Hey ladies! So you finally got those lovely tresses that you have been wanting for so long… Now what?!

How do you take care of and maintain them? To ensure that you have your extensions for as long as possible, you have to care for them, but surprisingly not only while they are on your head. Maintaining them involves care and maintenance before putting them in, while they are installed, as well as after they are removed. Proper hair care is vital for the longevity of your extensions as well as your natural hair. 

What to do before they are installed.

Be sure to wash/co-wash the extensions before installation. This will ensure that no chemicals from the extensions will be transferred to your scalp or hair. The chemicals, which we have no idea what they are, but could wreak havoc on the scalp and hair. For those with a sensitive scalp, this can also help to prevent allergic reactions. 

SHAMPOO DON’TS Excessive shampooing can leave the hair dry, tangled, frizzy and unmanageable. That being said, we encourage using shampoos that are free of sulfates. Sulfates are chemicals that can be found in laundry detergents and dish-washing liquids, as well as toothpaste and deep cleansers, to name a few! These cleansing agents can strip the hair as well as cause scalp irritation. We suggest using a shampoo without sulfates, or a co-wash/conditioner that will effectively get the job done without harming your hair.

CONDITIONER IS YOUR FRIEND. Condition, condition, and condition some more. That is one of the best ways to keep your hair moisturized, silky, and flowing. This is especially easy to do when the hair isn’t installed. Apply the conditioner generously, comb/brush through, and allow the hair to sit in a plastic bag for a good deep conditioning (no longer than overnight).

THOROUGHLY RINSING. Not thoroughly rinsing the condition out of your extensions is one of the worst mistakes you can make with caring for your extensions at home! If the product is not completely removed from them, they will dry sticky and stiff, as well as dull. All of the body, shine, and luster they once had will be gone. And this is also a recipe for excessive tangling, which in turn leads to shedding. Please ladies: Make sure to rinse those bundles until they feel nice and slick to the touch, and your water runs clear!

AIR DRY YOUR HAIR. This can be done by leaving them on a hanger instead of using a blow dryer. Blow drying may cause frizz, which could result in tangles. This is not to say you can never blow dry your extensions. If you’re in a hurry, you can blow-dry the roots/wefts first and then the shaft of the extensions for quick styling. As a practice, though, you will want to go with air drying to ensure the longevity of the hair. 

My hair is installed and looks fabulous, now what:

PRODUCT USAGE. While wearing the extensions it’s important to NOT use a lot of products on the hair. The constant use of hair sprays and oils will weigh down the hair, and leave it very oily to the touch. Or, in the case of products with high alcohol content, it will leave the hair dry and cause excessive tangling. If you want to apply a product, make sure to only apply a small amount and work it in using your hands, brush or comb.

BRUSHING AND COMBING. Find a balance when it comes to brushing and combing the hair extensions. Constantly combing or brushing your extensions can increase shedding, or cause frizz. On the other hand, you have to certainly give attention to the area at the back of the nape right underneath where your collar may rub your hair, as this area can be prone to tangles especially as the hair gets older. You should also make a practice of brushing this area a little more frequently. 

BEDTIME. Before going to bed, make sure to tie your hair down with a satin scarf. This will keep the hair clumped together to prevent frizz or moisture loss. Also, sleeping with a bonnet will keep the hair all together. Once  you wake up, just remove the scarf or bonnet and gently de-tangle if necessary and style as desired. 

After-Care:

CLEANING. After care is very similar to the before care, in that you want to ensure that the extensions are cleaned prior to storing. 

STORAGE. Never store your extensions while they are damp or wet, as this can cause mold and/or mildew, which can destroy your extensions. After hair is completely dry, storing them in satin/silk/plastic bag is best. Leaving them in the open air can cause the hair to dry out.

After spending your hard-earned money on your quality hair extensions, taking a few steps to ensure their longevity is key. Caring for them properly makes all the difference in having them for a longer time. Once you get into a routine of how to manage them, it is very easy to do. YOU GOT THIS!!

Let us know in the comments, what works for you or what other tips that you have to care for your extensions?