Bonds – Good ‘v’ Bad…

We all know hair extensions can look good or bad at first glance, however, the real proof is in the Bonds! How the bonds are applied is fundamental for the following reasons: 1. To ensure no damage occurs to your natural hair underneath 2. For client comfort 3. For discretion – general appearance I am so fed up of seeing poorly applied bonds, hence my blog on this! I’m talking about keratin bonds as that’s what Bond Hair specialises in. The keratin is a natural substance and keratin is found in our hair so it’s not going to cause any allergic reactions, its safe and secures the hair in place for many months. The correct way to apply keratin bonds is the following; - Take even small square sections of hair (roughly the same thickness as the strand in which you’re applying) DO NOT put in a triangle shape as this is pulling the hair away from its natural growth pattern. - Slide the extension bond a few centimetres down the clients natural hair, DO NOT apply right up at the root, this is far to close, feels sore and tight for the client and could snap the hair at the root. Technicians who are applying right at the root are doing it wrong. Extensions should not be sore, after 1-2 days you shouldn’t feel them at all. - Bonds should be applied in neat rows and bricked up across the head from one side to the other. They should not be applied on the nape of the neck of right into the front of the hair line as they will be visible- and people hair tends to be naturally finer in these places so it’s best to avoid applications here. - Rolled ‘v’ flat – At bond we use flat bonds, these are the best bonds as they allow you to fold the bond neatly around the hair, rather than those who use nail tip bonds and roll them. Rolled bonds can be long, large and heavy not to mention can be visible. Small square bonds are what you want! Here are some bad applications – notice the direction the hair is pulled…notice the rolled bonds etc. bad bonds 2 bad bonds 3 photo 2 Here are small, flat discreet keratin bonds, correctly applied to a clients hair… good bonds 1 Example keritin Bonds For a FREE Consultation contact Fae@bondhair.com

Caring for hair extensions

More and more research has been carried out and many products have been developed as technology has advanced, so you can be sure that our hair care guidelines are backed by science.

The most important factor in keeping human hair healthy is moisture, as this keeps hair strong. If hair loses moisture, the strands will swell, losing strength and flexibility and will break.

Many factors affect the moisture content in hair such as diet, chemical treatments and air humidity. For example, whilst shampooing, conditioning and towel drying, hair will be stroked in different directions which can cause strands to weaken and break. Combing hair can stretch the strands and also cause breakage. Hair extensions are at risk of this damage: because Bond Hair only use human hair, the extensions will behave just like your own hair.

Bond Hair use Remy hair which means that all the strands run in the same direction. So, when washing, drying or combing your hair stroke all the strands in the same direction.

Research has also taught us that hair is negatively charged and shampoos are designed to have a negative charge as well so that they will not be absorbed. Conditioner is designed to encourage the absorption of moisture, whilst not leaving any conditioner behind. A good conditioner will reduce the friction between strands of hair, resulting in stronger, smoother looking hair. Conditioner should not be used on the bonds of hair extensions.

Bond Hair recommends hair care products for hair extensions that will enhance your hair extensions. If you have any questions about caring for hair extensions, please get in touch.

Hair extensions – ask the right questions

When choosing your hair extensions professional, you should feel comfortable asking questions – and your chosen stylist should be happy to answer.

Some of the questions you might want to ask are:

Is the hair Asian, Indian, European or Russian? What method will be used to add extensions?
Bond Hair use Indian and European hair and specialise in pre-bonded hair extensions, using hot or cold fusion that won’t damage the hair.

How experienced are they? Do they have a portfolio of their work?
Bond Hair has four years of fully qualified and insured experience. There is a portfolio of our work available to view on the gallery pages of the Bond Hair website; you can also visit the testimonials page.

How long do extensions last?
The type of bond used by Bond Hair means that hair extensions last approximately 3 months if cared for correctly. A top-up may be required at around six weeks to keep the hair extensions looking full for the duration of their life. Bond Hair provides aftercare guidelines, available to download from the Bond Hair website.

You should be completely happy with the hair extensions and stylist when choosing where to have your hair extensions done. If you are not confident about the hair extensions that you have looked at previously, wait a little longer until you can afford the best. At Bond Hair we are happy to answer any questions you might have that are not answered above, so please get in touch.

Remy is right for Bond Hair

Customers often ask about synthetic hair extensions which can be cheaper than human hair. Whilst synthetic is popular in some circumstances, Bond Hair use 100% human hair because it is long lasting and can be styled, curled and straightened using heat, unlike synthetic extensions.

There are two types of human hair that can be donated; Remy and non-Remy hair. Bond Hair use Remy hair, which means that the hair is collected when cut, with the strands preserved facing the same way to ensure a smoother, more natural look.

