How to Take Care of Hair Extensions

Once your hair extensions are bonded, it is your job to maintain them. Not caring about them well will cause them to lose their bond sooner than you expect. Then, you will not get the looks you wanted at the time of application. Also, it includes a high cost of installation, which no one wants to let go in vain. Here are some simple tips everyone can follow to retain them in good condition.

Wash Hair Only Once or Twice a Week 

Avoid washing extensions too often; otherwise, they will lose their strength. Remember that your hair can survive better if you wash it only once or twice weekly. It sounds strange, but it is what it is. The reason is the chemicals that can damage your hair and scalp.

Sulfate Hair Products Damage Hair Extensions

Since sulfates can remove oil, grease, and dirt from hair, they become harmful if used frequently. Using hair products with sulfates will prevent your hair from retaining essential amounts of moisture and oil. To keep some natural oil in your hair, you need to use special products for extensions. Those products must be free of sulfate and parabens. Also, products with silicon in them are harmful for extensions.

Overuse of Hair Products is also Bad

Using different kinds of products to style your hair is not good for the long term. Our hair and extensions cannot bear the harsh chemicals used in hair products. Gels, shampoos, harsh serums, and many other types can damage them easily. If you want to know how to maintain hair extensions, stop overusing hair products. They will damage the bond in your extensions since they contain harsh chemicals. 

Hair Dyes Can Damage the Bond in Extensions

Never dye your hair after having permanent extensions. Here is some hair extension advice: follow it for the longevity of extensions. Dye your hair before having permanent extensions because the chemicals in dye cannot damage extensions. They cannot break down the bond between extensions and natural hair.

Chlorine, Salt Water, and Hard Water are Bad for Them

Washing your hair with hard water can be disastrous for extensions. One hair extension tip is always to avoid washing hair with chlorine and saltwater. These chemicals will damage the bond between extensions and hair.

Keep Them Hydrated with Oil or Serum

Use a mild quantity of oil or hair serums to moisten hair extensions. This is necessary to prevent dryness, fragility, and breakdown. If you experience dry weather, use such products regularly to moisten your hair.  

Prevent Hair Tangling When Sleeping

Do hair extension maintenance regularly to keep the extensions intact. If there is tangling, you will have to deal with it. Otherwise, hair will start breaking down because of friction in a tangled form. There are some ways you should follow to reduce tangling and friction.

Sleep on a Satin or Silk Pillow Cover

The safest thing you can do is to use a silk pillow cover. Either silk or satin cover will reduce the friction between your hair and pillow. People who find hair damage when sleeping must know how to care for their hair extensions. Also, brush your hair before going to sleep and after waking up. That will reduce hair tangling and enhance the longevity of extensions.

Make Loose Braids Before Sleeping 

Always make loose braids before sleeping. This will prevent hair tangling and make your extensions last longer. Do not leave your hair loose or make tight braids. Go for loose braids to keep your hair aligned consistently. Also, when you are in the gym, do the same.

Avoid Sleeping with Wet Hair

This is where you should be careful. Never make the mistake of sleeping with wet hair. That will break your hair because of friction. When your hair is wet, it gets more friction with the pillow than when it is dry. Air-dry them before going to sleep.  

Too Much Heat Styling is Bad 

A hairdryer will cause severe damage to hair extensions. If you want to do hair extension care, stop using a hair dryer. The heat will damage the chemicals that bind the extensions to natural hair. Instead, follow the air-dry method. Avoid that at all costs unless you have to use a hair dryer. You can use that on care occasions only.

Do Not Make a Bun or Ponytail for Long Hair

Keeping your hair in a bun or ponytail will cause pressure on extensions. Keep gaps between styles like that because your extensions need to be free of stress. When you make a bun or ponytail, your hair is under constant pressure.

Use a Wide-Tooth Comb to Avoid Breaking Tangled Hair

The last tip on how to look after hair extensions is here. Always use a wide-tooth comb when clearing off tangled hair. This type of comb will easily untangle hair by avoiding breakage. Before going to sleep and after waking up, use them to untangle hair for the longevity of extensions. 

FAQs

What kind of hair shampoo should I use for hair extensions?

Shampoos that are free of sulfates and parabens are good for them. Use hair products that have very mild chemicals.

Should I brush my hair extensions when they are wet?

Avoid that because it will create more friction. Air dry them first, then straighten them with a wide-tooth comb.

Can swimming in pool water damage my hair extensions?

Yes, chlorine in pool water can damage hair. However, you can wash your hair with clean water after swimming to keep it safe from the effects of chlorine.

Is heat drying safe for hair extensions?

No, air drying is safe. Heat will damage the glue or chemicals that bind the extensions to natural hair.

How do I brush my hair safely when they are tangled?

Use a wide-tooth comb because it will move gently. It can separate tangled hair without breaking it.

Also Read 

i. Real Vs. Synthetic Hair Extensions

ii. A Comprehensive Guide For Choosing The Best Hair Extensions