How Long Do Keratin Bond Hair Extensions Last?

The straight answer: Keratin bond hair extensions last 10-12 weeks per fitting before requiring maintenance, with the hair itself lasting 9-12 months total when properly refitted. This means 3-4 refit cycles from a single set of premium Eastern European hair.

If you're considering investing £800-1,200 in keratin bond extensions, understanding exactly how long they last is essential.

Two Important Timelines

Per-Fitting: 10-12 Weeks

Your natural hair grows approximately 1cm per month, so after 10-12 weeks the bonds have moved 2.5-3cm down your hair shaft. Grown-out bonds create tension and pull at an angle, which is why refits are needed to prevent damage.^[1]

At week 12, your specialist removes the extensions, assesses your natural hair health, and refits the same hair with fresh keratin tips.

Total Lifespan: 9-12 Months

Each refit involves cutting off old bonds and applying new ones, which uses up length. After 3-4 refits, the extensions become too short to continue using - not because quality has deteriorated, but simply because they're physically too short.

Premium Eastern European hair maintains excellent condition throughout all refits. Budget hair only manages 1-2 refits because tangling requires more aggressive cutting during removal.

Comparison to Other Methods

Tape-ins: 6-8 weeks per fitting, requiring 6-8 salon visits annually. The adhesive degrades faster with heat styling and oil-based products.

Keratin bonds: 10-12 weeks per fitting, requiring only 4-5 salon visits annually.

Micro rings: Similar lifespan to keratin bonds, but micro rings suit normal to thick hair, while keratin bonds are designed for fine or delicate hair.

Cost Breakdown

• Initial fitting: £800-1,200
• Refits: £150-300 every 12 weeks
• Total over 9 months: £1,300-1,800

Budget extensions (£300-500) only last 1-2 refits, requiring complete replacement. Annual cost: ~£1,600.

Premium hair refits 3-4 times. Annual cost: ~£1,550.

What Affects Lifespan

Hair quality: Premium Eastern European hair has intact, aligned cuticles that minimize tangling. Budget alternatives are acid-bathed, which strips the cuticle layer, causing matting that limits refits.

Application: Specialist sizing, low-tension placement, and consistent 1cm scalp distance extend lifespan. Poor application reduces it.

Maintenance: Proper care extends total lifespan from 9 to 12 months but doesn't change the 10-12 week refit requirement.

When to Book a Refit

Week 10-12:

• Bonds sitting 2.5-3cm from scalp
• Visible when hair is up
• Slight tangling near bonds

Week 14+ (too late):

• Significant matting
• Scalp discomfort
• Hair breakage

Book your next refit before leaving your current appointment. Missing or delaying refits causes tangling that requires more cutting, reducing total refits possible.

FAQ

How many times can you refit keratin bonds?

Premium hair refits 3-4 times. Budget alternatives manage 1-2 refits maximum due to tangling issues.

Do keratin bonds damage natural hair?

No - when applied correctly and refitted on schedule, keratin bonds are among the safest methods available, particularly for fine hair. Damage occurs when maintenance is ignored or application is inexpert.

Can I extend time between refits?

No - refit timing is determined by hair growth (1cm per month), not care quality. Excellent care extends total hair lifespan from 9 to 12 months, but doesn't change the 10-12 week refit requirement.

Are keratin bonds worth the investment?

Yes - annual costs are comparable to budget extensions (~£1,550 vs £1,600), but with significantly superior quality and the hair maintaining excellent condition throughout all refits.

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Ready to invest in keratin bond extensions? Book your consultation across North Yorkshire, County Durham, or Teesside.

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