The best London salons for premium hair extensions
There's no denying the transformative effects of a good set of hair extensions – but before making a booking it's wise to do your research. When it comes to instant length and volume, options abound, and it's important to identify the style that will work for your hair type and lifestyle.
Whether you’ve spontaneously chopped your lengths (and are now regretting your decision), are looking for some extra bulk, or are after a spectacular bridal style, sitting in the chair of a master extension specialist will have you emerging from the salon feeling your best self.
Across the capital, you’ll find many salons offering a variety of specialist services, so choosing where to book an appointment is no light decision. What’s more, the extensions category has come a long way in recent years, so navigating your way around the variety of methods – from tapes to bonds – can be tricky business.
So, if extensions are something you’re considering, read on for a comprehensive guide on all there is to know, as well as the Bazaar team’s favourite spots to visit in London.
What are the different types of hair extensions available?
Tape-in hair extensions
Application time: from 45 minutes
Wear time: six-to-eight weeks before requiring a refit
Tape-in hair extensions are one of the most popular methods on the market and have been loved by stylists and celebrities for years. They are one of the quickest and easiest extension methods to fit.
“Tape-in extensions are incredibly lightweight on the hair and, when applied properly, are virtually invisible,” says Lousie Bailey, hair extension specialist and founder of Beauty Club London.
They work by sandwiching two tapes between your natural hair, which, compared to other extension methods, creates flowy lengths with little strain on your roots. “Tapes are also very quick to fit, making them ideal for the busy working woman,” says Bailey. “They come in a variety of sizes, from two to four centimetres; however, I often suggest four centimetres as they won’t bevel in the hair,” she adds.
While tapes can be used on all hair types, Lucie Jones, colour and extensions specialist at The Loch, suggests avoiding them if you have fine hair as the tapes may peep through. A set of tapes also requires frequent maintenance appointments, which is something to consider from both a time and financial standpoint.
Bonded hair extensions
Application time: from three hours
Wear time: three-to-four months, with few maintenance appointments required
Bonds are an extremely sought-after, semi-permanent method, considered to be one of the most discreet options on the market.
“Bonds are grouped strands which are attached to your hair via a polymer; you take a strand of the client's natural hair and secure on the extension using heat or cold fusion,” explains Bailey. The bonds are secured with an artificial formula similar in structure to the keratin in your natural hair, so the extensions will mimic the same molecular structure.
Not only do bonded extensions look and feel seamless in your natural lengths, but they will also behave in a similar way. Bonds will expand and contract in accordance with your natural hair when it goes from wet to dry; this will encourage natural hair growth throughout the duration of your extension cycle.
However, because each bond is fused onto strands of natural hair, Bailey only recommends this method to those with robust lengths as the extensions need adequate grip to stay in place.
Sew-in hair extensions
Application time: from three hours
Wear time: six-to-12 weeks
For those with afro-textured hair, sew-in extensions (also known as wefts or weaves) are a failsafe option. Your natural hair is braided down into cornrows, and a needle and thread are then used to sew tracks of extensions to the braids, concealing your natural hair.
To get the longest wear out of these extensions, the braids need to be sturdy so they provide enough hold. If too small, this may cause stress to the scalp – and can potentially damage your hair in the process.
While damage is always a possibility with any form of extension, a major benefit of sew-ins is that your hair is tucked out of the way which gives it a rest from day-to-day damage (think: heat styling and brushing). Better yet, sew-in extensions require little upkeep or maintenance trips to the salon.
In terms of the overall style, sew-in extensions – be in human hair or synthetic – come in a variety of textures including straight, wavy and curly, so no matter your natural hair you’re able to achieve a seamless blend.
How often do hair extensions need replacing?
The longevity of your extensions depends on the method and how well you look after them. Tape-in extensions will last six-to-eight weeks before your hair starts to grow out, which may cause the tape to twist. However, tape-ins are a reusable extension method, so you can book another salon appointment to have them refitted.
Bonded extensions are great for those seeking long-term commitment to their hair as they last three to four months, without the need for maintenance appointments. However, after this time frame, the hair cannot be reused again and will need to be replaced if you’d like to continue with your extensions.
Weaves, or sew-in extensions, will last for six-to-12 weeks if you care for them properly. This involves wrapping them while you sleep and getting them professionally washed in-between at-home showers. If you keep them in beyond the recommended time, you may experience breakage, scalp irritation and product build-up.
How should hair extensions be looked after?
Just like your natural hair, extensions need to be properly looked after to stay soft and healthy. “The best thing you can do for your extensions is to make sure you’re using a really good clarifying shampoo at your roots and a conditioner at your ends,” says Bailey. And while it’s tempting to mask skipped wash days with dry shampoo, Louise explains that many formulas contain alcohol which can break down the stickiness of the tapes.
When it comes to drying and styling, the same rules apply to your natural hair: always use a heat protection spray and avoid using straighteners as much as possible. While it can be a lengthy process, it’s crucial that you fully dry the roots using a hair dryer as water may affect their integrity. So, as tempting as it may be, naturally allowing your hair to dry naturally is not the wisest idea.
For day-to-day maintenance, Bailey explains that one of the most important, and often overlooked, steps in your extension routine is regular brushing. To prevent the hair from getting tangled, brush the extensions as least twice a day, especially before showering. Starting at the ends, use one hand to hold the extensions in place to prevent tugging, and the other to gently work through tangles.
Beyond this, there are a couple of other bedtime tips that are often recommended by stylists to keep your extensions in fine fettle: Consider plaiting your extensions to prevent tangling and never sleep with your hair wet. And, invest in a silk pillowcase, which will not only feel cool during the summer season but will keep mid-sleep frizz and breakage at bay.
