Every stylist knows the importance of efficiency and precision behind the chair; one key to this is having the right tools in your kit! This year, Donna Bella Hair is all about supporting stylists with innovative, reliable, revolutionary tools to simplify and speed up the art of installs, move-ups and removals.
With competitive price and timely delivery, EXTENTOOL sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.
In this blog post, let’s explore our newest lineup of extension tools designed to streamline your processes, ensuring a faster, more seamless experience. These are must-haves for hairstylists looking to stay ahead of the game and elevate their business! Keep reading for everything you need to know about our three brand new tools and the five we updated.
Introducing our game-changing thread assistant tool— the Thread Cutter, a hairstylist's secret weapon for swift and precise Hybrid Weft extension removals. Have you heard of a seam ripper? A seam ripper works by carefully cutting and removing stitches in fabric, allowing for the precise and efficient removal of unwanted or incorrect sewing. Our new extensions tool has a very similar approach and is all about efficiency, boasting an ergonomic design with a comfort grip for those marathon move-up sessions. Crafted with a hardened steel cutter point, it effortlessly slices through thread, making the task of weft removal a walk in the park. Say hello to a world where removing extensions becomes as easy as a flick of the wrist!
Ensure the sharp end faces the Hybrid Weft thread and use it to cut the thread with an upward motion. The small red ball provides an extra layer of safety between the cutter and the hair.
Meet your new styling sidekick, the Rescue Tool! Designed for I-Link, Flat-Tip, and Hybrid Wefts, this tool turns bead removal into a breeze. It requires only a touch of pressure to remove over-clamped beads in a flash, The Rescue Tool opens and breaks beads with precision, rescuing you from any stubborn, crushed, warped, or compromised beads. This is definitely a hair extension tool many of us wish we’d had 20 years ago when we first started in extensions!
Grab the tool by the handles, slide the pinchers into each end of the compromised bead, and break it open with a small movement.
These are classic Donna Bella Hair extension tools that have been upgraded.
With 2.5" wide swatches featuring our full lineup of colors, this isn't just a hair extension tool; it's a marketing maven and conversation starter rolled into one. Display it proudly at your station, impressing clients with the array of possibilities extensions bring. From grays to balayage, ombre to solid shades, it's the stylist's secret weapon for showcasing the vibrant world of extensions. This hands-on experience not only guarantees precision but also invites clients into the exciting realm of choosing their ideal extension shade.
What’s new about our Color Ring? It now features wider hair swatches so you can see the color blend more easily and really tell what the dimensional color looks like (which also makes for an easier sale with your client when they’re in the chair!). The new Color Ring also has every shade we offer, so you’ll be fully up to date on what shades are available from DBH. Of all the tools in your kit, this is one of the most important to keep updated!
Select one or several of our 40+ colors and hold a swatch against the ends of your client's hair to find the perfect match. Don’t forget, using more than one shade is always a great idea, to give more color dimension with your client's blend.
The new Strand Stand Organizer is a great tool for showcasing and organizing hair. Crafted from durable aluminum and plastic, this heat-resistant tool is not just stable but adjustable, offering three height settings to suit your styling needs. No more untangling chaos – the handy holder speeds up installations, keeps loose hair secure, and doubles as a conversation starter for potential extension enthusiasts.
The older version of our Strand Stand was made with two separate parts, requiring bulkier packaging for every order. Now you don't have to order two tools, and it comes with a handy zippered carrying bag. We’ve also made the teeth at the top less sharp, so the tool is safer to use, and the base is sturdier and adjusts easier so you don’t get stuck wasting time setting up the tripod. Whether you're prepping for an installation or a move-up, the Strand Stand Organizer simplifies the process, and keeps your hair organized and easy to see.
Adjust the tripod to your preferred height, ensuring a stable base. Attach the organizer tray, twist to tighten, and voila! Now you're ready to showcase hair in the top slots, making installations a breeze. When you're done using this tool, you can fold it down and use the zippered carrying case to make traveling with it easy.
