Hair extension aftercare is everything when it comes to making your extensions last and look their best. This covers daily brushing, washing and heat protection. Follow these simple steps and your extensions will be healthy, shiny and tangle free.
Top Tips Takeaways
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Daily maintenance of hair extensions means brushing with a wide tooth comb or a loop brush, not wet brushing and regular detangling to prevent tangling and damage.
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Proper washing and conditioning of hair extensions, using sulfate free products and drying thoroughly is key to maintaining moisture balance and preventing adhesive bond weakening especially for tape and I-Tip extensions.
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Using heat protection sprays and lower heat settings on your styling tools will protect your hair extensions from heat damage and prolong their life and look.
Heard it all before?
Hair extensions are an investment and like any investment they need care to get the most out of them. Aftercare routines are not just about the look of your extensions but also the health and longevity of them. With the right care hair extensions can last up to 5 years making them a worthwhile addition to your beauty routine.
It may seem scary but maintaining hair extensions doesn’t have to be high maintenance. A good aftercare routine can be surprisingly low maintenance and you can have beautiful, full hair with minimal effort.
Aftercare Routine for Hair Extensions
An aftercare routine is the foundation of healthy, long lasting hair extensions. This includes daily brushing, regular washing and consistent hydration and conditioning. By following these steps in your hair care routine you can prevent tangling and matting and keep your extensions looking fresh and new.
Daily Brushing Techniques
Brushing your hair extensions correctly is key to preventing tangling and damage. Here’s how:
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Use a wide tooth comb or a loop brush designed for extensions.
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Start detangling from the ends and work your way up to the roots, supporting the bonds to avoid putting unnecessary stress.
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Brush your extensions at least twice a day especially after workouts to keep them tangle free.
Never brush your hair extensions when they are wet as this can cause stretching and breakage. Instead detangle them thoroughly before washing and use a soft bristle brush to avoid damage. Regularly separating the bonds or rings also helps to prevent tangling as your natural hair grows.
Washing Your Hair Extensions
Washing your hair extensions is another important part of their maintenance. Here’s what to do:
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Over washing can strip the natural oils from your extensions and cause dryness and breakage. Wash them 2-3 times a week.
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Use sulfate free shampoos and conditioners to maintain their moisture balance.
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Always wash your extensions upright in the shower to prevent tangling.
Before you wash your hair make sure to detangle your extensions thoroughly. Apply conditioner from the mid shafts to the ends, not the roots to prevent slippage. After washing gently squeeze out excess water and don’t brush until they are dry to prevent stretching and breaking.
Hydration and Conditioning
Hydration is key to keeping your hair extensions soft and shiny. Use a lightweight hydrating conditioner to keep the ends moisturized without weighing them down. Apply a hair mask once or twice a month to give your extensions a deep hydration and keep them healthy and full of life.
Apply hair oils like argan oil from the mid shaft to the ends to maintain hydration and prevent frizz. Weekly treatments are especially good for I-Tip hair extensions to keep them tangle free and moisturized.
Heat Protection and Styling
Heat styling can be damaging to hair extensions if not done right. Here’s how to minimize heat damage:
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Use heat protection sprays and serums to create a barrier over the hair cuticle, distribute heat evenly and prevent damage.
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Use the right styling products to minimize heat damage.
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Turn down the heat on your styling tools.
By following these tips you can protect your hair extensions from heat damage.
Heat Protection Spray
Before using any heat styling tools always apply a heat protection spray to your hair extensions. These sprays not only protects your hair from thermal damage but also adds shine, reduces frizz and prevents breakage. Apply the heat protection spray to damp hair and blow dry it into the strands before using any heated tools.
Using a heat protection spray or serum will keep your hair extensions smooth and shiny even after styling with curling irons or flat irons. This extra step in your styling routine will extend the life of your extensions by reducing the direct heat.
Safe Styling Practices
When styling your hair extensions use lower heat settings on your styling tools to prevent damage to the hair fibers. Make sure your extensions are dry before applying any heat to prevent slippage and damage.
Always use heat protectant products before styling to maintain the health and longevity of your extensions.
