Hair extensions – everything you need to know

We all want hair that Rapunzel would be envious of, and thanks to hair extensions, fabulous hair really can happen overnight (well, during our opening hours!). But one thing that isn’t always clear is what hair extensions you should go for and what the differences are – well read on lovelies because we’re about to explain all!
 
Why get hair extensions?
 
There are many reasons people opt to get hair extensions. They can be used to add colour, thickness, volume, and the most obvious, to add length.
 
What type of hair do you use? 
 
We only use the best quality hair extensions. Trust us, we have sampled from many, many suppliers to find only the best for our clients. We use 100% human hair all cuticle correct from India, Brazil, Europe and Russia/Mongolia.
 
How do I prepare my hair for extensions?
 
Before your appointment make sure your hair is washed, preferably with a clarifying shampoo, to ensure all residue is removed. Any oil or dirt in your hair can affect the adhesive we use to fit extensions and you should also void using conditioner as this may cause the extensions to slip slightly - we don’t want anything to ruin your end result!
 
Try to leave your hair as natural as possible and do not apply any styling products, please have your hair in its usual parting and straightened if possible, this will make it easier to see where the bonds are going to be applied.
 
How long does it take to fit extensions?

Depending on what type of hair extension you go for, will depend on how long it takes. Here’s a rough idea of how long you will need to be in the salon:

LA WEAVE® 1 – 2 hours
Tapes 1-2 hours
I tip 2-3 hours
Racoon bonded 2-4 hours

How do I look after my extensions?
 
After hours in the chair, and money spent on beautiful, long locks, you want them to look as good as possible, for as long as possible. We’ll provide you with an aftercare leaflet when you leave the salon and extensive advice throughout your appointment. If you have any questions when you leave, we are just a phone call away!
 
Are there any specific products I should use on my extensions?
 
We would recommend you purchasing an aftercare kit as specific products are designed for specific extensions. It’ll mean your new do will look sleek and silky for longer.
 
The most important thing to remember is to use sulphate free shampoo and conditioner and a brush designed to go over bonds to avoid matting.

How long will they last?

As long as a piece of string really. Climate, water, products used, care for the hair, brushing, heat appliances, swimming, sunbeds, rolling around in your sleep or how often you wash your hair can impact how long your extensions will last. They can last for many months or be easily ruined if not cared for and maintained properly. Sorry to be vague ladies!
 
How do I remove them when I no longer want them?
 
Removal is safe and easy but MUST be done by a hair extension technician so pop in and we will remove them.
 
So, what are the different types of extensions we offer…
 
We specialise in LA WEAVE®, Easilocks® and Racoon Hair extensions® and also offer Racoon Hair in Recovery Program for clients that have suffered medical hair loss. Offering non-damaging methods such as luxe bonds, itip, tape and braidless weave extensions, you know your hair is safe in our hands.
 
LA WEAVE®

This is fab for thick, glam hair. Tiny micro rings are applied to your hair in 2-5 rows then a weft is cut to size and sewn to the micro rings. This method doesn't involve any glue, heat, chemicals or braids and there is no maintenance needed. You need to get them removed at 8-10 weeks and they can be refitted for further use.
 
Half head from £180
Full head from £270
 
Tape

These are thin tape wefts that lay extremely flat to the head so you can barely feel them. They are taped in a sandwich like effect throughout your hair using a type of medical adhesive. As they are an inch in length, they are applied to the hair very quickly and you can have a full head of glamorous hair in around an hour - great for clients that don't like spending hours in the chair! Again, no maintenance is required. You’ll need to get them removed at 6-8 weeks and they can be re-taped and refitted.
 
Half head from £180
Full head from £270
 
LA WEAVE® and tape clients

Your extensions will need to be taken out and refitted every 8-10 weeks.
 
I Tip

I Tip hair extensions involves the placement of individual hair extension strands secured by a tiny copper lock. They are clamped to your hair to hold them in place. If you go for this type of extension, maintenance is recommended at 4-6 weeks. Removal should be around 3 months and can be refitted. ​
 
Half head from £210
Full head from £290
 
Racoon bonds

These extensions have a luxe bond at the top of each strand which is hand rolled to your natural hair. The bond is formed by rolling the bonding agent between the thumb and finger. Maintenance is advised at 4-6 weeks and removal should be at 3 months. They can be refitted.

Racoon hair in recovery will need to have a more detailed consultation. This can be done when the salon is closed as we know it can be very ​personal talking about hair loss.
 
Half head from £300
Full head from £460
 
I tip and racoon bonded clients
 
It’s important that you attend maintenance appointments every 4-6 weeks. You lose approximately 100 strands of hair a day, over 6 weeks that’s about 4000 hairs that need to shed. It is normal to lose around 1-5 bonds per week with this method and these can be put back in on maintenance appointments.
 
Maintenance will include:
• Lost strands replaced
• Any matting removed (micro rings are great as there is minimal matting compared to glued in)
• Areas of micro rings moved up around your hairline and ears
 
Before you get extensions, just remember that they are not for everyone. They require extra time and TLC but they look fabulous and our clients come back time and time again for refits.
 
Still not sure or want some more advice? Pop in for a free consultation to discuss your new look or book online if you know exactly what you want to go for!