Meet the Multi Method Tool – use it to install and remove Flat-Tip, I-Link and Hybrid Weft beads and to remove Kera-Link extensions. Crafted from stainless steel with a padded grip, this ergonomic tool requires less gripping than before, so your hand won’t get tired. Plus, more precision means less hair snagging while you install or move-up. The two different ridges give you flexibility when breaking into keratin bonds for a smooth release and removal of the extensions. Similar to our older Luxe tool, but now with a smaller size and more comfortable ergonomic design, this is a go-to stylist tool designed to fast track your next appointment so you can wow your client.
Of all our new tools, the Multi Method is one of the most functional for all of the different tasks it can help you with as a stylist.
Grasp the padded handles for a comfortable hold that won't tire your hand. Use the curved tip to install and remove Flat-Tip, I-Link and Hybrid Weft beads. Use the pointed tip to clamp down on beads, whether you’re securing the hair during an install or opening the beads when removing hair. For Kera-Link removal, utilize the dual ridges which give you the flexibility to break apart bonds effortlessly.
Introducing the Melting Connector – your new BFF for flawless Kera-Link (fusion) extensions! This precision tool is a game-changer with its smaller, more precise tip and adjustable heat settings. Because the handle isn’t as wide, it’s also easier to open and close so your hand won’t tire as easily. The improved temperature control and safer handle design make it a breeze to use, while the professional-length cord gives you all the flexibility you need.
Power it on, set your preferred temperature, and let the magic begin. Part off a clean subsection of natural hair, secure it with a Mini Clip, and align the extension bond for a perfect zero-degree elevation. In just 2-3 seconds, the melting connector works its magic, and you'll be rolling through each row with ease.
Both our alcohol-based Bond Remover and oil-based Residue Remover just got a size upgrade, and these are a game-changer for Tape-Ins and Kera-Link (fusion) extensions. Stock up and save with the bigger bottle and enjoy the ease of use with this fast-dissolving and hair-friendly solution. Plus, we've given them a makeover – the removers are now clear instead of blue!
For Tape-In removal, apply Bond Remover first. Spray on a single weft and wait at least 10 seconds for the solution to absorb. Then gently massage at the top of the weft to loosen. If needed, add more remover; do not force a weft out. To remove, pull down (don’t peel from one side to another). For tricky wefts, use the second step of applying Residue Remover one weft at a time. Residue Remover is designed to get rid of any stubborn adhesive that’s left behind.
For Kera-Link bonds, first use the grooved part of the Multi Method Tool to clamp down on the keratin bonds. Break down each bond until you see a slight color change. Once the bond has been broken down, apply Bond Remover and wait at least 10 seconds. Using the grooved part of the Multi Method Tool, clamp the keratin bond again to further break it down. Gently pull the extension down in the direction of the natural hair, releasing the extension.
For any residue that may be left in the client’s hair, use Residue Remover and gently comb out. If no residue is left behind, use a comb to brush out the row removing any natural shedding.
If you’re planning to reinstall hair for a move-up, ensure that the client has fully clarified, clean, product-free, dry hair to avoid any buildup near the scalp.
A great install starts with great tools! We hope this blog post inspired you to upgrade your kit with a new hair extension tool or two... or even take your extension skills to the next level by learning a new method. We can’t wait to see the incredible transformations you create this year!
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Your Ultimate Guide to Buying Hair Extensions
Imagine you sit down at your computer to catch up on work. As you open your web browser, several pop-up ads appear, which you close one-by-one. A quick look at your personal reveals an appointment reminder that needs to be added to your work calendar. You also see a promotional from your favorite brand about a flash sale. Before distractions take over, you set a timer on your for one hour—dedicating this focused period to your original task before diving into personal or leisure activities.
Now imagine if instead of taking all those actions manually, you had a digital assistant or two to help you. Someone to filter out all the ads, another person to automatically sync meetings to your calendar, and one to even block distractions so you can focus on high priority tasks.
