Great lengths slams calls for a ban on hair extensions

Hair Extensions are back in the news after a report by the The Trichological Society which highlighted the risk of poorly applied and cheap extensions.

Their report has been taken up by BBC Radio One's high-profile breakfast radio show which asked whether hair extensions should be banned.

The research, which was published in the British Journal of Dermatology, found that many clients experience problems including scalp problems, hair-loss and visible applications.  

Trichologist Barry Stevens from the Trichological Society said: "There can be quite serious consequences wearing them for a long period. They are capable of destroying hair permanently."

With celebs like Cheryl Cole sporting plump manes of hair, extensions have grown in popularity.

But not all clients are happy with the results and the problems listed above have led some unhappy clients to take legal action against salons.

This news is worrying for quality salons that have qualified staff who offer professional hair extension services and don't want to be tarred with the same brush as some unscrupulous establishments that offer cheap products and have untrained staff. 

Philip Sharp, managing director, Great Lengths responds

"We absolutely welcome the latest media interest in the industry as it highlights the need for regulation in the hair extension industry and as a premium supplier to the market we fully recognise the damage that low quality, poorly applied hair extensions can cause to a clients' hair!

"We take our clients' wellbeing extremely seriously and are therefore pleased to hear these comments brought to the public's attention once again. 

"We would welcome a government standard for the safety of application systems in the UK as we know this would give clients confidence in their chosen hair extension service.

There are many other reputable hair extensions companies, including Balmain, Racoon, American Dream, rapture, Hairraisers and Wonderful Hair that offer quality products and training for salons that are far removed from the horror stories highlighted by the Trichological Society.

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