FAQ

Remy hair (also spelled Remi hair) refers to the highest quality human hair extensions. With Remy extensions, all hairs are aligned in the natural direction of growth—the cuticle layer of each hair points downwards from the root to the tip. This means that the extension hair behaves like your own hair and prevents tangling or knotting when combing. In addition, the protective cuticle layer of the hair remains intact. LONGTIME HAIR uses only Remy real hair for all extensions, which ensures a silky soft texture, a natural fall, and longer durability of the hair.

To achieve a natural look with extensions, you should keep the following points in mind:

• Choose a color that matches your own hair: Always choose the extension color based on the length and ends of your own hair (not primarily on the roots). Where your own hair ends meet the extensions, the transition must be invisible. Take all the nuances of your hair into account and, if necessary, mix several shades in the right proportions to ensure that the result looks completely authentic. (Tip: Ideally, have your desired hair color created on your own hair in advance at the hairdresser's and then determine the appropriate extension shade. This will help you avoid color discrepancies.)
• UniColor extensions: Our UniColor strands are a rich color throughout – from root to tip. For a natural look, it's best to choose a UniColor shade that matches your own hair color. This creates an even extension that looks like your own hair (either in a solid color or with minimal natural shades for more depth).
• Highlights Extensions: If you want to achieve a strand effect without having to constantly re-dye your hair, highlights extensions are ideal. These strands have two-tone gradients (BiColor) and can be used discreetly to visually lighten regrown darker roots, for example. Fine, light extension strands between your own hair create lasting highlights and charmingly conceal regrowth – for a sun-kissed, fresh look that still remains natural.
• Balayage extensions: Our balayage extensions ensure flowing color gradients and soft transitions. The roots of the strands are darker and the lengths fade into related lighter tones – similar to real balayage coloring. This means that the extensions remain invisible even when the hair is in motion, as darker roots and lighter tips correspond to the natural look of real hair (roots richer in pigment, tips lighter). Balayage extensions make it possible to create a barely noticeable transition, even when there is a significant difference in length between your own hair and the extensions.
• Invisible tapes: Our invisible tape extensions simulate natural hair growth at the roots. Thanks to a special process, the adhesive areas of these tapes are covered with hair and are practically invisible. For a natural look, choose invisible tapes in a shade that matches your roots – this makes it look as if the hair is growing directly from your scalp. Invisible tapes are perfect for adding extra volume to the top of your head, for example, without anyone noticing the attachment points.

If you want to create a striking style with extensions or add color accents to your hair, these options are available:

• Bright colors & fashion shades: Use extensions in striking colors to make a statement. For example, you can integrate individual strands of red into blonde hair to achieve a playful effect. Such colored highlights give your look that certain something and are guaranteed to attract attention.
• UniColor extensions as accent strands: Even single-color extensions (UniColor) can be used as deliberate splashes of color. Choose a bold shade that contrasts sharply with your own hair (e.g., platinum blonde in black hair or deep black in platinum blonde hair). Place a few of these color-intensive strands in specific places, such as in the underlayer or at the sides. This way, they will stand out especially in the lengths and ends and create a dominant color contrast without having to dye your entire hair.
• Highlight extensions with contrast: Our highlight strands (with a two-tone gradient) can also be chosen to create contrast. For example, light blonde highlights can be added to brown hair or, conversely, darker strands can be added to blonde hair to create new effects. Such highlights are particularly effective in the top layer of hair, giving it more dimension. You can creatively combine different highlight shades to create a lively play of light and shadow in your hairstyle.
• Balayage extensions in trendy shades: Balayage strands can be used not only naturally, but also extravagantly. By choosing trendy colors for your balayage extensions, you can create colorful gradients: for example, gray or silver balayage extensions in dark brown hair create a mystical look (dark roots, silvery tips). In blonde hair, pastel-colored balayage extensions (such as peach, lavender, or turquoise) can add exciting accents. Despite the bold colors, the transitions remain fluid, giving the style a daring yet stylish look.

