this problem is simple, just wash before you wear! Short on time? Try applying some KEVIN.MURPHY HAIR.RESORT.SPRAY to them for a rougher texture.

6. The big cover-up(do). Your stylist at Malcolm Murphy Hair will never apply the hair extensions to close your hairline. However as they grow down it can become more difficult to hide those pesky bonds. Here is a great tip for covering your bonds! When you want to wear your hair up, ensuring there is hair to cover your extensions, spray a soft bristle brush with hairspray and brush your real hair over the extensions as you style it. 

7. Check yourself In the mirror, check your head from all angles before you step out (paparazzi waiting or not!), to ensure your extensions are not peeking through anywhere. Ask a friend to check if you have any bonds showing or try holding a mirror up at the back of your head while in front of another mirror. Just because you cannot see the back other people can!

​Join Hope Against Cancer at our 5th annual fashion show for a great night out while raising money for local cancer research in Leicestershire & Rutland. The evening will be sponsored by NFU Mutual and presented by Anne Davies.
Showcasing designs from Flo & Sang, Malcolm Murphy Hair, Abiti, Mimi and Thomas and many more..
You will receive a glass of fizz on arrival and a goody bag, and there will be an opportunity to browse & purchase from stalls during the evening which will include items from the designers featured in the fashion show. Last year’s selection of stalls ranged from skincare, scarves, jewellery and crystals – so there’s something for everyone.
Tickets are £25 and can be bought by following this link 
​

Get to our Leicester salon from 3rd October to pick up a free £4.00 off voucher or our online shop: Malcolm murphy Shop. We only have 100 available so you must be quick if you want to get one. Happy shopping Little Murphys!

At Malcolm murphy Hair we really do want you have to have the best EXPERIENCE every time you visit us. We are always looking for new ways to put a smile on your face, and this got us thinking.... What things do we already do in the salon that you might not even know about? To help we have rounded up four that will maximise your visits to our salon. 

British weather is so UNPREDICTABLE and there is nothing worse than having your hair beautifully blowdried just to then have it ruined in the rain before you even reach your car. Dont suffer being soggy ever again. On rainy days we give away free umbrellas to all of clients. Dont even worry about bringing it back, it's yours to keep!

WHen you find the perfect KEVIN.MURPHY product that AGREES with your hair, it's best to stick with it. Next time instead of re-buying the same hair product from our salon, ask if the product is part of our RECYCLING incentive.
We want to reward clients for being kind to the ENVIRONMENT. Simply bring in your old bottle of KEVIN.MURPHY shampoo, conditioner or styling product and we can re-fill it for while YOU'RE having your hair done.. The cost of the re-filled product is 20% cheaper than buying a new one and saves packaging.. 

Fringes look great but can be very high MAINTENANCE! If you are already a client of ours and feel as though your fringe is in need of trim, just give us a call. Fringe trims are free, only take fifteen minutes and save you from TACKLING it yourself with the kitchen scissors, not a good look! 
We are also always looking for lovely people to be a model for our trainee's on our model nights. Haircuts and BLOW DRIES are totally free and all supervised by Malcolm himself. Model nights are every Tuesday from 5.00pm. 

Click Our award winning hair salon just got a lot bigger! Discover our luxurious new upstairs area at Malcolm Murphy Hair. We have been working hard all year making sure that the addition to our salon is just right. Upstairs you will find the same unique, quirky style that we have become famous for with a bright and airy twist.  We cant wait for you to come and see it for yourself!

We are so pleased to announce that Natalia Maxwell is finally going to be back at Malcolm Murphy Hair from July 26th. Natalia will be working Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and we cannot wait to have her back! 
Make sure you book now to avoid DISAPPOINTMENT as she gets very busy! You can book with Natalia by calling 0116 319 0156 (Tuesday - Saturday) or on this website. 
WELCOME back Natalia!

The perfect hairstyle that you can rock whether you have dark, blonde, red, brunette or rainbow hair, it will frame your face AND make your cheekbones pop..
A super short cut can seem intimidating at first, but trust us, once you go for a shorter hairstyle you may feel you never want to return to longer hair.
​Check out our roundup of the best new super-short hairstyles we have seen so far in 2017.

Halsey

Kristen Stewart

Keke Palmer

Cara Delevigne

Ricky has over eighteen years’ experience in the hairdressing industry. Ricky is an expert when it comes to hair colour. Ricky has an advanced understanding of the technical aspects of colour and the processes involved, including how best to implement different techniques for each individual client. Ricky became a L’Oréal colour degree specialist in 2008. Being a colour specialist means he is the ultimate colourist both technically and creatively.

Ricky achieved regional finalist status for the L’Oréal colour trophy for three consecutive years. He was also a reginal finalist for two years consecutively for the Toni & Guy Hair Idol Xtra competition. The following year he then became a guest judge for the same prestigious hair competition. Ricky has worked with L’Oréal for many years. Ricky became a member of the first ever L’Oréal Professional colour ID Team. This which was a two-year placement where he worked as an ambassador for L’Oréal INOA. L’Oréal Inoa is the leading no ammonia permanent hair colour range with Oil Delivery System (ODS2) technology and the colour range we use in the salon at Malcolm Murphy Hair. As an ambassador for L’Oréal Inoa hair colour Ricky’s job was to educated other hairdressers across the country on this amazing hair colour. This also took Ricky to Barcelona and Madrid and enabled him to present live demonstrations on stage in London alongside his personal hairdressing hero Carolyn Newman of Charles Worthington salons.

Ricky has had an impressive career in the hairdressing industry having entered many photographic competitions as well as assisting backstage at the Ted Baker A/W fashion buyers show. Ricky has had numerous press coverage in Creative Head magazine as well as having his own column in Midland based fashion and lifestyle magazine Sixty-Nine Degrees.

​On top off all this Ricky was the in house technical trainer and assistant manager at Toni & Guy Stratford upon Avon and Toni & Guy Leicester. After working freelance for the past two years Ricky is starting the next chapter of his career at the award-winning Malcolm Murphy Hair. As you can imagine we are incredibly lucky to have Ricky join our team.