Get creative for this upcoming festival season by stealing some serious celebrity style! ZALA is your go-to guide for the latest and greatest in head chains and accessories for hair extensions. Head chains and flower crowns have been one of the most popular trends in hair in the year 2014 – all thanks to our favourite Hollywood celebs, including the Kardashians, Nicole Richie and Lana Del Rey. We show you just how to steal their style but more importantly, how to make it your own! Read on for more info on our super cute and stylish head chains for hair extensions.

Head chains for hair extensions: The boho head chain

The boho head chain, also known as the “ponytail chain” is one of the most unique head chains yet, not sitting on the top of the head but more so clipped around and over the ponytail, dangling beautifully off the ponytail and gleaming in the sunlight. The best thing about head chains for hair extensions is that you don’t have to be a high-end fashion guru to pull this look off, anyone can wear one, and for any occasion too! We LOVE Kim Kardashian for absolutely rocking this elegant head piece.

The “ponytail head chain”

Feel free to tease up your shimmery jet black hair extensions to the most gorgeous high pony possible, and slip on one of these Boho Head Chains by us, similar to the one Kim sports in this photo.

The flower head crown

One of the cutest accessories to grace the festival world this year was the flower head crown, and what girl doesn’t want her very own crown! The flower head crown is a great summer/spring hair accessory as it’s easy to wear and doesn’t move around too much once it’s sitting in your hair. Designed just like a headband, you can wear your flower crown all day and all night long! Our favourite representative for the flower crown is the magnificent Lana Del Rey, looking super sweet in this summery fuchsia flower crown.

The flower head crown

Create some subtle loose curls throughout your hair, then brush through for a more natural effect. Add in a brightly coloured flower crown like one of our ZALA flower head crowns, choosing from pink or white and you can achieve the same style as the beautiful Lana Del Rey.

The gold leaf head chain

One thing we love about the gold leaf head chain is how dainty and simple it is, perfect for a night out on the town – paired with a LBD, you will be sure to turn heads everywhere you go! We love how Cleopatra-esque this piece is. This head chain sits on the middle part and hangs loosely over the forehead. We adore Kourtney K working this similar head chain.

The gold leaf head chain

Tie all your hair back in a messy bun or leave your locks flowing and wild to achieve this similar goddess inspired look with one of our ZALA gold leaf head chains.

Check out this video on how to put on head chains for hair extensions!

PUBLISHED 14TH NOVEMBER 2014

Hair trends for summer

Catch up with all the latest trends in hair here at ZALA! We’ve noticed a major popularity rise in the next three trends in hair. Long, slicked back tresses, the short and sweet blunt cut, and last but not least – the perfect pony. Keep in mind that you can always mix and match hair styles, by experimenting with more than one style to create the perfect next hair trends for summer.

Hair trends for summer: Sleek and slicked back

You can create this gorgeous sleek look, only using a comb, hairspray, and some wet-look hair gel. Start off by slightly dampening the top of your hair and just towel dry it so that it’s not dripping wet. Comb the hair at your forehead back, then using hair gel slowly pat it through the top and sides of your hair. You can then comb it and spray a light layer of hairspray over the top to keep it secure. Khloe Kardashian absolutely nailed this look. Voila!

Slicked back hair

Short and sweet blunt cut

Short hair is back! Girls all over the world are cutting their long flowing locks for a substantial change to the short sweet blunt cut. Think of Beyonce’s most recent commitment to the blunt cut trend, we love her just as much with short hair as we do with her big beautiful mane! To achieve this hairstyle, go to your hairdresser and request “the blunt cut” ensuring that you be specific about what length you’re after aswell. Let your hairdresser work their magic!

Blunt cut

The perfect pony

We LOVE this hair trend. It’s super cute, stylish and always perfect for when the summer season rolls around. This is because it’s guaranteed to always keep you cool, calm and collected. Our favourite pony was spotted on the beautiful Olivia Wilde, we love how elegant and timeless this style looks on her. Our favourite part is that it’s always casual and always glamorous and one of the easiest hair styles to create. Simply tie your hair up to whatever height you desire, then style suited to your preferences!

