It’s amazing to see the options that are now available for achieving whatever look it may be you’re going for. That proves to be true when it comes to your hair and using hair extensions to get longer, fuller hair.
If you do choose to get hair extensions then you likely know they can be somewhat of an investment. That means it’s essential to understand how to care for your hair extensions and ensure they last as long as possible. You want them to stay in tip-top shape!
Why Choose Hair Extensions?
If you’re in the consideration phase of whether or not to get extensions, we’ve got a few reasons that you might want to give them a try!
- You got a bad haircut: When you’re not in the hands of a professional it can happen! Hair extensions can help lessen the damage.
- You want longer hair: Of course, extensions can extend your hair and make it longer more quickly than growing it.
- You want thicker hair: Extensions can add fullness to your hair and give you a different look.
- You want to tweak your hair color: If you’re looking to change or experiment with your hair color, hair extensions can help you to try something new with minimal commitment.
- You want to minimize hair damage: Heat and coloring can be damaging over time which extensions can help with.
- You want a simple solution for all of the above: Hair extensions are relatively easy to install and maintain with proper care!
Care for Your Hair Extensions and Make Them Last
Extensions are incredible for helping you to change up your hair, but for you to keep them looking fresh, they need a bit of care and attention. Good hair extensions are relatively easy to care for, they just require a bit of extra love.
Here are our best tips for taking care of your hair extensions and making them last!
Use silk or satin for sleeping
It’s amazing what silk can do for your extensions!
Silk is great for keeping your extensions smooth and for keeping them from pulling as you sleep. You might wrap your extensions in silk while you sleep. You can also get yourself a silk pillowcase to help keep your extensions moisturized.
If you do choose to wrap your extensions, try brushing the area where the extensions connect to your head, and then use a silk scarf around your head. Tie the scarf in a knot near your forehead so it stays secure while sleeping.
Be consistent with brushing your extensions
Brushing your extensions is perhaps one of the most important parts of taking care of them. You should brush out your extensions every time you wear them and in between styles. So, if you’re curling them after wearing them straight, be sure to give them a good brush first.
A paddle brush will be best for straight extensions and a wide-tooth comb for curly hair or when you’re trying to detangle them. Always try to be gentle with them and avoid tugging on the hair as you attempt to get knots out.
Avoid using too many products and certain products altogether
While products can be great for your hair extensions, using too many products on them can end up causing unwanted damage. For example, if your extensions are straight it’s best to not use too much product on the style as it’s already straight.
You also will want to avoid using certain products altogether. Products that contain ingredients such as SLS, propanol, SD alcohol, and propyl can end up stripping your hair of its natural oils which in turn can end up drying out your hair. The hair will then become more tangled as the hair becomes compromised.
Store your hair extensions correctly
If you have clip-in extensions then storing them the right way can do wonders for prolonging their life of them. Be sure to close all of the clips once you’ve taken them out and give them a good brush.
Extensions should always be stored in a cool and dry place where they won’t have sunlight on them. Avoid putting them near water or in a place where they might be able to get wet.
It’s even a good idea to put them in an airtight container to ensure they’re properly protected.
Reduce shedding as much as possible
You’ll notice over time that your extensions may shed, just like the hair on your head! And while it’s normal to have some shedding with extensions, too much fallout is going to make for sparse extensions, which probably isn’t something you want.
Brush your extensions before you wash them and also after washing them. You should wait until the extensions are almost fully dry before taking a brush to them.
It’s also a good idea to avoid using a higher heat when applying heat to the hair. Heat can cause damage and shedding. Keep your tools to a lower temperature and your hair will be better equipped to handle the heat you’re applying to it.
Properly wash and dry your extensions
When washing your extensions, focus on giving them as much hydration as possible. Your regular hair gets a lot of moisture from the natural oils in your hair, but your hair extensions won’t get the same love.
Apply a moisturizing conditioner both before and after shampooing your hair, and make sure it’s both sulfate and alcohol-free. You might even skip using shampoo on your extensions altogether and just use conditioner to ensure they stay as hydrated as possible.
Make sure your extensions are installed correctly
It might seem like a no-brainer, but having your extensions installed correctly is going to make a huge difference when it comes to prolonging their life of them. Look for someone who has experience in installing extensions and someone who knows how to put them in a way that won’t damage your hair.
Poor installation could lead to you having to remove them sooner rather than later. Which isn’t what you want when you’re investing in a new look.
Replace your hair extensions regularly
Regardless of how great you are with care for your hair extensions, it’s inevitable that they will need to be replaced every so often. When taken care of properly, yours should last anywhere between two to three months.
Once you start to notice that your natural hair has grown out, it’ll be time to take your extensions out and have them replaced. Leaving them in for too long can end up damaging your natural hair or causing matting and tangling. It’s a good idea to have them reinstalled around the six to eight-week mark for best results and depending on how fast your hair grows.
Proper upkeep is essential to ensuring your natural hair stays healthy and being able to use your extensions for as long as possible.
Use a milder product and avoid applying heat
We’ve already touched on a product a little bit, but we can’t stress the importance of using a mild shampoo and conditioner on your extensions enough. Check to see that your products are safe for colored hair so the extensions stay the color they’re supposed to.
We also talked about using a lower heat setting on your hair. However, know that it’s always best to avoid applying heat to your extensions altogether. Overuse of heat will start to damage the texture of your extensions and therefore the overall look of them. They also won’t last as long, so using heat-freestyles every once in a while, is always a good idea!
Be gentle with your hair extensions
Our last tip is to simply be gentle when it comes to your hair extensions. If you’re planning on brushing them out, start from the ends of your hair and then work your way up. Avoid pulling or tugging on the hair and instead take some time to gently comb out any knots.
You might be tempted to pull and tug on the extensions more than you would with your regular hair as it isn’t connected to your root. Keep this in mind as you take care of them and always be extra cautious!
Book You Hair Extensions Consultation
Now that you’re a pro when it comes to knowing how to care for your hair extensions, it’s time to book your consultation and get the locks you’ve been dreaming of!
At Anushka, our hair extensions artists specialize in providing you with natural-looking extensions that will help you to reach your hair goals. We use 100% real human hair extensions that help your hair to feel and look luxurious. We work with some of the most recognizable names in the West Palm Beach, FL, area. Ready to get longer, fuller hair with our non-damaging extensions? Our specialists are ready to answer your questions and install your extensions. Book in with us today!
