Hair extension invention in Dubai
Easilocks founder Shane O’Sullivan talks about his innovative method to get big hair
If thick, lustrous hair has been out of reach because of how complex hair extensions can be, an Irish brand that has recently launched in Dubai is looking to help out.
Easilocks founder Shane O’Sullivan has created an extension made of ethically sourced human hair that does not use heat or glue to be clipped in; tiny copper tubes are used to secure the extensions in place. The line, which comes in 45 colours, has been worn by Hollywood A-listers such as Margot Robbie, Rita Ora, Christina Aguilera and Kourtney Kardashian, O’Sullivan’s method, he says, leaves the natural hair undamaged. The entrepreneur and hair dresser tells tabloid! about how he developed his brand, and which UAEbased sisters he’d love to work with.
How did your journey in hair and Easilocks begin?
My father is a hairdresser so I spent many an ‘after school’ moment in the salon just watching and taking it all in. I knew pretty quickly this was where I wanted to be, I developed a really keen interest in colour specifically and followed that route for a while graduating from the Vidal Sassoon school in London and opening my own salon at 18.
Dad went on to specialise in non-surgical hair replacement within his own clinics, of which extensions and additions played a huge part but could see little issues with each of them; inconsistent quality or harmful methods of applications. So I started to source, design and develop my own brand Easilocks based on those short comings. Once I started to see the difference we were able to make to people I’m not afraid to say I became obsessed and have been ever since.
You’ve worked with a number of celebrity clients. Who was your favourite to work with and why?
I’m lucky that I’ve genuinely enjoyed working with everyone so far. Rita Ora stands out purely because of her energy, she’s all about good vibes which is amazing to be around —
she’s unbelievably stylish so it’s always fun to be able to create different looks according to what she’s feeling at that time. Working with the X Factor finalists is always special because we get to be involved with people on a real journey; auditioning one minute and then selling out stadiums the next. Can’t forget Margot Robbie — very, very beautiful.
Who is your dream celebrity client and why?
Ooooooh easy — the Kattan sisters [Huda and Mona]. They’re beautiful and incredibly stylish, they can do no wrong. I’m the only boy among five sisters and they’re all mad into make-up — there’s Huda Beauty pallets everywhere so I’d be an overnight hero with them if I got to work with Huda.
What are your top tips when taking care of natural hair and hair extensions?
Invest in the appropriate hair care that’s recommended to you by a professional certified stylist. You’ll be surprised just how amazing your own hair and the extensions can last when you work with the right products.
We offer a full aftercare range for that very reason — ultimately a client wants their own hair to be just as healthy if not healthier once their extensions have been removed.
What are the biggest nonos with hair?
Incorrect products! Everything should have a specific purpose and match your hair type — otherwise life can become quite difficult when it comes to your hair. Dubai is very humid in summer, has harsh water all year round and people spend a lot of time in the sun and the sea. Something very moisturising like our caviar protein shampoo and the leave-in conditioner (with UV filters to protect against sun damage, chlorine and salt water exposure) plus our rose gold oil is fantastic to help pump the moisture into your hair and is the best option for heat styling prevention.
What are your current favourite hair trends?
Loving these super sleek hair vibes right now a la Kim Kardashian at the Met gala and the ‘lived in’ loose textured waves because they work for absolutely everyone.