“Hmmm… what do people desire about extensions? I just said the name of the business,” said Gina Conwell.
When talking to Gina Conwell you don’t just get hair extensions, but she gives you the knowledge of every aspect of beauty. Desired Extensions is a carrier of seven different textures and hair pieces. With a specialty of custom pieces for clients going through cancer treatment or has Alopecia.
“We don’t just sell hair extensions. We go into detail: are you of medications, what’s your lifestyle, have you been [diagnosed] with Alopecia, or if one’s hair loss is from stress or products.
Hair extensions will take care of you if you take care of them. As women, we love our hair but don’t take the necessary steps to educate ourselves regarding what we are putting in it. About fifty percent of women are diagnosed with Alopecia, and Gina has made it her number one priority to help these women.
As a [former] sales rep, I have the knowledge of hair products, the scalp, and growth of hair. Stylists would complain about “My client’s hair isn’t coming in no matter what product I’m using”. I learned about the foundation and that the technique of the braids can cause your hairline to break or cause hair damage. That’s when I learned about Alopecia and different things going on the scalp. The average person only thinks about shampoo and conditioning the hair. They never think to treat their scalp and inside the body.
What made you want to enter the hair industry?
I would say I was called or more so born into the beauty industry. In 1964, my father started a beauty supply store in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and from there moved to Atlanta, in 1978. I worked the Bronner Brothers show with my mother and father, every year twice a year (August and February). From there I had a love for hair. I can’t do hair, but I do have a love for hair.
What is your favorite wig or hair extensions?
Tailored collection, it’s a full wig unit. You can pick any of our seven textures you like: straight, wavy, or curly. We can turn it into a full wig for you by using a frontal, lace, or silk closure. We do head measurements so that way it’s an exact fit. It doesn’t have to be glued or sew down unless you choose that feature. With our chemo patients, we like to offer soft netting and swiss lace for sensitive scalps. We also [provide] phone consultations and take hospital calls. Four times out of the month we make hospital calls.
What made you want to bring in the aspect of classes and seminars?
To educate our stylists. Many clients have pieces installed incorrectly or their hairline is shaved back. We saw a need to educate the stylists as well as the public. Many people shy away from glue and tape, which makes your pieces lay more flawless. We want to educate people on how to use them [properly].
What is your one tip for the upkeep of your extensions?
I always tell people shampoo and condition and keep it moisturized. Use high-quality products that are sulfate-free, some products can have alcohol in it that dry out the extensions. Wash them once a week or every two weeks. It’s gonna take care of you if you take care of it. I always recommend once a week to apply a small amount of a Moroccan or Argan oil to curly/ kinky hair.
What are beauty tips or hacks you would recommend?
Curly hair people always wonder “How can I sleep without crushing my curls?” I recommend a pineapple style: lean forward, pull hair up into a ball, and wrap it with a satin scarf. That way your hair is on top of your head, and all you have to do is take your hair down and it’s still in place.
What is one thing individuals might not know about Gina? Not as the owner of Desired Extensions but Gina.
[Although] I’m very serious about business. I am a very silly person that loves to interact with people and have fun.
