The Dos and Don’ts of Hair Extension Care

Even though your extensions could be made from high-quality Remy human hair, you still need to care for it a bit differently from your natural hair. Many women who wear hair extensions commit mistakes in maintaining and caring for their hairpieces.

Here are the dos and don’ts of hair extension care that you need to take into account.

Take extra care while brushing your hair

Now that you are wearing extensions, you can’t simply brush your hair as if you’re brushing your natural hair. If you’re not careful, your extensions will suffer from breakage. You need a good comb to prevent the extensions from tangling. They are more prone to tangling than your natural hair.

Do Comb Your Hair Using a Brush with Nylon Looped Bristles

You must always be gentle when brushing your extensions. The way you brush them can affect their lifespan. A brush with nylon looped bristles can efficiently glide through the hair to smooth away the tangles. It won’t snag, pull, or damage your extensions. A regular brush won’t be able to give the same experience. 

Don’t Style Your Hair without Applying Protective Products

You need to use a heat protector for your extensions before you use your flat iron. The heat protector can ensure that the iron won’t damage the extensions. Your extensions may be made from Remy human hair, but they are still not your natural hair.

Do Set a Maintenance Schedule

Even though you are already using protective products for your hair extensions, it is still advisable to set maintenance appointments every eight weeks or less. This can help your extensions last long.

Don’t Go Crazy with Your Hair Iron

Even though you are allowed to use flat or curling iron on your extensions, keep in mind that they can burn your hairpieces if you are not careful. 350 degrees is a good temperature for your hair iron, and you must keep the temperature under 380 degrees. You also need to let the iron glide through your extensions really quickly to reduce possible damage.    

Do Allot Extra Time in the Morning to do Your Hair

Having extensions also means spending more time to get ready in the morning. You will need more time to brush your hair and style it according to your preference. You need to apply some protective products to avoid inflicting damage to your extensions.

Don’t Do Anything Excessive

Many hair serums and other similar hair products can do wonders for your natural hair but not with your extensions. In fact, hair products that are greasy or contain oil can break down an extension’s bond. If you are wearing extensions, it is best to stay away from oily hair products and hair sprays. You also need to avoid using hair products that contain any of the following ingredients: 

– Propyl

– Isopropyl  

– Propanol

– SD Alcohol 40

– Ethanol

– Alcohol Denat

– Sodium Laureth Sulfate

– Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

Do Take Care of Your Hair Using the Right Products

It is necessary to use alcohol-free and sulfate-free products if you are wearing extensions. Alcohol and sulfate can strip off the natural oils of the hair. Without natural oils, your hair turns dry and becomes prone to matting or tangling. If you continue using hair products that contain sulfate or alcohol, the lifespan of your extensions will be cut short. 

Don’t Over-Wash Your Hair 

It is wise not to over-shampoo your hair, especially when you are wearing extensions. The ideal frequency of cleansing your hair with shampoo is every other day or every second day. You also need to avoid shampooing the midshaft of the hair. When you use a conditioner, apply most of it to the tips of the hair. Run your brush thoroughly through your hair while it is still wet to untangle the knots. You can use a light detangling spray whenever necessary.  

Do Hydrate Your Extensions 

Your extensions no longer produce natural oils, unlike your natural hair. The extensions don’t receive natural nutrients to produce the oils. You need to moisturize and nourish the extension using conditioner and shampoo that do not contain alcohol or sulfate. You should apply the conditioner on the extensions before and after you shampoo. Avoid using a towel to rub your extensions dry. If you need to use a blow dryer, make sure to apply some heat protectant spray on the extensions.

Giving your hair extensions the proper care can definitely help in prolonging their lifespan.