Salon 1800 in Lincoln Park, Chicago, offers a new method of hair extensions—a virtually invisible, easy to apply, tape-in system called Industrial Lengths. Using 100 percent Remy human hair, the extensions come in 17 shades, (straight or wavy texture), and are applied to the client’s natural growth pattern and easily form to the head shape. SALON TODAY talked with Helene March, creator of the line, CEO of Fine Line Distributors and owner of Salon 1800, about her new extension invention!

Benefits: While some hair extension application methods require the use of bonding, knotting, weaving or welding, which can cause serious strain to the hair, Industrial Lengths ensures full support with complete flexibility, causing no tension breakage or drag, promotes healthy hair and requires no heat for application or removal. As far as coloring, you can color your client’s hair with them applied, and tone them but not lift them.

The Process: Every client who wants Industrial Lengths hair extensions has to come in for a consultation. During the consultation their hair is examined, and the extensionist determines if it’s the right fit for a client’s lifestyle. During the consultation they do a color match, and then order the hair. The client makes another appointment for application.

The Application: Start by clarifying the client’s hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove the impurities and extra product. The hair is brushed out, blow dried, and the wefts are applied on the sides, the back, and then is continued around the hairline. To apply a weft, you apply at least two fingers width above the top of the ear and a quarter of an inch from the part line. Check placement of each weft, and secure by pressing down with index finger and thumb. Remove protective strip, and add liquid adhesive starting in corners and filling into the center with a small brush applicator. Let dry.

How long they last: Three months

Things to Avoid: Natural oil breaks down the tape, so do not apply conditioner to the top of the head. Keep any thermal tools three inches away from the tape. Avoid any oil products at the top of the head.

Maintenance: Make sure to shampoo under and over extensions to get all oil washed away from the adhesive. Apply a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, and leave-in conditioner from mid-shaft to ends. Direct a powder dry shampoo at wefts to remove extra oils.

Removal: After three months the client comes into the salon and the extensions are removed. They can be reused and reapplied to the new growth.

Cost: Price varies by pieces. 1 pack includes 5 sheets of hair and costs #135 (used for added volume). 2 packs include 10 sheets of hair (used for added volume and length.) The entire service costs $200 for an application of 1 pack, and $400 for an application of 2 packs. Clip-ons cost $110, can be taken home and require no backcombing application.

The look in this article was created by Industrial Lengths Educator Kate Engelman and was assisted by Janelle Gonzalez, stylist assistant. 

For more information on Salon 1800, visit www.salon1800.com. 

For more information on Industrial Lengths visit www.industriallengths.com.