Busting Hair Extension Myths

All my hair extension lovers, this one is for you! There’s a lot of noise online about hair extensions—new brands, bold claims, and social media myths that leave stylists more confused than confident. So today, I want to clear the air and share the truth behind Isla Hand-Tied Hair—how it started, why it’s different, and what really matters when you’re investing in extensions as a stylist or salon owner.

Because not all hair is created equal—and not all brands are built to last.

The Real Reason I Created Isla Hand-Tied Hair

After over 20 years of working with hand-tied hair (yes, long before it was trendy), I kept running into the same problem: the bigger a brand got, the lower the quality became.

Mass production kills consistency. And as an artist behind the chair, nothing’s more frustrating than spending time and money on hair that doesn’t hold up.

That’s why I created Isla Hand-Tied Hair—to solve the very problems I personally experienced as a stylist.

But I didn’t do it alone.

The Power of a Strategic Partnership (That Still Keeps It Custom)

I partnered with B.I.G., one of the largest professional hair companies in the U.S.—a company that owns over 10 top-performing brands. Why? Because they had long-term relationships with trusted factories, access to consistent sourcing, and strict manufacturing standards.

Here’s the thing: just because Isla is part of the B.I.G. family doesn’t mean it’s the same as everything else they offer.

In fact, I worked directly with the factories for over two years to custom-create Isla from scratch—down to the grams per weft, color longevity, silicone levels, and more.

This isn’t a private label slap-on-a-logo situation. Isla is different because it was built by an artist, for artists.

Why Private Labeling Isn’t Always the Smartest Move

Let’s talk about private labeling, because I know a lot of salon owners consider it as a way to cut costs. But here’s the truth:

Private label companies often use the exact same hair across 10 to 20 brands, just with different packaging. You may think you’re getting something special, but you’re actually buying the same product as everyone else—with zero customization or innovation.

With Isla, everything from texture to tone has been thoughtfully tested and refined. And that means your clients feel the difference—in fullness, longevity, and quality.

The Tariff Talk: What Stylists Should Know

Here’s a hot topic: tariffs and how they impact your hair inventory.

Did you know 90% of the hair purchased in the U.S. is sourced from China? That’s why a lot of stylists are starting to see changes in pricing, availability, and consistency—especially with private labels.

Because I’ve partnered with a larger, more established company, we’ve already taken proactive steps to protect inventory, maintain quality, and keep pricing stable despite economic changes.

What Makes Isla Hand-Tied Hair Stand Out

Here’s what we focused on when creating Isla:

Pre-Toned, Rooted, and Ready

Stylists don’t want to spend 2–3 hours custom coloring wefts. Time is money. Isla hair is designed to be used straight out of the bag, often only needing a quick toner (if that).

More Grams, Less Bulk

Isla offers more grams per weft, meaning you can achieve maximum fullness with fewer wefts. I wear four wefts on my main row—compared to six in the past—which means less weight and more comfort.

Natural Shine (Without the Barbie Look)

We perfected the silicone balance so the hair looks naturally shiny without feeling coated or artificial. That means better texture and longer wear.

Color & Texture Variety

With 19 colors, 4 lengths, and 3 textures, Isla offers the variety you need to create the perfect blend—without constantly reaching for the color bowl.

Designed for the Artist Behind the Chair

Isla wasn’t just created to look pretty. It was built to solve real problems for real stylists—like color matching, bulkiness, inventory shortages, and overprocessing.

Whether you’re a salon owner trying to cut costs, or a stylist looking to deliver better results, I created Isla for you—because I was you.

Experience the Isla Difference

If you’re tired of inconsistent hair quality, rising costs, or spending hours on custom coloring, it’s time to try Isla Hand-Tied Hair.

➤ Created by an artist, for artists

➤ Backed by factory relationships that guarantee quality

➤ Tested and trusted by stylists nationwide

Ready to make the switch?

Visit our website to explore Isla Hand-Tied Hair and see why stylists everywhere are saying: once you try Isla, you never go back.