The hot and humid summer weather can have an impact, on our hair making it dry, frizzy and hard to manage.. What about our hair extensions? As they've become a part of our style it's crucial to ensure they stay soft moisturized and healthy as well. When our hair looks and feels great it boosts our confidence from within.
We think that in order to feel completely comfortable and relaxed on the summer days both your natural hair and any extensions should be well moisturized. By following some tips and using the products you can maintain wonderfully soft hair extensions throughout the entire season. Stay cool, fresh and always camera ready by following our advice, on keeping your extensions silky.
Key Takeaways:
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Extensions do not receive oils from your scalp like your hair does leading to dryness and brittleness, with time.
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Exposure to styling tools, sunlight hair coloring and chlorine can further contribute to dryness and damage of extensions.
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Proper moisture is essential for preventing breakage, tangling, color fading and maintaining the appearance of curly extensions.
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When washing extensions, opt for a sulfate shampoo that provides hydration and allow them to air dry to avoid dryness.
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It is recommended to adjust your extensions every 6 8 weeks as your natural hair grows in order to prevent slipping and potential damage.
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With maintenance extensions can typically last between 3 to 6 months before requiring replacement due to issues, like dryness, shedding or color fading.
Why Hair Extensions Can Get Dry and Brittle Without Natural Oil (Sebum)
You know how your regular hair looks so shiny and smooth? That's because your scalp makes this natural oil called "sebum" that keeps it looking great. But your hair extensions don't get any of that natural oils since they're not actually growing from your hair follicles. That's the main reason they end up looking dry and frizzy over time.
But there are also some other things that can make your human hair extensions look even worse:
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Using hot tools like straighteners, blow dryers, and curling irons - those can really suck out the moisture.
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Being out in the sun too much - that can dry them out too.
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Dyeing your extensions a lot - all those hair color chemicals can be really harsh.
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Chlorine from swimming pools - that stuff is not nice to hair extensions so be sure to have an aftercare routine especially if you are swimming pool lovers.
So your extensions are just missing out on all the good moisturizing stuff that your regular hair gets naturally.
Why it is Important to Keep Your Hair Extensions Moisturized
Hair extensions need special care since they can't produce natural oils like your regular hair. Here are some key points about aftercare for colored/bleached and curly extensions:
For colored or bleached extensions, proper care is crucial because:
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The hair is often drier, so it needs moisturizing to avoid breakage and tangles.
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Color molecules need to be replenished, or the extensions will fade faster.
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The hair can attract more dirt and grime without its natural shine, so good washing is important.
For curly extensions, the right routine matters since:
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The curly texture has been heat-styled, so the hair needs moisture to prevent dryness, breakage, and knots.
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Without care, the curls can stretch out and lose their defined pattern over time.
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The curly texture attracts more dirt and lint, so curly extensions require more frequent, thorough cleansing.
How to Properly Wash and Care for Extensions
Taking care of hair extensions requires some extra attention. The right products and techniques can help keep them looking their best. First, choose an alcohol-free or sulfate-free shampoo to avoid drying out the extensions. Conditioners and serums will help add moisture.
Washing too frequently can strip the hair, so aim for once or twice a week to avoid damaged hair extensions in the end. Always brush gently from the ends upwards, and never brush when wet – dry the roots first. It's best to let extensions air dry or use a cool setting on the blow dryer.
Because washing and styling add chemicals and heat, minimizing this stress is crucial for extension like hand tied hair extensions longevity. Never sleep with wet extensions, as this can cause tangling and knots. After removing the extensions, gently brush them straight.
Always sleep with dry hair extensions because you don't want to wake up and have a bad hair day just because your extensions are detangled.
A few key products can help with hair care routine:
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Use a hair soft-bristle brush or wide-tooth comb to be tangle free and minimize friction and hair loss.
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A smooth, soft towel like cotton, velvet, or silk will also reduce friction when drying wet hair.
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And a moisturizing hair oils that has argan oil or coconut oil- like Moroccan or Olaplex will keep hair extensions healthy, shiny, smooth, and hydrated.
