Ultra Bond hair extensions review: Everything you need to know about the ‘virtually invisible’ method
Georgia Brown
I got ultra-tied hair extensions from The Extensionist to transform my super-fine damaged locks into long, luxurious tresses – here’s my honest review
Royal fans were stunned when the Duchess of Cambridge stepped out with shiny, voluminous curls that cascaded over her shoulders earlier last year. Could it be that the Duchess is just blessed with beautiful, healthy hair? Maybe, “although it’s likely she has hair extensions,” reveals Olia Cutz, founder of The extensionist and specialist in hair extensions.
WATCH: Kate Middleton debuts stunning new hair transformation – and royal fans have questions
I first jumped at the chance to have hair extensions fitted at The Extensionist, desperate to transform my naturally extremely fine, wispy (and admittedly bleached) hair into the princess mane I had always dreamed of. Although I admit, I had my reservations. Will hair extensions make my hair thinner? Will they look bulky? Will people be able to tell that I have hair extensions?
Olia immediately responded to my concerns by promising me a weft of shiny, red carpet-ready long hair. Her answer to making hair extensions safe for fine hair is ultra-bonding, a new extension method pioneered by The Extensionist that uses keratin micro-bonding to make extensions nearly invisible.
Curious? Here’s everything you need to know about ultra bond extensions…
What are ultra bond hair extensions?
“Ultra Bonds are our smallest hair extensions,” says Olia. “We use strands of human hair so small that the bond is almost invisible.” The experts at The Extensionist meticulously apply the ultra bonds, strand by strand, using a custom-made micro-extension fusion machine specially designed for the application of the tiny bonds.
Incredibly popular with celebrities due to their “virtually undetectable” bond, ultra-ties are quickly becoming the most popular method of hair extension.
MORE: Everything you need to know about hair extensions – prices, tracking and more
“They can add thickness and length to any hair type, but they’re so subtle that it’s incredibly hard to spot individual strands of keratin bonds. You can hide them perfectly, no one can. will never see, even if you wear your hair up!” Olia revealed.
Like other types of extensions, including tape-in extensions and micro-bond extensions, you can air-dry, straighten, curl and style ultra-bond hair extensions with heat as you like. would do with your own hair – perfect for those who like a low-maintenance ‘do.
How long does it take to apply ultra bond hair extensions?
As the saying goes, “good things come to those who wait”. Depending on the thickness of your extensions, applications can take several hours. I opted for a full head to get both the length and volume I was hoping for, which took about three hours to fit when they were first fitted.
Get-up appointments can take a lot longer, especially if you’re topping up your highlights or refreshing your balayage in between, but believe me, the wait is definitely worth it!
How long do ultra-leaps last?
Unlike other London salons, The Extensionist allows clients to reuse bonds, paving the way for a much more cost effective and sustainable method of hair extension.
My first set of ultra bond extensions lasted me four months before I really started to notice their growth, which is much longer than strip or micro bond extensions, which last about eight weeks. It is recommended that you replace hair with a fresh set of extensions every year, but if you maintain your extensions with minimal heat, regular hair masks, protective sleep styles and the right brush, they can last much longer. .
READ MORE: How to remove tape extensions and keep your hair healthy
Do ultra bond hair extensions damage your hair?
It really was my biggest fear of having hair extensions and never being able to go back. I was convinced that I would be left with bald patches and extreme hair loss after my first set was applied, but I was reassured that “minimal damage” should occur if you see a qualified professional to adjust and safely remove your extensions.
My hair extensions give me length and volume
I’m now on my third refit of ultra bond extensions and I’ve never loved them so much. My natural hair is longer than it has ever been and is much less bleach damaged thanks to a year without highlights all over my head. Admittedly, my hair is slightly less voluminous than before, and could definitely use a good trim to restore its healthy bounce once I *finally* decided to part with my 23 inch Russian Remy wefts. , although I don’t. I think there has been a real change since I started my hair extension journey.
If you’re worried about getting extensions, talk to a professional about the best method for your hair.
How to take care of your hair with ultra bond extensions?
“When you have hair extensions, you have to treat your hair with a little more care than you normally would,” says Olia.
Always use an extension brush to help protect bonds and prevent breakage.
Balmain Hair Extension Brush, £13.64, Amazon
BUY NOW
“We always tell our customers to braid their hair for bed at night to avoid any tangles. I would also recommend using silk scrunchies and hair ties that are metal free, not rubber bands which damage hair. hair.”
“You can take it a step further and get a nice silk pillow for sleeping to protect hair, we love Blissy silk pillows,” Olia adds.
Do you predict ultra bonds will be the next favorite method of extension for celebrities?
“YES, they already are! Olya said. “Celebrities never want anyone to know they have extensions. As an extension professional, it’s so easy to spot when Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and other stars are wearing extensions, but one eye doesn’t knowledgeable would never know.
“There’s a perception that hair extensions are just for length, but they’re also for volume. We love what they can do for someone’s confidence, and give our clients celebrity hair. are we the best.”
How much do ultra bond hair extensions cost?
“Our priority is always to use the highest quality hair that is soft and shiny, and we source this double-pulled hair from small, rural communities,” says Olia. Prices for a full head of hair extensions start at £380, and this includes the price of the hair plus bespoke fitting and color matching.
READ NEXT: Thinking about getting hair extensions for your wedding day? That’s what you need to know
The HELLO! is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature articles that our editors like and approve of. HELLO! may receive a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQs.
