Great Lengths South Africa - The hair used in our extensions

Our Hair

Depigmentation

The hair arrives at the Great Lengths factory in its virgin state. There it undergoes a delicate process of de-pigmentation with an exclusive and secret osmosis procedure lasting 15-20 days.

Great Lengths Colour Vat

Great Lengths de-pigmentation

Colour molecules are actually removed, rather than destroyed and left in the hair as in traditional bleaching methods. Our system of de-pigmentation results in the removal of the black pigment without damaging or altering the hair structure.

Great Lengths Colour Lift

Standard de-pigmentation

The colour pigments are broken down but they continue taking up space inside the hair. This will prevent good colour fastness after subsequent re-dying of the hair. The bleaching agent also damages the hair leaving it opaque and fragile.

Hair Extensions Standard Lift

Great Lengths pigmentation

The hair is subjected to a special process of pigmentation to obtain all colours on our colour ring. Based on sophisticated formulas similar to those used in processing cashmere, the new pigment molecule has a clean empty space to occupy. This ensures that the molecules sit firmly in place and thus the colour will not fade out.
The Great Lengths depigmentation technology and colouration process provide unbeatable quality hair.

Colour Deposit

Traditional Dyeing

The traditional dye molecule cannot penetrate the space occupied by the fragments of the old pigment, remaining only partially under the surface. This means that after several washes the colour will fade as is the case generally with normal dyed hair.

Traditional Colouring

A brief explanation about the different types and qualities of hair used for hair extensions today:

European Hair
Chinese Hair
Brushed Indian Hair
Indian Temple Hair

European hair: Unsuitable for hair extensions.

European hair is very fine and can be found on the market only in very small quantities. Few European women would be willing to give up their hair to hair companies and, if they did, it would be necessary for their hair to never have been chemically treated. Very unlikely...!

Chinese hair: Unsuitable for hair extensions.

Even though Chinese hair can be found in large quantities, this type of hair cannot be used because it has a round cross-section as opposed to the oval shape of Caucasian hair, making it too thick and rigid to be compatible with European hair. Chinese hair is acceptable for the preparation of wigs and toupes, since these are dry cleaned only, allowing the silicone layer to stay and the hair to remain shiny

Brushed Indian hair: Unsuitable for hair extensions.

Hundreds of thousands of Indian women gather the hair that is collected in their brushes, hair of different lengths, thicknesses and color. This method of collection results in balls of yarn where the hair lies unorganised in all directions.

Because of the different directions the hair is lying in, and in order to be able to use it, it is necessary to submit it to an aggressive acid treatment to strip it of its cuticle layer and prevent it from tangling. Washes: In order to thin the brushed Indian hair and give it a softer texture, this mixed hair must undergo a harsh chemical treatment that destroys the hair cuticle layer, leaving it opaque and fragile. The hair is covered with a silicon layer which gives it a healthy look. But this protection has a short life.

In the beginning the hair seems shiny and beautiful, but after a few washes the silicone layer starts to wash away and the hair becomes dull and brittle again, thus resulting in serious matting and discomfort. This kind of hair is acceptable for the preparation of wigs and toupes, since these are dry cleaned only, allowing the silicone layer to stay and the hair to remain shiny.

Indian Temple hair:

Great Lengths utilizes 100% human hair of the best quality. This is Indian silky hair and in virgin condition. Genetically, Indian hair is very similar to Caucasian hair in its basic structure. It is of extraordinary quality since it has never been exposed to harsh chemical treatments. Indian hair is optimal for the manufacturing of hair extensions

Great Lengths utilizes only remy hair which means that the cuticle layers are all facing the same direction from root to end and, therefore, do not tangle. This also ensures that the extensions behave exactly like your own hair, blending in superbly with yours and looking wonderfully natural!