Caring for your hair should be one of the most important considerations in your decision to getting hair extensions. Take a look at these Top Tips designed to help you have long lasting hair extensions and reap the rewards of a truly fabulous mane!
Brush, Brush, Brush Brushing your hair extensions is as important as brushing your teeth each morning. Use a soft bristle brush to detangle the hair without damaging it. Start at the bottom, as you would with your natural hair, detangling that area first before you move up to work on the top sections. For long lasting hair extensions, be gentle, as pulling can cause breakage.
Wash Carefully Firstly, make sure you detangle your hair before shampooing. Tilt your hair back in the shower instead of flipping your hair up and washing it over the sink or tub. Use a good salon professional shampoo that is sulphate free. Take it slow! Wet your extensions bit by bit to prevent tangling using a downward motion when shampooing and rinse them thoroughly.
Condition Like A Pro Follow up with a nourishing leave-in conditioner such as the sulphate-free. Spray it on or work it in using the same downward motion and brush out any remaining tangles carefully. Don’t over-apply nourishing products as this may make your extensions dull and limp, causing them to get dirty at a much faster rate and tangle more easily.
Let Them Dry Naturally Excessive heat is detrimental to your natural hair and hair extensions. Regardless of whether you have extensions or not, you should allow time for your hair to dry naturally. Avoid sleeping with semi-wet hair which can cause tangles and odd creases.
Blow Dry Carefully Use a low-heat setting to dry your extensions and surrounding hair first then style/dry the rest of your hair as usual. Never ever use hot styling equipment that exceeds 200 degrees Celsius.
Store With Care Your clip-ins, wigs or quick weaves need to be stored with love when unused. Clean, condition, dry and detangle them first then place them in an air-tight container big enough to accommodate them perfectly – no squishing please!
Tie Back In case your luscious locks can’t be removed before sleep or intense physical activity, you can always sweep them back in a ponytail. If you’re about to hit the sack, make it a low pony to avoid tangles and creases. If you’re about the hit the gym or a running track, opt for a high pony to limit the exposure to sweat.
If You’re A Swimmer You may need to adopt a serious cap-wearing habit as chlorine and salt aren’t your hair’s best friends. We know that a swimming cap isn’t the hottest headwear, however in the long run, your extensions will last longer.
Be Gentle With Your Hair Harsh pulling, wringing or knotting your hair tightly is a no-go if you want long lasting hair extension. You can also damage your real hair, causing breakage and ruining your chances of having beautiful longish hair after the extensions are removed. Treat them well & keep up regular maintenance re-lifts to ensure your extensions are long lasting.
Visit Your Stylist Regularly Even the best quality extensions need upkeep. We recommend you check back with your stylist every 5 to 7 weeks for professional re-fitting and styling.
Adapted from: Carla Lawson
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