How To Care For Your Extensions

HAIR EXTENSION AFTERCARE GUIDE

Once you’ve had your hair extensions fitted, it’s important to look after them properly so that they stay in top condition. Unfortunately, your gorgeous new hair does require some extra care and attention.

Your hair extensionist will explain and show you exactly how to care for your extensions once they’re fitted. This hair extension aftercare guide is for people interested in getting extensions and are curious about the care needed to maintain them. Or a reminder for clients who already have extensions fitted.

1. Brush Your Hair Daily

We recommend brushing your hair 2 times per day, starting from the ends and working upwards. Once in the morning and once in the evening to prevent your extensions from matting or becoming tangled. Also, make sure to avoid bending over whilst brushing your hair.

Bending over whilst brushing, washing or drying your hair places unnecessary stress on your extensions and can cause your hair to tangle; brushing your hair upside down does not provide any advantages and may weaken the extension’s attachment points over time.

2. Wash Out Pool And Salt Water After Swimming

Chlorine and salt can cause the adhesive which holds your extensions to your natural hair to break down. Chlorine can even discolour your extensions when left in the hair for long periods of time. So it’s important to rinse your hair with tap water after going for a swim as soon as possible.

3. Rinse Your Hair After Intense Exersise

Sweat contains high levels of salt, which will damage your extension’s adhesive if they’re exposed to it for long periods of time.

4. Do Not Use Excessive Heat On Your Extensions

Whilst it’s completely fine to use hair dryers and hair straighteners, make sure not to apply heat directly to the tapes or bonds. Heat protection spray is also recommended to prevent heat damage to your extensions if you frequently use hair straighteners.

5. Do Not Sleep With Wet Hair

Moisture weakens the adhesive in your tape extensions; whilst you sleep, you’re likely to toss and turn, causing extra tension on already weakened tapes. In addition, your extensions can become frizzy, which can be annoying to deal with but is easily prevented. So always make sure to dry your hair before going to bed.

6. Chemical Processes Should Be Handled By Qualified Stylists

Chemical processes such as keratin treatments, hair colouring and perms require a deep understanding in order to be applied to hair extensions without causing damage.

We don’t recommend having your hair extensions chemically treated after they’re fitted since it will reduce their lifespan. But if you do, make sure to have your treatment done by a qualified stylist who has experience working with hair extensions.

7. Use High-Quality Shampoo And Conditioners

Shampoos are essential for keeping your extensions clean and healthy; they help to remove hair products, dead skin cells, and natural oils which naturally build up in your hair.

Conditioners are just as important since they nourish your hair, making it softer and easier to manage

Choosing the correct shampoo and conditioner brands is one of the most important steps when it comes to caring for your hair extensions. Louise and her team will let you know which brands to use and which to avoid during your consultation.

Here are some toxic ingredients to avoid when choosing a shampoo or conditioning product:

Parabens

Parabens are used to extend the lifespan of hair products, similar to preservatives in foods. And just like preservatives, they’re detrimental to your health. They’re found in most cheap hair care products in the form of propylparaben, ethylparaben, and benzyl paraben. Most paraben-free products will clearly state they’re free of parabens on the label.

Potential side effects of parabens include scalp irritation and hair loss. However, you can find a wide variety of paraben-free products which contain natural preservatives, such as Salicylic acid, Sorbic acid and Grapefruit seed extract.

To find out more about why parabens are detrimental to your health, Click Here.

Sulfates

Sulfates are widely used in hair care products to create lather, but they are far from ideal for the health of your hair. Sulfates will cause your hair to dry out, which can cause itching, rashes and swelling. Always choose Sulfate-free hair products so that your hair looks healthy and retains its natural shine. Avoid any ingredients which end in either sulfate or sulfosuccinate. Most sulfate-free hair products will clearly state they’re sulfate free.

Dimethicone

Dimethicone is a type of silicone commonly used in shampoos and conditioners. It’s frequently used by manufacturers since it’s cheap and can easily straighten and soften synthetic hair. However, for human hair (and human hair extensions), it creates a layer of silicone which prevents water and other essential nutrients from penetrating your hair properly. Resulting in dehydrated and undernourished locks.

Mineral Oils

Mineral oil is derived from petrolatum, which is detrimental to your scalp health. Over long periods of use, mineral oil will build-up up and prevent essential hair care ingredients from penetrating into the scalp. This build-up can lead to itching, rashes and hair loss due to clogged pores and poor blood circulation in the scalp.

Alcohols

Alcohol-based products are used to remove hair extensions, so it’s very important to avoid using shampoo and conditioners which contain them. Alcohol is also a very harsh drying agent which can strip your hair’s natural oils (sebum) and result in scalp dryness and mild dandruff.

8. Avoid Washing Your Hair Daily

Whilst shampooing and conditioning your hair is one of the most important parts of your hair extension aftercare routine, washing your hair daily can be detrimental.

Washing your hair every day will strip it of the oils (sebum) that give your hair a natural shine and texture, and it will also reduce your hair extensions lifespan. We will explain how often your extensions will need to be washed after they’re fitted or during your consultation, as everyone’s hair needs are different.