Hair Extensions

As a Beauty Editor I live in a somewhat superficial world, it doesn’t help that I buy every glossy mag, pour over celebs and their weight gain (cheers me up), dissect their faces to see what they really look like without three pairs of eyelashes (different but better) and swoon over latest products, but if I’m honest it can make me feel a bit critical of myself. I’m constantly faced with images of self-obsessed celebs and I can see the downward spiral it can lead to. Being pictured weekly in the Gazette for the first couple of weeks did wonders for my diet, then the Percy Pigs got the better of me and my attitude went back to reality, I’m a busy mum of two kids and my job is to relate to readers not look glam 24/7. I refuse to use the word ‘totes’ and I don’t own a pug.  I also live without makeup artists, personal trainers every day (maybe once a week), nutrionists come in the form of Sainsbury’s, teeth whitening courtesy of Crest Strips and hair is my own.

I was intrigued though when a few weeks ago I was contacted by Charlotte Borley, Hair Extension Connesiour. I hadn’t heard of her, but after asking a few people in the industry and looking up on Twitter, I realised that she is one of the top hair extension specialists in the country and she very kindly offered to put some extensions in for me, so I could tell you, the readers first hand on what it’s like.  Now whatever I think of my hair – it’s fine, long, straggly and over dyed, I am also extremely protective of anyone ‘playing’ for fear of needing it chopped off.  

So I was extremely happy when I read up on Charlottes credentials. She trained at Europe’s largest hair loss and extension studio on an intensive course that covered every aspect of hair extensions from the best placement of bonding, method of bonding and significantly choosing the correct size of bonds for clients to get the best results. From seeing her portfolio there was no over-the-top tacky extensions, in fact the majority of her clients aren’t the young celeb followers, but ladies of all ages who simply want a bit of fullness to their natural hair, be it a short or mid-length bob.  A fully qualified hairdresser, her resume includes Toni and Guy and hairdressers to the stars Lucinda Ellery, London.  Her clients travel from as far as Switzerland as they know they won’t find anyone to rival her.  She also helps many women who have suffered hair loss due to medical reasons.

Now whilst there are several specialists out there, Charlotte has something that most of these hairdressers don’t - a trade secret and this secret is her supplier. She uses only top quality 100% European hair and her hair Merchant – who for client confidentiality shall remain nameless, graces the likes of Posh, Cheryl Cole, Kylie, Kate Moss, Leona Lewis, the list just goes on. This merchant supplies the majority of theatrical stylists and wigmakers across Europe, to give you a picture his wigs have been worn by Madonna, Tom Cruise, Cher and all top Hollywood stars. The hair is cuticle correct and double drawn with every hair being the same length.  This basically means the hair is of highest quality and has a lovely natural movement.  However, this jargon didn’t mean much to me, I was too excited thinking I would soon be having the same mane as Catherina Zeta Jones!

 The process uses a method of placing tiny bonds the size of a grain of rice to the hair, using a keratin medium to set it.  I had just under half a head, it was extremely quick and the results were absolutely incredible.  Firstly, the bonds are weightless – they simply feel like my own hair. Secondly, and importantly with my busy lifestyle, they simply need looking after with a clarifying shampoo and conditioner. Lastly, they look utterly amazing, for the first time in my life I have a swishy, glossy mane and I can’t stop looking at my reflection (sadly the meat counter at Sainsbury’s). The following day was my real test of how I would fare with them, as being a wash and go person, now I needed to make sure the bonds were dried, however, a simple 5 minute blast with the hairdryer and my glam locks were ready to swoosh once more.

For the perfect Christmas gift, the treat of A list bond hair extensions is hard to beat and they last months. Alternatively, for a stocking gift, why not treat someone to clip on weaves; hair can be bought from The One Stop Hair Shop and start from £59.95. Charlotte also offers a bespoke clip in hair extension service £150 and weaved hair extensions from £15 per row.

Bond extensions are priced on quotation via an initial free consultation. Charlotte is offering anyone quoting askmollybeauty a 10% discount off application of bond extensions (excl. hair); offer to be taken by end of January. Follow her on Twitter at @CharlotteEmhair or call 07511 193251 or One Stop Hair Shop 01277 225086.

If you have any beauty queries please contact me via Twitter @askmollybeauty or if you have a business you would like featured, contact me via Email askmollybeauty@gmail.com.