The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Your Hair Extensions
By the Denver Hair Extensionist
Professional hair extensions are an investment in your confidence and style, giving you the long, voluminous hair of your dreams. To make the most of your investment, proper care is key. With the right routine, you can keep your extensions looking flawless, healthy, and beautiful for as long as possible. Here’s everything you need to know about caring for your extensions.
Brushing & Detangling: The Right Tools Matter
Hair extensions require gentle brushing to avoid unnecessary tangling or damage.
Here’s how to do it:
• Use a brush specifically designed for extensions or one with soft bristles.
• Hold your hair at the root to prevent pulling on the bonds, beads, or tapes.
• Start detangling from the ends and work your way up. Always brush gently to maintain the integrity of your extensions and your natural hair.
• For strand by strand extensions, pay special attention to your scalp / attachment areas. It is imperative to brush the bonds to keep them separated.
Brushing your extensions daily not only keeps them looking polished but also prevents knots from forming.
Washing Extensions: Treat Them Gently
Washing your hair extensions correctly can make all the difference in their longevity:
• Use salon-grade, professional quality shampoos and conditioners. Do not use any shampoos containing sulfur (ex; dandruff shampoos).
• Always wash your hair in a downward motion, avoiding scrubbing or excessive friction. This prevents tangling and ensures the bonds stay intact.
• Avoid washing your hair every day unless approved by your stylist. Overwashing may strip your extensions of moisture, causing them to lose their luster.
Conditioning: Moisture is Key
Extensions don’t receive natural oils from your scalp, so keeping them hydrated is essential:
• Apply conditioner from the mid-lengths to the ends only—avoid the roots and attachment points, as excess moisture near the bonds could weaken them.
• Deep condition your extensions weekly to maintain softness and shine. This is especially important if you use heat-styling tools frequently.
Drying Your Extensions: Be Careful with Heat
Proper drying is just as important as washing:
• Pat your hair gently with a microfiber towel to remove excess water. Avoid rough towel drying, as it can lead to tangling and breakage.
• Let your extensions air-dry whenever possible. If you’re using a blow dryer, use a low-heat setting to protect the bonds and the hair itself.
• Never go to bed with wet hair! This can cause matting and damage to your extensions and natural hair.
Heat Styling: Protect Your Extensions
Heat styling can help you create amazing looks, but overuse can damage your extensions:
• Always use a heat protectant spray before using any hot tools like flat irons, curling wands, or blow dryers.
• Keep heat tools on a low to medium setting. Extensions are more delicate than natural hair and can’t recover from heat damage.
Sleeping with Extensions: Keep Them Protected
How you treat your hair at night impacts how it looks during the day:
• Always secure your hair in a loose braid or ponytail before sleeping. This prevents tangles and knots while you toss and turn.
• Consider sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase. These materials reduce friction, keeping your extensions smooth and shiny.
Professional Maintenance: Stay on Schedule
Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your extensions in top shape:
• Schedule touch-ups with your stylist every 6-8 weeks, depending on the method of extensions you’re wearing. This helps keep bonds secure and ensures your natural hair remains healthy.
• During your appointments, your stylist can check for any adjustments, tangling, or slipping and address them before they become an issue.
Avoid Chlorine & Saltwater Exposure
While extensions can help you live your best life, they do require extra care in certain situations:
• Chlorine and saltwater can dry out your extensions, leading to brittleness and tangling. Always wear a swim cap or avoid submerging your hair in water while swimming.
• If you do swim, rinse your hair immediately afterward with fresh water and use a hydrating mask to replenish moisture.
Choose Products Wisely
Not all hair products are extension-friendly, so choose carefully:
• Avoid products containing alcohol, sulfates, or heavy oils, as these can dry out your extensions or weaken the bonds.
• Look for products labeled specifically for extensions or safe for chemically treated hair.
Listen to Your Stylist’s Advice
Your stylist is your go-to expert for all things hair extensions. They know your specific type of extensions and hair care needs, so be sure to follow their personalized advice. Trust their recommendations for products, maintenance schedules, and styling tips.
Invest in Your Hair, Love the Results
Hair extensions can elevate your style, boost your confidence, and enhance your overall look—but only if you take care of them properly. With a little extra love and the right routine, your extensions will stay as gorgeous as the day you got them.
Take the time to care for your investment, and your hair will thank you for it!
For any specific questions or maintenance needs, reach out to your stylist—they’re always happy to help you keep your extensions looking their best.
