If shorter styles were recently the moment, XL lengths are enjoying a resurgence in response – both the natural kind and those artfully created using micro bond extensions.
Inspiration is everywhere – from the MET Gala, which was awash with ultra-long fairytale strands, to Nicola Coughlan serving up Pre-Raphaelite lengths in her recent SKIMS Campaign. Then, of course, there’s Instagram. After a quick scroll, I find myself adding Dakota Johnson’s bohemian waves and Anya Taylor-Joy’s long platinum mane to my mood board.
I'm not ashamed to say that when it comes to my hair, I'm easily influenced. Hailey Bieber debuts a bob, I book in for a chop. A Nordic blonde pops up on my Pinterest, and I’m reaching for the bleach, hellbent on emulating her.
With my Bieber bob growing out painfully slowly, and some breakage from my most recent blonde escapades, the idea of hair extensions started speaking to me. The concept of having long, flowing lengths without the wait was super appealing, but I had some concerns about damage and ensuring the end result didn't look artificial.
With this in mind, I booked an appointment with Danielle Pink, director of Vixen & Blush, a sleek, open-plan salon – all glass and natural light flooding in – tucked away on London's Rathbone Square, conveniently close to Tottenham Court Road station. Vixen & Blush began as a one-chair salon over a decade ago before growing to become the go-to destination for natural hair extensions.
The consultation
We kicked things off with a FaceTime consultation, during which Danielle and I talked through what I wanted to achieve – length being the primary focus but also fullness – while ensuring my hair didn’t feel too heavy.
There are essentially four extension routes to choose from: tape, micro rings, micro bonds and clip-ins. We settled on micro bond extensions, as these are a more permanent and comfortable method and super discreet, too.
It’s worth remembering that Vixen & Blush is a specialist salon, offering extensions exclusively, so it’s important that you are happy with your hair colour before booking in. The appointment normally begins with a hair wash, but as I’d had my roots freshly touched up the day before and briefed my hairdresser not to apply conditioner to the roots, we got straight into a more in-depth consultation.
My hair is around 14.5 inches long, and we wanted to add another 2-3 inches in length so that it would fall just below my armpit. The number of micro bond extensions varies from ¼ of a head to ½, ¾ or a full head. But, as Danielle explained, if you are adding length, not just fullness, a ¾ head of extensions is always the minimum recommended amount. I also didn't want to feel overwhelmed by too much hair.
Channelling my inner J.Lo.
Next up: custom colour matching. Vixen & Blush is unique in that The London Hair Lab, an independent company that supplies extensions in a wide range of multi-tonal shades, actually sits within the salon.
Danielle picked out two shades for me. One was a slightly darker brunette and would be placed underneath my hair to add dimension. The second shade was subtly lighter for the top section and around the face, perfectly matching my current tone with its residual blonde peeking through.
What are micro bond extensions, and how are they applied?
Micro bond extensions are made from keratin resin, an organic protein, found in your hair and nails. Each bond is formed by hand and is built in rows – in my case, working up to a ¾ head full – so the hair integrates easily with your own.
They are a particularly good option if your hair lacks density at the root. Micro bonds are lightweight by nature and can be fitted in places that other extensions cannot. The only downside is that the bonds are not a reusable method, but can be worn for three months before professional removal or new hair is fitted.
Danielle's application differs from client to client. She works out the placement based on where the hair naturally parts, ensuring she never goes too close to the front. “You need to feel confident that your hair can blow in the wind and the bonds not be seen,” she told me.
As Danielle fits the bonds, she straightens my hair to ensure precision when it comes to cutting. Slowly, I start seeing length and fullness materialising, and I’ve got to say, I love the transformation and do my best to resist playing with it.
Once all the hair is in, the cut plays a crucial role in achieving a natural look. Before slicing into the length, Danielle shapes where my hair meets the extensions, blending my shorter layers to avoid a telltale gap. She focuses on a soft finish, reminding me of my picture references, where there wasn't a bottom-heavy or blunt cut in the side.
The finishing touch
The final stage is styling. While my hair is on the curlier spectrum, the extensions have a slight bend to them and expand with humidity, mirroring my own. Danielle tongs my hair into a soft curl, and that’s it – a little over four hours later, and I’ve gone from a grown-out bob to thick, glossy, long strands.
I’m a strong believer that good hair days are transformative for your self-confidence and mood. Proof of the pudding is the bounce in my step, as well as my hair, as I head for the train home.
There's no denying that micro bonds are high maintenance, and they come at a price (micro bonds at Vixen & Blush start from £350 for a ¼ head). There is also considerable aftercare to consider (see my top tips below). Regardless, I’m so glad I took the plunge.
Micro bonds are a great solution for getting you past any awkward growing-out stages. Vixen & Blush even encourage a ‘grow your own’ strategy too, using the extensions to aid your hair growth. Win-win.
- According to Vixen & Blush, the golden rules are no pulling and no wet roots.
- You’ll need to use a quality brand of clarifying shampoo for oily hair or a volumising shampoo for regular to dry hair and condition your ends only, avoiding the root.
- Olaplex No7 Bonding Oil is a great heat protectant and styling oil to use and Color Wow’s leave-in treatments are ideal for locking in hydration.
- If you want to leave your hair to dry naturally, you can only do so if you dry the roots thoroughly first.
- You’ll need a good tangle teaser or soft bristle brush.
- High ponytails, buns and top knots are off limits. Low styles only.
- If you are planning on being in the pool or sea when on holiday, wear your hair in a low pony/plait while swimming, and then release your hair to dry in the sun when you are out. As chemical sunscreen can stain hair extensions, opt for a mineral-based one, instead. Vixen & Blush recommend Hello Sunday The Mineral One.
- Big barrel curling wands are best for heat styling, and avoid sleeping in heatless rollers.
For more information, visit www.vixenandblush.com or call 0207 323 1793.
Prices can be found on their website here.
