A lot of women daren't risk hair extensions because they fear the heat or glue might damage their hair.

But now that's a thing of the past thanks to a new system that bonds extensions to your hair using cold heat.

Cold fusion technology is the talk of the hair world and is already used in around 100 salons in the south of England. It's just arrived in the north at the Ministry of Hair and Beauty in Sowerby Bridge, where both stylists and customers are raving about it.

British hair-extension company Wonderful Hair, which has laboratories in Italy, came up with its cold-fusion system to reduce the risk of damage to hair.

Traditional machines use hot glue to attach the extension but the new system uses a keratin-based polymer that is attached to your roots one strand at a time. The v-shaped bonds sit on the surface of your hair, making them indistinguishable from your own locks and quick and easy to remove. Another advantage is that they fall like natural hair.

Instead of heat, the method uses ultrasound waves that are transformed into mechanical energy.The vibration crystallizes the bond, forming a strong and invisible and long-lasting hold. As it uses no heat, it is good for fine or thin hair and can add volume.

Women with alopecia can now have hair extensions bonded directly to their fragile and thinning hair. They last up to six months and are easily removed be dissolving the bond using a solvent.

Ministry owner Michelle Shea read about the now system in a trade magazine and approached Wonderful Hair. She says cold fusion is the future for hair extensions and her trade has doubled since she started using it.

"There is a massive interest in the system both from customers and other salons in the area. It's no more expensive than the old system but it is gentler on the hair, looks more natural and is low maintenance."

She uses Indian Temple human hair which comes in a wide range of colours from neutral tones to more vibrant options. Clients can have a full head, half a head or simply have extensions applied where they need them. Prices start from around £100 upwards.

Several of her staff are now trained to use the system, and she says any hairdressers who want to know more about it can speak to her or call in and watch a demonstration.

Numerous celebrities now have extensions using the cold fusion method and, having tried both, I can understand why. Not only do they blend in better with your own hair and are more comfortable but the sealed bond is almost invisible, so you can have them at the front of your head where many women tend to have fine hair.