Hair Extensions FAQ Hub
Over 50 of the most common questions answered with complete honesty by London extension specialists Mădălina & Cornelia. Everything you need to know before and after your fitting.

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1. Keratin Bond Hair Extensions
How are keratin bond hair extensions applied?
Keratin bonds are applied strand-by-strand. Individual strands tipped with premium Italian keratin are fused to small sections of natural hair using a gentle, controlled acoustic heat tool, creating a tiny, flexible rice-grain-sized seal.
How long do keratin bond extensions last per fitting?
Keratin bonds typically provide 3 to 4 months of continuous, uninterrupted wear before requiring professional removal, re-tipping, and refitting. The high-grade hair itself lasts 9 to 18 months.
Are keratin bonds visible in thin or fine hair?
No. For fine or sparse hair, we hand-trim standard capsules into mini bonds (0.5g) and micro bonds (0.3g). These tiny bonds blend completely with delicate strands and remain undetectable even when hair moves in the wind.
Can I wear my hair up in a high ponytail with keratin bonds?
Yes! Because keratin bonds swivel 360 degrees and we leave a 1.5-inch safety perimeter around your hairline and nape, you can wear high ponytails, messy top knots, and parted updos with complete confidence.
How long does a keratin bond fitting appointment take?
A complete full-head application typically takes 3 to 5 hours of artisan placement by Mădălina or Cornelia to ensure flawless tension and symmetry.
Can I colour my natural hair while wearing keratin bonds?
Yes. Your stylist can safely tint your root parting, hairline, and T-section. Bleach or high-lift lighteners must never be placed directly over the keratin capsules.
Can I use hot styling tools on keratin bonds?
You can curl, wave, and straighten the lengths of your extensions, but always keep hot styling plates at least 2 inches away from the root keratin capsules to prevent heat from softening the bond.
How are keratin bonds removed?
Bonds must always be removed professionally. We apply an organic alcohol-based release gel that softens the keratin, then gently crush the bond with a removal clamp so the strand slides off effortlessly with zero pulling.
2. Tape-In Hair Extensions
What are tape-in hair extensions?
Tape-in extensions are ultra-flat, 4cm-wide wefts of premium human hair applied by sandwiching a thin slice of your natural hair between two hypoallergenic medical-grade adhesive strips.
How often do tape-in extensions need maintenance?
Tape-in extensions require a salon refit every 6 to 8 weeks as your natural hair grows out. We slide the tapes out, clarify your hair, apply fresh adhesive tabs, and refit the same hair.
Can tape-in hair be reused?
Yes! The same premium Russian/European hair panels can be re-taped and reused across 4 to 6 refit appointments (lasting 9 to 12 months in total).
How long does a tape-in fitting take?
Tape-in fittings are exceptionally fast—a full head takes just 60 to 90 minutes, and a half-head volume fill takes only 45 minutes.
Are tape-ins comfortable to sleep on?
Yes. Because the tape tabs lie 100% flush against the curve of the skull, they feel like flat ribbons and cause zero discomfort when resting your head on a pillow.
What should I avoid when wearing tape-ins?
Avoid applying conditioners, oils, serums, or silicone-based products directly over the tape adhesive at the roots, as oils break down the adhesive bond.
Can tape-ins slip out accidentally?
Tape slippage is rare when cared for properly. Slippage only happens if oil is applied to the root adhesive, if hair is washed with hot water and heavy conditioner, or if refits are delayed beyond 8 weeks.
Are tape-ins visible when tied back?
Low ponytails, loose braids, and half-up styles hide tape tabs completely. For high ponytails, we angle the side panels away from your natural hairline.
3. Fine & Thin Hair Suitability
Can I get hair extensions if I have fine or delicate hair?
Yes! Fine hair clients often see the most transformative results. When fitted with custom mini keratin bonds (0.5g) or lightweight tapes, extensions add natural volume without straining delicate roots.
Which method is best for very fine or sparse hair?
Keratin bonds (specifically mini and micro bonds) are generally best for very fine hair because strand weights can be tailored 1:1 to natural density, and bonds rotate 360 degrees without pulling.
What is single-sided tape-in placement for fine hair?
In delicate areas (such as the temples), we pair one extension weft with an ultra-thin clear backing strip instead of two heavy wefts, cutting the weight on fragile roots by 50%.
How many grams of hair do I need for fine hair?
For fine hair, less is more. We typically recommend 50g to 75g for a volume fill, or 100g to 125g for moderate length. Overloading fine hair with 150g+ causes unnecessary root fatigue.
Will extensions make my fine hair thinner after removal?
No. When applied correctly and removed professionally, your natural hair will remain healthy and will have grown safely underneath.
Can extensions fill in sparse temples or see-through ends?
Yes! Targeted micro-bonds placed along the mid-lengths and sides can eliminate wispy, see-through ends and create a thick, blunt baseline.
How short can my fine natural hair be for extensions?
Your natural hair should be at least 4 to 5 inches long across the crown and parting to ensure there is enough veil to cover the attachment rows seamlessly.
Why should fine hair avoid heavy sew-in weaves or micro-rings?
Sew-in weaves and metal micro-rings concentrate heavy physical weight onto narrow anchor points, which can cause traction strain and breakage on delicate follicles.
