Hair extensions can transform your look by adding length, volume, and color to your hair. However, it is essential to provide your extensions care & maintenance regularly to keep them looking their best. Whether you have clip-ins, tape-ins, or sew-ins, taking care of your hair extensions is crucial for their longevity and your own hair health. In this article, we’ll explore some essential tips for hair extensions care and maintenance to ensure that your extensions continue to look and feel great.
WASHING YOUR HAIR EXTENSIONS
We highly recommend that you wash your hair extensions 1-2 times a week. Over-washing and too much styling can be damaging and can significantly reduce the life of the extensions. It is essential that you use hair care products that are especially formulated for hair extensions. Using other products can damage your extensions, and can lead to dryness, tangling, shedding and slipping. Before you wash, it is important to brush your hair with a soft-bristled brush. When you do wash, always apply shampoo to the extensions, smoothing not rubbing it in. Make sure to pay extra attention to the shampooing of the scalp, including the areas where the attachments have been made. Then, you should condition the mid-lengths to the ends of the extensions. It is best to keep the conditioner away from the attachment points. If you would like, you can lift up your own hair to condition the extensions, but it is not necessary. We suggest that you use a hair extension conditioner every 1-2 weeks. Additionally, when it comes to washing, it is important to be cautious. You should avoid tipping the extensions over the bath or sink, as this will cause them to tangle in the bottom. Once you have shampooed and conditioned, you should carefully pat your hair with a towel to remove any excess water. Do not rub your hair vigorously, as this can be damaging.
HAIR EXTENSIONS CARE & MAINTENANCE- DAILY CARE
Plaiting your hair before sleep is an essential part of caring for your hair extensions. It is important to use a soft-bristled hair extension brush when it is dry, working it in between the bonds, tapes, or wefts, so that tangles don't start to form as the hair grows. When brushing and styling your extensions, always ensure that you are gentle and don't apply too much force as they may come away. Additionally, don't pull your hair back too tightly when styling. Using a sunbed? Before you do, make sure that you cover your hair with a towel in order to secure it. We recommend that you also get a trim every 4-6 weeks, so that the hair remains healthy and bouncy.
Dry and style your hair extensions
When it comes to drying your hair extensions, begin by drying the attachment areas first, using a cooler setting on your hairdryer. This will avoid damaging the attachments. Once your roots are sufficiently dry, you can then move onto drying the rest of the hair. Ensure you divide the hair into sections, beginning with the back of the neck, and dry each section thoroughly using a round brush and the hairdryer; directing the airflow downwards for maximum impact. Using the nozzle attachment on the hairdryer will give you a smoother finish.
Once the hair is almost dry, refrain from allowing your extensions to dry completely without styling them; or worse, drying them rapidly. Instead, take the time to go over each section with a flat or curling iron, or for a more voluminous curl or wave pattern, a heated roller, tongs or other heated appliances. At all times, take care to avoid applying too much heat over the attachment areas, as this could over-soften the adhesive bonds and cause the bond to release prematurely.
HOLIDAYS AND SWIMMING
We do not recommend wearing hair extensions abroad, as different weather can damage the hair and reduce its lifespan. If you choose to do this, you take responsibility for any of the following:
Colour change or discolouration from chlorine, sea water, shower chemicals or sun cream. Hair may go green, pink or orange and may not come out when washed. Dryness and matting due to changes in heat and humidity and increased sun exposure.
Weakening of the bond or tape glue which can lead to shedding, or the hair extensions coming loose.
Should you have extensions installed for your holiday, any guarantee on the hair or installing it will be invalidated, including when Aftercare Products are bought and used.
We likewise don't suggest going for a swim with hair extensions, as chlorine can harm both the hair and attach/glue.
HUMAN HAIR EXTENSIONS MAINTENANCE
Tapes - Tape-in extensions typically require maintenance every 6 to 8 weeks, depending on how fast your natural hair grows. This is because as your hair grows, the tape-in extensions move further away from your scalp and may begin to feel uncomfortable or cause tension on your natural hair. Regular maintenance appointments with your stylist can help to reposition the extensions closer to your scalp, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit. During a maintenance appointment, your stylist will remove the old tape adhesive from the extensions and your natural hair, then reapply the extensions with new tape. They may also trim the ends of the extensions to keep them looking natural and healthy. This process typically takes around an hour, depending on how many extensions you have. Regular maintenance appointments also help to prevent any damage to your natural hair caused by the weight of the extensions or the tape adhesive. Your stylist can check the condition of your natural hair and ensure that the extensions are not causing any breakage or thinning.
micro link/pre-bonded – It is essential to re-position the micro link/pre bonded extensions every 6 weeks, by shifting the sections away from delicate areas, such as the hairline. Furthermore, the whole thing should be given a once-over, and make sure that any essential aftercare is being followed correctly. Lastly, the extensions should be trimmed, in order to keep them looking and feeling healthy.
Weaves – Every 6 weeks, maintenance requires the full removal and application of the weave, as well as a good old trim of the hair. This is a good time to check any necessary aftercare is being used correctly, and buy any new products, in order to keep the weave looking and feeling great. Every 5 weeks it is important to replace the tapes at the delicate areas, such as the hairline, to prevent any damage, and the extensions should also be trimmed.
REMOVAL
Removing your hair extensions is a delicate process, and should best be handled by your hair stylist. It is important to never try to remove them yourself, as the wrong technique could potentially damage your natural hair and scalp. Depending on which type of hair extensions you have, the estimated time for their removal varies. For nano beads and stick tips, it should be done after 8 weeks, while weaves should be removed after 6 weeks. For tape hair extensions, they need to remain in for between 8 and 12 weeks before they can be taken out.
AFTERCARE PRODUCTS
Aftercare products are a great way to ensure your hair extensions stay looking their best. It is important to take care of your hair extensions as you would your own natural hair, as doing so can extend the life of the extensions and keep them looking salon fresh. When looking for aftercare products, fashion-forward women should look for those that specifically state that they are designed for use with hair extensions – this will ensure the product does not negatively affect the extensions. When purchasing aftercare products, it is good to keep in mind what the primary purpose of the product is; for example, certain shampoos and conditioners will be designed to hydrate the hair, others to detangle, and so on. Experimenting with different product formulations can help discover the best products to use for your particular hair extensions and specific needs. Following a consistent aftercare routine with products specifically designed for hair extensions will help ensure beautiful, long lasting results.
Hair Extensions Longevity
If you want your hair extensions to last as long as possible, then there are a few steps you can take to ensure their longevity. First, aftercare is key. To maintain the life span of your hair extensions it is important to follow a regular aftercare routine. This includes using sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner, and brushing the hair into style with a wide-toothed comb. Additionally, you should avoid exposing your hair extensions to heat styling where possible. Furthermore, regular maintenance for your hair extensions is essential. Arrange for your hairdresser to check in on your hair at least once every few months. This will allow them to some tips on how you could prevent damage to them in the future. Lastly, avoids putting your hair into a tight updo. Focus on treating your hair extensions with the same care that you treat your natural hair - this should help to keep them looking good for longer.
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