Long luscious hair like the Kardashian sisters is an unattainable dream for many of us, so when we heard of the trend, tape-in hair extensions Healthista blogger, Deni Kirkova decided it was time to give them a try…
The only way to achieve it outside the realm of good genes and a long investment in good diet and haircare is a decent set of hair extensions. But the cost and maintenance puts many people off. A good head of extra hair can set women back several hundreds of pounds.
But now A-list hair brand Beauty Works has teamed up with celebrity hair stylist Jen Atkin to create a range of amazing high-quality hair extensions with a unique application method meaning putting them in takes under an hour.
Jen’s regular clients include none other than Jessica Alba, Jennifer Lopez and the Kardashians, who all have enviable hair, so I felt like I’d be in the safest of hands.
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I headed to the Daniel Hersheson salon in Harvey Nichols, London, to try out Beauty Works’s new Invisi-Tape semi-permanent extensions. My hair can look full and fabulous when I’ve spent ample time styling it but day-to-day, it looks rather plain, so I was understandably excited. I sat down in my seat while my extensions specialist, Hadley, prepared the long thick and shiny hair.
Hadley used four packs of Invisi-Tape to create length, volume and chemical-free colour. You can mix up your colours to create different colour effects. Each pack comes with 8 strips, so you can place the extensions where you need the hair most, creating fringes, layers and extra length. A professional stylist will always give you a consultation to discuss the desired effect you want to achieve and advise how much hair you ideally need.
The hair extensions actually improved my hair colour, which was too harsh to begin with
My hair began life as 20 inches in length, which was cut afterwards and blended in shades Santa Barbara and LA Blonde. The new range consists of 20 colours with 5 new root blend shades in length 20″. The colour blend was impeccable – I have harsh ombre hair and Hadley applied both ombre and highlighted strands for a naturally mixed colour palette.
We achieved the saught-after ecaille look – also called ‘tortoiseshell’ – which is a new style of balayage and involves mixing in deep and rich caramel tones as well as sunkissed highlights throughout the length of the hair for a soft, multi-tonal look.
The hair extensions actually improved my hair colour, which was too harsh to begin with, as well as making it thicker and longer. I couldn’t ask for much more.
The pre-taped extensions were attached using a strip of ‘medical grade tape’ which means the tape is extra secure and will withstand washing and drying. The hair extensions start from around £350 but depending on what you want to achieve the price can vary.
They felt featherlight and super discreet, and come in small strips which can be placed throughout the hairline. When you take them out around the six weeks mark, the extensions are removed with a spray on solution which allows the hair to be gently removed. Make sure you get a professional like Hadley to reapply the hair extensions every six weeks (sometimes four). The hair is completely reusable and can even last up to nine months.
The new Invisi-Tape in hair extensions lie flat to the head so there are no lumps or bumps,
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Many professionals favor tape in extensions as the method is ideal for European hair types, trumping micro-rings, weaves and even keratin bonds that can take upto three hours to be applied. The new Invisi-Tape in hair extensions lie flat to the head so there are no lumps or bumps, have a weightless feel, and are comfortable to wear unlike other extensions.
Incredibly, I was in and out of the salon in less than an hour. This is the main reason the cost is lower than that of micro ring or pre-bonded hair extensions. Hadley says he is a fan of pre-tapes for the speed of application, plus the high quality of Beauty Works’ hair. Many women who lead busy lifestyles don’t have the time to spend hours in the salon chair.
Jen Atkin suggests, ‘Ask your hairstylist to cut the extensions, so that your hair it blends well with them. I always thin them out to make them moves like real hair, and put layers in if needed.
‘For a realistic look with extensions, it’s also about using products. Give them texture with products and a curling iron. Prep the hair and use products that help extensions and your own hair hold a style.’
Braid your hair extensions before bed to stop hair tangling.
Invisi tape in hair extensions feature a silk weft with integrated hair, mimicking the growth of the natural hairline. This makes them transparent, flexible and very resistant. each strip takes seconds to apply.
What I’ve discovered in my five weeks of these extensions is my love for the Tangle Teezer (I especially like the brush ‘lid’ meaning your brush will always stay clean and won’t catch on anything), you should put your hair up in velvet scrunchies which have impressive grip, to use only sulphate-free hair products if you want your hair to stay shiny, and avoid conditioner at the roots, dry shampoo is okay, and – most importantly – braid your hair extensions before bed to stop hair tangling.
I feel amazing with extensions in – like a better version of myself with length and volume I’ve always dreamed of. My hair is still looking great – although I’ll probably take it out in a week or two. I’ll definitely be putting it back in though.
The hair extensions start from around £350 from Daniel Hersheson salon but depending on what you want to achieve the price can differ.
For the full Jen Atkin range by Beauty Works range visit www.beautyworksonline.com
Aftercare top tips:
Washing
- Wash and style your hair extensions just like they our your own hair, we recommend the Beauty Works aftercare range which contains Argan oil and Macadamia oil which are great for hair extensions.
- Use serums and oils to keep the hair well nourished, apply a small amount to the palms of your hair and apply from mid lengths to ends. Remember the hair needs to be nourished to keep it healthy.
- Never sleep with your hair or your extensions we. Blast through the extensions and ensure there dry.
- Try not to over wash your own hair or the extensions, use dry shampoo in-between washes.
Drying
- Use a heat protection spray to protect your own hair and the extensions. High tempetures can harm the cuticle, which gives our hair its shine and luster.
- Avoid heating the hair over 180c, if you use styling tools and they have a temperature control gauge always make sure the temperature is no hotter than 180c, high temperature can damage not only your own hair but your extensions also.
- Use a high quality hairbrush ideally with Boar bristle, Boar bristle distributes the hairs naturally oils and glides over the extensions and wont snag or damage the hair. Beauty Works offer a Boar brush £24.99 which is a must have for hair extensions.
- Try not to over wash your own hair or the extensions, use dry shampoo in-between washes.
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