How to Take Care of Your Hair Extensions
Here's What You Need to Know
Maintaining Your Hair Extensions
Hair extensions are the perfect way to achieve the length and volume you’ve always dreamed of. But with great hair comes great responsibility. To keep your new locks looking fabulous and ensure the health of your natural hair, proper care is essential. We’ve laid out everything you need to know to maintain your gorgeous new hair and make the most of your investment.
1. The Art of Gentle Brushing
Brushing your extensions correctly is perhaps the most important daily habit you’ll develop. It prevents tangling, maintains the extension bonds, and keeps your hair smooth and tangle-free.
- Choose the right tool: Use a loop brush or extension-specific brush. These are designed to glide through extensions without catching or pulling.
- Perfect your technique: Always start brushing from the bottom and work your way up. This method prevents unnecessary pulling on the beads and your scalp.
- Frequency matters: Brush 2-3 times daily, with special attention before washing your hair and before going to sleep. This routine helps prevent overnight tangles and keeps your hair manageable throughout the day.
- Be extra gentle: When brushing near the attachment points, use a light touch to avoid putting stress on the bonds.
2. Wash and Dry with Care
Proper washing technique is essential for keeping your extensions looking perfect as well as making them last. Here’s how we recommend you wash your extensions:
- Pre-wash prep: Always brush and detangle your hair before getting it wet. This step prevents severe tangling during the washing process.
- Choose the right products: Use sulfate-free, extension-safe shampoos and conditioners recommended by your stylist. These products are gentler on the bonds and won’t strip your extensions of their natural oils.
- Shampooing: Using lukewarm water, focus on your scalp and roots, especially in between your rows. Use a gentle “Z” motion instead of circular rubbing to prevent tangling.
- Conditioning: Apply conditioner from mid-length to ends, being careful to steer clear of the attachment points. Conditioner can cause the beads to slip.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Make sure all product is rinsed out, as residue can lead to buildup and dullness.
- Drying: Gently squeeze out excess water with a microfiber towel. Never rub your hair; this can cause tangling and create tension on your bonds and roots. Use a blow dryer on a low-heat setting.
We recommend doing a deep conditioning mask once a week to nourish your ends and keep them healthy and hydrated–just make sure to avoid your bonds and roots.
Drying Do's and Don'ts
- Gently squeeze excess water from your hair; never rub with a towel.
- Use a low-heat setting on your blow dryer.
- Always use a heat protectant when styling with hot tools.
Sleeping Beauty Tips
- Braid your hair loosely or use a silk scrunchie for a loose ponytail before bed.
- Sleep on a silk or high-threadcount pillowcase to reduce friction, tangling, and shedding.
- Never go to sleep with wet hair.
Swimming
While a dip in the pool or ocean can be refreshing, swimming with hair extensions requires extra precautions. Both chlorine and salt water can be particularly harsh on your extensions. Here’s how to care for your extensions when hitting the pool or beach:
- Chlorine: Try to avoid chlorine as much as possible. If you plan on going in the pool, apply a deep conditioning mask beforehand. This helps create a barrier between your hair and the chlorine, reducing absorption.
- Salt water: Avoid salt water if at all possible. It’s very hard on extensions and can leave them feeling dry and brittle as salt deposits into the hair cuticle. If salt water is unavoidable, you can take similar precautions as with chlorine, but be aware that this may not be as effective.
- Sunscreen: Avoid sunscreens containing avobenzone (also known as butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane) and octocrylene. These ingredients can react chemically with the extensions, potentially turning them green or pink.
Exercise
For workouts, secure your hair in a low ponytail or loose braid.
Regular Maitenance
Schedule move-up appointments every 6-8 weeks at Portfolio Hair Salon.
Don’t attempt to adjust or remove the beads yourself – leave it to our professionals!
Product Picks
Invest in high-quality products that are free of sulfates. We highly recommend Oribe.
Applying hair oil regularly will help nourish the extensions.
Style Smartly
Limit heat styling to preserve both your extensions and natural hair. When using hot tools, keep heat away from the beads.
Remember, your beaded row extensions are an investment in your look. With proper care, they’ll continue to turn heads and boost your confidence. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Portfolio Hair Salon. We’re here to ensure you love your locks every single day!
Ready for a refresh or have questions about your extensions? Book your next appointment with us and keep your hair looking its absolute best!
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Ready for a hair transformation? Schedule your complimentary consultation with one of our certified professionals. We’ll discuss your needs, match colors, and plan your unique hair extension journey.
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