Hair Extensions Care Instructions

HAIR EXTENSIONS CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Contrary to popular opinion, caring for hair extensions isn’t as difficult as it seems. These simple rules are easy to follow and they’ll become second nature before you know it. An added benefit you may notice while following these guidelines is the gradual improvement of your natural hair. It will grow faster and recover from damage more quickly than before. Once you see how silky, smooth, and lustrous your hair becomes as a result, you’ll never want to abandon this routine.

How to brush your hair extensions?

To brush your hair extensions safely and effectively, you'll need a special brush. A regular massage brush won’t work, as its bristles are too coarse and may pull on the extension bonds, potentially causing damage. Neglecting to brush the root area will lead to tangling near the bonds, so it’s essential not to skip this step. Regular brushing not only keeps your extensions tangle-free but also gives your scalp an awesome massage!

When combing your hair, start by gently brushing the ends of your extensions, then gradually work your way up toward the bonds. Always use a downward motion while brushing.
Separate your hair into two sections at the nape. Brush each section from the roots to the tips to effectively address tangles near the root area.
Hold the section of hair you are brushing to prevent unnecessary pulling on your roots, especially if the ends are tangled.
Please don’t rush. A few quick comb-throughs won’t untangle all the knots. Make sure to give your root area enough time and attention.
A proper brushing procedure should take you about 3-4 minutes at most. Enjoy the massage.
Always brush your hair before bedtime and in the morning. Incorporating it into your regular bathroom routine will help you establish the habit.

What is the best shampoo for hair extensions?

The best shampoo for hair extensions (and conditioner too) must be sulfate-free. Ideally, it should also be suitable for color-treated hair. Take a look at your shower shelf, you may already have the right products.

Which other hair care products are suitable for hair extensions?

Your hair care product kit should include much more than just a bottle of shampoo and a tube of conditioner. Both your natural hair and your extensions require additional nourishment, which is essential. Exclusively using the standard shampoo and conditioner combo can put your hair at risk of over-drying. Unfortunately, you might only notice this once the extensions are removed, and you don’t want to wait that long!

Attention is especially needed for the maintenance of hair extensions if you have blonde, highlighted, or dry and damaged hair. If any of these apply to you, your hair definitely requires extra care and nourishment. Otherwise, you risk severe over-drying and breakage of your natural strands. The good news is that this worst-case scenario is entirely avoidable.

If you're looking to speed up the growth and regeneration of your natural hair while keeping your extensions silky and smooth, here are a few additional treatment products to incorporate into your routine:

Hair masks are a great way to hydrate, tame, and soften your locks, restoring them from the inside out. Masks can penetrate hair strands much deeper than regular conditioners, so these two types of treatments are not interchangeable.
Leave-in conditioners will make your hair softer and help untangle those rebellious tips.
If you make extensive use of blow dryers or hot styling tools such as curling or straightening irons, a heat protectant is a must. This product will shield your natural hair and extensions from over-drying and damage caused by high temperatures.
(Optional) Over time, you may also feel the need for a moisturizing oil to prevent split ends. Using smoothing oil on the tips of your hair extensions will keep them soft and nourished.
(Optional) You can use hairspray to set your favorite hairstyle.
(Optional) Dry shampoo adds volume at the roots and helps control excessive natural scalp oil secretion between washes.

If your hair extensions are curly or wavy, you may need a few additional hair care products:

A curling serum to help create those kinks and coils and give your curly hair extensions more definition.
To retain those perfect curls and avoid frizz, you will need a styling gel or mousse.

Be extra careful not to get any oil-based or silicone-containing products on the extension bonds.

How to wash hair extensions?

Apply shampoo to your scalp. Lather gently and distribute it evenly through your hair extensions. Avoid aggressively rubbing your extensions, but wash thoroughly to remove any buildup of leave-in hair care or styling products you may have previously used.
Rinse well, especially at the root area.
Distribute the conditioner through the lengths of the strands only.
Make sure to avoid getting the conditioner on the bonds, as it may weaken them upon direct contact, leading to shedding and rapid deterioration of your extensions.
Rinse the product out of your hair completely, just as you would during a regular wash.

TIP #1: Keep in mind that fewer washes result in a longer lifespan for your hair extensions. Ideally, you should limit washing to once or twice a week. If you need to control oil buildup, dry shampoo is a great alternative. However, if you choose to use dry shampoo, be sure to rinse your scalp thoroughly during your washes, as dry shampoo residue can cause skin irritation and itching.

TIP #2: If you're using purple shampoo, make sure to avoid getting it on the extension bonds. Purple shampoo can damage the bonds, causing them to break down and unravel more quickly. Also, avoid leaving it in your hair for too long, as it may cause your extension strands to become overly gray, dull, and dry.

TIP #3: If air-drying is your preferred method, begin by blow-drying the root area until your scalp is completely dry. Keeping your hair wet overnight (or leaving your bonds damp for an extended period) is a primary cause of matting, particularly with bonded hair extensions.

Can you style hair extensions using hot tools?

Hair extensions can be styled, curled with a curling iron, or straightened with hair tongs, just like your natural hair. However, there are a few important rules and precautions you must follow:

Never let hot tools touch the extension bonds! It's also crucial not to overheat the root area with a blow dryer. Both scenarios can damage your bonds, cause tangling, and lead to matting.
Before styling your hair extensions, ensure they are completely dry. Even slightly damp strands, when exposed to hot tools, can get damaged, as moisture in the hair will essentially "boil" upon contact with high heat, even if you've applied a heat protectant.
Always use a heat protectant before blow-drying, straightening, or curling your hair extensions.
Avoid high heat settings! Overheating your extensions will cause damage. Just like with natural hair, excessive heat can lead to dryness and breakage. Protect your extensions by using moderate heat.

How to sleep with hair extensions?

Permanent hair extensions should be tied back before bedtime to prevent unnecessary tugging or pulling while you sleep. As mentioned earlier, never go to bed with wet hair, as this can lead to matting. You can try one of the following three simple hairstyles to get your hair bedtime-ready:

The Low Ponytail
The Pineapple Ponytail
The Loose Braid

Other notable points

Scalp Feeling Itchy? Don’t worry! As your scalp adjusts to the sudden increase in the amount of hair on your head, it is normal to experience some dryness and itchiness during the first week or two. This sensation should subside over time.

Sleeping with hair extensions may feel a bit unusual at first, but you should grow accustomed to it after a few nights.

If your hair extensions are causing more than slight discomfort, please reach out to us to address any issues. We are here to help and ensure you are fully satisfied with your new mane.

Occasionally, a few extension strands may shed. This is nothing to panic about. Keep them safe, and they will be reinstalled at your next maintenance appointment.

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Enjoy your extensions!