Caring for your Hair Extensions:

Undercover Glamour’s clip-in hair extensions are made of 100% Human Hair, so they can be treated more or less in the same way as your own hair, however, there are a few things you should know about human hair extensions before you get started.  When your hair gets damaged it begins to split and break off, making each strand of hair shorter, but since your hair is still attached to your head, it will continue to grow and therefore keeping it looking long and luscious. With hair extensions, they do not keep growing, and as such, after a period of time they begin to lose their shine and quality, as they will become shorter and more fragile. 

So, how long will your Undercover Glamour clip-in hair extensions last?

This entirely depends on how often you wear them and how you treat them. For heavy use you may wish to treat yourself to a brand new set every 4 to 6 months.  For moderate and gentle use you should get about 6 months to a year, and for light usage you would be looking at over a year.  Remember to brush your hair extensions gently and hold them just below the weft/ clips when brushing to prevent any excess shedding.  Our company director and model, Catherine Peck has been using her same set of Undercover Glamour extensions in dark brunette for nearly 2 years now.  Please note, she only wears them a few times a week and has not used hair spray on them and also brushes them gently.
Here is my information on how to prolong the life of your hair extensions, from storing the hair extensions through to washing and colouring them.

Storing your Hair Extensions:
You can either store your hair extensions in the original Undercover Glamour packaging, or in a similar storage case, or a large wash bag works well.
After using your hair extensions, they should be combed or brushed gently before placing them in the storage bag.  Remember to hold them firmly under the weft/ under where the clips are to prevent any shedding when brushing them through. This will prevent tangling while they a stored away.  Once brushed, I find it useful to fold the extensions in half and put a hairband round before storing them as I find this helps prevent tangling.  I find that this also gives them a nice, natural  wave for the next time I wear them.

Washing and Drying your Hair Extensions:

Washing your hair extensions will reduce their life span as the hair no longer has its natural oils to replenish itself.  As soon as you wash your hair extensions the quality will not be as perfect as when they were brand new.  If you wash your hair extensions it will be at your own risk as we cannot control the products and processes used.  However, we understand that you may need to wash them at some point due to usage, or using hair spray on them, so please note our recommended best practise if you are going to wash your hair extensions. 

The most important part in maintaining the quality of the hair extensions is selecting the right type of shampoo and conditioner to use.  It is recommended to use a sulphate free and paraben free shampoo and conditioner, you can see our recommended shampoos and conditioners below. 

We recommend to use shampoo first to clean them, especially if you need to remove the hair spray, and then conditioner to help give them a lovely smooth, shiny look.  If your hair extensions are not dirty but just starting to look a little dull then just use conditioner on them to save time. 

Make sure you have brushed through your hair extensions before washing, so they are tangle free.  Then get your hair extensions wet and smooth the shampoo down the extension do not rub in as this will cause tangling.  The same applies when adding the conditioner.  It is really important that you do not use hard water on the hair extensions as it will damage the hair.  If you have hard water, we recommend that you boil some water, then let it cool, and use this water to wash and rinse the hair extensions in. 

It is the calcium and magnesium that are the true hair ruiners in hard water.  This can cause dull limp hair, and straw-like hair texture as hard water has a way of stripping hair of its natural moisture and shine.  Hard water is worse on hair extensions as they do not have their natural oils to replenish.  It is also not advised to use hard water on your own hair, and to solve this you can get shower head filters.  Although, shower head filters do not stop the calcium and magnesium completely they do reduce them getting through greatly, which will help to protect your hair.

You can rinse the shampoo off in another warm bowl of water (or pre-boiled water if hard water) and then re-fill the bowl and rinse again, or you can rinse with a shower head on a gentle setting.  The same applies for rinsing the conditioner off.  Then pat dry with an old, dark coloured towel as a small amount of colour may run, and do not rub the extensions as this will cause tangling.  You can use the hair dryer to blow dry the hair extensions or you can simply leave them to dry.  If using the hair dryer use a cool to medium temperature.

Recommended Shampoos:

While we don't recommend washing your hair, if you decide that you must wash it, or the hair has become very dirty and unmanagable, then we suggest using a gentle shampoo and conditioner such as Morrocanoil, Palmer's Coconut Formula or Argan Products.

Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner feature a gentle, moisturising formula that infuses dehydrated hair with antioxidant-rich argan oil, Vitamins A and E, red algae and other replenishing nutrients. Hair looks and feels healthier, with increased manageability and shine.

Palmer’s Coconut Oil w/ Vitamin E Conditioning Shampoo and Repairing Conditioner - this is sulphate free and paraben free.  It is also great of great to use if your hair extensions have smell of smoke as it is good at getting rid of this smell and will leave them smelling nice and fresh.

Hollywood Beauty Argan Shampoo and Conditioner - These products are also sulphate free which makes them perfect for hair extensions as it is gentle and will not damage the integrity of the hair.  They are full of nourishing Argan Oil, which will help to keep your extensions looking healthy and shiny.  Our Company Director tested washing our hair extensions using the Argan Shampoo and Conditioner and they worked beautifully.

