A long-term, fully customised extension method designed for seamless movement, complete flexibility, and lasting results.
Keratin Bonds represent the most refined and versatile application method within the Great Lengths system.
Designed for long-term wear and complete customisation, each bond is individually applied to move, behave, and respond like natural hair.
The result is a finish that is virtually undetectable, both visually and in how it feels.
Each strand is attached using a small amount of keratin, a protein naturally found in the hair.
Using ultrasonic waves or low, controlled heat, the keratin gently softens and cocoons around the natural hair, forming a secure and discreet bond.
This process allows the extension to integrate seamlessly, without placing unnecessary stress on the hair.
Because each bond is small and individually placed, keratin bonds offer complete freedom of movement.
Hair can be worn up or down, styled freely, and adapted to suit any lifestyle — without revealing the presence of extensions.
The hydrolysed keratin bond expands and contracts in response to water and environmental conditions, mirroring the natural behaviour of the hair and maintaining comfort over time.
One of the most common concerns with hair extensions is whether they will damage the natural hair. At Great Lengths, this question sits at the centre of how Keratin Bonds are designed and applied.
The hydrolysed keratin bond behaves in harmony with the natural hair: expanding and contracting in response to moisture, rather than remaining rigid.
Unlike materials such as plastic or metal, which can create pressure as the hair swells, the bond gently cocoons the hair, avoiding pinching or stress.
Each application is carried out by a certified stylist, trained to select the correct amount of natural hair and distribute weight evenly — ensuring a secure, comfortable, and safe result over time.
When applied correctly, the hair is not compromised. It is supported.
Keratin Bonds are a long-term solution, typically lasting between 4 to 6 months.
They grow out naturally with the wearer’s own hair and do not require regular salon repositioning.
Once applied, maintenance is done at home through correct brushing and care.
This makes them ideal for those who want a consistent result without frequent salon visits.
Keratin Bonds are applied strand by strand, allowing complete control over placement, density, and colour.
Multiple shades can be blended to create natural dimension, reflecting how real hair behaves.
They are particularly effective for:
Keratin Bonds can also be combined with other Great Lengths methods to achieve more advanced results.
Keratin Bonds are designed to suit everyday life. They are secure enough for swimming, saunas, and active routines, while remaining comfortable and discreet.
Because of their flexibility, the hair can be styled freely — including upstyles and high ponytails.
When professionally removed, a specialised gel is applied to gently break down the keratin bond, allowing it to safely soften and release from the natural hair.
The extension is then carefully slid out without pulling or stress on the strands. This process ensures the natural hair remains clean, intact, and undamaged when performed correctly.
Keratin bond hair extensions are a long-term extension method that typically lasts 4 to 6 months. Each strand is individually bonded to your natural hair using a keratin adhesive, allowing the extensions to move and grow naturally with your hair.
The main benefit of keratin bonds is their durability and natural finish. They are ideal for clients who want a low-maintenance, long-lasting solution while growing out their own hair, and when applied correctly, they do not cause damage to the natural hair.
The downside is that they require a longer commitment. If you prefer to change your hairstyle regularly or are new to extensions, a more flexible option like tape-in extensions may be a better starting point.
Keratin bond hair extensions are generally on the higher end of the price range due to their durability and long-lasting results. In Australia, the cost can vary significantly depending on the length, colour, and number of bonds required.
Because every client’s hair is different, it’s difficult to give an exact price without a consultation. A personalised quote is usually needed to determine how many bonds are required to achieve your desired result.
As a general guide, a smaller service — such as adding keratin bonds around the face for thickness — can start from around $300. A full transformation for added length and volume can range into the thousands.
The best way to get an accurate price is to book a complimentary consultation, where a stylist can assess your hair and recommend the right amount of bonds for your goals.
There isn’t one type of hair extension that is universally better — only the option that is best suited to your hair type, lifestyle, and desired result.
Tape extensions are a great option for those who are new to hair extensions or want a quicker, more flexible solution. They are fast to apply, easy to maintain, and can be removed and reinstalled regularly. However, because they are applied in panels with adhesive, they offer less customisation and are generally better suited to wearing your hair down or in lower styles.
Keratin bond extensions, on the other hand, are fully customisable. Each bond is applied individually, allowing for a tailored colour blend and precise placement. This gives a more natural movement and flexibility, making them ideal for wearing your hair both up and down, including high ponytails. They also last longer — typically 4 to 6 months.
In short, tape extensions are ideal for flexibility and ease, while keratin bonds are better suited for a fully customised, long-lasting transformation.
