The best hair extensions are of good quality and therefore might cost a little bit more.But they are a worthwhile long-term investment. However, you need to take proper care of your extensions to ensure that they last for a long time and you don’t damage your natural hair.
The regular care routine you need to follow will depend on the type of hair extensions you have.
Read here to know about What are the different types of hair extensions?
Human Hair Extensions
Keep your hair clean as dirt and sweat can damage your extensions. To wash it, use sulphate-free or paraben-free shampoo. Before washing, detangle your hair, working from ends of your hair to the roots. Then wash it from the roots to the ends.To stop your extensions tangling, make sure it is dry and tie it back before you go to bed.
Use a soft bristle brush and brushing in a downward motions.
The biggest enemies for human hair extensions are heat, salt and chlorinated water. If you go swimming,wear a swimming cap. If your hair gets wet, condition your hair as soon as possible.
Synthetic hair Extensions
They are made of high-quality fibres which behave like human hair. You can create certain hairstyles with heat, but make sure you don’t overheat the extensions as it can melt them. Thus, before using any heating tool, use a conditioning spray that protects the extensions from heat damage.To reduce dullness, buy shampoo that is specially made for synthetic hair. You can wash it with lukewarm or cold water. Also, to avoid the tangles, use a wide-tooth comb, and if you want to tie your hair back, make sure your hair is completely dry.
Unlike human hair extensions, you shouldn’t have any issues swimming.
Some General Rules for a daily hair care routine
Maintaining your extensions is essential for getting the most use out of them and value for your money. Here are a few maintenance guidelines for your daily hair care routine.After Putting in the Extensions
Once you get your hair extensions, wait 24 hours before styling your hair. Initially, your hair may feel thicker and heavier, particularly if you get it wet. But, when you become used to it, you will feel like it’s your real hair. It can take up to 14 days for you to adjust to your new hair.Rule 1: Brushing
- While brushing,hold around 15 cm of the extensions and brush towards the bottom. Then repeat that process until your hair is smooth.
- Be gentle to your wefts when you’re brushing, and avoid pulling harshly as this can pull the extensions out.
- Instead of using a fine-tooth comb, use a wide-tooth comb to untangle your extensions. This will stop you pulling your extensions out.
- Also, hold your wefts near the spine of the comb to avoid pulling from the roots.
Rule 2: Shampooing
- Take a small amount of shampoo and massage it through your scalp. Avoid using circular motions as this can tangle your hair.
- Squeeze the shampoo downwards from about halfway down your hair to the ends, before rinsing gently.
- Apply shampoo only to your scalp to remove any oil build up.Only shampoo the roots of your hair when your scalp is coated in shampoo.
- You should only shampoo your hair once or twice per week, as excessive shampooing can unnecessarily wear out your extensions while also drying out your hair.
- You can use dry shampoo to keep your look clean throughout the week instead of liquid shampoo.
Rule 3: Condition and treatment
- After rinsing, gently squeeze your hair to get as much water out as possible. Any leftover water can dilute the concentration of your conditioning product.
- Only apply the conditioner from about halfway down your hair to the ends. You can slightly massage it on your scalp through to the roots.
- Light remove any tangles during this process by running your fingers through them. This can also help to evenly distribute the conditioner.
- You may find you need more conditioner as usual as extensions do not create their own oil like natural hair does.
Rule 4: Drying
- Gentle pat your hair dry rather than rubbing it vigorously.
- To protect your hair from heating tools, apply a leave-in moisturiser or a heat protectant before your style your hair.
- Avoid high-alcohol content products as it will quickly dry out your hair.
- To style your hair, you can use a light smooth and shine serum but avoid silicon-based products.
Rule 5: Pre-styling and styling
- Avoid pushing pins or clips into where the extensions are attached to your hair and using heating tools near the base of the extensions.
- You can use a tangle-free elastic to protect your extensions and natural hair.
- Don’t style your hair into high ponytail or tight formal styles, as it can place too much pressure on your extension roots.