Will extensions cause damage to your natural hair?
The enduring popularity of hair extensions is clear; however, they also have garnered quite a reputation for causing damage to your natural lengths. Indeed, while this popular beauty treatment comes with a side serving of uncertainty for the uninitiated, Jones explains that with specialist fitting and proper care, damage needn’t be a problem.
“It’s incredibly important to follow your stylist’s aftercare”, says Jones. “If a refit or a move up is required and you delay this appointment, the new regrowth will become matted and cause the hair to break”, she continues.
Bailey also stresses the importance of booking with a reputable professional. “If you go to someone who cuts a lot of your natural hair and doesn’t match the weight of your hair with the extensions, this can cause an imbalance which may lead to damage,” she says.
Here, see the best hair extension specialists in London, according to the Bazaar beauty team.
Louise Bailey at Beauty Club London
Walking through the doors of Beauty Club London – a vibrant beauty destination situated in the heart of Oxford Circus – it takes less than a moment to appreciate the level of talent flowing around the room.
At first, your eyes are drawn to the playful décor, dancing disco ball and decked-out cocktail bar, but look beyond and you’ll see a highly talented team of stylists perfecting their craft. Louise Bailey is a leading authority in London’s popular hair extensions arena. With over twenty years of experience – and a loyal celebrity clientele – she is the woman to know if you’re seeking tape-in extensions.
“Tapes have revolutionised the hair extensions industry; they’re quick to apply and, when fitted properly, they’re far less damaging compared to other extension methods,” says Bailey.
She also explains that tape-ins are a wise choice if you’re after premium – and expensive-looking hair. “Tapes give a well-groomed, structured and voluminous look to your ends, while other types of extensions can have a straggly effect.”
During your appointment, you’ll spot the extensions locker – a cabinet which houses the premium brand Hair Club Extensions. “What’s so incredible about this brand is how lightweight the hair feels and how seamless it blends into the rest of your lengths”, says Bailey. And with over 40 colours to choose from, finding the perfect shade blend won't be an issue.
“We understand everything about the colour process to ensure that the extensions match”, says Bailey. Moe Harb – Beauty Club London co-founder and cutting-edge colour specialist – pours his twenty years of experience to curate a colour that seamlessly blends with the extensions. There’s no doubt his dexterity and attention to detail is second to none.
In each considered move and decision there is an element of mastery that you’ll only find within London’s elite spaces. Be it tape-ins or colour, the team go above and beyond to personalise your appointment.
Inanch Emir at Inanch London
With an impressive directory of celebrity clients – including Eva Mendez and Angela Bassett – Inanch Emir is the go-to if you're interested in bonds.
“There are so many extensions out there, but I find most of my celebrity clients are interested in bonds; it gives them more flexibility to change their hairstyle,” says Emir. As she explains, bonds will look discreet in your hair and only need to be replaced every three to four months, so they require less maintenance.
Inanch also expresses the importance of investing in good-quality hair to prevent damage. “As the saying goes, 'buy cheap and buy twice'. Before you consider getting extensions, you need to do your research and go to a reputable person who uses first-rate hair,” she says.
Most of the time, damage to your natural hair is caused by improper maintenance and after-care of the extensions. “I find that if my clients are fitted with good quality hair, they’re encouraged to look after it. I often hear that people have extensions put in but then won’t look after them which simply damages their natural hair,” says Emir.
Sourcing her extensions from India and Russia, Inanch can ensure that the hair is raw and unprocessed. “We get our hair with the cuticles still intact so that it will fall in the same direction. The hair is then bleached and dyed to match the specific colours we offer,” says Emir.
With an impressive selection of 27 shades and 50 ombres, Inanch and the team at her stylish studio will pay close attention to finding your exact colour match, creating an incredibly natural and chic result.
Jaime Hunt at Hershesons
Hersheson's flagship beauty destinations offers everything from cuts to colour, but if you’re in the market for tape-ins, Jaime Hunt’s chair is one you want to be in.
“For anyone starting their hair extensions journey, tape-ins are lightweight and the safest application, causing no tension or discomfort even on thin hair,” explains Hunt. Working with a range of lengths, shades and textures, she will go to great measures to match your hair to the extensions and perfect a natural finish.
“Too many extensions look unnatural and fake; it’s all about balancing and matching the natural texture for the perfect blend,” she says. Often telling her clients that less is more, Jamie believes that if you get the balance right, no one will ever know you're wearing extensions.
Lucie Jones at The Loch
Lucie Jones, who you can find at West London Aveda salon The Loch, understands that the best hair extensions are about more than simply adding length: they should deliver a seamless look with the feel, colour and texture of naturally full locks.
Jones works with Beautyworks' Invisitape extensions. Made from 100 per cent Remy human hair, they're available in lengths up to 26 inches and widely regarded are some of the lightest, most discreet tape-ins on the market.
A complimentary consultation is required ahead of every extensions appointment, and your fitting will take between two-and-four hours – but the small salon team and friendly atmosphere will make the time a joy.
Harrods Hair and Beauty Salon
If you’re interested in a day of indulgence, no space offers the same amount of sophistication as it does quintessential London tradition as Harrod's Hair and Beauty Salon.
Specialising in tape-ins, the team at Harrods exceed expectations to create a look that’s natural and tailored to you. After a full consultation, you can browse through the Hair Club ‘hair library’ – an extensions wall stocked with many colours and lengths – to select your shade on the day without having to order your extensions in advance.
All that’s left is to take a seat in one of the plush chairs and soak up the grandeur of the space, knowing that you’ll leave the salon feeling your absolute best.
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