CANARY WHARF | 57

FeAtuRe

Of all the beauty treatments discussed in the office, hair

extensions are by far the most divisive. Many consider them

too age-specific (sub-20), style-specific (big, wavy, voluminous) and lifestyle-specific (estimated blow-drying time = two hours) to hold any value for those who consider ourselves, well, busy.

In fact, there’s been a quiet conversion in the industry of late. One of London’s leading

hairstylists broke ranks, declaring ‘fillers’ (a name we have already

come to associate with anti-ageing face treatments) to be the solution for the estimated 45 per cent of women aged over 40 who suffer with thinning hair. Sceptical? It comes down to the fact that no one talks about hair extensions done well, because

you can’t see them. So carefully coiffed are the latest human hair extensions (from

ethical sources) that it’s difficult to conjure a visible example of someone who’s had some help. The answer is not a full-head,

but a few well-placed inserts that add volume or colour, typically

to the front and sides of the head where over-styling can wreak

havoc with your hair. These are not long and glossy strands, but stealthily colour – and length –

matched pieces to add thickness. Louise Bailey is one of the

names to know. Bailey works freelance and also with some of the capital’s leading salons. Her clients include a large number of professionals aiming to look

polished in the office.

Keen to see if her work can undo the effects of ‘90s feathering that

has thinned my hair, I happily oblige to play guinea pig. The first thing I notice is that she’s

quick – half a head of Extension Professional extensions seems

to take little more than an hour to apply, and better yet, they

completely transform my hair, adding body that both myself and numerous hairstylists find

impossible to create with just a hairdryer.

The unique application system using keratin – the protein

responsible for keeping hair healthy – to attach the

extensions, means that unlike conventional heat and glue methods, there’s no damage to your natural hair. Bailey

also explains that the risk of tangling is virtually eliminiated thanks to a flat bond, instead

of a typical round shape, that’s been designed to prevent the

natural hair matting. Two months on and my ‘fillers’

are as bouncy and shiny as when they went in. The careful

placement means they’re undetectable even when I tie

my hair up, so despite receiving numerous compliments, not one person has managed to catch me

out. For volume you’ve never had, the extra inch or two that

won’t grow or that colour shade you can’t seem to achieve, these are ideal. Tempted? Try the new clip-ins by Louise Bailey to see if

you like the look, first. POA, fourlondon.com

extensionprofessional.co.uk

tHe HAiR gods HAve ANsWeRed

The ProductsSodium laureth sulphate – found in most haircare products – will

weaken extension bonds. To keep strands in place, try Label M’s

Therapy Age Defying range, which includes a shampoo, serum and finishing oil. All are 100 per cent sulphate-free: shampoo vertically and apply conditioner only to the

ends of the hair. Label M Therapy Age Defying

range, from £14.50, Toni & Guy, Canada Square

YouR exteNsioN CHeCkListPost-application it’s all down to you – and high quality aftercare for hair extensions is available

here in Canary Wharf.

The Blow-dryThe team at local salons including Blow Ltd. will happily turn their hand to a hair extension blow-dry, in

keeping with its aim for speedy service. Allow 45 minutes for

best results and take the hassle out of any upkeep.

from £35, Blow Ltd., Jubilee Place

The BrushTo prevent extension-induced bald patches, opt for a brush with soft bristles that won’t

catch on and pull out extension bonds. We love Denman’s Grooming Brush. When detangling,

avoid pressure by holding your hair in one hand and brushing in reverse, from the ends

towards the roots. D81M Grooming Brush, £9.79, Denman,

available at Boots, Canada Place