How to Care for Great Lengths Hair Extensions

Great Lengths was voted the Favorite Extension Company by stylists at the 2009 Stylists Choice Awards. By the company's own statement it uses only the finest hair; Indian Temple Hair. If you have Great Lengths Extensions, you already know that they are expensive. There are a few things you'll need to do to keep your extensions looking great.

Things You'll Need

• Great Lengths Shampoo
• Great Lengths Energy Conditioner
• Great Lengths Anti Tap Solution
• Great Lengths paddle brush, either oval or square
• Great Lengths Finishing Serum (optional)
• Great Lengths Vital Care (optional)
• Hairdryer
• Hair Elastics

Instructions

1. Keep your hair free from shampoo and conditioner for 48 hours after getting your extensions. This will allow the bonds to fully bind to your own hair. After this, use a Great Lengths Shampoos that best fit your needs. There are three formulas specific to dry, over-processed and a shampoo for daily washing. Follow up with a Great Lengths Conditioner.
   Towel dry your hair being, careful not to tangle or pull the extensions. Spray the bonds with Anti Tap solution. This will bring your hair into the proper pH balance. Chlorine and other minerals can weaken the keratin bonds that hold the extensions to your own hair.

2. Brush your hair starting at the bottom of the hair and work your way up. This is the opposite of how you normally brush your own hair. Don't take long quick strokes that could catch on the bonds.Your extensions are especially vulnerable when they are wet.

3. Apply Serum Hair Fluid to add shine and give your hair extra protection before blow drying or using a flat iron. You can also spritz on Vital Care if your hair is extra dry and needs extra conditioning. Both of these products are optional; only use them if you need them.

4. Blow dry your hair, being careful to direct the air downward. This will help minimize knots and tangles in your hair. Use your fingers to separate the hair as it dries. Don't use a brush for styling until your hair is almost dry. Wet hair is much more vulnerable than dry hair to pulling and tugging.

5. Create different hairstyles by using a flat iron or curling iron. Do not to let the heat element touch the bonds, as the heat can loosen them. If you use electric rollers do not let the roller touch the bonds. You can also use Velcro rollers, if you are careful. Do not tug the curlers from your hair, as this could pull out the extensions.

6. Use the Great Lengths clarifying shampoo (shampoo #4) before having extensions applied to your hair. Clarifying shampoo removes any buildup of product, which could cause your extensions to slip and fall out.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also save yourself some money by reusing your extensions a second time. Ask your stylist to remove them without using the bond breaking solution. They can then be moved up or "tightened." Old extensions will not stay in your hair as long as new extensions, but it should cost you less than half of what it would for new. Make sure your stylist gives you a breakdown of the price you are paying. You should know how much your extensions cost per bundle as well as how much the actual installation is costing you. Only tip on the installation, not the cost of the hair.

• If you have fine hair, request that your stylist cut each bundle in half. By doing this you will avoid having heavy bundles attached to delicate hair You will also need fewer bundles of hair since each bundle will now equal two.

References

• Behind the Chair: Favorite Hair Extension Company
• Great Lengths: Indian Temple Hair
• Short Hairstyle: Hair Extensions Strand by Strand Technique

Resources

• Great Lengths.com