Choosing the Right Tools
Choosing the right tools can make a big difference in maintaining your hair extensions. Use tools with adjustable heat settings to customize the heat and minimize damage. Use a blow dryer with a cool setting to reduce heat damage while still achieving the style you want.
Don’t overheat especially on lighter shades of hair extensions to extend their life. A ceramic or metal brush can be used when using a hair dryer to get smooth and styled hair extensions without damage.
Nighttime Care for Hair Extensions
Nighttime care is important to prevent tangling and matting of your hair extensions. Don’t sleep with wet hair extensions as this can cause frizz and breakage. Make sure your hair is dry before you sleep.
Sleep with your hair in loose braids or ponytails to minimize tension and friction.
Loose Braids and Ponytails
Securing your hair extensions in loose braids or ponytails before bed will reduce tangling and matting. This will keep your hair untangled overnight and prevent knots and frizz.
It’s also good to tie your hair back when you’re physically active to prevent tangling and knotting.
Silk and Satin Pillowcases
Using silk or satin pillowcases can make a big difference in maintaining your hair extensions. These materials reduces friction and minimizes damage and will keep your extensions in place while you sleep.
Silk and satin pillowcases also retains moisture in your hair extensions and reduces matting and frizz.
Special Considerations for Different Types of Extensions
Different types of hair extensions requires different care routines to maintain their health and longevity. Knowing the specific needs of your extensions will help you give the right care so they will stay in good condition.
Whether you have tape hair extensions, I-Tip extensions or human hair extensions, each type has its own requirements that must be met for your extensions and your own hair.
Tape Hair Extensions
Tape hair extensions needs special care to maintain the adhesive. Here are some tips:
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Don’t use conditioners near the bonds as this can weaken them and cause slippage.
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Use a clarifying shampoo before fitting the extensions to remove any residue.
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Don’t use any styling products that can leave residue as this can also weaken the bonds.
By following these tips your tape hair extensions will stay in place and last longer.
When washing tape hair extensions:
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Always brush them from the ends up to remove tangles.
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Wash them upright to prevent tangling.
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Dry the roots within 30 minutes of washing to not leave the extensions wet for long time which can weaken the adhesive bonds.
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Use a soft bristle brush or tangle teaser to gently detangle the hair, hold it just below the extension connection to not pull.
And don’t use products with oil or alcohol as they can weaken the adhesive bonds.
I-Tip Extensions
I-Tip extensions must be dried immediately after washing to prevent the bonds from softening or crumbling. If an I-Tip strand is lost, keep it safe as it can be re-applied.
Weekly treatments are also recommended to keep the extensions moisturized and tangle free.
Human Hair Extensions
Human hair extensions needs the following care to maintain their quality and longevity which is important when investing in hair extension. By following these steps you can keep your hair extensions healthy:
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Use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to preserve their natural oils and moisture
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Gently pat dry with a towel instead of rubbing to prevent tangling and breakage
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Always use heat protection spray before using heat tools to damage.
Brush your human hair extensions daily with a wide-tooth comb or boar bristle brush to minimize tangling and breakage. Apply hydrating hair masks and conditioners regularly to keep your extensions moisturized and soft.
Protecting Hair Extensions During Physical Activities
Physical activities can damage your hair extensions if not secured properly. During workouts use a moisture-wicking headband and tie your hair in a ponytail or braid to prevent tangling and damage.
For swimming style your hair in a braid or bun and use a swim cap to protect it from chlorine and saltwater.
Sweating and Workouts
Sweating during workouts can cause your hair extensions to tangle and slip. Use a silk scrunchie to tie your hair in a ponytail, braid or bun to minimize friction and tangling.
A moisture-locking headscarf or headband made from moisture-wicking fabric can keep your hair hydrated and prevent your extensions from drying out.
Swimming Precautions
Swimming can be very harsh on hair extensions due to chlorine and saltwater. Here are some tips:
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Style your extensions in a braid or bun before swimming.
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Use a swim cap to further protect your extensions.
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After swimming rinse your hair thoroughly with fresh water to remove chlorine and salt residue.
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Wash your extensions with a gentle, hydrating shampoo and conditioner to remove any buildup.
