We are thrilled to announce that another Gold Class Extensionist, Georgie MacDonald from Gold Class Elite Salon, Simone Thomas Westbourne, has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Hair Awards Best Extensionist 2017. So, we’ve got Georgie in the hot seat today to get to know her a little better…

So, tell us a little about yourself.

I’m originally from the Midlands and I have been in the hair industry for four years now. For the last two of those, I’ve worked at Simone Thomas, helping clients suffering from hair thinning and hair loss. I went straight into this side of the business after meeting Simone and seeing how the salon helped people, and through that I started specialising in extensions.

What do you love most about doing hair extension work over other hairdressing services?

I can create huge transformations and give people back the confidence that they have lost. I meet some very interesting clients whilst working in hair loss and the relationships I form are different from those on a ‘traditional’ hairdressing floor. It’s important that my clients trust me, as sometimes I am the only person with whom they share their problems and the only person who sees their natural appearance.

What made you apply for the Hair Awards?

It’s actually the first competition I’ve applied for. I’ve built up my confidence and skills a lot over the last two years and am proud of the work I’ve done. Hair Magazine seemed the perfect platform for me to shout about it.

What do you think is different about your extension work than other extensionists?

Many of my hair extension clients have very fine or damaged hair, so I only work with extensions that are safe for them. A lot of people think of extensions as a thick, long mane of hair, whereas I am creating a more natural look for my clients so they can have ‘normal’ hair for the first time, or get back the hair they had years ago.

Tell us about your favourite transformation.  How did you achieve this and why is it so special for you?  

My favourite transformation was a lady whose hair changed dramatically after having her second child. She was also under a lot of stress and on medication. She was close to shaving off all her hair and getting a wig but after assessing her hair and advising her on a diet and care regime, I was able to give her back the kind of hair that she used to have. She was so happy and confident with the result – outcomes like this are the reason I love my job.

This was also one of the images that I used to enter Hair Awards Best Extensionist 2017.

What is your top tip for someone looking into getting hair extensions?  

Do you research! Go to someone experienced, knowledgeable and reputable who cares about your hair. Cheap hair isn’t nice – and nice hair isn’t cheap! Always ask to see before and after photos and if you aren’t sure, go elsewhere.

Give us your best aftercare tip.

Brush your hair extensions every day and always use the recommended professional products, including heat protection if you’ll be styling with tongs or irons.

Tell us about your typical day in the salon.

My days are always very different, particularly as I deal with hair loss. My work varies from cuts and blow-dries one day to extensions, volumisers, wig consultations and hair loss consultations the next. I love the variety, it keeps me focused and motivated.

What do you like to do when you are away from the hair salon? 

I love to run at the beach nearby or just spend quality time with friends and family.7.

How will you celebrate if you win Best Extensionist?

I’ll take the team to our favourite cheese and wine bar and toast our success with a glass of something special!

We are so pleased to announce that Gold Class’ Flagship Salon, Inanch London’s very own Lee McCrudden has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Hair Awards Best Extensionist 2017; following in the footsteps of the founder of Inanch London and Gold Class, Inanch Emir. So, we thought we would dig a little deeper with Lee and get the Gold Class goss!

So, tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Lee McCrudden I’m 26 originally from Coventry in the West Midlands.

And what inspired you to get into hair extensions?
I was watching MTV and they ran a show showing what celebrities spend their money on and hair extensions were featured. I was intrigued instantly. I didn’t have a computer back then, so I used my friends and googled it and was obsessed. I then started doing my sisters hair, her Barbie dolls, friends at school and my mum took full advantage of it too. When I found my first human hair shop I was in my element. After leaving school I went straight to college and studied hairdressing. After I qualified I became a welder for 3 years, YES a welder! Simply because my salon couldn’t keep me on anymore. Whilst welding, I did hair a night times and weekends to keep me on top of it.

What do you love most about doing hair extension work over other hairdressing services?
Hair extensions are my favourite thing to do. Purely because it’s so satisfying. To see the transformation on a client and of course the smile on your client’s face is so rewarding! I remember when I was 16 I had my first client come from London to Coventry and I did her hair extensions. When she looked in the Mirror she burst into happy tears. I will never forget that moment.

What made you apply for the Hair Awards?
I applied because I feel like I’m ready to showcase my work. The last couple of years I’ve gained a lot of experience and I feel much more confident now. I guess I believe in myself which I never did before.

What do you think is different about your extension work than other extensionists?
I do put 100% of myself into my client’s transformations. I listen to what the client wants. Also, it’s about having that connection with your clients that’s hugely important to me. It’s not just about the application of the extensions it’s about applying them safely and also cutting and blending them properly.