The perfect pony

We hope this little post has given you a detailed insight into some of the biggest hair trends for summer.

PUBLISHED 10TH NOVEMBER 2014

How to curl hair extensions

The curls are back! Are you tired of the same flat, boring hair styles? Well get excited because big beautiful and bouncy curls are making a well approved comeback – just in time for this upcoming summer. We’ve gathered together a few quick and easy tips on how to create, style and maintain the biggest beautiful curls you’ve ever seen. Read on further for more information on how to curl hair extensions.

Curly hair

How to curl your hair extensions: Crimping

Crimped hair was one of the biggest trends in hair and rose in mainstream popularity during the “highly fashionable” 80’s. The best thing about hair crimping is that you don’t even need a hair crimper to achieve this look – you can achieve the exact same look with a hair straightener!

1) Start the hair crimping process by braiding parts of your hair into three different braids and then tying them up with hair elastics.

2) Then press your hair straightener (this may work best with a GHD) onto the three braids you have just created and slide along as if you were straightening your hair.

3) Remove all hair elastics and you will then have 80’s style crimped hair!

Crimped hair

How to curl hair extensions: Loose waves

Loose waves are a great hair style for that little-to-no-effort effect, creating a subtle head of loose curls perfect for this upcoming season. Loose curls or waves have been one of the most popular trends in hair as they are not too over the top but still cute and casual. We show you how to curl your hair extensions in the next few steps below!

1) Once again, all you need to achieve loose curls or waves is a hair straightener. Be sure to start your loose curls by applying a heat protector over your hair and also clipping or tying up sections of your hair that you will curl later.

2) Start by taking a section of your hair and spraying it with hair spray to ensure it will stay in place while you are curling the other sections.

3) Clamp your hair straightener halfway down your hair and twist the section away from your face until you reach the ends of your hair.

4) Keep in mind that the faster you slide down on your hair, the softer the curl will be. Pressing down slower on the section of hair will create a bigger and more defined curl.

5) You can then brush through your curled sections of hair with a soft bristled brush to create a looser, and fluffier head of curls.

Loose curls

How to curl hair extensions: Big bouncy curls

The big beautiful curls have made a return! We’re seeing more and more girls with hair styled to the roof with the biggest bounciest curls you have ever seen! Perfect for a night out or the end of year formal, we’ve got your easiest instructions for how to curl your hair extensions.

1) Start by heating up your GHD hair straightener or curling wand. Make sure that if you’re hair is on the thicker side, you adjust the temperature to be slightly hotter so that the heat will transfer through all the hair. When reading how to curl hair extensions, the temperature of your styling tool is always in important factor in how your style will look once complete.

2) Ensure that all your hair is dry before you apply any heat. Use a heat protector over the top for extra protection against excessive heat damage.

3) Separate the hair into sections, this is so that the hair can be styled as quickly as possible, as the curling process can be a timely process.

4) Clip the top half of the hair up so that you can begin styling the bottom section of the hair. Wrap sections of your hair (one by one), holding it still on the wand and then release within 5-10 seconds. Repeat the process until all hair sections are complete.

Big curls

You now have big glamorous curls, styled to last you all night. You now know how to curl hair extensions! Watch the short clip below for a more detailed tutorial.

PUBLISHED 10TH NOVEMBER 2014

Caring for hair extensions

Maintaining and caring for hair extensions is one of our most frequently asked questions here at the ZALA headquarters. We are known worldwide for our friendly customer service and our gorgeous high grade, human hair extensions. Whether it’s brushing, styling, storing or washing your ZALA hair extensions, we’ve gathered all of the quickest tips and tricks on washing, maintaining and caring for hair extensions. Read on below for further info!

