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Hair Extension Specialists

Hair Extensions in Fitzrovia, London: What to Expect at Your First Appointment

At Vixen & Blush, a leading hair extension specialist salon in Fitzrovia, every appointment is designed to be informative, personalised, and completely tailored to you. Whether you're new to hair extensions or have worn them for years, our experienced team takes the time to understand your hair goals, assess your natural hair, and recommend the most suitable method, colour, and length for your lifestyle.
Vixen and Blush Central London
Your First Appointment

So, you’re thinking about getting hair extensions? The good news is that a consultation is designed to guide you through the process, helping you find the right method, colour, and length to suit your hair and lifestyle.

Quick Answer
A first hair extension appointment at Vixen and Blush starts with a consultation covering hair health, density, lifestyle, goals and budget, then a client record and photos before application. Fitting time depends on method: Micro Bonds and Micro Rings take 1.5 to 4 hours and last around 3 months, Tapes take 40 minutes to 2 hours and last 6 to 8 weeks, Clip-Ins are a colour match and fitting that last years, and FeatherLight is a bespoke service for fine hair refitted every 5 to 8 weeks.
The Consultation
The Beginning
Installation
Micro Bonds
Micro Rings
Tapes
Clip-Ins
FeatherLight

This guide will take you through what to expect during your first appointment so you can feel confident.

Step One · The Consultation

The Consultation

Before booking your first appointment at Vixen & Blush, you will have had your initial consultation. During this, you will talk about what you want to achieve with hair extensions, your hair history, lifestyle, etc., so our Senior Hair Extension Specialists can work out which method and amount would be best suited to you.

The consultation will cover:

  • Hair health: Your stylist will check for breakage, thinning and overall strength
  • Density & scalp: This determines how much weight your hair can safely support, and which method would work best
  • Lifestyle: Gym routine, how often you heat style, how you wear your hair day to day and the maintenance of each method
  • Goals: You’ll discuss if you’re looking for added fullness, length, or both to determine the amount of hair that can safely help you reach your goal.
  • Budget: Different methods and amounts come with different price points, and we are completely transparent about this.
hair extension consultation

You’ll also have a chance to see our hair and try it out with a test piece, which you can keep in or have removed on the day.

“The first consultation is one of the most important parts of the whole process; it’s where we really take the time to understand your hair before we talk about methods. We’re looking at things like how fine or thick your hair is, the condition it’s in, and how much your natural hair can comfortably and safely carry. From there, we match you to the method that’s right for you because getting that bit right at the start is what makes everything else fall into place.”
Brodie, Senior Hair Extension Specialist

Step Two · The Beginning

The Beginning

To begin your first appointment, we will go over and set up your “First Time Client Record” and take some photos of your natural hair to track your hair health and growth. We’ll also go over everything from your consultation one more time: the method, the amount of hair, and the placement. This is to make sure nothing has changed, and you’re completely on board before we begin.

For prepping your hair for the first appointment, if you’d like to add a wash and blow-dry, just let us know when you book, and we’ll factor that into your timing. If not, please arrive with dry, clean hair and straightened. Working on clean, straight hair means the extensions sit better, last longer, and blend more evenly from day one.

Hair extension installs

Step Three · Installation

Instalment and Methods

Once those steps are completed, your stylist will begin the application process. This can vary depending on the method chosen; appointments can take anywhere from 1 hour to several hours. What will be consistent no matter the method or amount is that your hair will be sectioned carefully for precise placement, the placement tailored to how you part and style your hair, and your stylist will ensure the extensions feel secure yet comfortable.

“There’s genuinely no one-size-fits-all with extensions; everyone’s hair grows, falls, and parts differently, so we tailor the placement completely around your natural hair. That’s how we make sure they feel comfortable and are undetectable.”
Rosie, Senior Hair Extension Specialist

brunette micro bond before and after
Method Timing & Wear At A Glance
Method
Time On The Day
Wear Time
Micro Bonds
1.5 to 4 hours
Around 3 months
Micro Rings
1.5 to 4 hours
Around 3 months
Tapes
40 minutes to 2 hours
6 to 8 weeks
Clip-Ins
Colour match & fitting
Years with care
FeatherLight
Bespoke plan
5 to 8 weeks

1
Micro Bonds · 1.5 to 4 Hours

Micro Bonds

Micro bonds (also known as keratin bonds or flat tips) are small sections of hair bonded with keratin, which are attached to small pieces of your natural hair using heat. The bond itself is rolled to about the size of a grain of rice, almost impossible to detect.

Who they’re great for: Those with fine to medium hair who want subtle volume and a completely undetectable finish. A longer-wearing method that doesn’t need frequent salon visits.

On the day: This is one of our most time-intensive methods, so set aside one and a half to four hours, depending on the amount you’re having and hair density. You’ll be seated comfortably while your stylist works through sections of your hair one by one. A lot of our clients use this time to catch up on their TV shows, continue working, read, or simply relax. Also, if your appointment falls over lunch, you’re very welcome to order food to the salon and relax while you eat during your appointment.

micro bond close up

How long they last: They last three months, after which you’ll come back for a maintenance appointment to have the bonds gently removed and new hair installed.

“Micro bonds are a real favourite of mine, especially for fine to medium hair that wants a completely undetectable finish. They take a little longer to fit because each bond is applied individually, but that’s exactly what makes them so secure, seamless and low-maintenance once they’re in. And the heat application is a gentle, controlled process designed to protect your natural hair.”
Chloe, Senior Hair Extension Specialist

2
Micro Rings · No Heat Or Glue

Micro Rings

When applying micro rings, a tiny silicone-lined metal ring is threaded onto a small section of your natural hair alongside the extension hair, then clamped gently shut. There is no glue, heat, or chemicals used during the application or removal of the extensions.