Keratin bond and weft extensions are not necessarily better than one another — they simply suit different hair types, lifestyles, and styling preferences.
Weft extensions are a great option for clients who typically wear their hair down. They are installed in a row around the head, making them quick to apply and easy to reuse. Wefts are ideal for adding volume or creating a full transformation, particularly for medium to thick hair.
Keratin bond extensions are individually applied, allowing for a more discreet and flexible result. This means you can comfortably wear your hair both up and down, including higher styles. They are also lower maintenance, typically lasting 4 to 6 months without needing adjustments.
In general, weft extensions are ideal for those who prefer reusable hair and regular maintenance, while keratin bonds are better suited for clients wanting a seamless, low-maintenance, and long-term result.
Keratin bond hair extensions can take anywhere from 30 minutes to around 3 hours to install, depending on how many bonds are being applied.
For example, a smaller service using around 20 bonds for added thickness may take under an hour, while a full transformation with 150–160 bonds can take between 2 to 3 hours.
In most cases, a standard keratin bond appointment will be completed within 4 hours, unless it’s a more complex corrective service.
Keratin bond hair extensions are a type of hair extension that is attached to your natural hair using a keratin-based adhesive.
Keratin is a naturally occurring protein found in your hair and nails, which makes it a gentle and compatible bonding material. Each extension is made up of small strands of hair — typically around 70 to 80 hairs — fused together at the top with a tiny keratin bond, about the size of a grain of rice.
During application, the keratin bond is softened using either ultrasonic technology or a low-heat tool, allowing the stylist to mould it securely around your natural hair. This method allows for highly customised placement, meaning the extensions move naturally with your hair.
Keratin bond hair extensions typically last between 4 to 6 months, depending on your natural hair growth, maintenance, and lifestyle.
As your hair grows, the bonds move further away from the scalp, which can make them slightly more difficult to manage over time. Around the 3-month mark, you may start to notice this growth, which is why most clients choose to have their extensions removed or replaced between 4 to 6 months.
That said, some clients may wear their keratin bonds for longer—particularly if their hair grows more slowly or they are comfortable managing the grow-out. In some cases, extensions can last up to 6 to 8 months, although this is not typically recommended for optimal maintenance and hair health.
Regular brushing, proper aftercare, and using recommended products all play a role in how long your extensions last and how well they maintain their appearance.
We generally recommend refreshing or removing keratin bonds within the 4 to 6 month timeframe to ensure the hair remains easy to manage and your natural hair stays in the best possible condition.
The number of keratin bonds needed for a full head can vary depending on your head size and the density of your natural hair.
A smaller head will generally require fewer bonds than a larger head. However, when it comes to hair density, it can be a little counterintuitive—clients with thicker hair often need more bonds than those with finer hair. This is because more extensions are required to blend seamlessly and conceal where the natural hair ends, creating a full and even result.
As a general guide, someone with fine hair and a smaller head may need around 60 to 80 bonds for a full head, while someone with thicker hair or a larger head may require anywhere from 120 to 160 bonds.
The exact number will always depend on your desired outcome—whether you’re looking for subtle volume or a full transformation in length and thickness.
Based on our experience, the best way to determine the right number of bonds is through a personalised consultation, where your hair can be assessed and a tailored recommendation can be made to achieve a natural, balanced result.
Keratin bond hair extensions are relatively low maintenance compared to other methods, as they do not require regular salon adjustments. However, they do require consistent daily care at home to keep both the extensions and your natural hair in good condition.
Because keratin bonds can significantly increase the amount of hair you have, your overall hair care routine will require more attention than usual. One of the most important parts of maintenance is daily brushing. Using a professional extension-safe brush helps to prevent tangling, reduce product build-up at the roots, and release naturally shed hairs that can become trapped in the bonds—helping to avoid matting near the scalp.
Using recommended, extension-safe products is also essential, as this supports the longevity of the bonds and keeps the hair in optimal condition. While keratin bonds themselves are not affected by air drying, many clients find that the hair dries naturally with a soft wave, meaning less frequent styling is needed.
Additional care— such as plaiting your hair before bed and keeping the ends hydrated with moisture masks— can help maintain the quality and appearance of your extensions over time. It’s also worth noting that the longer your extensions are, the more maintenance they will require, as longer hair is more prone to tangling and dryness.
Based on our experience, while keratin bond extensions do not require frequent in-clinic maintenance appointments, consistent daily care at home is essential to keep the hair looking its best and to maintain the health of your natural hair throughout the 4 to 6 month wear period.