4. Pricing & Investment
How much do hair extensions cost in London?
Keratin bonds range from £400 to £700 depending on length (16" to 28") and volume. Tape-in transformations start from £250. We provide an exact, all-inclusive quote at your free consultation.
Are consultations free?
Yes! Consultations are 100% free with zero obligation. They take 15–20 minutes at our Dagenham studio or can be conducted remotely via WhatsApp photos.
What is included in the fitting price?
Your quote covers 100% premium human hair, bespoke multi-tonal colour matching, master fitting by Mădălina or Cornelia, blending cut and styling, aftercare guide, and 30 days of direct WhatsApp support.
Do you offer payment plans or financing?
No — we do not offer financing plans. We accept full payment via cash (preferred) or bank transfer (which must clear before application begins).
How much does a deposit cost to book?
A £100 deposit is required to secure your fitting appointment time. This deposit is fully deducted from your final balance on fitting day.
How much does maintenance cost?
For keratin bonds, full removal, re-tipping with fresh Italian keratin, and reapplication ranges from £250 to £350. Tape-in refits are priced according to the number of wefts moved up.
Why does premium Russian and European hair cost more?
High-street extensions use chemically processed hair coated in synthetic silicone that tangles within weeks. Premium Remy hair retains intact cuticles and lasts 12–18 months, making it significantly cheaper per month of wear.
5. Aftercare, Maintenance & Washing
How often should I wash my extensions?
Wash your hair 2 to 3 times per week. Washing daily strips natural moisture, while washing less than once a week allows oil buildup around the roots.
What shampoo should I use on hair extensions?
Always use a salon-grade, sulphate-free, and silicone-free shampoo (such as Kérastase Chroma Absolu or Pureology Hydrate). Never use drugstore 2-in-1 shampoos.
What brush is safe for hair extensions?
Use an extension loop brush or soft boar-bristle brush. Never use hard plastic ball-tipped paddle brushes or fine-tooth combs near the roots.
Can I swim in chlorine and the sea with extensions?
Yes, but wet your hair with fresh tap water first, coat mid-lengths with leave-in conditioner, tie into a secure braid, and rinse thoroughly immediately after swimming.
How should I prepare my hair for sleeping?
Never sleep with wet hair. Blow-dry roots completely, tie hair into a loose low plait or low ponytail with a silk scrunchie, and sleep on a 100% mulberry silk pillowcase.
Why do I see some hairs shedding with the bonds?
Humans shed 50–100 natural hairs daily. Because these hairs are attached inside the extension bond, they cannot fall away and remain in the bond until your maintenance appointment. This is completely normal.
What happens if I delay my maintenance appointment?
Leaving extensions in past their recommended window (8 weeks for tape, 4 months for keratin) causes wefts to flip and increases leverage stress on natural roots.
6. Consultations & Getting Started
How do I book a consultation?
You can book directly via our online booking page or send us a message on WhatsApp. Consultations are free and take 15–20 minutes.
Where is your salon located?
Our private studio is located on Windsor Road, Dagenham RM8 3JX in East London—convenient for clients across Barking, Romford, Ilford, Hornchurch, and Stratford.
What should I do to prepare for my consultation?
Arrive with your hair clean, dry, and worn naturally (not styled in tight buns). Bring reference photos of your dream length, volume, or colour goals.
Can I get an initial quote via WhatsApp?
Yes! Send us photos of your current hair (front, sides, and back in natural light) along with your desired length, and we can provide an accurate guide price remotely.
How do you match my hair colour?
We use professional colour rings and blend 2 to 3 complementary shades to mirror your natural undertones, root shadow, and high-dimension highlights.
How long before a special event should I get extensions?
We recommend booking your fitting 1 to 2 weeks before a wedding, holiday, or major event so your scalp settles and you become accustomed to styling your new hair.
Who will fit my extensions?
Your extensions are fitted exclusively by founders and certified specialists Mădălina or Cornelia—we never pass clients to junior apprentices.
7. Hair Health & Safe Removal
Will hair extensions damage my natural hair?
No. When applied with correct weight calibration by certified specialists, properly cared for at home, and professionally removed, extensions will not damage your hair.
Can I remove hair extensions myself at home?
Never attempt DIY removal at home. Pulling, cutting, or applying household chemicals to bonds or tape will pull out your natural hair cuticles. Professional removal is quick, gentle, and inexpensive.
How long does a professional removal appointment take?
A complete, safe removal takes 45 to 90 minutes. We apply organic release solution, gently slide off the strands, brush out shed hairs, and clarify your scalp.
Can extensions help my natural hair grow longer?
Yes! Extensions act as a protective barrier against daily heat tools, friction, and environmental damage, allowing your natural hair to grow undisturbed underneath.
Do hair extensions hurt during or after application?
Application is completely pain-free. You may feel a slight tightness for the first 24 to 48 hours as your scalp adjusts to the extra hair weight, which subsides quickly.
What if I experience sudden hair shedding or scalp conditions?
If you have active telogen effluvium, unmanaged alopecia, or severe scalp dermatitis, we will advise postponing extensions until your scalp has fully stabilized.
What should I do if a bond or tape panel feels loose?
Never pull on a loose bond. Message us on WhatsApp immediately and we will book you in for a quick, complimentary adjustment.
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