Tell us about your favourite transformation. How did you achieve this and why is it so special for you?
My favourite transformation is a lady that came in with such short and broken hair from being over processed and she also had a weave that broke her hair. I recommended her to go dark all over with a semi-permanent to give her hair shine and a break from highlight tint and bleach. A year on her hair has grown drastically with the right after care and now she is actually going without extensions.

What is your preferred application method for extensions and why?
My preferred method of extensions is and always will be pre-bonded. It’s not suitable for everyone’s hair but it is for most people. Some client’s hair can’t take them so I will offer them alternative such as clip-ins or micro rings. Our pre-bonded hair is easy to apply and it is safe to remove causing zero damage. I find also you get a more natural result.

What is your top tip for someone looking into getting hair extensions?
Make sure your capable of taking care of your extensions. You need to brush and wash them correctly, and keep them tangle free. By the time you get yourself into that routine it’s all plain sailing from there. You have to look after them otherwise they can damage your hair. I always take my clients through this upon consultation.

Tell us about your typical day in the salon.
My typical day in the salon is lovely! I am very lucky with my clients. I have a great connection with them. I try and be organised so that my day won’t be stressful. Generally, I am smiling all day!

And what do you like to do when you are away from the hair salon?
I like to travel. See places. However, I spend most of my travels on the motorway going back home to Coventry! I am from such a big family so I love to go home, especially to see my mum as I’m still a complete mummy’s boy!

Let’s see the image that could possibly award you with Hair Awards Best Extensionist 2017.

And finally, how will you celebrate if you win Hair Awards Best Extensionist 2017?
Obviously being in London we aren’t short of a few bars! I am then going to Florida to visit family shortly after the announcement, so if I do win, I’m sure I can do a lot of celebrating whilst I’m there!

One of the best investments you’ll ever make for your hair extensions business!

Designed by the lady herself, 3-time award winning British Hair Extensionist of the Year 2013-15 & Hair Awards Hall of Fame member Inanch Emir, with the professional extensionists in mind! This unique and state-of-the-art hair extension workstation has everything required to make an extensionist’s life quicker, easier and at the same time, showcasing those beautiful hair strands ready to go on your client’s hair!

“We are frequently contacted by extensionists from around the world who have seen our previous extensions stand on our salon’s social media posts, so we knew we had to make this available to all professional extensionists out there. It was also an opportunity to improve on our first model to ensure it really is a piece of equipment that all extensionists need in their lives!” – Inanch Emir

Keeping in line with the Inanch “Gold Class” standards, this product has been manufactured using the best quality materials including high-density fibreboard lacquered with rich gloss and scratchproof base unit that is easily wipeable. The non-slip and heat-resistant ceramic worktop also enables you to place your application machine and other styling tools as you work.

Rising up the stand is the individual hair strand holder slots, which has a capacity of holding up to 2 full heads of hair extensions and up to 60cm in hair length. The etched vertical divider line in the centre allows you to separate 2 sets of extensions so you can be ready for your next client, or can provide you as a guide for colour blending when you are using 2 or more shades of colours on your client.

The unit also comes with 2 soft closing draws (one with a divider) giving you ample space to keep your hair extension tools in as well as storage for your hair strands. All your heating and styling tool cables can be neatly tucked away through the back cable hole and the silent and discreet castor wheels allows you to smoothly move the unit around the salon to your desired position.

This is a “must have” for every professional hair extensionist and a stunning piece of furniture that every high-end salon deserves!

Price: £650 + VAT and available to buy online through their flagship salon, Inanch.

>> BUY NOW >

The design of this product is protected worldwide by: ACID UK – Anti Copying In Design UK.  Member ID: 00015348

We have added a Thermal Protection Serum to our aftercare range and packaged in our signature ‘gold’ colour.

The beautiful leave-in Thermal Protection Serum is the first of its kind in our range to shield the hair from the damaging effects of heat styling.  Thoroughly drying hair extensions after washing is essential and so a small amount of serum will care for the hair as well as leaving it looking healthy, smooth and shiny. Enriched rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids to help moisturise, feed and protect from free radicals, this serum is the new ‘must-have’ product for all hair lovers.

 “We advise all of our extension clients to use thermal protection products especially those who want uber straight tresses so we are delighted to offer our own product that does exactly that and prolongs the health of their Gold Class Hair Extensions. ” Inanch Emir, Founder of Gold Class hair extensions.

Priced at £15.00 for a 30ml bottle, our Thermal Protection Serum is available to buy through our elite salons or online through our flagship salon, Inanch and the new Gold Class shop on Amazon.