GL for Volume

Hi, I'm sorry to hear you don't like your GLs and that you're having a difficult time with thinning. Without actually seeing your hair, I'm not sure exactly what the problem is, but I have a few thoughts on the matter. I have gotten many kinds of extensions to add thickness, not length, myself, with mixed results.

Generally, I wouldn't recommend GLs or any other heated/fusion method for thinning hair; it's just too damaging. Also, if the thinning is on the top, any kind of extensions are going to be tricky because the further up on the head they're placed, the more visible they are.

As far as I know, the best method for those who have actual hair loss caused by chemo is known as "hair integration" (there are several different companies that do this, and it may also be known by other names). Be warned, though, that this is very expensive (like $3000, plus a lot of maintenance--like every two weeks). It's a sort of thin, webbed, almost fishnet-like cap that is woven into your roots against your scalp, with hair coming out of the webbing--almost like an invisible wig is being built on your head. A friend of mine had this and said it looked incredible, but again, the price is outrageous, so this is only a good solution if you have the money. I believe there are hair boards that discuss this method; I just don't know where.

Less-expensive solutions would include microbraids (which won't necessarily look better than the GLs, but would be much less damaging); you'd need an expert to do this, unless you're really good with DIY hair stuff. Or, you could buy the microlinks and Remy hair on Doc Locks site and do them yourself or with a friend (you don't need any expertise to figure it out). Microlinks slip a lot compared with fusion, but if you have all the supplies yourself, you can switch them out as needed and save a lot of money.

I know most of us don't want to wear wigs, which is why we dump all of this money into extensions, but it may be a good option to look into, especiallly if your thinning is on the top. The International Wig site has a good selection. I personally haven't had all that much luck with full-head wigs, but 3/4 falls and clip-on and drawstring ponytails can look great.

I wouldn't be too concerned about the cut, though. If you're unhappy with that, you should just demand to have it re-cut the way you want it, and given the amount of $ you've paid for this, the stylist should definitely have no probelm re-cutting. And it may look much better after washing--mine usually looks as good when I leave the salon as when I style it myself.

As far as removal, the GLs are probably going to be very hard to remove right now because they've just been put in. The removal, which basically involves acetone and needle-nose pliers, can be quite painful and result in a lot of hair loss. What I would do is wait two months (when the bonds have weakened a bit but the roots aren't too matted yet) and soak your roots in olive or baby oil for a night and have a friend carefully remove them. Just crack the shell with some needle-nose pliers and let the hair slip out (someone else on these boards gave more specific instructions on this). I haven't done this myself, but I've heard it works well; my experinecs at the salon with acetone were downright awful.

Good luck with your GLs. I hope they work out for you, but if not, look into other methods--GLs definitely aren't for everyone.

GLs is VERY DAMAGING to hair that's thin, weak, damaged, color-treated, fine, or if you're trying to grow your hair out. The original poster has loss from chemotherapy, for god's sake--would you really recommend GLs?!

It's great if GLs works for you, but it's just irresponsible to recommend it to anyone whose hair is thin, weak, damaged, color-treated, fine, or is trying to grow their hair out.

It's common sense: Something's being bonded to your real hair with heat. Do you really think that's not going to damage your real hair?

Sleepytime, Jenny wasn't referring to you. She was responding to Hellokitty which was the post directly above hers. :)

Ladies, thanks for the clarification. I'm new at these boards. Sorry for accusing you Jenny.

Just to let you know, I'm really loving my GL. The hair has this very cool wave to it. However, I still have a few questions.

1) Does the anti-tap go only on the bonds or all over my head. Because it's hard to get to the underneath bonds. So I just spray it all over my hair. What does the anti-tap do exactly?
2) Why can't I wash my hair with my head upside down. Sometimes when I'm in a hurry, I just soak my head under the tub faucet. What will happen if I wash my hair under the sink? Remember, it is only shoulder length - there's not much length added with GL.
3) My hair still looks stringy and somewhat greasy to me. My normal hair is neither of the above. Did anyone else have experience with that?

Well, thanks for letting me ask my questions. I did do a search but couldn't get enough info.

oh i forgot to get the back of your head with the anti tap lift your hair kinda part it in the middle and then spray the back...smiles

hi ladies..
I have GLS and I to love them. I was told to use anti tap but I didnt like the way it made my hair feel so I stopped. Even without the anti-tap I never had a problem with mine, Hey sleepy, when i first had them put in I HATED THEM until I got use to it I couldnt do my own hair for like 2 weeks but it will all blend and soon you wont know they are there, its like they really do become a part of you, just remember if your hair is fine I wouldnt go any longer then 2 months before changing them becaure as your hair grows and the bond is moved down, you dont want a gap there , your fingers get caught and so will your brush which will pull from the root and will leave you with thinner hair, AS LONG AS YOU KEEP UP WITH THEM YOU WILL HAVE NO DAMAGE. dont listen if your stylist is telling you to keep them in longer. mine stay in 3 months but for your case i would say 2 also you should really use nioxin products they work great for thinning hair and they dont bother the extensions. well hope this helps.

Did your stylist say it was OK to use the Nioxin Scalp Therapy? It might cause some slippage. GLs bonds are generally very secure (unlike hairlocs, Eurolocs, or microrings, which slip like crazy), but personally, I'd try to keep the conditioner away from the roots.

The best product I've found for adding volume is Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray (it's about $20 a bottle, which is more than I usually spend on hair products, but it's the only product I'm willing to spend that much on).

I spray it on the roots of the top of my hair, near the part and in the crown, and then I blow-dry, pulling the hair upward (usually, I use a round brush, but either way works). Be careful near the extension bonds, though. It wouldn't cause slippage, but it could cause some matting; generally, I think it's best to keep the bonds as product-free as possible.

I don't think you're using too many products necessaily. I was actually told not to use Nioxin shampoo while I had GLs, but I don't remember why; if your stylist says it's OK, I'm sure it is.

If you're trying to enhance the curl, you might want to replace the gel with a curl-enhancer. I usually wear my hair straight, but I've heard good things about the curl-enhancing products by John Frieda, Texture, and Tigi. I also really recommend silicone shine spray (any brand will do), which keeps my extensions frizz-free, shiny, and managable.

Again, I'm glad you're liking your GLs, and good luck!