How do I remove fusion hair extensions?

The Right kind of remover for the right kind of hair extension bonds.

Fusion hair extensions are thermoplastic polymer bonds that attach hair extensions to your hair. It is usually done with hot fusion or cold fusion. Either the way, the polymer bond melts and the extension is fused with the hair.

However, not all fusion bonds are created equal. They are made with several different typed of plastic polymer or bonding material that each may need to removed by a different remover. Different chemicals are used as plasticizers or solvents for different types of fusion bonding.

Removers have different chemicals. Some are alcohol based. Some are acetone and some are oils. Isopropyl alcohol is used for the naiver brands with hard holding bonds. Great Lengths Hair Extensions uses an alcohol based remover. Some bonding used acetone to remove hair extensions. I find this type of bond sheds easier. Oil can used a way to prime the extensions and make them more porous so the alcohol with break them down better.

Is it possible to remove my own hair extensions by myself?

I'm going to recommend against it, as a professional because I think it is saver to have them removed by your hair extension stylist. But not all hair extension artists are created equal. As you can guess, the angle isn't good for seeing what you are doing. Removing the tangles can take precision and much patience. It is not impossible to achieve on your own.

Let's start removing hair extensions. How is it done?

Analyze your clients hair. Is it very oily or dirty? If so, wash it because oil mixed with the remover can cause problems with breaking down the bonds. Get the oil off. Comb tangles out of the hair. WE are going to be using isopropyl alcohol on hard holding bonds. My favorite bonds but the most challenging to remove. First, dab every bond with the remover. Then go back over each bond and wrap into foil in groups of 6 to 10 pieces. Apply remover and seal the foil packet on the bonds so that they may soak. Now, go back to the starting point, using your spacial pliers. I use ones with a tension guard that prevents squishing the bond too hard and damaging the hair. The key is to use the pliers to break down what has been dissolved with the remover. Don't force out the piece. Squish each piece about 6 times lightly, re dad with remover and cover again. Go around the whole head like this two or three times. By the third round the extensions should be soft enough to slide out with out pulling. Also, as you are squishing, making and covering, go back and read inside each packet often to keep the alcohol from dissolving. This way is will keep working.

Working out the tangles is an art form that may require practice. At the salon, we use an eyelash comb for very small tangles. It is important not to rip out any small tangles and make sure that all the hair is untangles and not broken. It does take more time but at our salon, we value the hair and make sure not to rip it out and abuse it.