The amount of extensions needed for hair extensions (extensions over the entire head) depends on your own hair texture and the method you choose. As a general rule, the finer and thinner your own hair is, the fewer extension strands are needed to extend the existing amount of hair. For thicker or very full hair, more strands are needed to ensure that the transitions are not visible and that the fullness in the lengths and ends is right. Here are some guidelines:

• Tape extensions: For fine hair, approx. 15–25 pairs of tape (so-called sandwiches) are sufficient to achieve a beautiful extension. If you have normal to thick hair, around 25–40 sandwiches may be necessary to achieve sufficient fullness and coverage in the lengths.
• Bonding extensions: For fine hair, around 75–125 bonds (keratin strands) are recommended. For normal hair density, around 150–200 bonds are usual. Very thick or extremely full hair may even require 250 or more bonds to ensure that the lengths and ends look sufficiently dense. (Tip: For very fine hair, bonding strands can also be placed more narrowly or carefully divided if desired.
• Weft extensions: For fine to normal thickness hair, 1 weft (a sewn-in strip of hair, approx. 100 grams of hair) is often sufficient for an extension. For thick or very full natural hair, 2 wefts (a total of ~200g of hair) achieve a harmonious, full result. The wefts are attached to the back of the head in several layers.
• Invisible wefts: These special hand-knotted wefts are particularly thin and lie flat against the head. For fine to normal hair, 1–2 invisible wefts are usually sufficient to add both length and volume – and they are almost invisible, as the seam at the base is very inconspicuous. Invisible wefts are ideal if you want a weft that does not look bulky, even in fine hair.
• Clip-in extensions: For a complete extension with clip-ins (temporary extensions that are clipped into the hair), fine hair usually requires 1 set (approx. 130g of hair, distributed over several clip-in wefts). For very thick hair, up to 2 sets may be necessary to match the volume of your own hair and ensure a natural transition.

(Note: In our Limited Edition category, you will also find special, limited-edition extension bundles in unusual lengths and hair quantities—ideal if you are looking for extra voluminous or extra long hair extensions that are not widely available.)

Hair thickening does not lengthen your own hair, but simply makes it appear fuller. This usually requires fewer extensions than a complete lengthening, as it is mostly just the ends and thin areas that are filled in. The exact number depends on your hair structure and the method used:

• Tape extensions: Often, a row of tape extensions at the back of the head is enough to thicken fine hair. This corresponds to about 10–12 pairs of tape extensions (sandwiches). For more fullness, a second row can be added—a total of about 20–25 sandwiches, depending on the shape of your head and your needs.
• Bonding extensions: For thickening, bondings are usually applied in several rows (in the lower part of the head from ear to ear). For fine to normal thickness hair, approx. 25–50 bonds in one row are sufficient. For extra volume with two rows, you can expect to need around 50–75 bonds. The extension strands are then trimmed to the length of your own hair so that they blend seamlessly with your ends.
• Weft extensions: A narrow weft (approx. 1 meter wide strip of hair) may be sufficient to thicken your own hair length. In most cases, a maximum of 1 weft is required, which is attached in several rows at the back of the head. This adds even volume to your own hair across the entire back of the head without exceeding the length of your own hair.
• Invisible wefts: An invisible weft is also suitable for fine hair. A single, almost invisibly attached weft can give the hair significantly more density without the weft being visible. An invisible weft may also be sufficient for normal hair; if more volume is desired, two wefts can be placed on top of each other.
• Clip-in extensions: Clip-ins are ideal for temporary thickening (e.g., for an evening or special occasions). One set of clip-ins containing several wefts of different widths is usually sufficient. You can distribute these around your head as you wish, for example, to make the sides or back of your head appear fuller. Since clip-ins can be removed again, they are a flexible solution for quickly creating more fullness.

(Note: Limited Edition also offers special extension packages for hair thickening that are perfectly tailored to different hair types and needs.)

Before the extensions are applied to your hair (this also applies before raising extensions that are already in place), you should prepare your own hair properly. The following is important to ensure a long-lasting and secure bond:

