XXL lengths are here to stay
Finding the best quality hair extensions for you (and your budget) isn’t always easy. And right now, with everyone from Kim Kardashian to Shay Mitchell showing off XXL lengths, we’ve never been more in the market to try out some extensions. If you’re thinking of taking the plunge and giving extensions a go, here’s what you need to know about the most popular hair extension methods.
Short-Term Hair Extensions
Clip-In Hair Extensions: Aka your quick-fix, for the commitment-shy.
Clip-in hair extensions are eaaaaaasy, simply section off the top half of your hair then clip in the extensions and let the rest of your hair loose. For a serious volume boost go for Beauty Works Clip-In Quadruple Weft Volumizer, from £67.99. Or for a natural-finish try Hair Rehab’s Single Clip-In Extensions, from £7 each, the smaller sections of hair are great for just adding extra volume where you need it. Disguise clips further by spraying the root with a temporary root concealer, which will help to blend the extension naturally into your hair. We like the EverProBeauty Zero Grey Root Cover-Up, £9.99.
Long-Term Hair Extensions
Pre-Taped Hair Extensions
One of the newer hair extension methods on the market, the clever extensions come in small sections, with a tacky, strip of glue already attached to the top. This is then attached to your own hair by the roots, cheating length and volume fast. We love Zen’s Luxury Extensions, which use the finest Remy hair and give you the perfect full-volume look. They last 6-8 weeks but can be moved up and re-taped, meaning you get a lot more bang for your buck.
Micro-Ring Hair Extensions
The option that keeps on giving. The extension is attached to your own hair using a metal ring. It’s fed through a tiny ring along with your own hair, then clamped in place just below your roots. The best thing about micro-ring extensions is that once the hair begins to grow out, usually around 2months after the initial fitting, it can simply be moved back up the strand to the root – meaning you don’t have to invest in new hair every time.
Sewn-In Hair Extensions
Aka a weave, is when your own hair is tightly braided along your scalp in rows, a weft of hair extensions is then sewn along the braid. The hair itself can last for around 6 months, but you have to go back to your Stylist every 4 weeks to get the braids tightened.
Pre-Bonded Hair Extensions
As the name would suggest, these extensions come with a bond attached to the top of the hair extension, brands like Beauty Works and Great Lengths have keratin formulas that helps protect your own hair. The extensions are placed against the roots then the bond is heated, melting the adhesive to your own hair. They can last longer than other extensions, usually around 3-4months, with maintenance appointments every couple of months to keep hair looking flawless.
How Much Do Hair Extensions Cost?
It’s difficult to pin down an exact cost for long-term hair extensions, because it varies on a lot of different things, including whereabouts in the UK you live, which brand of hair extensions you choose to go with and how much your Stylist charges to fit. At London’s Vixen & Blush salon prices start from just £300 for a quarter head of extensions.
If you’re thinking about taking going for hair extensions here are our favourite spots where you can guarantee a perfect finish:
Urban Retreat, Harrods, where resident hair extension expert, Bradley King, specialises in all types of hair extension methods, so you’re guaranteed to find the right ones for you.
Vixen & Blush, a specialist hair extension salon that make custom-blend bonded and micro-ring hair extensions in-house.
Hershesons, XXL waist length extensions can be fitted in Harvey Nichols whilst their clip-in extensions are available online.
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