How to Care For Hair Extensions
Hair extensions can give your mane added length and volume for a truly enviable look.
But proper care will allow your extensions to last longer and help you avoid damaged hair.
Today, we’re offering our best hair care tips so you’ll know what to expect after getting extensions!
Why hair extension aftercare is important
Just like your natural hair, proper care is essential to looking and feeling great. Here are a couple of ways extension aftercare will benefit you and your new look.
Make your hair extensions look more natural
The first step to getting natural-looking extensions is using high-quality extensions from an experienced professional at your favorite hair studio. However, taking great care of your hair will ensure your extensions look luscious and blend seamlessly with your natural strands long after leaving the salon.
Protect the health of your hair
Poorly maintained extensions can damage your natural hair, especially if you allow too much time to pass between appointments. For example, sleeping with wet hair and extensions that need to be moved up can cause major damage.
How to ensure your extensions last
Taking care of your extensions will help them last as long as possible and look perfectly manicured. Here are our top tips for maintaining your hair extensions.
Brush often
Some hair extensions can tangle easily, and removing knots can be a major hassle once they take hold. Try to thoroughly brush your hair at least twice a day with a wide-toothed comb or a brush with flexible bristles.
Only brush your hair extensions when they’re fully dry. This goes for natural strands, too, since wet hair is significantly weaker than dry hair.
Avoid excessive heat
It isn’t always possible to avoid heat styling, but there are ways to minimize the damage these tools can cause. When blow-drying your hair, be sure to use the lowest temperature setting on your blow dryer. Applying a heat protectant beforehand can help safeguard your strands and keep your hair moisturized.
Many haircare professionals highly recommend only washing your hair extensions once or twice a week. Following this protocol allows you to minimize your use of heat styling tools.
Do not go to bed with wet hair
You already know that brushing wet hair extensions is an easy way to damage your strands, but sleeping with damp hair is also forbidden. Since your tresses will likely be in constant contact with your pillow all night, this friction can cause significant breakage–both to natural locks and extensions.
Of course, a silk pillowcase or bonnet can minimize overnight damage, but it won’t offer much protection to wet hair.
Incorporate oils into your hair care routine
Hair extensions are more prone to drying out than the hairs on your head because your natural oils can’t lubricate them. So, a steady regimen of oils is necessary to keep them adequately hydrated despite moisture-sucking elements like sun exposure, heat styling, and harsh products.
When you apply oil to your extensions, always start mid-shaft and ensure the ends are thoroughly hydrated. After all, applying it to your roots can cause your hair extensions to shift, requiring more frequent salon visits to maintain their position.
Argan, jojoba, and coconut oils can all keep your extensions silky smooth, but your haircare professional can recommend styling products that will work well with your hair type and extensions.
Don’t keep your hair tight
We all have a bad hair day every now and then, even with high-end extensions. Although it can be tempting to throw your tresses up in a bun and ignore them, you don’t want to get into the habit of keeping your hair up all the time. Tight hairstyles can promote breakage and damage, which is the last thing you want for your extensions or your natural hair.
Consider protective styling techniques, such as loose braids, to keep your extensions happy. These styles are a great way to protect your extensions while you sleep.
Keep your hair hydrated
Hair extension maintenance includes certain practices to keep your tresses properly hydrated. While conditioning treatments can help, it’s essential to use hair care products that won’t strip your strands of moisture.
Sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners are a must for healthy hair. Avoid over-washing, and consider a dry shampoo for days when your mane needs a refresh. Again, your stylist can recommend the best products for your hair. Always use their suggested solutions for the best results.
Avoid salt water and chlorine
It’s hard to beat a dip in the pool on a hot summer day, but you’ll need to take certain precautions to protect your hair extensions. Chlorine and salt water can both cause matting, tangling, and dehydration. These chemicals can even cause discoloration, especially in blonde hair extensions.
If it’s possible to keep your head above water, try a high, braided bun to keep your hair dry.
However, if you can’t resist taking the plunge, you can apply a pre-shampoo treatment to create a barrier between your strands and the harsh chemicals. At the very least, wet your hair with clean, fresh water before jumping in to limit the amount of chlorine or salt water your hair can absorb.
As soon as you’re out of the water, wash your hair with a mild shampoo and conditioner and brush as soon as it’s dry.
B/BAUER Hair Lounge is here for all your hair extension advice!
At B/BAUER Hair Lounge, we’re dedicated to empowering our clients and helping them feel more confident than ever! Whether you’re struggling with hair loss or just want a fuller, more luxurious head of hair, we’re here to make your vision a reality!
Contact us today or schedule a consultation at one of our two Chicago-area studios to start your hair care journey today!
