Hair extensions have come a long way since their naughties heyday when they were synonymous with celebrities and the super wealthy. Throughout these years they were often defined - despite their lofty price tag - by visible bonds (which we politely tried our best to ignore), bum-brushing lengths, chunky clip-ins, high-contrast streaks and over-the-top blow-dries.
Over time - praise be - this breed has grown and evolved into something far more subtle, refined and elegant. Something that feels not just elevated, but entirely relevant and modern too.
Indeed, today’s extensions users are rarely motivated by transformation for transformation’s sake, but rather by using this clever, now highly-evolved accessory to enhance what’s already there, (or what’s not as the case may be), whether that’s to add volume, bolster confidence and empower, for example following post-partum hair loss, tweak colour, or temporarily switch things up for fun.
Founded by hairstylist Talitha Mackie and described by Vogue as “THE place to visit for high-end extensions”, London brand Fox & Vamp has played a meaningful part in this steady evolution, thoughtfully positioning itself at the crossroads of real-life wearability and editorial polish. But it is their latest launch, out this month, that is a true world-first and marks yet another meaningful shift for the extension category.
A tripart range incorporating an Extension Shampoo and Conditioner, (£29 each) plus an Extension Extender, (£42, spacenk.com), the collection harnesses a proprietary CARE FULL COMPLEX to protect, repair, strengthen, soften and smooth hair, as well as tend to the scalp biome. By preserving extension bonds in this way, Mackie provides users with the means to extend the lifespan of their extensions and reduce salon visits.
“There are about 500 bond-damaging ingredients commonly found in hair products and nobody was speaking directly to people with extensions. We saw a real gap in the market, and so spent years developing a range that actively protects both the hair and the [extension] bond.”
By removing silicones, alcohols, harsh sulphates, essential oils and other ingredients that slowly disintegrate or weaken extension bonds over time, plus adding in the aforementioned complex, these smart formulas extend the life of your hair while simultaneously caring for your natural strands and scalp. As such, users can enjoy extensions that look and feel better for longer, even under the closest scrutiny.
This level of consideration and attention to detail seems to run though much of what Fox & Vamp does - from their ethically sourced hair and inclusive texture offerings, to eco-conscious packaging and vegan formulas. “Sustainabilty isn’t a trend for us,” explains Mackie. “Its a responsibility, and a core part of how we innovate and grow.”
But this isn’t just a product story in a hectic beauty market, it’s part of that wider shift in how consumers want to use extensions and how professionals like Mackie can deliver this. It seems that extensions, once considered high-glamour, high-maintenance, slightly intimidating, sometimes stigmatised kinds of things, are now part of everyday life that we could and perhaps should - if the whim, mood, or need take us, try.