Why do we recommend to use sulphate free and paraben free shampoo and conditioner?

Sulphate is made using an acid which make it easier to remove grease and oils from your hair but in the process it removes all the natural oils in your hair that keep it nice and smooth.  It is harsher on the hair than a sulphate free option.  Since the hair extensions no longer have natural oils, it is better to use a milder shampoo.

Sulphates also strip away the pigmentation from hair dyes, all of the hair extensions have been dyed apart from colour 1B, so the colour from the dye will fade faster.  As the sulphates strip the hair of their natural oils the hair will become brittle, and unmanageable, this is especially the case with hair extensions.

Paraben is made of para-hydroxybenzoic acid.  It is best not to use any acid based products on the hair extensions as mentioned above they no longer have any natural oils to help protect the hair strands from harsh chemicals.  So as mentioned mild shampoo and conditioner is best.

Parabens are used in shampoos as a preservative to help extend the shelf life and help mix the ingredients of the shampoo.  We recommend using paraben free shampoo on your own hair as well as on the hair extensions as it shampoos with parabens have been linked to causing dry, dull, brittle hair because it can tear apart the cuticles.  As you own hair grows and repairs this is not so noticeable but really shows when using on hair extensions.

Should I use a leave-in Conditioner?

Our makeup artist and stylist, Alex Jones recommends using Argan oil or Moroccanoil on the ends of the hair extensions if the ends are starting to look a little frizzy or dry.  The oil will rehydrate the hair.  It is also great to use on the ends of your own hair.  You do not want to put it on the top of your own hair as it may make your hair look greasy, which is a look you definitely do not want.

Curling and straightening your hair extensions:

As the hair extensions are human hair you can curl and straighten them as you would your own hair.  It is easier to style them before putting them in your hair.  When you have clipped them in you can curl again or straighten with your own hair to help blend them in to create a natural look.  Please do not use heat over 180 degrees on your clip-in hair extensions.

Can you dye the Hair Extensions?

Please note that any alteration to our products is at your own risk as we cannot control the products used or the processes used, as stated in our Terms and Conditions.  However, we have carried out some tests using different hair dyes and bleach on the products which were successful in our experiments, and you can see the products used, and our results here, www.undercover-glamour.com/news/canyoudyeclipinhumanhairextensions as mentioned above, we are not responsible for any failed outcomes.

TYPES OF HAIR EXTENSIONS:

1. Clip-in Hair Extensions
2. Sewn in Hair Weaves
3. Bonded Hair Extensions (Pre-bonded)
4. Micro Ring Hair Extensions
5. Tape in Extensions

Clip-in Hair Extensions:

Clip-in Hair extensions are popular with celebrities, such as Cheryl Cole who are often instantly transforming their hair, they are also well known as being a vital part of the TOWIE set. Catherine Peck, our company director says they are her favourite beauty accessory .

Advantages:

• Clip-in hair extensions provide a quick transformation to your hair, making you feel more glamorous and helping to achieve the celebrity look.
• Extensions can add length, and you can use them to add volume instead (or in addition to length), which is perfect for fine, limp or thinning hair.
• You can also add highlights or colour with clip-in hair extensions with shades from natural colour tones to bright, bold colours with the use of clip-in hair streaks.
• Chlorine and salt water damages hair extensions and causes them to tangle so with clip-in hair extensions you can take them out when you go swimming. Less hair is also easier to manage when swimming, wake boarding or surfing.
• More hair, wigs and extensions makes your head hotter and this can make it itchy, so there are times when you may not want tons of extra hair, for example, playing sport, or on holiday in the boiling sun, clip-ins allow you to choose when and where to have more hair.
• Clip-in hair extensions are a much cheaper option as with bonded hair or hair weaves it requires regular trips to the hairdresser.
• With bonded hair you have to be careful when using heat i.e., curling tongs or a hair dryer. The heat will melt the bonds (the glue). With clip-in hair extensions you can style your hair when the extensions are not in your hair making it easier to manage and you can use curling tongs and straighteners on the human hair clip-ins.
• With bonded hair or hair weaves you need to rely on a professional to manage your extensions whereas with clip-in hair extensions you can make your hair look great from home.
• Clip-in hair extensions are less damaging to your hair than bonded hair or hair weaves as with bonded hair it is glued to your hair and with hair weaves it is sewn onto your hair, with these both are left in your hair for the long-term but with clip-in hair you are only adding weight temporarilly.
• There are times when you might not want glamorous, long, thick locks and with clip-in hair extensions you can choose when you want the celebrity look. With clip-in hair extensions you can instantly change your look by adding say, 24 inch in length hair extensions one night, and then adding 16 inch in length hair extensions another night.

Prices for clip-in hair extensions vary depending on the hair type, hair quality, hair weight and hair length. Undercover Glamour offers 12 inch, 16inch, 18 inch, 20 inch, 22 inch and 24 inch in length, and prices start from £69.99.

Considerations:

To best protect your natural hair, give your hair a break from the clip-in hair extensions and do not wear them all the time, it is also best to take them out before you go to bed. The extra weight from the clip-in hair extensions (if worn all the time) may damage your own natural hair by making it weaker.