• Thorough deep cleansing: Wash your hair twice thoroughly with a deep cleansing shampoo (e.g., our LONGTIME HAIR Peeling Shampoo with exfoliating effect) immediately before your appointment. This will cleanse your hair without leaving any residue—styling products, grease, and dirt at the roots will be removed. Keratin bonds or adhesive tape adhere best to completely clean, degreased hair.
• No care before application: Do not use conditioner, treatment, or oil-based care products after deep cleansing and before the extensions are applied. Your hair should be free of residue. Conditioners, hair treatments, and leave-in products in particular can leave a film on the hair that impairs the bond between the extensions. (This also applies to reattaching extensions: before reattaching, the hair must be clean and untreated.)
• Remove old extensions properly: If you are removing existing extensions, use the appropriate solvents. LONGTIME HAIR offers, for example, a bonding remover (alcohol-based) for keratin bonds and a tape remover (oil/citrus-based) for tape extensions. It is important to remove all adhesive or keratin residue from the hair completely. After removal, wash your own hair again with a deep cleansing shampoo to ensure that no residue remains.
• Hair dry and healthy: The new extensions may only be applied to dry, completely clean hair. So make sure your hair is completely dry before your appointment. Any residual moisture or oily residue could prevent the bonds from hardening properly or the tapes from sticking well, which would cause the strands to fall out quickly.
• Be careful with oils: Avoid any contact with oil-based products (hair oils, scalp serums, etc.) immediately before and during the application process. Oils soften the keratin and make adhesive bonds slippery. For example, keratin bonds can become whitish and brittle due to oil and then slip out of the hair almost uncontrollably. Even new tape stickers will not stick to an oily surface.
• After insertion: Give the bonds some time to set. Avoid washing your hair or styling it in a way that pulls on the extensions on the day of insertion. Ideally, you should wait 48 hours before washing your hair for the first time—this is how long it takes for the keratin and adhesive to cure completely and reach their maximum strength.

Real hair extensions are high quality, but require intensive care as they no longer receive nutrients from the scalp, unlike your own hair. To keep your extensions smooth, shiny, and long-lasting, you should follow a care routine tailored to extensions:

• Special shampoo: Always use a mild, silicone-free extension shampoo (e.g., LONGTIME HAIR Collagen Care Shampoo with collagen and UV protection). Normal shampoos often contain ingredients that can dry out extensions or soften the bonds. Our care shampoo, on the other hand, gently cleanses without damaging the hair or the bonds/tapes, while also protecting against drying out.
• Hair treatment after every wash: After every hair wash, you should work a rich hair treatment or mask into the lengths and ends (ideally leave it on for 5–15 minutes). Important: The treatment must not get on the roots or bonds/tapes, as this will make the bonds slippery and strands may slip out. Then rinse the treatment thoroughly with lukewarm water. Regular treatment care provides the extensions with moisture and nutrients so that they remain silky and elastic.
• Leave-in & hair oil: Care for your extensions between washes too. For example, after washing, spray some leave-in conditioner (a spray treatment, e.g., our LONGTIME HAIR Detangling Conditioner) onto towel-dried hair. This moisturizes and protects against drying out without being rinsed out. You can also massage a few drops of argan oil into the ends and lengths (our LONGTIME HAIR Argan Oil is ideal for extensions). The oil seals the hair ends, reduces frizz, and provides extra smoothness and shine.
• Regularity: To keep your hair feeling soft, we recommend treating your extensions intensively 2–3 times a week. If you wash your hair very often (daily or every other day), you should really use a treatment after every wash. Without sufficient care, extensions quickly lose moisture – the hair then becomes dry, brittle, split and can break off within a short time. You can prevent this damage with a consistent care routine.
• Gentle handling: It is best to use a special extension brush with soft bristles or nubs for combing. Always start carefully at the ends and work your way up to the roots to avoid pulling. Never pull roughly on tangled areas, but gently detangle them with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb. You should generally not rub or wring out wet extensions, but gently squeeze them out with a towel.
• Heat protection: If you use a hair dryer, straightening iron, or curling iron, a heat protection spray is a must (e.g., our LONGTIME HAIR Heat Protection Spray). Apply it to the lengths before styling. It forms a protective film around the hair and extensions and preserves the moisture in the hair. You should also reduce the temperature of styling appliances (approx. 120–150°C is usually sufficient) so as not to put excessive strain on the hair.
• Extra tip: If you want to intensify the effect of the hair treatment, mix 2–5 drops of argan oil into the treatment and leave it on for about 15 minutes. Then rinse well. The combination of a nourishing treatment and nourishing oil gives the extensions extra smoothness and shine. ?

(For optimal results, we recommend our specially developed LONGTIME HAIR care range, which includes shampoo, conditioner, treatment, oil, and heat protection – perfectly tailored to the needs of real hair extensions.)

