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Great Lengths Hair Extensions

  • 28-04-2015 7:42pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 723 ✭✭✭


    Hi

    Looking for some recommendations.

    Due to illness, my hair has gotten VERY thin. It's absolutely horrible.

    I was thinking to cheer myself up I'd get a 1/4 head of great lengths? I only want it for a bit of volume/normality. I'm not looking for the Barbie length maines. I also do a lot of exercise now as a means of keeping well and after some research I think the great lengths is something I could maintain.

    I want something very natural to make my own hair look thicker. Approx the same length as my own (just passed shoulder length)

    I can't justify paying out a grand for this, but I would be willing to pay about €300 for a good quality 1/4 or half head of great length hair extensions? Can anyone help? Rough prices would be great. None online of course!


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,039 ✭✭✭✭retro:electro


    I'm not exactly sure but I think you need to make an appointment for a consultation and then they'll look at your hair and go from there with regard to prices etc


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 723 ✭✭✭Pink11


    Thanks Anna, can you recommend anyone who does the Great Lengths that ISN'T Ceira Lambert. Can't afford her crazy prices!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,390 ✭✭✭Stench Blossoms


    Pink11 wrote: »
    Thanks Anna, can you recommend anyone who does the Great Lengths that ISN'T Ceira Lambert. Can't afford her crazy prices!

    There's a girl called Lorna who's based in Newcastle who does them for roughly 750 for a full head and 450 for a half head. PM me for her number.

    You'd need a consultation. If your hair is too thin the bonds won't hold.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 830 ✭✭✭cactusgal


    Not Great Lengths, but Easilocks here, very happy with them so far. Again, you'll need a consultation, but I've thin hair, also just wanted a bit of natural looking length and volume. I got 90 strands in at Easilocks for e270, you keep them in for 3 months, then you get them taken out and put in again half of the original price (e135 in my case). You can re use the hair for 9-12 months if you look after it. I went to the Easilocks Ebano shop on Store St in Dublin.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,039 ✭✭✭✭retro:electro


    Pink11 wrote: »
    Thanks Anna, can you recommend anyone who does the Great Lengths that ISN'T Ceira Lambert. Can't afford her crazy prices!

    I dont think Ciara does great lengths anymore she has switched to gold fever hair. Im not too sure about places that still do great lengths


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 723 ✭✭✭Pink11


    Thanks for the replies.

    I want to stick with Great Lengths as I think they will be the easiest to maintain.

    Does anyone know if a 1/4 head is even possible or will I be forced to get a half head?

    I was also hoping to get in city centre if possible. Has anyone been to Hessions and know their price range?

    450 for a half head isn't too bad but would Lorna do a 1/4 head? Newcastle isn't an ideal location for me though :(


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,390 ✭✭✭Stench Blossoms


    You're going to pay more money if you're getting them in the City Centre. The other option is to ring the headquarters and ask them do they need any models. I got my first set done like that and it was 350e (just had to pay for the hair) for a full head.

    You'd have to ask Lorna if she does 1/4 head but I wouldn't imagine she does.

    TBH Great Lengths aren't all that. I looked after mine well but only got 3 months out of the first set and 5 out of the second. I've heard good things about that place on Store Street and will probably head there myself when I want to get another set.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,340 ✭✭✭Speedsie
    ¡arriba, arriba! ¡andale, andale!


    There's a girl called Lorna who's based in Newcastle who does them for roughly 750 for a full head and 450 for a half head. PM me for her number.

    You'd need a consultation. If your hair is too thin the bonds won't hold.

    Which Newcastle? Dublin, Wicklow, Galway, Down.....


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,390 ✭✭✭Stench Blossoms


    Speedsie wrote: »
    Which Newcastle? Dublin, Wicklow, Galway, Down.....

    Dublin.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,031 ✭✭✭we'llallhavetea


    ive had a full head applied with lorna, would not recommend :( they were applied too close to the root resulting in tension bumps for weeks before they grew down a bit. she also butchered them with the scissors after they were applied and looked horrendous. had to take them out, was disappointed.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,390 ✭✭✭Stench Blossoms


    ive had a full head applied with lorna, would not recommend :( they were applied too close to the root resulting in tension bumps for weeks before they grew down a bit. she also butchered them with the scissors after they were applied and looked horrendous. had to take them out, was disappointed.