By following these tips you can swim with your hair extensions and look great.
Use cool air to dry the roots and wefts of your hair extensions to prevent odor and matting. Avoid chlorine and saltwater as much as possible to keep your extensions healthy and long.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can make a big impact on the health and longevity of your hair extensions. Using wrong products, not doing regular maintenance and ignoring early signs of damage are some of the mistakes that can cause hair loss and problems with your extensions.
Knowing these mistakes and taking preventative measures can keep your extensions in great condition.
Wrong Products
Using wrong products can strip your hair extensions of their natural oils and cause dryness and frizz. Avoid products with sulfates, silicones and certain alcohols as they can damage.
Use alcohol-free and sulfate-free hair care products to keep your extensions healthy and long.
Skipping Regular Maintenance
It’s important to schedule regular maintenance appointments to keep your hair extensions in top condition. This will ensure they look their best. These appointments will reposition extensions that have shifted or grown out, so they stay secure and look natural. SimplyHair provides aftercare advice for hair extensions and includes a complimentary aftercare card with every order, reminding you to book in for regular check ups.
Ignoring Signs of Damage
Ignoring early signs of damage in your hair extensions can lead to bigger problems. Increased shedding and tangling are common early warning signs. Address these signs quickly with regular maintenance, gentle detangling and right products to prevent further damage and keep your extensions looking great.
How to Prolong Your Hair Extensions
To prolong the life of your hair extensions you need to follow a proper aftercare routine. This includes:
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Trimming
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Using hair oils
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No heat damage
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Regular maintenance appointments
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Sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner for extensions
By following these you can have your hair extensions up to 5 years.
Protecting your extensions from sun exposure with UV sprays or hats also helps to prolong them.
Trimming
Regular trims every 4-6 weeks are recommended to keep your hair regular and your extensions healthy. Trimming removes split ends and keeps your extensions looking fresh so they blend in with your natural hair.
This also helps to maintain the natural look and integrity of the extension hair.
Hair Oils
Using hair oils like argan oil can add to your hair extension care routine. These oils keep the extensions hydrated and soft and manageable.
To apply hair oils use a few drops, warm them in your hands and apply evenly through the mid-lengths and ends of the hair, avoiding the roots to prevent buildup.
No Heat Damage
Reducing heat damage is key to keeping your hair extensions healthy. Here’s how:
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Use ceramic tools for even heat distribution
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Use tourmaline-coated tools to lock in moisture and reduce static
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Set styling tools between 250-350°F (120-177°C)
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Always use a heat protectant before styling
By following these you can reduce heat damage and keep your extensions looking great.
Don’t apply heat directly to the base of the weft to weaken the bonds.
Summary
In summary, looking after your hair extensions is a combination of daily routines, special products and regular maintenance. From using the right brushes and washing techniques to applying hair masks and heat protection sprays, every step counts to keep your extensions healthy and beautiful.
By following these you can have your hair extensions in top condition and you’ll have the volume and length you want for years to come. Remember the key to long lasting hair extensions is consistency and proper care. Take these to heart and you’ll have beautiful healthy hair every day.
FAQs
How often should I wash my hair extensions?
You should wash your hair extensions 2-3 times a week with sulfate-free products to keep them moisturized.
Can I use regular hair products on my hair extensions?
No, you should not use products with sulfates, silicones and certain alcohols on your hair extensions as they can cause damage and strip natural oils from the extensions. Instead use alcohol-free and sulfate-free products for maintenance.
How do I prevent my hair extensions from tangling at night?
To prevent your hair extensions from tangling at night, braid your hair loose or ponytail and use silk or satin pillowcases to reduce friction and tangling.
What if my hair extensions start to show damage?
To prevent further damage you need to address early signs as soon as possible by having regular maintenance, gentle detangling and using the right products. Regular care will keep the quality of your hair extensions and prevent further damage.
How do I protect my hair extensions during workouts and swimming?
To protect your hair extensions during workouts and swimming use moisture-wicking headbands during workouts and braid or bun your hair with a swim cap when swimming. Always rinse with fresh water after swimming to remove chlorine and salt.
