How Do You Properly Take Care of Hair Extensions? – The hair is women’s crowning glory, but not all are blessed with gorgeous princess-like locks. If you are one of them, don’t despair because there is a cool way to achieve this – getting hair extensions! They easily and quickly add length and volume to your natural hair. Hair extensions also let you experiment with different styles that enhance your overall look.
If you’ve already invested in hair extensions, keeping them in excellent condition is a must. It is important to follow the instructions of your hair stylist to ensure the extensions’ longevity and a 10/10 appearance. Real human hair extensions require proper maintenance to keep them safe against damage and prevent losing their luster pretty quickly.
8 ways to take care of your hair extensions
1. Wash your hair regularly, but not daily
Just like your natural hair, extensions need regular washing to keep them from looking dull and smelling bad. Three times a week is recommended because overwashing them can strip the moisture, causing them to look dry. They do not produce natural oil, so using a hydrating shampoo is important.
2. Avoid harsh hair care products
Real human hair extensions may not grow out from the scalp, but like your real hair, the harsh chemicals can damage them real quick. Use hair moisturizing products that do not contain parabens, sulfates, and alcohol. These elements can strip the natural oil that your scalp produces. Without this moisturizing sebum, your real hair strands and your extensions are prone to damage, dryness, and frizz.
3. Keep them tangle-free
Hair extensions are not cheap, so keep your investment working for you. Improper care and handling can make them lose their luster and texture. Use hair oils to sustain or restore their shiny, silky appearance. Gently detangle them with a wide-tooth comb or hands. When shampooing them, make sure to detangle the hair from the ends to the roots, then wash them from the roots to the ends. Use conditioners regularly to coat the strands and keeps them shiny. When applying conditioner, keep the roots from becoming oily by focusing on the mid-lengths to ends.
4. Have a regular trim and cut
Yes, hair extensions also need trimming when needed. If you see damage in the ends of the extensions, get a cut or trim. Make a regular hair salon appointment with your stylist.
5. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, salt water, or chlorine
Long exposure to chlorine in a swimming pool and salt water when you love going to the beach can lead to tangles, dryness, and damage. Make sure to wear a swim cap or secure them in a ponytail. After swimming or washing, dry your hair immediately to avoid damaging the bond or tape adhesive of the extensions. Keeping your hair damp or wet can detach the extensions from your natural hair.
6. Use brushes with soft bristles
A soft bristle brush can easily remove the tangles. It also prevents damaging the tape adhesive in your hair. When brushing the strands, always begin at the ends and then work way up. It is also important to do downward gentle motions to refrain from causing heavy tension to your human hair extensions. As to the number of brushing of your hair, including your extensions a day, the more, the better is the rule of thumb but always do it gently. The best practice is brushing your locks in the morning, before washing, after washing, and before going to bed.
7. Learn the right ways of washing your extensions
If you are not wearing your clip-in hair extensions, clean them by submerging them for about 10 minutes in water with diluted shampoo. But first, make sure that they are free from tangles, so comb them before the procedure. Then, move them carefully from side to side. Avoid swirling the extension in the water. Rinse them with cold running water to remove dirt and keep the moisture. Then, gently squeeze the hair extensions and dry the clip-ins on a dry towel. For permanent extensions, pat them dry using a towel before you blow dry.
8. Dry your hair before going to bed
If you have permanent human hair extensions, always dry them before sleeping to prevent tangles. It is okay to blow-dry the 100% human hair extensions because the bonds won’t melt since they are heatproof. Another way to avoid tangling and matting while asleep is wearing the hair in a plait or a low ponytail. The strands are at their weakest in a wet condition, the turning and tossing in your bed can cause damage. It is also a hassle detangling your locks in the morning as the immense pressure can loosen the bonds and irritate your scalp.
Conclusion
Keeping your natural human hair extensions flawless and last longer requires a good hair-care routine. By doing the tips above, you can maximize the money you invest in having hair extensions and optimize their benefits, including boosting your self-confidence. No more bad hair days!