    Was this your first set? Did you go back to her and ask her to fix them? I've never heard a bad word said about Lorna as she's been doing GL years and regularly at the academy and in the UK teaching classes.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,031 ✭✭✭we'llallhavetea


    Was this your first set? Did you go back to her and ask her to fix them? I've never heard a bad word said about Lorna as she's been doing GL years and regularly at the academy and in the UK teaching classes.

    no it was my second set, i didnt go back to her as i just couldnt see what could be done other than remove the entire head and replace them and i couldnt face sitting there for that length of time again.
    i was very shocked that she later started training. i was actually a model for a training day before and as far as i can remember ciera lambert stated that the only cutting that should be done is at the base of the hair, makes sense as there would be a layered look at the end anyway because theyre applied in rows and are all the same length. lorna chopped layers into them and they were just butchered. ah well!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,390 ✭✭✭Stench Blossoms


    That's odd. I'd have gone back. You would have paid enough for them. Regarding the cutting, that's pretty normal. It was done that way for both my sets. They have to be chopped into the make them look natural.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,031 ✭✭✭we'llallhavetea


    That's odd. I'd have gone back. You would have paid enough for them. Regarding the cutting, that's pretty normal. It was done that way for both my sets. They have to be chopped into the make them look natural.

    i thought because of the way keratin bond extensions sit that they should not be layered as they do not sit like natural hair, only the base should be cut to take the blunt look away. could be wrong, makes sense to me though! i had won the full head on twitter so didnt have to pay, probably why i wasnt arsed getting them redone! had just taken a set out beforehand that were absolutely perfect after 6 months!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 723 ✭✭✭Pink11


    cactusgal wrote: »
    Not Great Lengths, but Easilocks here, very happy with them so far. Again, you'll need a consultation, but I've thin hair, also just wanted a bit of natural looking length and volume. I got 90 strands in at Easilocks for e270, you keep them in for 3 months, then you get them taken out and put in again half of the original price (e135 in my case). You can re use the hair for 9-12 months if you look after it. I went to the Easilocks Ebano shop on Store St in Dublin.

    Hi, after doing some research and getting a few crazy great length quotes, I think I'm going to talk to Ebano about Easilocks. Can you recommend one of the staff members there? I'm going to ring and ask to meet with one of them early next week.

    Really nervous about getting this done. Hope it won't damage my already poor hair!

    How long are yours?

    No glue or beads right? It's a 'lock' around the hair, so hair is left to grow naturally. Have you done it twice then? 135euro every 3-4months is much more affordable too!

    Do they hurt at all? When are you laying on them?

    You can work away using your own shampoo too right?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,390 ✭✭✭Stench Blossoms


    Did you go in for a consultation or have you just been ringing around?

    If your hair is too damaged the bonds won't hold or will put more strain on your own hair.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 723 ✭✭✭Pink11


    Went in for consultations.

    I'm going in for one more in Cowboys and Angels next week. I really hope they can do a quarter to half head for about 400/500. They also do the golden fever ones now (same as Ceira L).

    Heard from someone that the 'bonds/connections' are pretty big with easi-locks. and uncomfortable. So I'm after turning against that idea now :(

    I'm so confused but hoping a consultation with C&A will make my mind up for me.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,390 ✭✭✭Stench Blossoms


    All of them will be the same. If your hair is too fine you'll just end up doing damage.

    Go to Dylan Bradshaw for a consultation. They are well out of your budget but just see what they say. They turned a friend of mine down because her hair was too weak. She got them done somewhere else and she ended up with bald patches because the bonds were too heavy. Dylan's will give you a straight answer.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 723 ✭✭✭Pink11


    Thanks for info but I actually stopped using all heat on my hair for over a year and decided to cut off all the old raggy hair last week. My hair is pretty short now but at least what I have now is decent hair. I just don't want to style it and damage it. Each of the consultants said so far that my hair wasn't too thin and I'd be a good candidate. I've seen reviews and pictures of people with hair way worse than mine getting them done. So I think I'll be ok!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 830 ✭✭✭cactusgal


    Hi Pink11,

    Re the Easilocks, the bonds are standard size, I think, and I don't find them uncomfortable.

    I had keratin bonds before, looked lovely but destroyed my hair.

    I also had some by Issoni in Dublin (Terenure), but neither products or service was great.

    I've also worn clip in extensions that I got from Lynda Murphy at Wigwam (lovely lady).

    I hate having thin hair, so I understand how you feel!!


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 723 ✭✭✭Pink11


    cactusgal wrote: »
    Hi Pink11,

    Re the Easilocks, the bonds are standard size, I think, and I don't find them uncomfortable.

    I had keratin bonds before, looked lovely but destroyed my hair.

    I also had some by Issoni in Dublin (Terenure), but neither products or service was great.

