5 Important Pros and Cons of Keratin Bond Extensions 

Keratin bond extensions are semi-permanent hair extensions that are attached to one’s natural hair using keratin bonds. Keratin is a natural protein found in the hair and therefore, it is known to be safe and gentle on a person’s natural hair.

These are a good option for those people who are looking for long-lasting and natural-looking hair extensions, which are versatile to style.

But of course, there are pros and cons, cost, commitment, maintenance and other aspects you need to consider before making the decision of getting them or not. Here are a few:

Why You Should Trust Haireveryday?

The author of this article, Amy Angelos has a degree in Cosmetology from The Salon Professional Academy in San Jose, California with 10 years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As she is adept at styling hair of various textures from straight, wavy to curly and African American, Amy knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. Our Editor Leah Marie Priest has also tested these hair products and processes and fact checked this article to give you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.

Pros and Cons of Keratin Bond Extensions

Pros of Getting Keratin Bond Extensions

1. Can add volume and length to one’s natural hair

The best part about getting keratin bond extensions is that they can add volume and length to your natural hair, while making the results look absolutely natural. The keratin bonds will almost appear invisible once applied onto the hair.

Keratin hair extensions are super popular among celebrities like Ariana Grande to give them their signature ponytail hair look. This Vogue magazine anniversary video shows Ariana Grande wearing hair extensions from Indique Hair Extensions and they look so natural!

2. Versatility in styling

Keratin bond extensions provide a great deal of hair styling. It can be styled just like one’s natural hair. Yes, be it straightening, curling, braiding or blow-drying, you can do it all. If you wish to, you can even color and dye your hair with keratin bond extensions on.

3. It is durable and can last long

Once these extensions are installed, they last relatively long. This is because of their durability. With sufficient maintenance, it can last between 12 weeks to 6 months in your hair taking into consideration factors like your hair growth rate, aftercare, initial installation etc.

4. It is safe on natural hair

Since these extensions are installed on the hair using keratin bonds (which are in fact naturally present in the hair), they are considered safe and gentle for the hair. In fact according a study Keratin is a building block of hair cells made up of amino acids that are created due to keratin associated protein genes. (Michael A. Rogers, Lutz Langbein, Silke Praetzel‐Wunder, Hermelita Winter, Jürgen Schweizer, Human Hair Keratin‐Associated Proteins (KAPs), International Review of Cytology, Academic Press, Volume 251, 2006)

5. It is low maintenance

Once you get these keratin bond extensions installed, you do not need to go to the salon for maintenance, as they just need sufficient maintenance and after care, which can be done at home.

Cons of Getting Keratin Bond Extensions

1. They aren’t cost effective

Keratin bond extensions are the highest priced extensions out there and they are also the highest quality extensions as well. So, they are quite expensive.

2. Requires sufficient maintenance

Well, while it is low maintenance, you do require sufficient after care and this includes minding what products you use like silicone-based hair products and some types of oils (as they can loosen these extensions and make them come off).

Also, you need to cover your hair with a swim cap in case you go swimming as they shouldn’t be exposed.

3. The installation is time consuming

If you wish to add a lot of these extensions, then the installation process can be quite time consuming. Also, it could cause you a little discomfort as well, as you will have to hold your head in certain positions for a long time.

Keratin Bond Extensions Cost

Keratin bond extensions are super expensive! Yes, like I already mentioned this aspect as one of the cons of these hair extensions, keratin bond extensions can cost anywhere from $800 to even $3,000. This is for a head full of extension and this is of course just an estimate and the final cost will vary.

The final cost will vary based on certain factors like length of the extensions used, number of extensions used, quality of the extensions used, thickness of the extensions, installation charges, stylist’s charges etc.

Well, you can choose a less expensive brand of keratin bond extensions and look around to compare prices before you decide on finally getting them done. Also, you can consider getting half a head of extensions instead of your full head, to be able to cut costs (and if you just want to add a little volume or length).

But, make sure to never compromise on the quality of the keratin bond extensions as while it can cut costs, they may not last long. Also, go to an experienced stylist, so that the installation process is done properly.

How to Apply Keratin Bond Extensions

Keratin bond extensions are bonded to hair using keratin glue, by melting them with a thermal tool, thereby fusing the extensions in place.

Here are the steps you will have to follow to apply keratin bond extensions:

Step 1: Buy keratin extensions that are pre-bonded (with glue already at the tips) and also a melting thermal tool (most often called a hot fusion wand). You will need around 150 – 200 strands of extensions for your whole head.

Step 2: Make sure to wash your hair with a good clarifying shampoo (so that no dirt, product buildup or oils hinder the keratin glue sticking process) and let it air dry until fully dry (not damp).

Step 3: Clip up all your hair in a bun and let down little by little, starting at the nape of your neck (horizontally) and starting from one side, starting gluing the extensions onto your natural hair using the hot fusion wand. Clamp in each extension one by one, waiting for around 5 seconds for each extension to melt and stick.

Step 4: Continue doing this by letting down each horizontal row of your hair until you’ve completed your whole head. Then, let down the rest of your hair, so the keratin bond extensions can blend in.

Getting keratin bonds can help you add volume, length and color (if you wish to), to your natural hair without the use of harsh chemicals.

Usually, the hair extensions which are attached to your natural hair are made up of real virgin human hair, which is only processed to match your hair color. So these extensions will look and feel just like your own natural hair.

Who Should Get Keratin Bond Extensions

Well, literally anyone can get keratin bond extensions! Whether you have thin hair and looking to add more volume to your hair or if you’re someone with short hair looking to add more length to your locs, keratin bond extensions can do the trick. These hair extensions offer a natural and seamless hair look.

Here are some examples for those who should get keratin bond extensions:

·         For those with thin or fine hair: Getting keratin bond extensions can help add thickness and volume to your natural hair.

·         For those looking for a hair transformation: If you wish to get a temporary hair transformation without much commitment, these extensions are suitable.

·         For those who want a natural look: If you prioritize your hair’s natural appearance, then choosing keratin bond extensions can give you that seamless blend into your natural hair.

·         For those who want to increase their hair’s overall length: These extensions can help you achieve longer hair, while also giving you versatility in styling for longer hairstyles.

·         For special occasions: If you only wish to have a desired hair length or volume for a particular occasion and thereafter for a short period of time, then keratin hair bonds can help you achieve that look.

K-Tip Hair Extensions vs. I-Tip Hair Extensions Difference

K-Tip (keratin tip) and I-Tip hair extensions are in fact very similar hair extension attachment methods. But they do differ in their application and the way they are secured to the hair.

K-Tip Hair Extensions: These extensions use a small strand of hair with a keratin-based glue at the tip, wherein the stylist will apply heat (using a hot fusion wand) to the keratin glue to melt it and attach it to one’s natural hair.

These hair extensions offer flexibility in styling and provide the wearer with a natural and seamless look.

I-Tip Hair Extensions: These hair extensions involve small sections of hair with a small bead-like tip. The stylist will use a special tool to secure the extension to one’s natural hair by threading it through the bead and then clamping the bead shut. So, no heat is required during the installation process of these extensions.

Similar to the K-Tip extensions, these I-Tip extensions also provide flexibility in styling and are perfect for those who do not wish to avoid using heat on their hair.

The Final Takeaway

Keratin bond extensions are a good option if you’re someone who is looking for natural-looking hair that can last long and are durable. But just like everything else, even getting keratin bond extensions have their own share of advantages and disadvantages, but it is also a great way to add both length and volume to the hair.

So, I hope this article helped you make your decision!

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