Hair extensions are far beyond the scope they were just a few years ago. In today’s world, there are a couple of dominant methods that are used in the field of professional extensions: keratin bonds and tape-ins.
Both provide length and volume, but differ in their use and are appropriate for different ways of living.
Basically, by knowing these two choices and what to expect before your consultation, you will be able to save plenty of time, money, and harmful transactions with your own hair.
What Are Keratin Extensions?
Keratin extensions are a very creative way of securing a single hair strand to your natural hair by using small bonds that are created by a keratin adhesive, one at a time.
They collaborate at Michael Stark Atelier with Italian keratin bonds such as ‘Great Lengths’, the famous micro-fusion system that is available around the world.
All hair used comes from the best quality from Russian and Indian suppliers and has been selected for natural strength, softness and as a suitable blend across all hair types.
Pros of Keratin Extensions
- Natural movement: Individual bonds blend seamlessly with your natural hair, making the extensions virtually undetectable.
- Long-lasting wear: With proper care and maintenance, keratin bonds can last around 3–5 months.
- Highly customizable: They can be curled, straightened, or waved, with over 120 shades available to match different hair tones.
- Versatile styling: You can wear your hair up in ponytails or buns without the bonds being visible.
Cons of Keratin Extensions
- It takes longer to remove and reapply, and must be done professionally.
- Not recommended for very fine/fragile hair unless assessed by a professional.
- A bit more capital investment than some of the other approaches.
What Are Tape Extensions?
Tape Extensions are thin; pre-taping weft draws are used to hold a small section of your natural hair between them.
In addition to 2.5 cm and 3 cm tapes, Michael Stark Atelier also offers injected tapes, which are applied precisely and discreetly without creating any bumps, ensuring a completely flat and discreet result.
The microcapsule extensions Barcelona method (micro-fusion bonds) look in the keratin category, and tape extensions have their own benefits for the clients who desire a brisk application with a superior level of coverage.
Pros of Tape Extensions
- Quick speed of application: tape wefts provide a large amount of coverage in a short amount of time, saving salon chair time.
- Thin and light: The thin wefts will sit parallel to the scalp and be comfortable for the whole day.
- Reusable: The hair wefts are typically reusable if they are taken off properly.
- Ideal for adding volume: great for clients who favor fullness and width over length.
Cons of Tape Extensions
- Use more carefully with oil-based products close to the roots, as they can dislodge the glue.
- High ponytails or styles may need placement planning, for instance.
- Demand maintenance every 6-8 weeks after the natural hair grows.
Read about Hair Extensions Barcelona: Elevating Your Look with Expertise.
Keratin vs. Tape: Which One Is Right for You?
| Keratin Extensions | Tape Extensions | |
| Best for | Fine to medium hair, active lifestyles | Adding volume quickly, medium to thick hair |
| Longevity | 3 to 5 months | 6 to 8 weeks before adjustment |
| Application time | Longer | Faster |
| Styling freedom | Very high | High |
| Reusable hair | No | Yes |
Expert Recommendations
Experts always highlight a few essential criteria when evaluating hair extensions.
The most important factor is hair quality. When the quality is low, extensions can quickly become tangled, matted, and uneven within just a few weeks. Michael Stark Atelier uses only Russian and Indian hair, personally selected by Michael Stark, who brings over 14 years of experience in hair extensions.
Equally important is the application technique. When applied correctly, extensions help protect the natural hair. However, poor placement or improper bonding can lead to breakage and damage. In contrast, consistently good results come from precise, professional application by trained experts.
Book Your Consultation at Michael Stark Atelier
If you’re looking to try keratin or tape extensions, start your journey with an honest and professional visit to a hair extension specialist.
Located in the heart of Barcelona, a few minutes from Passeig de Gràcia, Michael Stark Atelier is a complete luxury hair salon that is the destination of choice for top-rate hair extensions Barcelona.
Their team uses only Europe’s very best hair suppliers, applies the most advanced and safest techniques and applies all treatments according to each day’s specific hair needs.
Contact us or come see us at Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 617 in Barcelona. Open Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 to 19:00, and Saturday, 10:00 to 17:00.