    I've also worn clip in extensions that I got from Lynda Murphy at Wigwam (lovely lady).

    I hate having thin hair, so I understand how you feel!!

    Thanks!

    Maybe I should go and talk to Shane in Easilocks? I hear he is the best in there? Can you tell me a bit more about your easilocks. How many you have in, for how long, what length they are. Do they hurt when you lay down? Any pain or soreness at all Was your hair damaged in any way? Were the beads or whatever you call them visible when you tied up your hair?

    Sorry for all the questions. I just want to know every detail so I can make up my mind!

    Great Lengths use Keratin right!? They destroyed your hair?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 830 ✭✭✭cactusgal


    Pink11 wrote: »
    Thanks!

    Maybe I should go and talk to Shane in Easilocks? I hear he is the best in there?

    Hi yes I hear he is the best, but I think he's a good bit more expensive.

    Can you tell me a bit more about your easilocks. How many you have in

    90,

    for how long,

    2 months so far

    what length they are.

    Boob length, bit longer.

    Do they hurt when you lay down? Any pain or soreness at all

    No, not at all.

    Was your hair damaged in any way?

    I don't know yet, I haven't had them taken out yet, so don't know the effect on my hair yet. But I went with Easilocks bc a well respected hairdresser (who isn't affiliated with Easilocks) told me they were the least damaging hair extensions.

    Are the beads or whatever you call them visible when you tied up your hair?

    Sometimes. It depends on how I do my hair. Obviously, I try to hide them.

    Sorry for all the questions. I just want to know every detail so I can make up my mind!

    Great Lengths use Keratin right!?

    I don't know ...

    They destroyed your hair?

    Yeah, big time. Keratin turns into glue when heated. So my keratin bonded, heat applied extensions were actually glued-on extensions.

    Hope that helps! :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 723 ✭✭✭Pink11


    Well, for anyone that is interested....

    I went for the gold fever hair extensions. SO far so good, look natural, loads of compliments about my 'hairstyle' and people seem genuinely shocked when I point out it isn't my own. VERY comfortable. I'm shocked with that part. I really don't feel them at all. Can tie up my hair and everything. It's been amazing to go from weak, lifeless, see through hair to this gorgeous mane.

    I went for 35cm length (gold fever comes in 30cm, 35cm and 40cm - great lengths come in 30cm or 40cm). We had to cut a little bit off the length to even it out and make it look natural. The length is perfect for me. I'm really short and didn't want to look like a Barbie. Happy to show anyone before and after pics in PM if people are curious.

    Because they are expensive, I'm a little terrified they won't last as long as I expect. That's my long term fear.

    But I'm going to mind them. At the same time I think it's ridiclious that you have to buy a special brush for 50euro (bearing in mind only great lengths have products, not gold fever).I didn't want to do that. I think it has to be a gimmick. I showed the stylist my tangle teezer (the real official one) and she said it's definitely soft enough and many of her other clients use it on the extensions with no problems.

    Now for the shampoo, this is where I'm still a bit worried. She told me Keraste shampoo is fine but it has sulfate in it. This is the chemical we are supposed to avoid. I used it once just because she told me it'd be fine and I didn't want to be a wimp and I think it's important to enjoy them and not be scared but to be honest I'm too scared to do it again. I can't even begin to tell you how mad I would be if they got damaged or slipped off because I used a strong shampoo.

    I have an organic shampoo free of sulfate that I'm sticking too but it's nearly gone now and I need to get another. Think I'll go for the Redken colour sulfate free shampoo. About 50euro online for the HUGE 1,000ml bottle. I think it'll be worth it. Any suggestions ladies?

    Would love to talk to someone else who has the extensions so I can compare notes. I don't know anyone else who has them!

    Cactusgirl: it sounds like your bonds were ruined because you put heat too near the little connections. Heat will make them melt eventually. I can do whatever I want with my hair as long as I don't put the heat on or too near the bonds. It's been fine so far. I'm really getting the hang of styling them.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,031 ✭✭✭we'llallhavetea


    Ok, I've only ever had great lengths extensions, when I had them in I bought the great lengths shampoo and conditioner but it was way too oily for my hair, so I used loreal professional shampoo the whole way through and only lost 4 strands near the 6 month mark! It's all bull**** regarding shampoos imo!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 723 ✭✭✭Pink11


    Ok, I've only ever had great lengths extensions, when I had them in I bought the great lengths shampoo and conditioner but it was way too oily for my hair, so I used loreal professional shampoo the whole way through and only lost 4 strands near the 6 month mark! It's all bull**** regarding shampoos imo!

