What are Great Lengths extensions?
Great Lengths is a hair extension brand sold through stylists. Based on the brand's own public pages, its main applications are strand-by-strand pre-bonded keratin extensions and GL Tapes. Everything below is summarised from those public sources, linked at the bottom.
Pre-bonded keratin strands
Each strand is pre-tipped with a bond the brand calls GL Keratin, which it describes as a co-polymeric compound whose structure closely resembles human hair: it expands when wet and contracts as it dries. Strands are attached one at a time, which allows control over placement, density and colour. The brand presents this as suitable for adding length, volume, colour effects and updos.
Bond application: thermal vs. ultrasonic
- Thermal (hot fusion): a Great Lengths applicator heats the keratin bond. The brand says its GL 3200 machine heats to about the temperature of an average curling iron and uses no glue or melted wax.
- Ultrasonic (cold fusion): ultrasonic waves activate the keratin without direct heat. The brand's pages describe a flat bond intended to sit discreetly against the natural hair.
GL Tapes
GL Tapes are wefts on an extra-thin, medical-grade adhesive strip. A section of natural hair is sandwiched between two tape pieces just below the root, and no machine is used. The brand says tapes can be reused up to three times. It describes them as a more temporary option with shorter application times.
How long they last
The brand's own pages give slightly different figures. Pre-bonded strands are described as lasting "4 to 6 months" on one page and "up to five months" on another. Tapes are given as re-application after about 6–8 weeks on one page and 4–6 weeks on another. Your actual wear time depends on your hair, lifestyle and care, so ask your stylist.
Who they suit
The brand's FAQ says natural hair should be at least 5 cm long, ideally 8 cm or more, and that suitability is assessed at a consultation. Removal should be done by a certified stylist using the brand's removal products.