Great Lengths Hair Extensions

A certified, award-winning Great Lengths salon in south-west London

Hector's is a certified Great Lengths salon. At the Great Lengths UK Awards we won Creative Innovation Great Lengths Stylist 2018/19, we created the winning hair look for the Great Lengths Consumer Awards 2013, and we were Colour and Bridal Great Lengths extensions finalists in 2017.

Great Lengths extensions are fitted by salons the brand trains and certifies, and the brand says they should only ever be removed by a certified stylist. When you book Great Lengths at Hector's, you are booking the brand's own system, fitted and maintained by a team the brand has recognised for its work.

We are at 73 Lower Richmond Road, Mortlake SW14, close to Richmond, Barnes, East Sheen, Putney, Kew and Chiswick.

How Great Lengths bonds work

Great Lengths pre-bonded extensions are individual strands of hair tipped with the brand's own GL Keratin bond. Each bond is attached to a small section of your hair, either with a heated applicator or with the brand's cold ultrasonic applicator, and forms a small, flat, flexible join.

Great Lengths describes its bond material as a copolymer that swells slightly with water and tightens again as it dries, which helps the bonds stay secure through washing. Because each strand is individual, the extensions move with your own hair and can be worn up.

The Great Lengths range

Pre-Bonded is the classic Great Lengths strand. The brand gives a wear time of three to five months before removal or refit.

Pre-Bonded Mini uses smaller bonds with less hair per strand, and Great Lengths positions it for fine hair. The finer bonds mean a shorter wear time of around two to three months.

GL Tapes are flat tape wefts that are quick to fit and sit flat against the head, with a refit every four to eight weeks. Great Lengths says each tape can be reused up to three times.

GL Tapes+ is a tape designed for thinning around the temples and parting, where coverage is hardest to get right.

At consultation we recommend the option that suits your hair, your lifestyle and how often you want to come in, not the most expensive one.

Is Great Lengths right for your hair?

Your own hair needs enough length to hold the bond. Great Lengths gives a minimum of around 5cm, with 8cm or more ideal. If you are below that, we will tell you honestly to wait.

Fine hair can wear Great Lengths, usually with Mini bonds or tapes that spread the weight. Colour-treated hair can too. We colour-match in the salon and plan any colour change before the extensions go in, never after.

If you want volume rather than length, a smaller number of well-placed strands often looks more natural than a full head.

Where the hair comes from

Great Lengths uses 100% Remy human hair, meaning the cuticles stay aligned from root to tip, which is what stops extensions tangling. The brand describes it as double drawn and traceably, ethically sourced from India, then processed in Italy. Great Lengths is also a certified B Corporation.

Removal and aftercare

Great Lengths bonds are removed with the brand's own removal products, and the brand is clear that removal should be done by a certified stylist. DIY removal is the most common cause of extension damage, so please leave it to us.

At home, brush from the ends upwards with a soft-bristle brush, keep conditioner away from the bonds, dry the bond area fully and sleep with your hair loosely plaited or tied. We show you on your own hair before you leave.

How Great Lengths is priced

The price of Great Lengths depends on the method, the number of strands or tapes, the length of hair and whether you want length, volume or colour effects. We quote after a consultation, once we have seen your hair and agreed what you want, so the price you hear is the price you pay.

Ask about maintenance and refit costs at the same time. They are part of the real cost of any extension.

Great Lengths near Richmond, Barnes, Putney and Chiswick

Clients come to us for Great Lengths from Richmond, East Sheen, Barnes, Putney, Kew, Chiswick and Fulham. We are a short walk from Mortlake station, on the 419 bus route, and there is parking nearby.

More awards

We were National Braid/Extensions Stylist of the Year three years running, in 2011, 2012 and 2013, which earned us a place in the Hall of Fame, and Bridal Hair Stylist of the Year in 2013, 2014 and 2015. We are repeat winners of National Colourist of the Year, National Weave and Extensions Stylist of the Year and Regional Stylist of the Year, and were national finalists 30 times between 2003 and 2016.

We hold 5 stars in the Good Salon Guide, are members of the Good Barbers Guide, and received 5 stars in the Phorest customer service awards 2016. The full list, with press coverage, is on our awards page.

Great Lengths questions

How long do Great Lengths extensions last? Pre-Bonded lasts around three to five months and Mini around two to three. Tapes are refitted every four to eight weeks.

Are Great Lengths extensions damaging? When they are fitted to hair that can hold them, maintained on schedule and removed by a certified stylist, they are one of the gentler bond methods. Damage comes from overdue refits and DIY removal.

Can I colour my Great Lengths extensions? Talk to us first. We plan colour around the extensions rather than colouring them at home.

Is Hector's a certified Great Lengths salon? Yes.

How long does fitting take? It depends on the method and the number of strands, and a full head of pre-bonded is a long appointment. We give you a time at consultation.