    Agreed! When you think about it. Only great lengths have their own range of products so what are you supposed to use for gold fever!? (I know they are the same pretty much but you get my point).

    Is it sulfate free shampoo ideally yes? (or sulphur). I'm getting confused but ordered that redkin sulfate free shampoo for coloured hair (has great reviews) got it on strawberrynet for under 50 for the huge 1000ml size. My last 1,000ml lasted me almost 2 years. No joke! If you get the good shampoos you only need a tiny bit of product :D

    I forgot to say I did buy the anti tap though as I do a lot of running/sport and they recommend to spray that in before high intensity cardio to protect hair against sweat. Sounds like crap really but I do it. Do you use that?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,052 ✭✭✭Taboola


    Did you go for a 1/4, 1/2 or full head?

    Do you mind me asking how much you paid for them?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 723 ✭✭✭Pink11


    Taboola wrote: »
    Did you go for a 1/4, 1/2 or full head?

    Do you mind me asking how much you paid for them?

    Hey I can't remember the exact amount of strands I got but it was in between half to 3/4 head. I actually think I'll get less next time going forward just to save money. I've a huge (but natural looking) head of hair and think I can make do with less to save some dolla!

    Great Lengths and Gold fever prices are the same but I went for gold fever because 1. it's a fully irish owned company 2. the colours matched better 3. they have a third length option which was perfect for me - explained above (35cm).

    That cost me €600 and compared to what I've been quoted and seen online, this was a good price. If you look after this they should last between 6-9months (so I'm told). That's only 100 per month max (less if you mind them and get 6+ months). 100 per month for hair that is amazing, feels natural, comfortable, everyone thinks it's real, can wake up in the morning and hair is ready to go? Soooo worth it.

    As said my only concern is that it wont last as long as they are telling me.

    Can anyone else advise on shampoo they use and how they dry their hair? Is it ok to leave it wet and let it dry natural sometimes?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,052 ✭✭✭Taboola


    Pink11 wrote: »

    Can anyone else advise on shampoo they use and how they dry their hair? Is it ok to leave it wet and let it dry natural sometimes?

    Thanks for getting back to me.

    If they are similar to great lengths then you need to blast dry the bonds and then you can let them dry naturally.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 723 ✭✭✭Pink11


    Taboola wrote: »
    Thanks for getting back to me.

    If they are similar to great lengths then you need to blast dry the bonds and then you can let them dry naturally.

    No problem! Are you going to get them?

    Yes gold fever and Gl's work the same.

    Thanks for that confirmation. I've been trying to dry the bonds with cold air as we're also not meant to put heat on them. But it takes forever. Is it ok to blast hairdryer heat onto them then?

    I might give them a call tomorrow to confirm. I'll put the info on here. As you can see I'm real worried about damaging them (i.e my fault they don't last!)


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 830 ✭✭✭cactusgal


    Pink11 wrote: »
    Cactusgirl: it sounds like your bonds were ruined because you put heat too near the little connections. Heat will make them melt eventually. I can do whatever I want with my hair as long as I don't put the heat on or too near the bonds. It's been fine so far. I'm really getting the hang of styling them.

    No, they were heat-applied to my own hair. Keratin bonds + heat application = extensions that are glued on. It was my first set and I didn't know any better. I'm very careful with my hair and would never apply heat to the bonds myself, that would be madness.

    Learned my lesson though, no more heat application or keratin bonded extensions!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 723 ✭✭✭Pink11


    cactusgal wrote: »
    No, they were heat-applied to my own hair. Keratin bonds + heat application = extensions that are glued on. It was my first set and I didn't know any better. I'm very careful with my hair and would never apply heat to the bonds myself, that would be madness.

    Learned my lesson though, no more heat application or keratin bonded extensions!

    Ah sorry my mistake!

    You'll have to forgive me here but I'm a bit confused. That bad experience you described above. What extentions were they and who did them for you?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 830 ✭✭✭cactusgal


    Pink11 wrote: »
    Ah sorry my mistake!

    You'll have to forgive me here but I'm a bit confused. That bad experience you described above. What extentions were they and who did them for you?

    No bother, it was several years ago, when I was living in New Zealand ... I googled the place recently and it's now closed down. They (the extensions) were pre bonded human hair keratin extensions. Live and learn! Glad you are happy with your extensions, I hate having thin hair, it's such a nice feeling to have long, swishy hair that you can style!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 723 ✭✭✭Pink11


    cactusgal wrote: »
    No bother, it was several years ago, when I was living in New Zealand ... I googled the place recently and it's now closed down. They (the extensions) were pre bonded human hair keratin extensions. Live and learn! Glad you are happy with your extensions, I hate having thin hair, it's such a nice feeling to have long, swishy hair that you can style!

