We offer five hair extension techniques, each with its own benefits, so finding the right one for you makes all the difference

The best method really depends on your hair type, lifestyle, and a few other personal factors, so we’ve broken down each option below to help you find your perfect match.

Micro Bond Hair Extensions

Micro-bond hair extensions are a semi-permanent method that gives you discreet, natural results. This method is ideal for fine hair or for those who are looking for some extra volume towards the front of the head or prefer to place hair lower down on the nape of the neck. The method lasts around 3 months and requires a higher level of technical skill than others. Senior hair extension specialist Rosie, says

“The process involves attaching small, individual strands of extension hair to your natural hair using a tiny keratin bond. This bond is gently softened with heat and rolled to secure it in place, creating a strong yet flexible hold that moves naturally with your own hair.”

At Vixen and Blush, our bonds are made from keratin, the same protein found in your hair and nails. The method is popular as the bonds can be cut to size, allowing our stylists to customise the bond size for a secure, safe fit. The only cons to consider with micro-bonds are that they are not reusable and that they take slightly longer to remove and reapply than other methods.

Because the bonds are so small and discreet, this method allows volume to be built gradually while maintaining natural movement. Additionally, it’s the safest and most reliable method for adding hair to those with finer hair types or who want to add hair in more sensitive areas. The extensions blend seamlessly with your natural hair, making micro bonds a great choice if you have finer hair and want a long-lasting, natural result. Senior Hair Extensions Specialist Zoe says,

“Clients love micro bonds because they’re pretty much undetectable and feel so natural to wear. It’s a great option when someone wants subtle volume and length.”

Tape Hair Extensions

Tape extensions are a semi-permanent method that is perfect for adding volume or length to finer hair. They sit flat against the scalp, making them comfortable and subtle whilst still having a seamless finish.

Tape extensions are a good low-commitment option that helps you manage your budget more easily. Anyone with normal or slightly finer hair density at the root is a perfect candidate for this fantastic method.

We only use Tape Hair with an invisible seam, where each strand is individually placed along the tape to give a root-mimicking effect. They’re also very quick and easy to fit and remove in the salon. They are fitted in pairs, with some of your own hair sitting in between. Tapes can be used to add volume, but they’re also great for creating extra length when more pairs are added. Our Senior Hair Extensions Specialist, Rosie, says

“Tapes are a great option if you want something comfortable and easy to maintain. They’re quick to fit, sit really flat, and are perfect if you’re looking to add some extra volume or length without too much upkeep.”

Tape extensions typically last 6-8 weeks before needing to be refitted. The tapes can be reused; we simply remove the extensions, apply fresh tapes, and reapply them, up until your natural hair is longer than the extensions.

Micro Ring Hair Extensions

Micro Ring hair extensions are a great method because of both their reusability and their discreet finish. The method works best for those with denser roots, as the sections taken to fit the hair are larger than those taken for other methods. This method has a wear time of up to three months, after which the same hair can be re-fitted.

No glue or heat is used when attaching the hair; instead, individual strands are attached to small sections of your natural hair with a tiny metal ring. Your natural hair is threaded through the ring, the extension strand is added, and the ring is gently clamped closed to secure the hair.

Micro Rings are comfortable to wear and very easy to remove and refit during maintenance appointments. Because the hair can be reused multiple times, this method can also be a cost-effective option for clients who want longer-term extensions. Senior Hair Extensions Specialist, Laleta says

“Micro rings work well as they feel really secure but still look natural. I like to recommend them to my clients with thicker hair who want something they can reuse.”

Clip-In Hair Extensions

Clip-in extensions are the perfect temporary option for instantly adding volume and length without any long-term commitment. They’re quick to apply, gentle on your natural hair, and ideal for special occasions or styling flexibility. Our clip-in hair extensions are made using the same hair that we use for our permanent methods, so they look and feel natural.