Hair Extensions (Weaving):

The hair weave is when extra hair is sewn into your existing hair. Hair Weaves are popular with celebrities for creating a longer lasting, fuller, thicker looking hair, such as Beyonce, Naomi Campbell, Tara Banks and even Kourtney Kardashian has been spotted having her locks added to. The major advantage of bonded hair extensions over clip-in hair extensions is that they are attached all of the time (until you have them removed) so you will wake up every day with beautiful, long and full hair. The hair weaves look more natural as lots of tiny strips of hair are woven into your own hair so the hair will move more freely with your own hair than when larger strips of hair are added with clip-ins and with bonded hair extensions.

Considerations:

The extra hair will be a strain on your own hair and can cause bald patches, most famously, Naomi Campbell has suffered from this. Headaches can also be caused if the hair is woven too tightly into your own hair. This process is the most expensive as it is the most time consuming, and the whole process can take 3 hours for a whole head of hair. Hair Weaves are an extremely popular choice for fashionable black women, as they are more suitable to this type of hair attachment as their hair is stronger and tougher than say, European hair and therefore, is less likely to be damaged by the weaves, and it also provides a longer lasting solution to having more hair.

Prices for a hair weave vary depending on the hair type, hair quality, hair weight, hair length, and salon choice.

Bonded Hair Extensions:

Hair bonding basically involves fixing additional strands of hair to your natural hair. This means using some kind of adhesive to attach the extensions. The major advantage of bonded hair extensions over clip-in hair extensions is that they are attached all of the time (until you have them removed) so you will wake up everyday with beautiful, long and full hair. Celebrities such as Lindsay Lohan, Kate Beckinsale, Miley Cyrus, Britney Spears and Nichole Richie have or have had pre-bonded hair extensions.

Pre-bonded hair extensions:

Celebrities are using "pre-tipped" bonded hair with a synthesized keratin protein that acts as a glue to bond the strands onto hair. Heat may be used to bond, or "melt" the glue, or some stylists use FastFusion technology, which uses air pressure to bond individual hairs in faster time. Prices for pre-bonded hair extensions are expensive and can range from £10 for a single extension to £2,000 plus for a full head of hair.

Considerations:

The adhesive used can be harmful for your hair and scalp and it is not a good idea to have any chemicals on your scalp for long periods of time. Secondly, the extensions will damage your natural hair. Some people therefore recommend getting rid of the bonded hair within a month to reduce damage, but once you have them you are likely to continue to want them. However, this means you are going through quite an expense for just a couple of weeks, and in any case, removing the extensions can also damage your natural hair. Celebrities have been noted from suffering from bald patches as a result of using pre-bonded hair extensions, most famously, Victoria Beckham but also Britney Spears, and Nichole Richie have suffered from this.

Micro Ring Hair Extensions:

The Micro Ring technique, combines soft or fine strands of natural hair with the extension hair. As there is no glue, sewing or braids involved there is no damage to your own hair. This technique can be done on all types of hair. The micro ring is a lightweight metal ring with a silicone lining to give a better grip and cushion your own hair. Micro Ring extensions can last upto three months before needing to be removed. Therefore, is a lasting solution to fuller, thicker looking hair. Celebrities such as Victoria Beckham, Jessica Simpson and Katie Price have been known to use micro ring hair extensions.

Considerations:

Micro ring extensions are easier to maintain and they are quicker to apply than bonded hair extensions. They do not involve adding any heat to the hair or glue so there are no chemicals being used near your scalp. However, Micro ring extensions are more visible on people with thinner hair and can cause more scalp irritation than pre-bonded so they may not be everyone's choice. You are also more likely to loose extensions quicker than with pre-bonded hair extensions and this may require more frequent trips to the salon and therefore, more cost.

Prices for clip-in hair extensions vary depending on the hair type, hair quality, hair weight and hair length and the salon choice. The Telegraph stated from an interview with Katie Price that she spends £6,000 every 3 months on having micro bonding hair extensions and Katie said that she had been having hair extensions done for 12 years so that is £288,000!

Human Hair Extensions or Synthetic Hair Extensions?

• Human hair extensions will blend in more naturally with your own hair and last much longer.
• Synthetic hair will look great on purchase; but once you have worn it a few times it starts to become matted and does not hang freely like your natural hair, it is a great option for creating a one off different look.
• Human hair extensions are much more expensive than synthetic hair extensions as there is no hair donor to pay for synthetic hair.
• There are no ethical issues concerning the use of synthetic hair extensions as the product is made from plastics and there is no hair donor to consider.

You can do the following with human hair extensions but not with synthetic hair:

• Human hair extensions can be treated in the same way that you treat your hair.
• You can wash clip-in extensions with (paraben free and sulphate free) shampoo and conditioners and reuse many times, however, please note that washing will reduce the quality.
• You can dye human hair extensions (please note we are not liable for any alterations to the products).
• You can style your clip-in hair extensions with hair tongs, curlers and straightners.

Synthetic hair will not move as freely as real hair therefore looking less natural than if you were to wear human hair extensions.  This is especially noticeable in daylight.