You may notice a consistent theme in these tips, emphasizing the importance of giving your extensions proper care and attention. It’s important to remember that if you have human hair extensions, they should be treated with the same care as your natural hair. While the maintenance process may differ, the level of tender loving care required remains the same. So, if you weren’t satisfied with your time-consuming hair care routine before getting extensions, don’t assume that they will provide an easy way out.
Tip #1: Avoid sleeping with your extensions
Just like removing your makeup before going to bed is important, it’s equally crucial to remove clip-in hair extensions before you sleep. Sleeping with them can lead to tangling with your natural hair and potential damage to the clips. When removing clip-ins, make sure to start from the top and work your way down to minimize any tangling.
If you have sewn-in extensions, it’s necessary to keep them in while sleeping. To prevent tangling and minimize frizz, you can wear a sleeping cap or silk scarf to protect your extensions overnight.
Tip #2: Handle with care
When it comes to combing and detangling your extensions, it’s essential to be gentle to avoid damage. Opt for a wig brush or a wide-tooth comb, as these will be more gentle on the extensions. Remember to always start detangling from the ends and gradually work your way up towards the roots. Following this technique, similar to detangling your natural hair, can help minimize shedding and breakage.
Taking the time to detangle your extensions properly will result in longer-lasting wear, making it a worthwhile practice to incorporate into your routine.
Tip #3: Limit the frequency of washing
If you have sewn-in hair extensions, it is recommended to wash your hair as frequently as you would with your natural hair. However, if you are using clip-in extensions, washing them once a month is sufficient. Although this might seem like an extended period, it’s important to consider that clip-in extensions lack the natural oils that your own hair possesses. Washing them too frequently can strip away moisture, leading to dryness and brittleness. By minimizing the frequency of washing, you can help maintain the quality and longevity of your clip-in extensions.
Tip #4: Minimize heat styling
Hair extensions don’t receive the natural oils and nutrients that your own hair does, so it’s best to limit the use of heat tools when styling them. Instead, consider opting for heat-free styling alternatives, such as using a texture spray, to achieve the desired look without subjecting your extensions to excessive heat. This helps to maintain the overall health and longevity of your extensions.
Tip #5: Choose gentle shampoo and conditioner
When it comes to caring for your hair extensions, it’s important to use a gentle shampoo and conditioner. Look for products that are mild and suitable for color-treated hair, as your extensions may have been dyed to match your desired shade. For extensions made from human hair, a recommendation would be the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo and the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Conditioner, which can help maintain softness and manageability of your extensions.
Editor’s note: If you’re having difficulty finding products specifically labeled for extensions, here’s a secret: If your extensions are made of real hair, regular hair care and styling products should work just fine! Simply ensure that the formulas are gentle and safe for colored hair.
Tip #6: Opt for gentle hair styling products
When applying hair styling products to your extensions, it’s important to choose those with gentle formulas, similar to your hair care products. Instead of sticking to your usual hairspray, consider trying the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Extra Strong Hold with UV filter for Color-Treated Hair. This hairspray is specifically designed to be color-safe and provides a long-lasting, brushable hold for human hair extensions. It will help keep your extensions in place while allowing for easy detangling when needed.
Tip #7: Prioritize heat protection
When styling your extensions with heat, it’s crucial to use a heat protectant to shield them from potential damage. Before straightening your human hair extensions, consider using a product like the L’Oréal Paris SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray to provide a protective barrier. This helps to minimize the impact of heat and maintain the quality of your (faux) strands. Remember to follow the instructions on the heat protectant product for best results.
Tip #8: Maintain moisture in your extensions
Sewn-in extensions benefit from the moisture provided by your natural hair oils, but clip-in extensions can become dry since they don’t receive the same exposure. To prevent them from becoming parched, it’s advisable to use a leave-in conditioner periodically. However, be cautious not to use an excessive amount, as this can make your extensions appear greasier compared to your natural hair. Strike a balance by applying a moderate amount of leave-in conditioner to keep your extensions moisturized without weighing them down.
Tip #9: Properly store your extensions
Proper storage is essential to prevent tangling and damage, especially for clip-in hair extensions. One recommended method is to store them in an empty shoe box. To store clip-in extensions, gather them into a ponytail to prevent the clips from snagging on other parts of the extensions. Carefully wrap each weft around the others and secure them with a gentle hair tie or band. This helps to keep the extensions organized and tangle-free during storage, ensuring they stay in good condition for future use.
In conclusion, caring for your hair extensions is essential to maintain their longevity and ensure they continue to look their best. Treating them with the same level of care as your natural hair is crucial. When it comes to sleep, it’s recommended to remove clip-in extensions to prevent tangling, while sewn-in extensions can be protected with a sleeping cap or silk scarf. Gentle combing and detangling starting from the ends help minimize shedding and breakage.