Most people might not be able to hire an assistant, so they look at alternative solutions like browser extensions—a small software module that enhances and personalizes the functionality of web browsers. While it’s common for users to install browser extensions to tailor their online experience to better meet their needs and preferences, these tools also carry significant security risks. Browser extensions are yet another avenue that can be exploited by cyber attackers or act as a vehicle for malware.
This post examines the dual role of browser extensions as a productivity enhancer and security risk. Our experts also outline steps organizations can take to help employees use legitimate browser extensions safely and effectively.
Browser extensions—sometimes referred to as plug-ins or add-ons—are small software modules that enhance and personalize the functionality of web browsers, such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari. Users install these tools to tailor their browsing experience to better meet their needs and preferences and enhance the functionality of the website.
Some common tasks that browser extensions can perform include:
As illustrated in the list above, browser extensions can be additive or limiting—meaning they can enhance the experience by adding new features, such as providing alternative text (alt text) to describe an image to improve accessibility, or removing other elements, such as blocking pop-up ads or auto-play for online videos.
Now with the advent of generative AI, browser extensions are also evolving to become full-on AI assistants, an advanced type of tool that can often gather and analyze browser data to automate tasks, offer recommendations, or raise alerts.
While browser extensions can be a useful tool for web users, they also create a significant set of security risks. Think of a browser extension as a door—on one hand it opens the user to a world of new possibilities; on the other, it can also serve as a gateway to exploits.
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While legitimate extensions often need considerable permissions to function properly, some request more access than what is truly needed. These permissions can be exploited, granting malicious actors access to sensitive data and confidential information, including web traffic, saved credentials, session cookies and clipboard data.
This valuable data can then be leveraged for malicious purposes or sold for profit. For instance, attackers may use the obtained credentials to carry out identity-based attacks or support convincing phishing schemes.
For example, according to CrowdStrike researchers, attackers behind the Kiron malware family weaponized browser extensions in to exfiltrate sensitive user data, such as addresses and browser cookies. The extensions, embedded as encrypted ZIP files within the malware's core, included scripts to scan webpages for addresses and monitor webmail tabs to steal cookies, which were then exfiltrated to command-and-control servers. These stolen credentials allowed attackers to hijack accounts or perform further exploitation.
Additionally, because extensions are integrated directly into browser applications and don’t generate process start events, security issues can be more difficult to detect compared to traditional desktop applications. This gap enables threat actors to “hide in plain sight,” carrying out harmful activities without detection for significant periods of time.
While excessive permissions in legitimate extensions is perhaps the most common browser extension risk, these tools can be programmed with harmful intentions and exploited to distribute malware.
CrowdStrike’s evaluation of browser extensions in our production environments reveals that well over half of extensions require what could be considered excessive permissions. These elevated permissions pose serious risks, potentially enabling malicious actors to monitor web traffic or alter browser tabs.
Detecting malicious or problematic browser extensions can be challenging, especially for users unfamiliar with the complexities of software. However, certain tell-tale signs can help identify outright malicious or potentially harmful extensions. These include:
Effectively managing browser extensions is an essential part of the cybersecurity strategy. Implementing the following best practices can minimize the risks associated with extensions while still maximizing the advantages of these tools.
What are the best practices for managing browser extensions?
1. Limit the number of installed extensions
2. Download extensions from trusted sources
3. Monitor permissions
4. Keep extensions updated
5. Educate users on extension risks
6. Assess browser extensions security
More extensions equals more risk. To reduce the attack surface and limit potential vulnerabilities, users should install only essential browser extensions.
It is also important to regularly review and uninstall extensions that are no longer in use or whose functionality overlaps with another tool. This helps minimize any vulnerabilities that arise over time, as well as protect against advanced attack techniques.
For example, one popular tactic used by attackers is ownership takeover, which is when threat actors purchase or otherwise take over previously legitimate browser extensions that already have a user base and push out malicious updates to compromise target systems.