1) Brushing and shedding: caring for hair extensions

Brushing your hair extensions and caring for hair extensions is so important. This is because maintaining the high-grade quality of the extensions will keep the hair feeling silky and fresh. Ensuring no stray hairs are laying tangled throughout the set of extensions. This excess hair can also be referred to as “shedding”. Shedding is very normal with hair extensions, just like your own hair. Some shedding is to be expected when you first open up your set and brush it through in the first one or two wears. This should slow down from then on. It is due to excess hair which was not 100% secure in the making. We allow for 3-5% hair loss in the weight of your set. In the exact same way, your natural hair would shed on a normal day.

2) Washing hair extensions

ZALA hair extensions can be washed, just like any other high-quality hair extensions. Please note that washing does shorten the life of extensions as they are not receiving the natural oils from the roots and scalp like your natural hair would do so. Here at ZALA, we recommend a wash to be done on your ZALA set once every four months. This will help sustain the health and quality of the hair, while not using too much product on it too frequently at the same time. A product to increase the longevity of your hair extensions is any gentle and nourishing sulphate free and pro moisture shampoo and conditioner. This will ensure moisture and silkiness is divided evenly throughout the hair extensions.

3) Styling hair extensions

The styling methods you are using on your set of ZALA hair extensions will always play a significant part towards the quality of the set. Caring for hair extensions is extremely important. As the excessive use of a hair straightener, hair dryer or curling wand will result in unwanted damage to the hair. This can create split ends, matting, excessive shedding and may also result in a slight colour change (due to heat damage). Braiding your hair extensions or wearing them in a low ponytail will always be two of the healthiest and safest hairstyles for your ZALA hair extensions. You may also like to try curling your hair once very neatly so that the next few times that you use your hair extensions, the curls will have dropped slightly – causing a wavy effect.

4) Storing hair extensions

When storing your ZALA hair extensions, always ensure that you have brushed through the hair. Making sure to leave them fresh and tangle free before you begin packing them away for storage. Also, make sure your hair is completely dry before you store them. This is because they will not dry properly (causing them to kink) and will also result in an unpleasant odour. Always ensure that the hair extensions you are storing are being stored in a cool dry and dark place as too much exposure to sunlight can cause in a lighter colour change to the set of extensions. Storing inside a wardrobe or cupboard in a flat position will keep them looking as natural as possible.

PUBLISHED 28TH OCTOBER 2014

Five quick and easy hairstyles

Running late to work or school? We understand! Beat the everyday morning rush of finding an outfit for the day and brushing and straightening those messy locks with these five quick and easy hairstyles perfect for a day at school or the office! The ZALA team have come up with these super cute hair do’s for girls with all hair types, including long, short, curly or straight. Keep reading below for step by step instructions and a tutorial for how to complete these five quick and easy hairstyles.

Five quick and easy hairstyles: The low pony wrap

We LOVE this photo and not just because it’s Beyonce.. this super easy and comfortable hairstyle is a perfect hair for a hot summery day. Keep your hair looking fresh with this cool wrap-around styled pony which can be worn beautifully with medium to long length hair.

1. Tie your hair up into a low ponytail using a secure hair tie.

2. Take one long strand from the ponytail you have just made and wrap it around so that it covers the entire hair tie.

3. Slip the ends of the strand behind and underneath the hair tie. (You can also use a bobby pin to keep this part secure)

Low pony wrap

The bohemian braid

This super chic bohemian-style braid is perfect for those summer days spent outside enjoying the weather. Isabel Lucas works this easy-to-manage hair do with the perfect blend of balayage at the ends of her hair. Use this super chic bohemian braid as an easy to do hairstyle perfect for summer.

1. Messily curl the medium to long ends of your hair, running a brush or comb through the end once curled for a perfect messy and dropped curl look.

2. Part your hair in the middle or wherever you prefer your part to sit, taking the longest strand starting from where the part starts, twisting it back with a bobby pin.

3. You can also use more bobby pins on the other side of your hair to hold back any loose bits.