Are Keratin Bonded Hair Extensions Reusable?
Keratin bonded hair extensions can be reused although it is not a common practice. Since keratin hair extensions are worn up to 6 months, there may be visible wear and tear on the hair. If the extensions are maintained properly at home and are made of 100% Remy human hair, they may be reused. It is important to communicate to your stylists that your intention is to reuse the hair extensions and you may want to keep them slightly longer in length because the bonding area will be cut back. Since the extensions shed while wearing, you may need to add some new hair extensions to achieve the initial look.
Keep in mind, the re-tipped (re-bonded) keratin may not be as strong as the initial keratin bonding, therefore, one re-application is suggested.
How to reuse keratin hair extensions?
1) Keratin bonded extensions are single/individual strands of hair tipped with keratin protein, the hair must be properly maintained for re-use. Unlike tape-in hair extensions, where they are strips of hair, allowing them to blend much better.
2) The extensions are carefully removed with an alcohol-based solution. The removal solution is dropped on the keratin tip, clamped with pliers and the keratin will turn to powder. Each extension is carefully removed and collected for reapplication.
3). The re-tipping of keratin hair is done by a variety of methods.
a) Keratin re-bonds: Made of keratin protein this clear re-bond is melted applied and applied to the top strands of hair extension and carefully melted into natural hair using an iron.
b). Keratin pellets: Keratin pellets are melted in a melting pot, the strands of the hair are dipped into the melting pot and applied to natural hair.
c). I.C.E. adhesive: ICE adhesive does not require melting, it is very popular in Europe. The adhesive is clear and very similar to nail glue. The technician will apply the adhesive to the top strands of the hair extensions, working quickly, the adhesive is rolled into the natural hair. This adhesive is very strong, the removal requires "ICE removal oil" and it is quite time-consuming to release from hair.
d) Wax-based glue sticks: A wax glue stick specially made for hair extensions, NOT hot glue used in craft making, is melted with a glue gun at the tip of the hair extensions and rolled into natural hair after purging with a hair extension iron. Keep in mind, the wax is not keratin and is not very strong. Avoid oils on the adhesive and dry the attachment area 100% after washing.
A video on hand-made extensions using curly hair.
As previously stated, It is essential to take extra excellent care of single-strand extensions if you plan on reusing the hair. I would suggest frequent salon check-ins, as well as trimming the ends of the hair. Do not overuse thermal heat from a flat or curling iron.
The hair will most likely be shorter than the initial application because of trimming. Some opt. to remove the extensions and reapply new hair. Re-tipping, a.k.a. re-bonding, is great when on a budget or if your hair extensions are made of superior quality.
Hair Extensions Background
At Noelle Salon, we evaluate your natural hair, listen to our client's wishes on styling, color match, and look. We use human hair extensions like 100% Remy human hair, or Virgin Hair (unlike Bellami hair). Hair extensions can be used for short hair or 24 inches of a full head of hair, and have worked with different methods like tape-in extensions, clip-in hair extensions, Keratin and enjoy using our Pull-thru Veila Hair Extensions for ease of hair care. Styling can vary from flat iron, natural curl, or curly hair. Whether you are looking for a change of style or look for a day such as a Clip-in ponytail, having a high-quality ponytail extension can mix it up for you. Your natural hair journey with your hair growth can be enhanced with Hair extensions when protective styling is applied, and regular maintenance is used. You can change your hair in one day - feel free to reach out to us and explore the possibilities.
At Noelle Salon, we offer all types of hair extensions to suit your hair needs, lifestyle, and budget. Keratin bonded hair extensions are only one type of extension in our tool belt. We welcome you to ask questions about the differences in hair extensions by emailing noelle@noellesalon.com or asking questions in the comment section.
