What is Cold Fusion? 

Cold Fusion is also referred to as “Microbead” or “I-Tip”. I-Tip is named as such because the bonds come in a I shape. Cold Fusion is a semi-permanent hair extension without heat to apply the bonds.

How does Cold Fusion work?

Cold Fusion are small pieces of hair with a thin keratin bond on the top. Fusion must be installed by a licensed professional, as a poor application can mean severe hair breakage and discomfort.

Your Stylist will do a thorough consultation with you to determine the colour, length, and weight of hair you want. It is very important to make clear to your Stylist exactly the style you want as once the bonds are applied it is very difficult and time consuming to change. They will section your hair piece by piece to safely place the bonds.

The Stylist will take a small piece of your own hair, loop a small bead through, and then insert the “I” tip into the bead. They will clamp down the bead to secure the extension to your own hair.

How long does it take?

This process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 5 hours depending on the amount of hair installed.

How long does it last?

Cold Fusion requires more maintenance than Hot Fusion, but it takes much less time to move up the hair. Be sure to ask your Stylist what they recommend, they will be able to tell from your hair type how often you should come in. For those with extremely fine hair they may come in sooner to ensure no damage. As a general rule, move ups are usually booked less than 2 months from application.

The hair bond grows out with your own hair, so if your hair grows 1” in 2 months, the hair bonds will now be 1” further down your hair. Once the fusion starts to become visible from growing out it’s advised to book a removal.

Can I customize a look for my Fusion? 

Yes! Fusion can be blended with other colours to give you a variety of styles. Your Stylist can alternate colours during application to give a beautiful highlighted look.

How can I style my hair with Cold Fusion?

Fusion is fantastic for the variety of styles you can rock with it! As the bonds are so small and very hidden, you can rock most of your normal styles, even ponytails. The only drawback is making sure you style your hair in a way that you can’t see the bonds, but your Stylist should always be applying them at least one inch away from your hairline to make sure this doesn’t happen. Your Stylist will also ask you where you normally part your hair to make sure no bonds sit too close to the top.

Fusion should always be 100% Human Hair, be absolutely sure to ask your Stylist this. Synthetic Fusion will not last nearly as long, won’t hold heat styles, and shed much quicker.

How do I take care of Cold Fusion?

For Fusion hair extensions there are a few important things to remember:

• Brush them out after washing using a leave in conditioner to ensure no breakage.
• Use Sulfate, Paraben, and Alcohol free shampoo & conditioner.
• Always apply a heat protector before styling.
• Never flat iron the hair after curling it. Reheating the hair after it has “set” and cooled down is very drying for extensions.
• Brush every morning and night.
• When possible wear your hair up or in braids at night.

Does Cold Fusion damage my own hair?

As with any semi-permanent extensions there are risks involved, but if the extensions are applied properly by a licensed Stylist and maintained well, you will have no damage. Always be sure to follow your Stylist’s home care advice, and get them removed on time.

Clients love their Cold Fusion for the quick and easy appointments, flexible hairstyle options, and seamless blend.

How long will my Fusion hair last?

Cold Fusion hair can often be removed and reinstalled to a maximum of three times. The quality of hair, how you’re maintaining them, and your Stylist’s recommendations make a big difference.

What makes a difference in the lifespan of extensions:

• Your hair texture. If you hair is prone to dryness, it can tangle more with extensions. Be sure to apply a salon grade conditioner to your hair, and use a salon grade leave in conditioner to the ends of your hair (not the roots!).
• Extension texture (curly vs straight). Curly can appear more frizzy after extended use, so they may need to be washed more often and be sure to only use conditioner on Curly Texture Extensions.
• The extension colour. As a rule, dark extensions last longer because of minimal processing.
• How long you wear them.
• Frequency of heat styling. If you are curling, waving, flat ironing, or blowdrying your hair often, this can decrease lifespan. Be sure to always use a salon quality heat protector before heat styling!
• Frequency of washing.
• Products used on the hair. Always use salon grade products your Stylist recommends.
• For more info on how to maintain your extensions, see our Blog Post: How to take care of hair extensions!

If you’re not sure Cold Fusion is exactly what you’re looking for, check out our Hair Series: Hot Fusion, Clip Ins, Topper, Tape Ins, and Halos to find your perfect hair match!