Permanent extensions should not be left in your hair indefinitely. Here is an overview of how long extensions can be worn and reused:

• Recommended wear time: Permanently attached hair extensions (bondings or tapes) can be worn for about 5–6 months. After that, you should completely replace the set of extensions, as both the hair and the bonds are damaged by styling and care and lose quality.
• Move up every 6–8 weeks: It is important to move the extensions up regularly. After a maximum of 6–8 weeks, the bonds/tapes will have grown out so far that the roots will become visible and your own hair will be severely stressed. At this point at the latest, the strands should be removed and reattached closer to the scalp. This will prevent damage: outgrown extensions can pull on the few remaining strands of your own hair due to their weight and cause them to break or fall out.
• Natural hair change: Keep in mind that everyone loses 60–100 strands of their own hair every day. With extensions, these fallen hairs remain stuck in the bonds/tapes instead of being combed out. In addition, each hair has a limited lifespan (max. ~5 years of growth). At the end of the wearing period, you often have less of your own hair per bond than at the beginning. If you wear extensions for too long without changing them (beyond the recommended time), the few remaining strands of your own hair will be overstrained by the weight of the extensions. This can lead to hair breakage or increased hair loss. Therefore, never exceed the maximum wearing time without raising the extensions in between.
• Reuse of hair: High-quality human hair extensions can usually be used up to 3 times. This means that the strands are initially reinserted and can then – with good care – be reused twice (after 6–8 weeks, they are reattached with fresh keratin bonds or new adhesive strips). After that, the hair quality and fullness of the extensions usually deteriorates (due to combing, styling heat, etc.), so replacement is recommended. In particular, do not use tape extensions more often than recommended, as the adhesion of the adhesive strips and the hair quality of the strands decrease after repeated removal/re-taping.
• Temporary extensions: The wearing time of clip-in, flip-in, or other temporary extensions depends on the frequency of use and care. Since you do not have them in your hair permanently, there is no fixed time limit here—you usually take them out in the evening. With good care (gentle washing, infrequent heat styling, careful combing), high-quality clip-ins will last for many months or even years. Make sure to store them clean and dry after wearing (e.g., in our LONGTIME HAIR hair wardrobe) so that they stay beautiful for a long time.

We generally advise against chemically treating extensions after they have been applied. Our extensions undergo multiple coloring and finishing stages during the manufacturing process: First, the raw hair (usually dark) is gently depigmented (lightened), then colored to the desired shade using high-quality pigments. This means that the strands already have artificially applied color pigments. Although the hair is still real hair with an intact cuticle layer (Remy quality) and can theoretically accept color pigments, additional coloring or perming treatments often lead to unpredictable results and damage. In detail:

• Risks associated with chemical dyes: Oxidative hair dyes and bleaching agents work with peroxides and other chemicals that attack the hair structure. Keratin bonds and tape adhesives do not absorb color, which means they remain in their original color while the hair around them changes. This can make the bonds clearly visible after coloring (e.g., light-colored bonds in suddenly darker-colored hair). In addition, aggressive chemicals can make the extensions brittle or soften the bonds. The result: the hair can break off, lose its shine, or the extensions can slip out.
• Choose the right extension color in advance: Therefore, our advice is to determine your natural hair color before purchasing extensions. If you are planning a major color change for your natural hair (tinting, dyeing, bleaching), have this done before the hair extension. Then choose extensions in the right shade or in a shade that comes closest to your desired result. It often makes sense to choose extensions that are one shade lighter and adjust them minimally with tints rather than lightening dark extensions. Your hairdresser or our customer service team will be happy to advise you on color selection so that you don't have to re-dye your hair.
• Tints and color treatments: If you still want to make a slight adjustment to the color of the extensions (e.g., to even out a slight tinge or freshen them up after a few weeks), we recommend direct-acting tinting products. These include color foam, silver shampoo, or tinted hair treatments that do not require a developer. They only deposit color pigments on the surface. Pigmented hair treatments are particularly suitable for this purpose, as they also provide care—e.g., a silver treatment to counteract yellow tones or a copper mask for warmer shades. Please note, however, that even these gentle products should first be tested on a strand of hair to ensure that the color turns out as desired. Direct-acting pigments can behave slightly differently in extensions than in your own hair, as extensions have often had certain color pigments (such as gold/copper) removed and therefore take on color tones differently.
• Loss of warranty with chemical treatment: Important to know: As soon as you chemically treat extension hair (this includes dyeing, intensive tinting with developer, bleaching, perming, etc.), the warranty from LONGTIME HAIR expires. We can no longer guarantee quality or durability, as we have no influence on the products used or their application. Therefore, our urgent advice is: if you want to make changes, have them done by an experienced hairdresser who is familiar with extensions – or better still, order the extensions in your desired color right away. This way, you can play it safe and enjoy your hair extensions for a long time to come.