The only thing I regret is not doing this sooner.
THE STRUGGLE: After having healthy, but extremely fine hair my entire life I got tired of fighting with the few hairs I had. Good hair days were a rarity for me these last few years and it did a number on my confidence. I went on a business trip and my confidence and hair patience was at a low. I couldn't get my hair to look right up or down, curly or straight. I was tired of seeing my scalp if I pulled my hair back less than perfectly and my ears easily poked through my hair if the wind barely blew. I wanted to have nice hair so I could finally relax in all environments, feel feminine and not self-conscious. It was time to explore a permanent solution.
THE AWAKENING: My good girlfriend has been a client of Candice's for years and I never knew she had extensions....seriously would have never known. Thank goodness she let me in on her secret so I could benefit as well. After being encouraged to try Garnish and Candice out for a consult I got my first set of extensions and went all out for Natural Beaded Rows. Best decision I've ever made. No clothes, creams, surgery, or botox compare to the effect NBR added to my overall look and confidence! It's a good choice for fine hair because there are few connections to your actual hair and you get what I refer to as a curtain of hair. I have 2 full "curtains" or rows and I will NEVER go back.
GARNISH EXPERIENCE: The salon is extremely welcoming and the staff educated and informative. I wasn't nervous after seeing how professional and trained the team is. Donyata is also a doll and provides amazing support to Candice and the clients. Working at Duke, an academic teaching institution I enjoy having the Garnish interns around to learn and ask questions. The sign of a great business is that they invest in training others. There is much to learn from Candice!
THE UPKEEP AND TIDBITS: It took a little adjustment getting used to not running my fingers through my roots but after my first 2 tidy ups I got it figured out. Family and friends were skeptics thinking that the extensions would damage my hair but it couldn't be further from the truth. I've had NBR for 6 months now and just got a new set to add length and a new color. I treated my first set well and likely could have kept them closer to 7 months because I follow the upkeep regimen of every 6 weeks and I follow the advice of Garnish for overall care. I actually find I have more new growth and less breakage with NBR because I am not flat ironing the whispy hair I had or trying to create volume with products that damage my hair. I can dry it and leave it alone all day with confidence. The hair also holds a curl so beautifully which I could never have otherwise. I can pull it back in a low bun or a pony tail without anything signs of extensions showing so no styling downsides for me. It took getting used to washing a little differently between the rows, using a looped brush, and the added drying time but it's worth it a million times over. The cost for a set can feel steep but you get what you pay for and Candice is on another level. Beautiful blend of my natural hair and the extensions and truly magical color job to blend even more with my newest set. Although I've only been a client of Candice I have seen some amazing hair cuts and colors coming out of the salon while I've been there. I recommend Garnish to anyone who struggles with fine or thin hair or folks just wanting that extra oomph.