QuoteReplyTopic: GL Cold Fusion Posted: December 18 2007 at 3:07pm
I know, we're gonna beat this topic to death this week!
So I'm not crazy about the hairlocs & I've been researching other methods this week. I was a bit put off by the salon that described a weave under a "fusion" heading--that kind of scared me.
I've steered away from GL b/c I don't want any kind of heat touching my hair. But I've heard their hair was beautiful & in my research I got very interested in the cold fusion method. I found one person in NJ who does it:
I spent about an hour today on the phone w/this guy. It's ridiculously expensive but if it's half as good as he says it is I think it might be worth it (he called it the Lambroghini of hair extensions LOL). Also they offer a yearly maintenance plan--yep, something like insurance--where you pay $X up front & you can go in any time you want, every month if need be, even just for a "checkup," & they'll replace hair for free as well. I really like that idea b/c I find myself struggling every couple of months to afford the maintenance. If I paid a big chunk of money up front but didn't have to worry about it for a year it'd make my life a lot easier.
So, educated ladies, what are your thoughts? I've learned not to do anything w/my extensions until I get your input!
On another note, how many posts do I need to lose the Newbie status? I feel like JD on Scrubs.
well, paying up front for services you might get in the future is very risky to say the least, why dont u just put some money in a sperate account and pull from that for when ever you need it, this way you are in charge of the money and hey it could also earn some interest in the mean time, why give the stylist money up front, for work you will be needing all year long? pay as you go- its eaiser, and it will insure you get the same good quality each time.
just my two cents worth. As a stylist myself i would never ask for a years worth of maintenance money up front.
Bringing beauty, one head at a time...
malibu
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Yeah, I agree with Tangles. That just doesn't make sense.
If you're concerned about the heat, have you thought about a braided track(s) aka weave or sew in? That's the method I've been using since Feb. I'm very happy with it. As long as you find someone who doesn't braid too tight you'll be fine. oh and it's a whole lot cheaper than whatever that guy quoted you.
I've done a lot of hair extensions on many people with fragile hair, and I don't believe that a method that uses heat has caused any damage, at least on my clients. The methods that I use that use heat are the shrink links and So Cap.
For non heat methods, I use a weave like Malibu said or the silicone lined micro rings.
Doesn't a weave take a really long time? I definitely have time constraints. Also I'm really attracted to the GL hair quality. I've had a really tough time finding decent curls. I'm on my 3rd set of hair in 6 months & while it's the best quality so far, it still feels kind of overprocessed.
To me the up-front money is the same thing as the service contract I have for my heating system. They're committed to servicing my system twice a year & to fixing anything that goes wrong. I can't imagine this would be any different. Also it's a bit cheaper--I'd save about $500 a year. Tangles, I can't put it in a savings account b/c I'd end up spending it on jewelry or shoes. I have absolutely no self control.
Just out of curiosity (I hope this doesn't come off as snide b/c it's not meant to be--just looking for info), has anyone actually had cold fusion done or done it on someone else? If yes, have you also had/worked with other methods? I'd really like to hear a comparison & pros/cons for the cold fusion. Other than the cost, are there any cons? I'm not gonna say money is no object, but when it comes to my hair it's my 2nd priority (right after my mortgage payment ).
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Hey TooSense How long is your hair? Is your hair thick? I ask because if time is an issue than individuals will take the longest, IMO.
I totally hear you about finding hair with a curl. It's not easy and takes a lot of trial and error. How curly is your hair? Do you have a picture? Have you seen hair that will match your own? Did a stylist already show you hair that will work? (Sorry for all the questions)
As for cold fusion, no I haven't tried it. I have had GL for highlights. I don't know....I'm not sure if they're any better than other fusion systems and I've heard the hair isn't the quality it was when they started. I know Mark Barrington uses great hair that will last and his system is set up so you can at least reuse the hair. GL has the stylist tossing the hair after one install.
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Hi malibu--don't be sorry, I'm need all the help I can get! My natural hair is about shoulder length. It's very fine but also very thick. Here's my picture trail:
The throw out after one use? Hmmmm.......another reason to get that maintenance contract since the hair is replaced for free.
I'm really leaning toward this b/c I plan on having one more install before I take them out permanently. This has gotten very time consuming & costly. I'm tired of messing w/new hair, new extensionists & new methods every couple of months. Even though this is more expensive, the annual cost will still be less than what I've spent on hairlocs over the last 6 months.
That's if it works out. I could be back at square one after I slam my bank account yet again. But based on the reviews I'm finding online, it seems like the answer to all my prayers.
I guess my question to everyone should be: if cost wasn't a factor, would this be your first choice? If not, what would?
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Oh yeah! I remember you Did this guy show you the hair that he would use for your hair type? I have fine hair too and it's curly/wavy. I still think any weft method, sew in or tape is the best way to get coverage but if you're confident with this place and it's your last install then go for it. I just can't imagine that he would have a texture that matches yours. Usually those systems like GL are best suited for straight hair. With our type of hair there isn't a "one size fits all". It's really a challenge to find the proper match. Since Feb. I've been buying hair that hasn't matched but the best hair I've found is fine Indian hair. I thought Indian hair had a coarse texture but it varies greatly. Indian hair seems to come in several textures from straight to very curly. The Indian hair I've been wearing for the past several months has been a pleasure and no tangles!! This is the first time I've had hair that isn't tangling.
Malibu--I have a consult w/him on Friday night so I haven't seen the hair yet. There are pics on the website though, & he has some beautiful curly hair there, almost a perfect match for my natural curl. Whether or not it's the hair he'll actually use, & whether or not the pic accurately shows it, only time will tell.
I checked Indian hair. I couldn't find any in the right color. It's all so dark--my hair is a chestnut to light brown & all I could find was dark brown & black.
Ikki, apparently the breakdown of the bonds is different w/the ultrasonic method. From what I've been reading, the ultrasonic waves are much less damaging to the hair than heat or silicone links. So far I've found nothing but wonderful reviews. I've also found reviews of the facility, which is not a salon. They only use GL, they primarily do cold fusion, & their clientele is mostly women who've experienced hair loss for medical reasons. Very interesting stuff. Every single review was 4 stars.
Still I'm nervous about spending all this money. What if it doesn't work out & I end up spending even more on a different method or different hair? AAARRRGH this is practically giving me an ulcer!
I'm taking out my hairlocs myself this w/e, I might even end up not getting extensions again. I'm kind of looking forward to getting rid of all that heaviness, & the links are kind of uncomfortable, so I'm also looking forward to a couple of days without them too. And boy I can't wait to give my scalp a good scrubbing!
TOosense,
Do you have extensions on in the pics of yourself with the black jacket? I also have curly hair that is fine and had difficulty finding a curl pattern that matched my hair. That said, I also have found Indian hair to be the best match for my hair. I have used hairlocs and hated the method. I used GL too and loved the hair. My stylist ordered the hair and then permed it and it worked for me. I now wear my hair more wavy and just use the regular hair that they have.
MALIBU.....I wanted to see if you could PM me your person's info for the whoever does your weaves. i am looking into trying a sew-in next time for a change.
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Hi Sofia--yes, those are extensions. You know it's funny, that hair just totally died on me this week. It was fine one day, & I woke up the next (I think Tuesday?) it was a mass of knots & feels like straw. I'm taking them out on Saturday, I can't wait to get them off. They look & feel like crap. I don't know what my own hair will look like--if it's not still hideous from that curl reducer (I've heard rumors that curl reducers can wear off but I'm skeptical) I might just go natural again & spend my money on home improvements.
So the GL hair is still good? How long does it last for you?
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