Thinking Of Hair Extensions To Add Oomph To Your Wedding Hair? Here’s Everything You Need To Know

If this season of weddings is anything to go by, waist-skimming hair is all the rage. We're talking natural-looking, long tousled manes - more in keeping with the cast of Game Of Thrones, as opposed to Love Island. But for those of us who aren’t blessed with goddess-like locks, it’ll take months, maybe even years, of growing to reach such proportions. So, it’s little wonder brides-to-be are turnings to the joys of hair extensions to nail their dream wedding look - and we don’t just mean clip-ins that’ll fall out half way through the first dance. So which is the best route to take?

Founded by London's leading bespoke hair extensions expert, Vixen & Blush, The London Hair Lab was born out of a requirement and missing piece in the industry for the highest quality hair extensions for prestigious hair salons.

The brand's founder, Sarah McKenna, advises that that are various options to choose from when it comes to lengthening your hair and each is dependent on the individual's needs, hair type and look they are wanting to achieve. At The London Hair Lab, they provide highest quality hair through five different methods. McKenna talked us through the options...

Micro Ring Extensions

Micro ring hair extensions are a very popular method as they are reusable and very safe, making both the fitting and removal process straight forward, comfortable and simple for clients. The hair extensions last for three months and can be re-fitted. We manufacture our own Micro Rings that are smaller, safer and do not shed their colour. This allows you to create discreet, natural looking hair extensions.

Micro Bond Extensions

The bond method uses keratin resin to fit bonds by hand. This method is discreet, comfortable and popular with clients who have finer hair and for those who would like to add hair in less dense areas. This method does not allow for the hair to be reused, so new hair is needed each time. It is a very versatile method as you can make tiny bonds where needed and offer something for clients who want a discreet method of adding hair.

Tape-in Extensions

The tape-in method is a high-tech method that creates the ultimate hidden extensions. Each hair is injected into the skin weft of the tape (a polyurethane membrane) to produce a root-mimic effect. Suitable for hair types that are normal-to-fine density, these create luscious results of volume and style. Tape extensions can be applied in as little as 15 minutes for a slight boost (e.g. filling out the sides) or approximately 60 minutes for a full head application (20 pairs). Tape extensions are re-usable many times providing that the client doesn’t change their hair colour.

The brand also offers clip-ins, which are a quick fix for the odd night out, but you don't want to worry about an unsightly bulk on the side of your head during your wedding day. McKenna advises a safer and more long-term approach - she’ll suss out what works best for your hair type during the free consultation so no need to fret about looking WAG-tastic as you walk up the aisle.

The London Hair Lab's Colour Blending Technique also ensures the perfect colour match. Your stylist will take hair from selected ponytails and mix them together, creating a seamlessly blended, multi-toned result. You can even get your hair coloured while in your chosen salon to ensure the colour is spot on and fully bespoke (apparently Jennifer Lopez’s caramel 'do is the most requested look).

Because of the excellent quality, the hair extensions will last if you’re jetting off on honeymoon, too. You can swim with them and they’ll stay glossy even if you’re holidaying in the heat. What’s more, McKenna is brilliant at giving aftercare advice and recommending the best products to keep your extensions in tip-top condition. ‘No one will even notice they’re in – and that’s exactly the look you want,' McKenna says.

Hair Extensions: The Ultimate Guide

Sarah McKenna shares her dos and don'ts for anyone thinking of hair extensions...

1. Always have your extensions applied by a professionally trained hairdresser who specializes in hair extensions. I recommend going into the salon rather than having someone do it at your home.

2. It’s worth investing in good quality hair and you’ll see the benefits of paying a bit extra. You’re also saving money by not dying your hair because you can use extensions to add colour. Ultimately it’s a big investment, but you will see a big difference.

3. Dependent on the bride-to-be and their desired style, all methods have their advantage and disadvantages, so we always recommend booking in for a consultation first. For example, tape extensions are great for a Boho look, adding volume to hair-down styles, but wouldn’t be the best choice for sleek up-dos. For an up-do, we would suggest micro rings or bonds for the look to be seamless.

4. I would suggest the bride-to-be get their extensions fitted a week or two before the wedding, which allows the bride to wash the extensions, plan their desired look with their stylist and get used to how the hair extensions feel.

5. Hair extensions are very addictive! 70% of brides end up keeping them in. If you are looking to have them permanently removed, I recommend doing it gradually and doing something different with your hair afterwards – like a new colour or cut – so it’s not such a shock!

6. A lot of brides also get anxious that their extensions will show, however any reputable and professional hair extensionist will be able to place the extensions in the right position so they do not show. The bride can wear high pony tails and half-up half-down dos, but it is always worth considering your desired style before opting for the type of extension.

The London Hair Lab extensions are available at Vixen & Blush, Samantha Cusick, Hershesons and Daniel Granger to name a few. www.thelondonhairlab.com

SEE: Celebrity Wedding Hair Inspiration