Hair Extension Certification in the San Francisco Bay Area

We are not here to sell you a product. We are here to teach you.

That difference is the whole reason Monti Extensions & Academy exists. Most extension education is built around a brand that needs you to buy its hair. Ours is built around technique, because your technique is what you keep long after the class is over.

Every Monti educator is a real working stylist with years of behind the chair experience. We are not brand ambassadors. We teach from experience, passion and integrity. We all wear hair extensions ourselves, and we have seen firsthand how beautiful and life changing they can be. We have also seen the damage they can cause when they are installed incorrectly.

The three core values

We teach and preach three core values for comfortable, damage free hair extensions:

No tight tension. No over direction. Equal weight on all methods.

That is not a tagline. We teach it in every method, and it is what every install in this classroom gets held to.

The 212 degree mindset

In Deb's words: "At 211 degrees water is hot, but at 212 it boils. One degree can make a big difference, so we teach how to be 212 degrees with installations, consultations and practices. Be a little bit better than the competition."

That one degree shows up in the details. We teach section perfection, no tight tension and no over direction, on every single install.

Who can take this course

This is a professional course, and we hold a line that many schools do not.

To enroll, you need to be a licensed cosmetologist, currently enrolled in cosmetology school, or a graduate of a cosmetology or beauty school. You need a basic understanding of the hair industry to take this course.

Deb has turned people away, including people who wanted a career change but had never done hair. Not because she did not want to help them, but because this training builds on skills you earn in beauty school first. If that is where you are, start there. We will be here when you graduate.

How the course actually runs

Theory first. We start with theory so you understand all the concepts that go into the decisions for an install. Knowing the theory is what builds your confidence for the hands on portion.

Then hands on, where we demonstrate the correct way to install hair extensions so you can be successful with the technique on your own clients, in your own chair.

Two day courses are held on select Sundays and Mondays from 10 to 5. Day one is theory. Day two is hands on, learning all three extension methods. One day courses are held on Mondays from 11 to 4. Partner school dates can fall on other days, so check the listing for the date you want.

We practice on mannequins, and we will provide one if you do not have your own. It is wise to invest in one, though. You take your installation work home with you, hair and all.

Our courses run with one educator for every five students, so you get personalized attention and someone actually watching your hands.

What you learn

I-Tip, tape-in, and weft, both machine and hand tied. The methods you will actually be asked for. The two day course covers all three. The one day course covers the one method you choose.

What comes with your course

Every two day course includes a professional starter kit, with one bundle of hair for each of the three methods. The kit carries your working tools: installation pliers, copper beads, silicone beads, a sectioning comb, looper tools, replacement tape in single sided and double sided, needles, thread and clips. You also get a workbook, scripts and quizzes.

One day students train with practice hair and take home a student workbook and aftercare materials.

At the end, you receive your certificate: the Monti Extension certificate of 2-Day completion or the Monti Extension certificate of 1-Day completion.

About the hair

The hair we use and provide, Monti Extensions, is ethically sourced Indian temple hair. It is single donor and it has gone through strict quality control.

In Deb's words: "With so many sourcing untruths in the industry, that is important to us. My last name is on the brand, so that says a lot!"

What we promise, and what we will not

We promise you a thorough education, and hair we can stand behind.

Here is what we refuse to promise: that building a hair extension career is easy. It takes a lot of practice and transparency as you are building. It takes dedication, patience and perseverance.

We would rather tell you that now than sell you a certificate and wish you luck.

After the class

The mentorship does not end when the class does. Students can text questions to 415-802-9230 and get real answers from real extensionists. A digital companion app to support Monti students after the course is on the way.

Why stylists come to us

In Deb's words: "We are the Bay Area leader in hair extensions. I trained most of the top extensionists in the Bay Area."

Deb Monti has been doing hair extensions since 2002 and teaching stylists since 2016. Her work has been recognized by Allure, San Francisco Magazine, Racked SF, Mane Addicts and Short Cuts, and her salons have been ranked Best Hair Extensions year after year in the San Francisco Chronicle A-List.

What students say

Two of the Google reviews on Monti Extensions & Academy, word for word.

"I've been a cosmetologist for 15 years and have taken several extension courses, this is by far the best I've ever taken! Deb is super knowledgable and supportive. I knew when I wanted to focus on extensions that Monti Extensions & Academy was the best place to learn."

"I am a professional hairstylist in the North Bay. I trained with Deb at Monti Extensions academy in 2019 and have been offering this method to clients ever since. The hair is beautiful and of the highest quality, every single time! That has never changed over these last almost six years. The tools are stellar and ordering supplies with the company is always a breeze. If I ever have questions or requests, I can always connect with a professional team member who is kind and helpful. The team goes above and beyond in their support and I have always appreciated that tremendously. I highly recommend Monti Extensions hair, tools and academy if you're looking as a consumer or if you're wanting to offer this beautiful service as a stylist."

Monti work, by method

Installs and sectioning from Monti educators. Every one follows the same three core values: no tight tension, no over direction, equal weight on all methods.

Upcoming certification dates

Course pricing varies by venue. Dates hosted at partner beauty schools are offered at a reduced rate, and cosmetology students receive a student discount. Payment plans are available at checkout through Sezzle and Shop Pay.

One thing to know before you book: there are no refunds. If your plans change, your payment becomes credit for a future course.

Not sure which course is right for you? Call 415-409-1500 or text 415-802-9230 and we will figure it out together. We can't wait to meet you!

If you cannot make it to San Francisco

We also teach at partner schools around the Bay Area, and Deb travels across the country to certify stylists in the Monti Method. Text us and we will find what works for you.

The goal

To help you build a successful extension business with confidence, skill, and most importantly integrity.

We want our students to leave properly trained, not just certified.

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