You’ve probably heard about microdosing weight loss jabs, but now this same A-list trick has hit the haircare market. Microdosing, using small amounts of a product, is the latest trend when it comes to boosting midlife hair.
As we know, volume vanishes from all the wrong places as we age and, sadly, that includes once-luxurious locks, which might become thinner, flat and dull looking.
That is why there’s currently a rush of fifty-something women demanding ‘micro-dosing’ hair extensions, which subtly restore thickness, movement and shine. Yes, with a few cleverly positioned, invisible, real hair tape extensions you can boost hair without looking too ‘try-hard’ and without spending a fortune.
Now I’m 52, my hair, never Rapunzel-thick, has undoubtedly thinned with age. So I was thrilled to give these extensions a go with leading stylist Edward James at his salon in Richmond, south-west London. With clients including A-list celebrities and royalty, he says he can hardly keep up with demand.
‘Historically, extensions were time-consuming, costly and, if not applied properly, could damage the hair,’ he explains. ‘But today’s tape-in extensions are game-changers – no heat, less tension and much faster application. The result is a more natural look that’s also gentler on the hair.’
And microdosing isn’t eye-wateringly expensive – appointments with Edward start at just £133. ‘The process is quicker and less labour-intensive, so they’re now a more accessible luxury. Back in the day, extensions would probably have set you back hundreds, even £1,000.’
Extensions have certainly evolved. I used to have micro-ring extensions, where hair was fixed to a small metal ring and then glued into the hair. They looked good, but nobody was ever going to be able to run their fingers through my locks. I am charmed by the new extensions, where hair is attached to a piece of tape – ‘weft’ – that can be pressed firmly on to your own tresses.
Alice Smellie, now 52, says ‘my hair, never Rapunzel-thick, has undoubtedly thinned with age. So I was thrilled to give these extensions a go with leading stylist Edward James’
Alice in Edward James’s salon in Richmond, south-west London – where appointments with the leading stylist start at just £133
‘Brands and techniques vary by salon,’ says Edward. ‘I always recommend asking your stylist about the brand they use, as quality and ethical sourcing can differ quite a bit.’
He confirms that more high-profile women are embracing this subtle enhancement. ‘Most celebrities have extensions – tape, clip-in or micro-ring – as their hair is subjected to such frequent styling and always needs to look polished.’
One of Edward’s top choices is called Invisi-Tape by Beauty Works. These extensions are injection-moulded, allowing hair to appear as though it’s emerging from the root, ensuring a seamless blend with your natural growth.
Ethically sourced, Remy human hair is used, which is a specific grade and means the cuticles are intact and aligned in the same direction, resulting in extensions that remain soft, shiny and tangle-free over time.
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They also lie flat to the head so you can’t tell – even in the highest of winds – that it’s not all yours.
I honestly believe this is a good investment. With care and regular maintenance, these extensions can last up to a year.
After the initial cost (from £133 for up to four wefts of, maximum, 18in lengths), you’ll need maintenance appointments every 6-8 weeks to reposition the extensions as your own hair grows. Each refitting takes from one hour (depending on the number of extensions) and starts from £70.
You’ll notice you are washing your hair less frequently because the extensions don’t absorb natural oils. I’ve also found they hold a style better, so need less heated styling – as a result, your own hair could end up healthier.
‘With microdosing, I add only a few to existing hair to give a little boost and bounce,’ explains Edward. ‘People want to avoid looking as though they’ve had their faces “done”, and it’s the same with hair.’
That said, I really don’t care if my hair looks ‘done’, so I ask Edward not to hold back too much on the extensions (my Rapunzel fantasy is strong). First he cuts, colours and dries my natural, fine hair. He then presses in four wefts on one side of my face, five on the other (he can do more or less depending on what you’re hoping to achieve) and a few at the back, chopping the length to the same as my own hair, and
colour matching carefully so that when it is brushed out you can’t see the difference.
I really do look ten years younger. Not only does my hair look thicker but my face, which tends towards the hollow-cheeked, also looks pleasingly rounder. My hair swishes naturally rather than drooping around my face.
While extensions deliver instant results, Edward says other ways to boost volume go beyond styling. Some clients have reported results with treatments such as Minoxidil (the active ingredient in Regaine For Women, £35, boots.com) and supplements including Ingenious Collagen+ (from £45 a month, ingeniouslife.com).
For everyday styling, he recommends Colour Wow Raise The Root (from £10, spacenk.com) for lift, Kérastase Mousse Bouffante (£31.37, lookfantastic.com) for soft body without stickiness, and Virtue’s Recovery Shampoo and Conditioner (£38 and £40, cultbeauty.com), which help strengthen fine or fragile hair thanks to a keratin-based formula.
I am a fan of Philip Kingsley Body Building Shampoo (from £12, philipkingsley.co.uk) and Conditioner, also Neal & Wolf Volumising products are the most delicious smelling I know (from £6.25, nealandwolf.com).
New ranges include WeKind Rejuvenate products for menopausal or thinning hair (£28, wekindlondon.com), which contain biotin for strength, and the new INNOluxe range claims to outperform leading brands in building new bonds on colour-treated hair.
It’s rare that I admire my reflection, but I leave the salon with a swish and a bounce in both my step and my newly thick hair.
