By Katie Martlew
It’s been about six weeks since Great Lengths Guru Michael Mesiti magically transformed our locks from limp and lifeless to full and fabulous in 50 minutes flat. Want to know how we’re getting on a month and a half in? Is our full-hair honeymoon period over? Or are we still blissfully happy in the land of luscious locks?
To be completely honest, we’re still loving our new do as much as ever. Like any new relationship, there have been a few minor hiccups along the way such as losing a few (or seven) strands of extensions, however our hair still looks incredibly thick and healthy regardless.
Besides- the ones that we lost didn’t actually just ‘fall out’ they just slightly slid down our hair shaft, enough so that we could just carefully pull them out. (I’m told this happens when you don’t scrub your hair hard enough with the shampoo to rid of the build up of natural oil in the bonds).
Getting into the routine of brushing twice a day, plaiting at bedtime and sleeping on a satin pillow case really didn’t take too long to get used to. It’s imperative to lovingly tend to your extensions every single day to keep them from knotting and tangling. But the happiness, confidence (and compliments) they bring us makes them worth every ‘inch’ of effort.
So all in all, we have to say, after our short time spent together, they feel as if they are ‘part of us’, and we truly don’t know how we will ever be able to part ways. Oh, the heartache of it all!
Rescu. grills Resident Master at Bauhaus Hair Michael Mesiti on everything you need to know about Great Lengths Extensions, from the ethics and quality behind the brand to how much they cost, which celebs are wearing them well (and not so well) and everything in between…
RESCU: Who are the best candidates for extensions?
Michael: Just about anyone who would like volume, length, texture or colour. Most people are aware that extensions will give you length in an instant, no patiently waiting for years and years for it to grow. Excellent results are also achieved for those wanting thicker hair no matter the length, the only rule here is that your hair must be at least 10cm in length in order to be suitable for Great Lengths hair extensions.
Great Lengths can also give you chemical free highlights that won’t damage your hair or a smooth, frizz free and youthful texture if your hair has become course and unmanageable over the years. Also- anyone who has experienced medical hair loss such as alopecia or is currently experiencing hormonal hair loss or scalp conditions should not consider hair extensions.
RESCU: What type of hair is used and why?
Michael: As a general rule, Indian hair is the most versatile hair of all hair types to be used in hair extensions as it is pliable and has natural wave. Great Lengths sources the very best human hair from Indian Hindu Temples. Worshippers have donated the hair as an act of devotion to their gods, known as tonsuring. Only those who believe and wish to partake in the religious act of tonsuring donate their hair. The temple then sells the hair to Great Lengths and uses the money to help the community.
RESCU: Ethically speaking, what sets Great Lengths apart from other extensions?
Michael: With no regulatory body to enforce rules and regulations within the industry, many unfounded claims can be made regarding hair quality, origin and ethical standards. For this reason Great Lengths introduced the Setting Fair Standards Stamp. This is our guarantee that Great Lengths hair meets the criteria set out below of being 100% traceable, ethical and of the highest quality.
THE SETTING FAIR STANDARDS CRITERIA:
•Every strand has been donated willingly and with the full consent of the donor.
•The donor has been treated with respect and care.
•A fair and reasonable price is agreed for the hair and the money used to procure the hair is used solely for charitable endeavors, not for personal or individual profit.
•A company representative procures the hair to cut out unreliable middlemen and ensure full and direct knowledge of the origin of the hair.
•Exclusive in-house production process is used from procurement of the hair to
wholesale selling the extension to ensure full traceability.
Great Lengths remains the only hair extension company that is involved in the full process, from sourcing of the hair at the temples through production to selling into exclusive salons around the world. This cuts out any middlemen and ensures that the supply chain remains ethical and traceable.
RESCU: How long does it take to have Great Lengths extensions applied?
Michael: A full head takes from 90 minutes. Typically you should allow 2-3 hours.
RESCU: What measures need to be taken to maintain the extensions?
Michael: Do not shampoo your hair for 48 hours after your Great Lengths service. Brush your hair twice a day using a Great Lengths brush, which is specifically designed for Great Lengths hair extensions. Do not use hard brush strokes. Prior to bed, pull your hair back into a soft plait to prevent tangling while sleeping. Return to your salon two weeks after your extensions have been applied for a check-up appointment. After swimming, apply the Great Lengths Anti-Tap Water remedy to eliminate damage from alkalinity in water
RESCU: Typically, how long do extensions last?
Michael: If the correct maintenance guidelines are followed, Great Lengths hair extensions last up to 6 months.
RESCU: How are they removed and what kind of condition is hair left in?
Michael: Great Lengths hair extensions are pre-bonded to ensure easy application and removal by an extensions expert. After the bond is dissolved with the Great Lengths removal solution, the hair will be left in its natural state with no damage to the cuticle.
RESCU: Typically, how much do Great Lengths hair extensions cost?
Michael: It really depends on the results you’d like to achieve. For added volume or chemical free highlights, you’re looking at around $500 whereas a full head for length would be closer to $1500.
RESCU: What are some absurd myths you’ve heard about hair extensions?
Michael: I’m still not sure whether this is a myth or a shocking truth – the rumour that some hair extensions come from dead people, prisoners and animals!
RESCU: Who are your celebrity clients?
Michael: Most celebrities don’t like you to know that they have hair extensions but some have had them in periodically or specifically for certain roles and appearances in which case they’re less secretive. Eva Langoria-Parker, Miley Cyrus, Ashlee Simpson, Lizzy Lovett, Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Aniston, Hilary Duff.
RESCU: Which celebs do you think wear extensions well?
Michael: Eva Langoria-Parker, Jennifer Aniston, Hilary Duff.
RESCU: Which celebs do you think give extensions a bad name?
Michael: Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan!
We had our hair extensions put in by Resident Master Michael Mesiti at Bauhaus Hair www.bauhaushair.com.au or ph) 02 8399 1008. Visit www.greatlengths.com.au for more information.
Click here to read our initial Great Lengths hair extensions experience including our own personal before and after photos.
Image courtesy of Greatlengths.com