‘I had a Kate Middleton-inspired ‘hair-over’ and almost cried over the results’

26 October 2023 , 09:31

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'I couldn't be more ready for the party season now with these locks!'

I’ve always had fine hair like a baby, and it wasn’t really something that ever bothered me - until later in life. Looking at TV shows like Love Island and The Kardashians, magazines and photoshoots, even girls on the tube - I’d become obsessed with having thicker and longer hair.

Now I’ve tried everything for ‘Princess’ hair, a laKate Middleton - from supplements, vitamins, shampoos, hair oils and the rest. But when it comes to actually getting results, it can be a process that takes time - which then led me into looking at getting something more permanent - like extensions, as suggested by Elle Clancy, Extensions Specialist at SALON64.

Because my hair is so fine, and having tried tape extensions before, I didn’t want to put any additional stress, pressure or create damage to my own hair - so I looked into getting a weave.

'This was my hair before - not awful, just a little limp and lifeless'

A brand of weaves that are new to the scene are by Belle Époque, and have been called the ‘ultimate choice’ when it comes to natural-looking, comfortable and durable hair extensions - thanks to their versatility, low maintenance and endless customisation options for customers (with it being real hair).

Microwefts are the newest innovation in hair extensions - so what makes them so different? Well they are, and feel, as thin as handtied wefts, but are actually bonded with no return hair - creating a seamless finish - making them incredibly lightweight and comfortable to wear.

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SALON64 in London’s Soho is London’s first ‘super salon’, who have a team of skilled BE-HIDDEN Belle Époque weave stylists, and Elle, who has been a London based Session Stylist for years (and total pro) was the woman for the task. She checked the ‘tightness’ throughout to make sure it felt comfortable at all times. She sewed over the extensions twice, to give extra support and strength, whilst making sure there was no additional pressure to my own hair.

'How good is the colour match? I couldn't believe it!'

As for biggest fear? How was it going to feel I guess? Running my hands through my hair, sleeping, generally wearing it up for the gym - and so on. Even showering and just styling? Well Elle assured me throughout the process that everything would be fine, and even added that ‘styling would be low maintenance as the hair can be plaited for effortless waves’ amongst other looks.

Taking inspiration from Emma Mackey, who stars in the high TV show Sex Education, and the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, who’s recently had a ‘quiet luxury’ hair glow-up of her own - the weave was fitted with ease and I was really to embrace my new alter-ego.

'One word - WOW'

Firstly the colour match was exactly the same - with Belle Époque offering so many colours to choose from, part of me was tempted to jump on the ‘Cowboy Copper’ trend, but one hair transformation at a time, right? The original hair length ordered was around 22 inches, but this was trimmed and styled to make sure it still looked like my hair and undetectable.

All in all the process took around three and a half hours - which isn’t really time at all - especially when you think about the time it would take to grow that length! Best of all? No one has really noticed the difference - which you could say is a slight insult as it’s now so full, long and luxurious - but actually the colour match is that good, you’d think that I’d always had a gorgeous head of hair.

'I honestly can't believe I now have this hair!'

As for sleeping on it? Well it took some getting used to, but I slept like a baby - waking up was a little different though, as I forgot I had more hair than usual! When it came to styling, it just brushed and styled it like normal. Sure, it takes longer than usual, but it’s totally worth it. Overall I can’t get over how confident I now feel with my hair of dreams - and with long hair dominating various Fashion Week’s, this is one trend that won’t be disappearing for a while.

For those looking for a quick fix this weekend and don’t have the time (or money) for a weave? Fear not as Sarah has found some equally lust-worthy ways to transform your hair at home in a flash.

With a variety of lengths, hair colours and even styles, Beauty Works has you covered for the party season - and ready to help you change up your look as and when. And hey, if it’s good enough for Molly-Mae Hague, then it’s good enough for us too.

Beauty Bay and LookFantastic also have a plethora of gorgeous clip-in styles that will help you have your very own hair-over in a flash! There are also some incredible brands to choose from too - like Lullabellz, Easilocks and plsLONDON.

Sarah Bradbury