A small tape set takes about half an hour. A full head of keratin bonds is closer to four hours. Both need a separate consultation first, and both include a cut at the end — plan the whole day, not just the fitting.
Almost everyone underestimates this, then has to leave before the blend is finished. Here's what to actually book out.
The consultation — 15 minutes, on a different day
This isn't padding. A consultation is where your hair gets matched, your own hair's condition gets assessed and the hair itself gets ordered. The hair has to arrive before the fitting, so consultation and fitting are separate appointments.
Fifteen minutes, and it should be free.
Tape-in fitting times
Tape is quick, which is a large part of its appeal:
- A small volume set — around half an hour.
- A half head — about an hour.
- A full head — an hour and a half.
- The fullest sets — closer to two hours.
Keratin bond fitting times
Bonds are placed one at a time, so the time scales with the number of bonds:
- A small set for density — around an hour.
- A half head — two hours.
- Three-quarters — three hours.
- A full head — four hours, and a very full set a little over.
Bring headphones and eat beforehand. Four hours is a genuine half-day.
The cut is included in that time
Every quoted time above includes cutting and blending the set into your own hair. This is not an optional extra and it's not something to come back for — extensions that haven't been cut in are exactly the ones people can spot across a room.
Maintenance appointments
A tape refit — removal, fresh tabs, repositioning, re-blending — runs from about 45 minutes for a small set to two and a half hours for the fullest. Removal on its own is quicker: half an hour to an hour.
Keratin bond removal is 30 to 90 minutes depending on how many, and if you're having a new set fitted the same day, add the fitting time on top. That's a long appointment — book it early and clear the day.
How far ahead to book
Leave at least two weeks between consultation and fitting so the hair can be matched and ordered. For a wedding or an event, come in six to eight weeks ahead: it gives you time to live with the set, and time to adjust it if something isn't sitting right.
The short answer
Consultation on one day, then anywhere from half an hour to four hours for the fitting depending on method and how much you're having. If someone quotes you a full head of bonds in ninety minutes, ask what they're leaving out.
See the keratin bond menu or meet Jack, our extensions specialist. Consultations are complimentary.