Keratin bond hair extensions are single-use and cannot be reused once they have been removed.
This is because the keratin tip that bonds the extension to your natural hair is broken down during the removal process, making it unsuitable for reapplication. Unlike methods such as tape or weft extensions, keratin bonds are designed for one-time use to ensure the best performance and hair integrity.
However, there is a sustainable aspect to consider. Hair extensions that are longer than 40cm can often be collected after removal and repurposed. Through programs like Great Lengths’ partnership with the Little Princess Trust, this hair is donated and used to create wigs for children who have lost their hair due to medical conditions.
This means that while keratin bonds themselves are not reusable, the hair can still go on to have a meaningful second (or even third) life.
Based on our experience, many clients value this aspect of keratin bonds— not only for the natural result they achieve, but also for the opportunity to contribute to a program that supports children in need.
Yes, you can swim with keratin bond hair extensions, and they are suitable for active lifestyles, including regular swimming.
However, it’s important to be aware that salt water and chlorine can affect both your natural hair and your extensions. Over time, exposure may cause dryness, tangling, and can shorten the lifespan of your extensions if proper care isn’t taken.
To protect your hair, it’s recommended to rinse it with clean water before entering a pool or the ocean, as this helps reduce how much salt or chlorine the hair absorbs. After swimming, rinsing your hair again and gently brushing through it will help prevent tangling and maintain the condition of the extensions.
Using protective products can also make a big difference. Low pH treatments—such as anti-tap water sprays—help to close the hair cuticle, creating a barrier that reduces the impact of salt and chlorine while also helping to detangle the hair.
Clients who follow a simple swim care routine can enjoy keratin bond extensions without compromising the quality of their hair, even with an active, water-based lifestyle.
Yes, keratin bond hair extensions can be washed and styled much like your natural hair, as long as you follow the correct care routine.
You can shampoo, condition, blow dry, and heat style your extensions as usual. However, it’s important to use extension-safe products that are free from harsh ingredients, as these help protect both the bonds and the quality of the hair. When washing, gentle handling is key—avoid rough scrubbing at the root area and focus on keeping the bonds clean and tangle-free.
Styling tools such as straighteners and curling irons can be used, but it’s best to avoid applying direct heat to the keratin bonds themselves. The mid-lengths and ends can be styled freely, just as you would your own hair.
Brushing regularly and ensuring the hair is fully dry—especially near the bonds—will help maintain the longevity of the extensions and prevent tangling or matting.
Based on our experience, clients who follow a simple, consistent care routine can wash and style their keratin bond extensions with ease while keeping them looking natural and well-maintained throughout their lifespan.
Yes, you can wear your hair up with keratin bond hair extensions, including styles like high ponytails, buns, and braids.
Because keratin bonds are applied individually and are small in size, they allow for flexible, discreet placement throughout the hair. This creates natural movement and makes it easier to wear your hair both up and down without the extensions being visible.
The key to achieving seamless upstyles is proper placement during application. When the bonds are positioned correctly, they sit comfortably and remain hidden, even in higher hairstyles.
It’s also important to style the hair gently and avoid excessive tension, particularly around the hairline, to maintain the health of both the extensions and your natural hair.
Keratin bond extensions are one of the most versatile methods for styling, making them a popular choice for clients who want the freedom to wear their hair in a variety of ways.
Yes, keratin bond hair extensions are one of the best options for long-term wear, as they are designed to stay in the hair for several months at a time.
Keratin bonds are considered a semi-permanent method and typically last between 4 to 6 months per application when properly maintained. Their strand-by-strand application allows them to move naturally with your hair, making them comfortable and suitable for extended wear compared to more temporary methods like tape or clip-in extensions.
One of the main advantages of keratin bonds for long-term wear is that they require minimal professional maintenance once installed. They grow out gradually with your natural hair, allowing you to wear them continuously without needing frequent adjustments.
However, it's important not to exceed the recommended wear time. As your hair grows, the bonds move further away from the scalp, which can lead to tangling or added tension if left in too long. Most professionals recommend removal or replacement within the 4 to 6 month window to maintain hair health.
Daily care such as brushing, using suitable products, and following aftercare advice so plays a key role in ensuring they remain safe and comfortable for long-term use.
Keratin bond extensions are ideal for clients looking for a low-maintenance, long-lasting solution, provided they are applied correctly and worn within the recommended timeframe to protect the natural hair.
