Re-tipping hair extensions involves removing an old or worn attachment and creating a fresh keratin tip so suitable extension hair can be prepared for professional refitting.
This can be useful when previously worn extension hair remains in good enough condition to be reused but the original keratin attachment has deteriorated or been removed.
Re-tipping involves heated professional equipment and should only be carried out by somebody trained and confident in professional hair extension preparation and fitting techniques.
Before you begin: Not every previously worn extension is suitable for re-tipping. Check the condition of the hair first and discard strands that are excessively dry, damaged, tangled or shedding.
Why Re-Tip Hair Extensions?
The attachment on a pre-bonded extension can gradually become worn during normal wear, washing and styling. When suitable extension hair is still in good condition after professional removal, creating a fresh tip may allow that hair to be prepared for another fitting.
Re-tipping does not restore damaged extension hair, so the condition of the lengths and ends should always be considered before deciding whether a strand is worth reusing.
Keratin Rebonds or Keratin Grain?
Keratin Rebonds
Pre-shaped Keratin Rebonds provide a convenient amount of bonding material for replacing worn tips on compatible pre-bonded extensions. They are available in several colours to coordinate with different extension shades.
Keratin Grain
Keratin Grain is supplied as loose granules and can be melted using suitable professional equipment when creating or rebuilding compatible extension tips.
Browse our Keratin Rebonds and Keratin Grain to compare the available professional bonding options.
What Do You Need for Re-Tipping?
The exact equipment will depend on the type of tip being created, but a professional re-tipping setup may include:
Extension Hair
Clean, fully dry extension strands that have been inspected and are in suitable condition for reuse.
Keratin Bonding Material
Suitable Keratin Rebonds or Keratin Grain for creating the new tip.
Heat-Fusion Equipment
A suitable professional Heat Connector and heat-resistant working surface.
Re-Tipping Tools
Suitable scissors, protective equipment and professional re-tipping tools for forming the required attachment shape.
Browse our Heat Connectors and Hair Extension Application Tools for professional fitting and re-tipping equipment.
How to Re-Tip Old Hair Extensions
- Inspect the extension hair. Check each strand before re-tipping. Only reuse extension hair that remains in suitable condition.
- Clean and fully dry the hair. Any previously worn extension hair should be clean, detangled and completely dry before professional re-tipping begins.
- Remove the old attachment. Carefully trim away the remaining worn bond while preserving as much of the extension hair as practical.
- Prepare a safe working area. Use a stable, heat-resistant surface with your professional tools arranged safely and ready for use.
- Heat the keratin correctly. Using suitable professional equipment, soften the Keratin Rebond or Keratin Grain according to the product and tool instructions.
- Apply the keratin to the extension strand. Work carefully so the required section of extension hair is securely incorporated into the softened bonding material.
- Form the new tip. Shape the softened keratin into the appropriate attachment for the intended fitting method using suitable professional techniques and tools.
- Allow the new attachment to cool fully. Do not attempt to fit or handle the new tip as a finished attachment until the keratin has cooled and hardened completely.
- Inspect the finished tip. Make sure it is secure, neat and appropriately sized for the professional fitting method before the strand is reused.
Professional safety: Heat Connectors and softened bonding material can become very hot. Always follow the instructions supplied with your professional equipment, use suitable heat protection and keep heated tools on a heat-resistant surface.
Should You Reuse Every Old Hair Extension?
No. Re-tipping replaces the attachment; it does not reverse wear to the extension hair itself.
If the hair has become excessively dry, heavily tangled, damaged or is shedding significantly, replacing the extension may provide a better result than fitting a new bond onto worn hair.
The decision should be based on the condition of each extension strand rather than simply how long it has previously been worn.
Professional Refitting
Once the extensions have been correctly re-tipped, they should be fitted using the appropriate professional method, section sizes, placement and attachment technique.
For information about professionally fitting pre-bonded extensions, read our Nail-Tip / U-Tip Fitting Guide.
Professional Hair Extension Re-Tipping Supplies
Explore our Keratin Rebonds, Keratin Grain and professional heat-fusion equipment for creating and replacing compatible hair extension tips.
Shop Keratin Rebonds Shop Keratin Grain Browse Heat Connectors