Do not use nail glue on hair extensions

I must share a story of clients with extensions, both keratin and tape-in hair, attached and secured with nail glue. Nail glue is essentially super glue, that may contain formaldehyde! The primary use is to attach a nail tip to extend someone's nails. Somehow this product has landed on the hair extension market boasting that it will make hair extensions last longer in the hair, and it does. The downside is that it is nearly impossible to remove, does not expand and contract with hair, and can literally pull out strands of hair.

A client had her tape hair extensions secured with nail glue, sure they lasted much longer in her hair than they should have, and the removal process took hours. The nail glue would not release from her hair, therefore, we used a combination of acetone to break down the glue, and natural oil to help the extensions slide out. Not only did the nail glue harm her own hair, but it completely destroyed the tape in the attachment. Reinforcing tape in hair is not necessary, they are only meant to last up to 8 weeks since natural hair sheds, and will have difficulty supporting the hair extensions.

In the past, I have removed individual strand extensions adhered with nail glue, another disaster! The nail glue is impervious to water, and the extensions are not allowed to expand and contract as it does with keratin bonding. Hair extensions are meant to expand and contract so they can be easily removed. Individual strand hair extensions are carefully placed on a good amount of natural hair to withstand the daily shedding process but should be removed after five months. It is simply not healthy to keep individual extensions in the hair longer than five months without the natural hair fall matting around the glue. The above-mentioned client had worn her nail glue extensions for nearly a year! Not only was the glue difficult to remove, but I put in hours to detangle and remove her shedding.  

I have also seen hair wefts applied with nail glue -- another complete disaster! I advise everyone to steer clear of nail glue extension installation. It is better to not wear hair extensions than to destroy your hair.  

This type of attachment gives hair extensions a bad reputation, which can be further from the truth. Hair extensions, when properly placed and cared for will not damage natural hair. The right bonding material will ensure they last in the hair for the allotted time, then they are either removed and reapplied or new hair is attached.

This is my PSA for all those considering hair extensions! You should seek a professional salon, request a free consultation and ask what bonding/materials are being used in your hair.

At Noelle Salon, our goal is to provide the most state-of-the-art hair extensions, high-quality human hair, and the answers to all of your questions.  

Hair Extensions Background

At Noelle Salon, they evaluate your natural hair, and listen to the client's wishes on styling, color match, and look. They 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 they have worked with different methods like tape-in extensions, clip-in hair extensions, Keratin and enjoy using the Veila Pull-thru method with the 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 and explore the possibilities.