Celebrity Hairstylist Clayton Hawkins Reveals Why You Might Become Addicted to Hair Extensions and the Biggest Extensions Mistake To Avoid
Celebrity Hairstylist Clayton Hawkins at his first ever masterclass with Donna Bella Extensions and Sexy Hair
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What’s one of the biggest secrets behind the many of the glamorous hairstyles you see on the red carpet? Hair extensions!
Last month, we joined celebrity hairstylist Clayton Hawkins at his first ever masterclass with Donna Bella Extensions and Sexy Hair. We spoke with Hawkins to learn about his top hair extensions tips, favorite products, and how he got his first celebrity client. Here’s what he had to say:
Clayton Hawkins teaching an extensions technique at his masterclass with Donna Bella Extensions and Sexy Hair. Image courtesy of Donna Bella Extensions.
Do you have a favorite type of Donna Bella hair extensions?
I use a lot of clip-in extensions on red carpets. Super easy, super fast. They last forever –snap them in, snap them out.
Shop Donna Bella clip-in extensions styles
What do you think the biggest mistake people make when it comes to extensions being obvious?
I think the biggest mistake people can make with hair extensions is not getting that color blend perfect. You definitely want to take your time getting the perfect color that's really going to complement your exact shade, even if you're adding a low light or a highlight. Take your time with the color match, and you're going to be golden.
Taylor Hawkins demonstrates an extensions technique at his masterclass in Los Angeles. Image courtesy of Donna Bella Extensions.
What do you want first-time extensions clients to know about extensions?
That you might become addicted. Sorry, but you totally might! First-time extension clients, my warning to you as you might become addicted because they are so transformative. You can have the hair of your dreams in less than an hour.
How did you get your first celebrity clients, and who was it?
I was a hair assistant for years. I assisted Mark Townsend and Adir Abergel and some amazing hairstylists. When they weren't available, I would get to step in and do their [client’s] hair.
I think the first actress that took a chance on me was Elizabeth Banks. About 10 years ago, I did her hair for the Academy Awards, and she’s still my client to this day.
Clayton Hawkins shares hair extensions tips for an “Old Hollywood” inspired style at his Masterclass. Image courtesy of Donna Bella Extensions.
Has a celebrity client ever been rude to you, and how do you handle it when that happens?
It's rare. Most people are pretty nice these days.
The truth is, if someone is really rude, the biggest mistake you can make is to try to overly please them or get nervous. I sort of get neutral, give them very little, and go through the motions. Usually, they'll retreat and then be nice.
What’s one of the biggest secrets behind the many of the glamorous hairstyles you see on the red carpet? Hair extensions! Last month, we joined celebrity hairstylist Clayton Hawkins at his first ever masterclass with Donna Bella Extensions and Sexy Hair. We spoke with Hawkins to learn about his top hair extensions tips, favorite Sexy Hair products, and how he got his first celebrity client. Here’s what he had to say:
Do you have a favorite type of Donna Bella hair extensions?
I use a lot of clip-in extensions on red carpets. Super easy, super fast. They last forever –snap them in, snap them out.
Shop Donna Bella clip-in extensions styles
What do you think the biggest mistake people make when it comes to extensions being obvious?
I think the biggest mistake people can make with hair extensions is not getting that color blend perfect. You definitely want to take your time getting the perfect color that's really going to complement your exact shade, even if you're adding a low light or a highlight. Take your time with the color match, and you're going to be golden.
What do you want first-time extensions clients to know about extensions?
That you might become addicted. Sorry, but you totally might! First-time extension clients, my warning to you as you might become addicted because they are so transformative. You can have the hair of your dreams in less than an hour.
How did you get your first celebrity clients, and who was it?
I was a hair assistant for years. I assisted Mark Townsend and Adir Abergel and some amazing hairstylists. When they weren't available, I would get to step in and do their [client’s] hair.
I think the first actress that took a chance on me was Elizabeth Banks. About 10 years ago, I did her hair for the Academy Awards, and she’s still my client to this day.
Has a celebrity client ever been rude to you, and how do you handle it when that happens?
It's rare. Most people are pretty nice these days.
The truth is, if someone is really rude, the biggest mistake you can make is to try to overly please them or get nervous. I sort of get neutral, give them very little, and go through the motions. Usually, they'll retreat and then be nice.
Do you have a favorite celebrity look that you created or any favorite celebrity stories?
Gosh, I've done so many awesome looks over the years. That sounds so conceited!
You know who I'm having so much fun with these days is Meg Stalter, who just got her first Emmy nomination for Hacks.
I've been working with her for six years, and we do so many wigs. We've done some crazy looks on Meg, and that's kind of a dream.
What are your favorite sexy hair products that everyone should have in their kit?
I'm really obsessed with Powder Play these days. It's a texturizing powder that you shake up. It gives the hair so much volume and hold. Slept on product!
Do you have any tips for hairstylists that are just starting out on social media and feel behind with their social media presence?
Don't overthink it, just post. Do it. Do what makes you feel good. Find a genre of video or picture that you like doing. If you like doing it, you'll keep doing it. Just be authentic, and don't overthink it.
A University of Michigan graduate, Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning writer and editor. You can also find her work in publications including Healthline, Sports Illustrated, Yahoo!, MindBodyGreen, Men’s Journal, Bezzy, and more.
She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA, and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals.
When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter: @zillizy, @zillizy16