Users should remain vigilant when installing browser extensions, as malicious extensions often mimic reputable vendors by using similar names or branding. Others may capitalize on demand by marketing a tool with popular features at a lower cost.
To minimize risks, follow these steps:
When it comes to browser extensions, one of the most dangerous things a user can do is “sideloading.” This involves installing browser extensions from sources outside the official web store by directly adding the extension files. This method bypasses the usual safeguards that come with the browser stores. Attackers exploit this method by bundling malicious extensions with seemingly legitimate software applications. When users install these applications, the hidden extensions are also installed, granting attackers access to the users' browser and data.
Excessive permissions are a red flag for potentially malicious browser extensions, but they can also pose risks even with legitimate ones. Permissions such as access to all website data, clipboard content, or browser history may exceed what is necessary for the extension's intended functionality. These permissions could expose sensitive information or be exploited if the extension is compromised.
To mitigate risks, always review the permissions requested during installation to ensure they are essential for the extension’s purpose. It’s important to note that even when downloading extensions from a web store, these tools can sometimes expand their permissions upon installation and/or download additional malicious payloads. This is a popular obfuscation tactic where adversaries publish extensions to web stores with minimal initial permission requirements but expand their footprint with harmful intentions.
Users should revoke permissions for extensions that request unnecessary access to sensitive data without a clear justification. When in doubt, consult your IT support team to assess whether the tool is safe to use and, if not, explore secure alternatives.
Remember: there are hundreds of thousands of browser extensions on the market, many of which serve similar purposes. If one tool does not meet your security and privacy preferences, it may be possible to find a reputable alternative that offers the same features with added security.
Many cyberattacks stem from unpatched software vulnerabilities. While security teams often focus on operating systems and major application updates, browser extensions are frequently overlooked despite carrying significant risk.
To mitigate this risk, enable automatic updates or manually update extensions to ensure they include the latest security patches. Additionally, remove extensions that are no longer supported or maintained by developers, as outdated software becomes increasingly vulnerable over time.
Prevention starts with education. Organizations can safeguard their assets, operations, and customers by implementing robust security training for all employees.
This training should include guidance on identifying potentially malicious extensions, such as those with poor reviews or unknown developers. It should also include a lesson on how to check the permissions of the extension and what qualifies as “excessive permissions.” Employees should also be taught to recognize suspicious behaviors, such as extensions redirecting to untrusted websites, prompting additional downloads, or attempting to alter application settings.
Beyond warning signs, employees should gain a clear understanding of the data privacy risks associated with poorly vetted or malicious extensions. For instance, demonstrating how a browser extension might capture and store a password for one application—potentially enabling hackers to exploit this data for unauthorized access to other accounts, such as or banking platforms—can illustrate the severity of these risks to both the individual and the organization.
Assessing the security of browser extensions is a critical step for both individuals and organizations in safeguarding their digital activity and assets. Since even legitimate browser extensions can also introduce significant risks, it is important to conduct a multi-faceted browser extension assessment to limit risk both when downloading a new extension and using an existing one.
A robust browser extension assessment must review permissions requested by extensions. Whether you are installing a new browser extension or using an existing one, it is important to carefully review the permissions requested by each extension. Permissions should align with the intended functionality of the extension and be limited only to the data needed to perform that specified task. Remember that excessive permissions are an important warning sign—be it a red flag for a legitimate extension or a tell-tale sign of a malicious one.
Assessing the security of browser extensions is often a complex and time-intensive task, yet it is vital for safeguarding digital environments. Traditional security tools may fail to detect vulnerabilities in legitimate browser extensions, leaving organizations exposed to potential threats.
Given these challenges, engaging a reputable third-party vendor to conduct a comprehensive browser extension assessment can be an ideal solution. Such experts bring specialized tools and knowledge, enabling businesses to identify and address vulnerabilities effectively while also allowing teams to make use of the benefits of these tools.