    So scary having a bad experience. It was my fear! Spent a long time researching this and happy with my results so far!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,052 ✭✭✭Taboola


    Pink11 could you PM me before and after pics? Can't seem to send you PMs.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 723 ✭✭✭Pink11


    Sorry to you or anyone who tried to PM me, my settings had them disabled for some reason. I am able to PM them to you now. Anyone else want them?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 723 ✭✭✭Pink11


    Hey did you get my message? I'm not sure if it sent or not? Can't see it in my sent items?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4 nessonline


    where did you end up getting your extensions Pink11?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 30 rachelmcg


    Sorry for bumping an old thread!

    Just made an appointment for a full head (6 packets of 40cm) of gold fever extensions.. costing €840.. eek!

    Appointment for next friday, Im actually quite nervous! Ive never spent this much money on myself.

    Ive read lots of blogs etc, some people say they last 4 months, some say 8 months.

    Id be interested to hear anyones opinions :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,114 ✭✭✭222233


    rachelmcg wrote: »
    Sorry for bumping an old thread!

    Just made an appointment for a full head (6 packets of 40cm) of gold fever extensions.. costing €840.. eek!

    Appointment for next friday, Im actually quite nervous! Ive never spent this much money on myself.

    Ive read lots of blogs etc, some people say they last 4 months, some say 8 months.

    Id be interested to hear anyones opinions :)

    it depends entirely on how well you look after them and I think the quality of your own hair., how well they are applied definitely helps too Back when my hair was damaged I would get 3 months max before they would start coming out and have to be removed, I'm now on month 6 with my current set.

    Make every effort to stop them from matting as often as you can and I find letting them dry naturally as often as possible helps keep the quality too.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 30 rachelmcg


    222233 wrote: »
    it depends entirely on how well you look after them and I think the quality of your own hair., how well they are applied definitely helps too Back when my hair was damaged I would get 3 months max before they would start coming out and have to be removed, I'm now on month 6 with my current set.

    Make every effort to stop them from matting as often as you can and I find letting them dry naturally as often as possible helps keep the quality too.

    Thanks for the reply. I've read a lot of people saying that they have to blow dry the bonds. Do you blow dry and let the rest of the hair dry naturally?

    Would styling them a lot affect how long they last? I've never had extensions before, Im guessing pulling them with a brush while blow drying might weaken them over time. I just want to get as long as possible considering the price!


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,114 ✭✭✭222233


    rachelmcg wrote: »
    Thanks for the reply. I've read a lot of people saying that they have to blow dry the bonds. Do you blow dry and let the rest of the hair dry naturally?

    They will tell you for certain where your getting them done and even though it's a pain in the ass, dry them, brush them and sleep on them exactly as they advise, I would even go as far as saying buy the great lengths paddle brush if it's great lengths your getting. For the last set I had in I used to have to go through them with my hands for about 30 mins a day to make sure they didn't mat, it was so annoying but they lasted so much longer, they will literally tell you exactly how to care for them on the day though!

    For some brands, you need to blast dry the bonds, drying them is annoying no matter what extensions you have in. You can use a hair dryer on the hair but they generally advise you let them dry naturally, but times come when you do have to use the hairdryer it doesn't do immense damage but a lot of use would probably damage the bonds and the hair!
    rachelmcg wrote: »
    Would styling them a lot affect how long they last? I've never had extensions before, Im guessing pulling them with a brush while blow drying might weaken them over time. I just want to get as long as possible considering the price!

    In terms of damage I have found they pretty much respond to styling a bit better but similar to natural hair, after a lot of curling the ends for example can get snuggled, I have been styling the set I have in every second day roughly and they have taken to it fine.

    I never find that hair extensions hold styling as well as you would think, the hair is really fine and silky but for instance with curls I would get 2 days. I'm not sure if the shampoo and conditioner will be included with your extensions but when your spending so much money if the hairdressers where you are getting them done recommend a particular brand for the extensions I definitely recommend buying it, it's well worth it. I ran out and started using a shop shelf brand and I could instantly see the ends starting to dry out.

    Follow their instructions and you will be fine, but be warned it's an expensive addiction - once you get them once you'll probably want them again (unless you find them annoying or hate them). Enjoy your new mane ;)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17 emer28


    Hi,

    Has anyone experienced discomfort and headache with gold fever hair extensions . I only have them in a week . I have worn other types of hair extensions before and have only experienced discomfort for a few days


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