I’m going to preface my review by telling you I am a professional hairdresser and I specialize in custom hair extensions.I got these for a client that didn’t want to spend the $500-$700 that the extensions I normally use cost. I installed them in her hair exactly a month ago to the date. She came in today for a maintenance appointment and now that it’s been a month of her wearing them I can give a very accurate review.First off, I read all the bad reviews before purchasing. There are a lot of issues in the bad reviews that could have been avoided or corrected with knowledge and experience. I will include some pro tips at the end of my review.Pros: the bonds (tape) hold amazingly well. I was very surprised today to see how well they have stayed. Usually a month in there a couple that have to be taken out and re-installed. I didn’t have to do that to any of them. With the exception of three of them they were still completely in tact and the three that weren’t had literally about half of a millimeter on the ends that had lifted. That was easily fixed. Most tape extensions have to be taken out and re-installed after six weeks due to the bonds loosing. I’m confident we can get two months out of these. There is a good possibility the bonds will still be fine in another month, but as the client’s hair grows the extensions get lower and lower until you can no longer hide the bonds. Also, they seem to hold up to heat well.Cons: The tape is starting to get a little flaky around the edges of the bonds and makes it look like she has dandruff. Also, I think they over exaggerated a bit on the weight. No way these are 100 grams at the top, let alone the bottom. They get more sparse the closer you get to the ends.Pro Tips:*ALWAYS use a Wet Brush (that specific brand, not something that looks the same) and make sure it is the same style as the photo. No vent brush or any other style. Disclaimer: I do not work for or have any affiliation with the Wet Brush company, I just know from experience what works.*when brushing your hair, don’t rake the bonds with the brush. Avoid that area as much as possible and when brushing down the hair shaft to the ends either press the bonds to your forehead with your hand to hold them or grab your hair in your hand (like a ponytail) and brush while holding it.* Never put oils or conditioner on the bonds. Make a ponytail with your hand and condition or put oil on that part only.* when installing, leave about 1 mm on each side of the bond so that when you sandwich them you have glue on glue on the ends. This helps to keep the bonds in tact longer.* Once a bond is installed, use a flat iron set to 400-410 degrees mash the bonds together for two seconds to heat the glue then press firmly to heat seal the bonds and to get the strongest bond possible. Do this as you install each bond. Don’t wait until the end and then go back to heat seal them then. If you give the bond about five seconds to cool off and then tug on it you will know right then if they are secure or not. If not, trouble shoot based on all the information I’ve provided.* Put paper thin sections of your hair between the bonds. In this situation, more isn’t better because if there is too much hair between the bonds they can’t stick together.* Install them in a brick lay pattern to avoid holes. I used two packs on my client. She has extremely thick, shoulder length hair. The thicker and shorter your hair is, the more you will need to blend properly.* At night, wrap your hair around your head, secure with Bobby pins and then tie a silk scarf securely around your head to hold your hair in place and protect it from rubbing and matting that happens from the pillow while you sleep.*The less you wash them, the longer they will last. Also, the extensions will dry out more than your natural hair because there is no opportunity for your natural oils to travel down the shaft like it does on your natural hair. Therefore, they will need extra deep conditioning and oil treatments. I suggest once a week.* When removing, get a squirt bottle and fill it with acetone (not polish remover with acetone, just pure acetone) saturate the bond and gently rub until you get a small separation then squirt some in the opening and rub again. Keep repeating until they are separated. The hair will still be stuck to the bonds, but the bonds will be separated. Then gently remove the hair one piece at a time from the bond. I suggest using a rat tail comb with a metal tail. Once the bonds are out, go back and get as much of the residual glue out of the hair with the acetone and a very fine tooth comb. After that shampoo at least twice with a clarifying shampoo.* When installing, you MUST make sure the top three inches of your hair have no conditioner, oil or hair products in it. I suggest using a clarifying shampoo prior to installing as well. Make sure your hair is completely dry. Also, I suggest flat ironing it as well so that you can get precise sections.* Pack in more extensions at the bottom and gradually space them out more as you work your way up the head. Always start at the bottom and work your way up. I suggest starting in the back as well.* Don’t be cheap with your shampoo or conditioner. It really does make a difference. Especially in this situation. Also, make sure the shampoo is sulfate free.* you can reuse your extensions up to three times if you properly maintain them. Once they are out, shampoo with a clarifying shampoo, condition well, then comb out and leave flat to air dry. Then flat iron them smooth and put new pieces of tape on the bonds and reinstall.* only use clarifying shampoo at the times I have specified. It is not for daily use.If you follow these instructions you should have good results and be happy with your purchase.Good Luck!