Who they’re great for: Micro rings are best for those with normal to thicker hair density and who want a longer-wearing, reusable method with no heat or glue.

On the day: Micro rings are also a time-consuming method, so again it’s good to set aside one and a half to four hours, depending on the amount you’re having and hair density. Your stylist will carefully section your hair to ensure precise, seamless placement. The extensions will be tailored to the way your hair naturally parts and how you style your hair.

How long they last: As your natural hair grows, the rings will grow down and will need refitting at a maintenance appointment at around the 3-month mark.

“What I love about micro rings is that they don’t use any heat or glue, just a tiny ring that’s clamped neatly into place. It’s a brilliant option for clients who like the idea of a really simple, fuss-free fitting. Because no glue is involved, the same hair can be reused during your refits. We just release the rings, reposition everything as your natural hair grows, and pop them back in. So they’re a lovely, cost-effective choice over time as well.”
Sophia, Senior Hair Extension Specialist

3
Tapes · Quickest Method

Tapes

Tape extensions are small sections of hair with a thin adhesive strip along the top. They’re applied as a sandwich, one tape underneath a thin layer of your natural hair, one on top, creating a completely flat, discreet result.

Who they’re great for: Tapes work really well for those with fine-to-medium hair density who want a reusable option. They’re also our quickest method, making them a popular choice for people with busy lifestyles or anyone looking for a faster salon appointment without compromising on a seamless, natural-looking finish. With the right aftercare and regular maintenance, tape extensions can be refitted multiple times, making them a cost-effective option for long-term wear.

On the day: Depending on how many tapes you’re having, your appointment will last anywhere between 40 minutes and 2 hours. 

How long they last: The wear time for tapes is between 6 and 8 weeks before they need to be moved up as your hair grows. The hair itself can be reused multiple times and blended into your hair with a cut.

“Tapes can be good if you want a real transformation without spending a long time in the chair. The fitting is much quicker than most methods, but you can walk out with an incredible difference. They sit flat, so they’re discreet, and the hair can be reused at your refits too. I think tapes can be a great starting point for first-timers; if you’re nervous about committing to a longer method, tapes are the perfect way in.”
Zoe, Senior Hair Extension Specialist

4
Clip-Ins · Zero Commitment

Clip-In Extensions

Clip-ins are sections of hair with snap-on grips along the top that you can attach to your own hair temporarily. Our clip-ins come with 1x piece with 5 clips, 1x piece with 4 clips, and 4x single-clip side pieces. It’s 115g of hair, which is thick to the ends.

Who they’re great for: Clip-ins are ideal for people who don’t want the commitment of other extension methods or who just want an extra boost for special occasions.

On the day: We recommend you book in for a ‘Clip-Ins – Colour Match, Fitting & Cut & Style’ appointment. If you’re choosing clip-ins, you’ll be colour matched.

A clip-in appointment is less about application and more about finding your perfect match and learning how to use them properly. We’ll help you choose the right colour, then show you how to section and clip them in yourself so they blend completely. 

How long they last: As long as you look after them. With gentle washing (never while they’re in your hair), air drying, and proper storage, a good set of clip-ins can last for years.

5
FeatherLight · For Fine Or Fragile Hair

Featherlight & Featherlight Ultra

Featherlight and Featherlight Ultra are two services created for clients whose hair is too fine or fragile for traditional extensions. Both blend two or three of our lightest techniques, building volume gently so the finished look always reads as your own hair, only fuller.

“Some of my most rewarding work is with clients dealing with thinning hair, whether from age, menopause, or other changes. For many of them it’s something that’s quietly affected their confidence for years, so helping them feel like themselves again means a great deal. It’s why I specialise in Featherlight Extensions, a method made specifically for finer or thinner hair. It opens up an option for clients who don’t have enough hair for traditional methods, and the results can be transformative while still looking completely natural.” Jade, Senior Hair Extension Specialist

jade senior hair extension specialist

Who they’re great for: This is a specialist service designed with particular clients in mind. You might be a great candidate if:

  • You’ve always had naturally fine hair and have been told other methods weren’t right for you.
  • You’re noticing thinning brought on by pregnancy, medication, stress, hormone changes or thyroid changes.
  • Your hair is ultra-fine and prone to fragility by nature.

FeatherLight on the day: For fine hair, we combine two or three methods to add fullness without weight. We use single-sided tapes which are half the size of a standard tapes and barely-there to wear — creating soft volume. Around the sides, we add BabyBonds, a third of the size of a traditional bond, to place volume exactly where it’s needed. The result is seamless, full of soft movement, and completely undetectable.

FeatherLight Ultra on the day: For ultra-fine hair, along with single-sided tape or BabyBonds we also introduce V Light, to build natural volume from root to tip. The tape and BabyBonds add weightless fullness, while V Light blends fine, delicate strands to soften the appearance of a visible scalp or receding hairline.

How long they last: Featherlight lasts around eight weeks before a refit is needed. Featherlight Ultra, being more delicate, lasts roughly five to seven weeks.

The Bottom Line
Your first appointment is about getting it right: understanding your hair, your routine and the look you’re after. Come in with your questions and the team will take care of the rest.

Whichever method feels right for you, your first appointment is all about getting it right — taking the time to understand your hair, your routine and the look you’re after. Come in with any questions you have, and we’ll take care of the rest. We can’t wait to welcome you to Vixen & Blush.

 

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.