Great Lengths Classic and the Cold Fusion Method:
What is the difference?
There is some confusion about the two methods and systems regarding single-strand application that Great Lengths offers in Canada. So let’s clarify and discuss these two systems.
The Classic.
The Classic method, and my absolute personal favorite, has been around for over 20 years. It is so versatile that I have been able to use if for almost every challege and situation I have been faced with. In my eyes, it is the King of kings.
It uses heat to soften the pre-formed polymer (Not glue) bonds that we use to attach the extensions to the client’s natural hair.
The classic system produces a round bond, that should resemble a grain of rice in the hair. This actually causes the hair to have more volume because of the shape of the bond. It is a very gentle method.
There seems to be a bit of apprehension regarding the use of heat in applying extensions. This is unfounded in regards to the Great Lengths system. The tong used to apply heat is only hot only on one side. This is the side that the polymer bond rests in, and is not the side that comes in contact with the hair.
And the heat? The degree of heat is that of a lower setting on a curling iron. I find it quite strange that people have said that the heat application damages the hair, when regular curling iron and flat iron use is so much more detrimental to the health of the hair! Unlike styling tools, the tongs are only held on the hair for seconds at a time, with the hot part not actually touching the hair directly. Most consumers will purchase a professional iron and turn it up to the highest heat setting, neglect to use a heat-protection spray, and make many passes (flat iron) with the tool, or hold it on the hair for an extended period of time (curling iron). Yet they find the fleeting use of heat to apply an extension distressing!
The Cold Fusion Method.
This method has existed in the United States for some time. It has more recently been introduced to Canada. This method utilizes an ultra-sonic wave that generates heat within the bond by a “vibration” of sorts. This sytem allows the stylist to mold the bond into a “flat” bond formation with the same strength and precision of the original. This method, I have found, is not as well suited for all fine hair types. Nor it is recommended for those with very curly hair. But this system provides a change from the feeling of “rice grains” at the attachment site-in fact, you cannot really feel them at all! And, where as the original provides volume, this method produces a more sleek, less vouminous application which flows very naturally in continuous panels.
So, The same hair, the same bond, the only things that change are the machine and the formation of the bond. The best way to judge which will suit your needs is a consultation with your stylist. There are even cases where it is beneficial to use both in one application, such as panelled highlights within a classic application.