Keratin bond extensions are an excellent option for fine hair, as the bond gently cocoons your natural hair without placing undue pressure on the strand. For clients with particularly thin or delicate hair, we offer mini bonds—approximately half the size of a standard bond—for an even more lightweight, discreet, and seamless attachment.
Keratin bonds are small and discreet, and once applied correctly, they sit comfortably and naturally within the hair. You may notice them slightly within the first 24 hours, but they quickly settle and become unnoticeable. There should be no discomfort with the bonds in place, and you should still be able to brush your hair thoroughly, getting the bristles right down to the scalp.
Keratin bond hair extensions should not be visible when applied correctly by a professional extensionist. The bonds are carefully placed away from the hairline and positioned to follow natural hair patterns, including cowlicks, to ensure a seamless and discreet blend with your natural hair.
As keratin bond extensions grow out with your natural hair, the bonds will move further down the hair shaft and may require more mindful styling to keep them concealed. However, with proper placement and maintenance, keratin extensions remain natural-looking, allowing you to wear your hair in a variety of styles with confidence.
Keratin bond hair extensions are applied using a professional Great Lengths application system, either thermal or ultrasonic. The thermal method uses a specialised tong to gently heat and soften the keratin bond, while the ultrasonic method uses advanced ultrasonic waves to activate the keratin without direct heat.
Each keratin tip is carefully wrapped around a small section of your natural hair and then cooled to form a secure, durable bond. The extensions are applied methodically in rows, starting from the nape of the neck and working upwards towards the crown, ensuring even distribution and a natural blend.
The result is seamless keratin bond extensions that add both volume and length, creating a discreet, natural-looking hair transformation.
Keratin bond hair extensions should always be professionally removed by a qualified hairdresser to protect the integrity of your natural hair. During the removal process, a specialised keratin bond remover gel is applied to break down and dissolve the keratin bond safely.
Once the bond is softened, the extension tip gently slides out of the natural hair without causing damage. When keratin bond extensions have been properly maintained, the removal process is simple, pain-free, and non-damaging.
If desired, a new set of keratin bond extensions can be reapplied on the same day, making it easy to maintain continuous length and volume.
Keratin bond hair extensions should not fall out easily when applied correctly by a trained professional. With proper application and the use of Great Lengths approved products, keratin bonds are designed to remain secure in the natural hair for several months.
Keratin bond extensions are individually attached to small sections of hair, creating a strong, durable hold that withstands daily styling and washing. Following the recommended aftercare routine and using professional products helps ensure the bonds stay intact, maintaining long-lasting, secure hair extensions.
Keratin bond hair extensions do not damage your natural hair when they are applied, maintained, and removed correctly by a trained professional.
Each bond is attached using a keratin-based adhesive that is designed to be gentle on the hair. When installed properly, the extensions move naturally with your hair and do not place excessive tension on the scalp or strands.
Every one of our stylists completes an intensive two-day certification focused on correct keratin bond application. This includes understanding weight distribution, correct sectioning and placement, and how to properly care for the hair once installed.
With over 35 years of experience, we prioritise the long-term health of our clients’ hair, which is why correct application and aftercare are at the core of everything we do.
Keratin bond hair extensions are safe when they are applied correctly by a trained professional and maintained properly at home.
A skilled extension specialist will ensure that each bond is applied with the correct weight distribution and placement, so there is no unnecessary stress on the scalp or natural hair.
With the right application and home care, keratin bond extensions will grow out gently alongside your natural hair, allowing you to maintain healthy hair while enjoying added length and volume.
Hair extensions do not cause hair loss when they are applied correctly and maintained properly. However, incorrect application or poor aftercare can lead to issues such as traction alopecia.
It’s also important to understand that some shedding is completely normal. Our hair naturally sheds daily, and when wearing keratin bond extensions, these shed hairs can remain attached to the bond until removal.
A simple way to identify the difference is by looking at the root of the shed hair. If there is a small white bulb at the end, this typically means the hair has naturally completed its growth cycle.
All of our stylists are qualified hairdressers who undergo specialised training in keratin bond application, ensuring correct weight distribution, sectioning, and placement to protect the health of your natural hair.
Keratin bond hair extensions can be coloured in some cases, but it depends on the type of colour being used. High-quality extensions can generally be toned or adjusted using direct dyes (semi-permanent colour), which are less invasive.
However, oxidative colour — which includes permanent dyes, peroxide, or bleach — is not recommended, as it can damage the extensions and compromise their quality.
With over 80 shades available, keratin bond extensions can be customised to blend seamlessly without the need for additional colouring. We always recommend selecting the right shade during your consultation.
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