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Use a heat protection spray every time you use hot curling iron/ hot tools.
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A deep conditioning hair mask can help regenerate the freshness of the hair extensions
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Getting a dry shampoo helps your hair extension get a rest from washing once in a while
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Deep conditioner is your friend when it comes to dry extensions or after exposed to chlorine chemicals
When to get Extensions Moved Up or Replaced
Hair extensions typically need to be moved up or replaced every 6-9 months due to a few key reasons:
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Outgrowth - As your natural hair grows, the extensions will need to be repositioned (moved up) every 6-8 weeks to lay flat against your head again. If they aren't moved up regularly, they can start to slip and look unnatural.
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Dryness/Damage - Over time, the extension hair itself will become dry, coarse and damaged from normal wear and tear, as it doesn't receive the natural oils from your scalp. Once the ends look gnarled and fried, it's time for a replacement set.
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Color Fading - The dye processes extensions go through make them resistant to color fading initially. However, by the 6-9 month mark, you'll likely notice blondes getting brassy and colors looking dull. Re-dying is extremely difficult, so new extensions are required to refresh the color.
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Shedding - With proper care, shedding should be minimal. But extensions will naturally thin out over several months of brushing, washing and styling. Excessive shedding indicates it's time for new strands.
What Hair Extensions Should That Lasts Long?
There are different types of hair extension out there that offers a lot of benefits and they have a lot of differences, too. We'd like to help you find your match:
Fusion/Pre-Bonded Hair Extensions
These extensions are attached strand-by-strand to your natural hair using a heated tool. They typically last 3-4 months with proper care, including using the right brush, avoiding excessive heat styling, and getting them repositioned every 2-3 months.
Tape-In Hair Extensions
Wefts of hair are taped onto either side of your natural hair using adhesive strips. They last 4-8 weeks if well-maintained, and the same set can be re-taped for a fresh look. Avoid brushing when wet to maximize their lifespan.
Clip-In Hair Extensions
The least damaging and most temporary option, usually they are called "remy hair extensions" since they are from human hair. Clip-ins attach to your hair via various clips along the wefts. With regular use and sulphate-free products, they can last 3-6 months or even over a year.
Sew-In Hair Extensions
Your natural own hair is braided into cornrows first, and the wefts are sewn onto the braids using a needle and thread. Sew-ins are fairly permanent, lasting 6-8 weeks, though it's not recommended to exceed 4 months.
Micro-Link Hair Extensions
Small wefts are attached to tiny sections of hair using tiny beads/loops instead of heat or glue. They last around 3-4 months and require repositioning every 2-3 months as your natural hair grows.
Wigs
The classic extension option attach's hair to a wig cap that covers your entire head. High-quality natural wigs can last up to a year with minimal heat styling, proper storage, and avoiding brushing when wet.
Summary
Keeping your extensions beautiful doesn't require much effort and very low maintenance. Use the right products like Roxy Hair Clip in extensions for soft, lush locks. Be gentle when styling and give them a little extra care. With some simple tips from the pros, you can rock while your hair feeling soft all season. Healthy, shiny extensions boost confidence and make you feel like an A-lister. Treat them right, and they'll treat you like a star.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often should I wash hair extensions?
Aim to wash extensions once or twice a week max. Washing too frequently can cause dryness and damage over time.
Can I use regular shampoo on extensions?
It's best to avoid shampoos with sulfates or alcohol, as these can dry out extensions quickly. Use a sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoo instead.
How do I brush extensions properly?
Always use a soft bristle brush or wide-tooth comb. Gently brush from the ends upwards when dry to prevent shedding and tangles. Never brush when wet.
How long do hair extensions typically last?
With proper care, most extension types can last 3-6 months before needing to be re-fitted or replaced. Following your stylist's advice helps maximize their lifespan.
How can I keep my extensions from tangling?
Avoid going to bed with wet or damp extensions, as this can cause bad tangles and knots on hair strands. Always let them dry completely before sleeping. Using a leave-in conditioner or anti-tangle spray can also help minimize knots.
