Top London salon boasts ethical hair extensions

The Inanch Hair Design salon on Great Portland Street has been using the Great Lengths brand from the first day the salon opened its doors five years ago and during this time the likes of Michelle Heatton, Tara Reid, Billie Piper have all visited the salon to have their tresses transformed using this world famous hair extensions brand.

Since pop star Jamelia entered into the ‘underworld’ of hair extensions for the BCC Documentary, ‘Who’s Hair is Anyway’, there has been a great deal of interest surrounding hair salons and their approach when it comes to sourcing and using hair extensions. Some London based salons were named and shamed as using hair that had been shaven from prison in-mates in India or advertising the fact the hair extensions were 100% human hair when it fact they weren’t.

Inanch Hair Design always held their heads high as they were confident knowing their main supplier Great Lengths was 100% human hair but also 100% ethically sourced, which was of utmost important to celebrity stylist, Inanch Emir.

Most recently Great Lengths is proud to introduce their new Setting Fair Standards Stamp, a clear mark of ethicality that will be displayed in Great Lengths salons across the UK. ‘Setting Fair Standards’, their longstanding and trendsetting ethicality policy, details the origin of every strand of Great Lengths hair as well as with the 100% traceable journey of the hair. The Stamp highlights ethicality, traceability and quality – three cornerstones of Great Lengths and three of the most valuable selling points for stylists. As the source of the hair is so closely monitored, the hair’s quality is consistent and can be ensured.

Debby Zoltie, Managing Director of Great Lengths UK, says:

“I would like to see a UK standard created and upheld which could be likened to the Soil Association’s nationally recognized organic standard. The Soil Association’s standard and seal have been seamlessly integrated into society. By creating a clear definition of what ‘ethical’ means and calling for companies to meet that standard, consumers could then make an informed, educated choice as to which extensions they’d prefer to wear. Ethical and natural products are a healthy, growing market in a stagnating economy – with consumers becoming more aware of the origin of the products they choose to purchase.

“A plus of ethically sourced human hair is that it is more often than not also very high quality. Before we gently process and colour the hair, it hasn’t been bleached or chemically treated so is in a virgin state. Due to the gentle processing the cuticle remains in tact and because it is in such pristine condition, the hair is matte and tangle free and doesn’t require a silicone coating.

“Even though there are numerous reasons why a UK standard should be agreed, I can’t see one being forged in the near future for the extensions industry. There are recurring disagreements between companies as to ‘how ethical’ the hair used for extensions should be. My hope is that some day all extensions companies trading in the UK will agree on a common ethical stance. We are hoping that our Setting Fair Standards Stamp will help to pave the way.”

To celebrate the ‘Setting of fair standards’ stamp Inanch Hair Design is inviting women who are considering having hair extensions down to the salon for a free, no obligation consultation.

Fair Trade Fortnight 23rd February – 8th March 2009

Inanch Hair Design will be getting involved with this important event and offering 20% off their hair extension services during fair-trade fortnight.

For more information, log on to inanch.com.