As a result of Remy hair keeping the roots together, much less processing is required to prepare the hair for use, which in turn ensures that moisture is retained within the hair. This is opposed to non-Remy hair, which may have been collected from the floor and has strands running in both directions with cuticles at either end of the batch. This requires more processing, meaning that the hair can become very dry.

Moisture is the key to healthy looking hair. If you would like any guidance on keeping your hair and extensions looking healthy, please speak to Bond Hair; we will be happy to advise you.

Extensions don’t just add length

The typical view is that hair extensions are for people who want longer hair. Whilst the girls from TOWIE like to show off their long locks and often publicise that they have had hair extensions, Bond Hair can create whatever style you are looking for. Our hair extensions can be as discreet as you wish and can be used to add volume instead of length. We often see younger people choosing coloured extensions, whilst others go for the wow effect of full, thick hair. In addition, older women whose hair sometimes thins with age can achieve thicker hair with extensions.

So, which style is right for you? Whether you are looking for extra length or volume, at Bond Hair we are happy to discuss your ideas.

The business of hair extensions is growing

The business of hair extensions has proven to be resilient to the tough economic times, with sales rising year on year – and thought to be up to £60m a year. The trade in human hair has gone global, with women across the world buying, selling or donating their hair, and the UK is no exception. HM Revenue and Customs has seen £38m worth of hair imported into the country, placing the UK in the top three importers of human hair in the world.

According to IBISWorld, the revenue from hair and beauty salons will be £3.64bn in 2012-13, with hair extension products and services predicted to make up between £45m and £60m of that. Some leading companies in hair extensions supply up to 1000 salons across the country and claim as much as 70% growth over the last 5 years.

Upmarket salons in central London can charge up to £900 for extensions that last 6 months. Profits from treatments such as cuts, colours and blow-dries have remained static in the last year, whereas many salons have seen profits from the extension side of the business grow as much as 60% year on year. Stylists, who used to do two or three extensions a month might now see two or three clients a day for extensions. With celebrities such as Cheryl Cole, Mischa Barton and the Saturdays’ Rochelle Wiseman choosing to have extensions, the trend looks set to continue.

To enquire about hair extensions, please get in touch with Bond Hair, we look forward to discussing your new hairstyle!

Hair extensions FAQ

How can you judge where to go to get your hair extensions carried out? Ask to see photos of their work – again ensure the finished hair photo shows the hair straight- many disguise poor blending work by offering to curl the extensions once they’ve fitted them. Look them up online, do they have a Facebook page- what are people saying about them? Ask them if they can provide testimonials. Ask to see photos of the bonds – keratin bonds should be small and flat, not 1-2″ long!! See some examples of our hair extensions here Or have a look at pictures of hair extensions and and feedback here on our Facebook page The best way is to ask friends for recommendations. Most my hair extensions clients come from friend referrals and I reward my girls with £50 each time they recommend a friend as a thank you. It is normal to pay a deposit up front, usually £30-60 would be fair. I ask for £50 deposit, this secures the booking so no one else can take the slot and it also prevents clients booking appointments and not turning up! If you have any questions about hair extensions in Northamptonsire, Leicestershire or other surrounding areas please do not hesitate to text or call or email me fae@bondhair.com

Hair extensions – cost & value

Price isn’t everything! I often talk to people that say “But I’ve found it £20 / £50 cheaper with so-and-so”. Well, that’s absolutely fine. If price is your ultimate deciding factor then I let these people go. But I can tell you that most call me back a week later saying ‘I wish I’d used Bond Hair, the girl I used was this, that and the other’. Quality, Human Remy Hair IS EXPENSIVE! So be cautious of companies offering under £200. I don’t hide prices from my clients, I can tell you that quality Indian hair should cost around £90-150 wholesale, no less. European hair can cost up to £300 for the hair alone. If you have any questions about hair extensions in Northamptonsire, Leicestershire or other surrounding areas please do not hesitate to text or call or email me fae@bondhair.com

FAQs about hair extensions

Ensure that your chosen technician knows what they are doing – so don’t be afraid to ask questions, A LOT of questions. After all, it’s your hard-earned money you’re spending and many people don’t know much about the different methods etc. A good company will take time to answer your questions and not pressure you into booking until you are ready. I often spend half an hour on the phone to someone who simply wants advice – or they’ve had a hair extensions nightmare with another company. Do I make money form this? No. But I hope I come across friendly, helpful and most importantly professional, and you never know, they may remember Bond Hair the next time they or a friend wants extensions. If you have any questions about extensions please do not hesitate to text or call or email me fae@bondhair.com

Choosing a Hair Extensions technician

There are so many hair extensions providers out there, how do you know which one is the best? I have tried to put together a short guide on how to choose where you get your hair extensions done, what to look out for and what questions to ask. Firstly, the most important thing about hair extensions- believe it or not- is safety and protecting your natural hair from damage. The second most important thing is having gorgeous long hair! If you have any questions about extensions please do not hesitate to text or call or email fae@bondhair.com