To achieve natural results with clip-ins, the key is to find the perfect colour match. We offer clip-in extension appointments where one of our stylists will colour-match, fit, cut, and blend the extensions to suit your hair perfectly.

You can easily put in your clip-ins at home, making them a great option for fuller hair whenever you need it.

FeatherLight Hair Extensions

Our newest hair extension offering is FeatherLight and FeatherLight Ultra, a service for those who are unable to have other hair extension methods.

For example:

• Clients who have thin hair because of things like pregnancy, medications, stress, menopause, nutrient deficiencies and thyroid issues
• Have naturally very fine or brittle hair
• Those who are just worried about specific areas, such as the crown or temples

During this service, we use 2-3 lightweight methods, single-sided tapes, BabyBonds and sometimes V light if needed to add natural volume and coverage. Half the size of regular tapes, single-sided tapes are almost weightless, providing a boost at the back of the head. Whilst BabyBonds, a mini version of micro bonds, can be added to the sides and front. Additionally, if you have any trouble with a receding hairline, thinning sides or exposed scalp, we can use our V light method to build up the hair for a seamless result.

Your stylist will design a treatment plan in order to customise the amount of hair and the methods used, allowing us to find the best match for you. We take pictures at each of your appointments to keep a close eye on your natural hair health. In your plan, your stylist will also discuss which method feels most comfortable and looks the most natural for you, while giving us plenty of opportunity to make adjustments and refine the results. Senior Hair Extension Specialist, Chloe, says

I have a client who had very thin hair, and her sides were very sparse, so she was a great candidate for FeatherLight. We put some single-sided tapes around the back of her head and used the V light for the sides to give a fuller look. She’s been coming for a while now, and we’ve noticed some real growth with her natural hair, especially around the sides.

All five methods at a glance

Our Expert Advice on Choosing the Right Method for You

Hair extensions offer a great solution for enhancing your natural hair, whether you want a long-term transformation or a temporary boost there’s an option for everyone. During your consultation, our stylists will consider how to safely fit hair extensions so you can continue wearing them for many years without compromising your own hair health. Senior Hair Extensions Specialist Brodie explains:

“Consultations are key because they mean we can really understand a client’s hair, routine and long-term goals. That way, we can choose a method that works with their natural hair and maintenance schedule that fits into their lifestyle.”

It’s also good to take your lifestyle into consideration when looking into the different methods. For example, if you’re busy or travel a lot, you may want a longer-wearing method like micro rings or bonds, which require maintenance appointments every 3 months. But if you usually colour your hair, Tape extensions might be a better fit, as they can be refitted every 6-8 weeks, which you can fit around your colour appointments.

Book Your Free Hair Extension Consultation

At Vixen and Blush, every hair extension journey begins with a free consultation. During this appointment, our stylists will assess your hair type, density, and lifestyle to recommend the most suitable extension method for you.

Whether you’re looking for a little boost or a complete hair transformation, we’re here to help you achieve fantastic results in the safest way possible for your natural hair.

Sarah Mckenna

Sarah McKenna is the founder of Vixen & Blush and The London Hair Lab. Sarah graduated as a research biochemist in 2005 and started a career within the pharmaceutical industry, before becoming a hair extensions expert. In 2010, Sarah gained insight into the hair extensions industry and could see that clients had a very poor value/quality proposition. At that time, poor-quality hair extensions were available, at prohibitively high prices. Sarah left her initial career and set out on a mission to improve the hair extensions industry in the UK, using her research and development skills.

Spending 3 years securing a high-quality and sustainable supply of human hair, Sarah then developed new products and fitting techniques to allow long-term refits of the same hair. In this way, Sarah was able to offer hair extensions services at a more affordable price to clients, while improving the quality of the service for her clients.

With Vixen & Blush starting in 2012 as a 1 chair salon in London, Sarah quickly grew the business to what it is today, a team of more than 20 hair professionals working together as London’s leading hair extensions specialists.