Hair Extensions: 10 Rules of Proper Hair Extension Care

You've just got hair extensions done so now you want to know how to take care of them properly. After all, you wish to prevent them from damage, help them remain stunning and, what's the most important, make them look healthy and strong, right?

Surely, you spent quite an amount on this hair-appearance-boosting method so you wish to enjoy your new gorgeous hairstyle for long. For that reason, it would be unwise to ruin your good looks by adapting an unprofessional approach to hair extension care.

Undoubtedly, the lifespan of the outcomes depends on both the method applied to attach the hair extensions and the condition of natural hair. Still, there are some care tips that considerably improve the state and looks of hair extensions. Here is a short guide to help you keep your hair extensions in the perfect condition.

Hair Extension Care: Guide

1. Precise and Proper Detangling

Obviously, every hair type requires brushing and there is nothing extraordinary about this. The problem begins though when you reach for either a fine-tooth comb or a brush that tug hair instead of detangling it.

Therefore, in order to detangle extended hair, it's better to use a special brush or comb that is designed to fulfill this very task. Such accessories work definitely gentler and most of all they are completely safe to run through hair extensions. Remember to detangle your hair prior to each washing. How to comb hair?

In short, the first to detangle are hair ends. To clarify, try to comb your hair ends first and then gradually move the brush/comb higher. Owing to this technique, hair won't tangle. It's also crucial not to tug hair knots. So, if it happens that you get stuck on a tangle, remove the brush from your hair and separate the knotted wisp from the other strands. Now, use your fingers to delicately untie the hair knot. When the tangle is looser, you can run the comb through it. Again, be gentle!

2. Loose Bun to Wear While Sleeping

The entire length of extended hair should be protected from all possible mechanical damage. Sadly, the condition of hair extensions get deteriorated mostly... while we sleep. The reason for that is the constant rubbing against a pillowcase. Often, we simply unconsciously tug the hair while lying on it. Therefore, the best and most convenient method of dealing with mechanical damage is arranging the hair in either a loose bun or plait. Thanks to this, the risk of hair damage is significantly reduced.

3. Towel It Dry Really Gently

We've already mentioned that all mechanical damage is a crime against hair because, when treated roughly, hair extension joints either dismantle, break or get loose. No matter how the extensions were attached to hair - clip in, clip on or tape - each rough rubbing either breaks or looses the joints between natural hair and extensions.

One type of mechanical damage that extensions might be exposed to is caused by toweling them right after shampooing, when they are still wet and more prone to the very damage. To demonstrate, a towel scrapes hair extensions shafts weakening them considerably. In light of this, it'd be definitely better if you gently remove the excess of water by delicately squeezing the hair with a towel instead of rubbing the strands with this rough fabric. The effect will be exactly the same as you will make your hair drier without exposing it to mechanical damage.

4. Condition Hair Extensions with the Right Care Products

Again, it must be realized that extended hair is more damage-prone, especially on the joints. However, in the case of thin and delicate hair, it might get weakened at the base, which is the place where new, strong and healthy hair is supposed to grow. Remember not to apply a conditioner to the joints but only to the areas where the extensions might deteriorate, which is mostly hair ends and shafts.

Another important aspect concerning hair extension care is proper moisturizing. The truth is, hair extensions are faster to lose water than natural hair produced by our hair bulbs does. Therefore, remember to apply the right conditioner after every shampooing. The best way to treat hair extensions is by exposing them to sensitized hair (level 4-5) care.

5. Apply Natural Oils and Go for Hair Oil Treatment

Protecting hair against mechanical damage doesn't suffice if you want to treat its entire length right. Another crucial element in hair care is the protection against adverse action of external aggressors such as high and low temperature, solar radiation, oxidative stress, toxins and urban pollution. After all, hair doesn't only absorb nourishing substances but also impurities. Due to these factors, both hair and scalp condition get worse. It's worth realizing that when hair is unnaturally loaded, with time it might weaken in their most important part, which is hair bulb.

Applying oils to hair and carrying out regular hair oil treatment work to hair's advantage. And this should be done not only after shampooing but also a few times throughout a day. Thanks to this, you will protect the hair in its most fragile parts, which are the joints, along with hair ends. Moreover, hair oiling reinforces hair bulbs and cleanses scalp by restoring the right skin's pH level. Also, this treatment helps to protect scalp against other unpleasant ailments such as dandruff, excessive sebum production and dehydration. Last but not least, natural oils offer a perfect alternative to hair care products containing alcohol, which are exceptionally inadvisable to use in the case of hair extensions.

6. Blow Dry Hair in the Right Way

This type of hair requires being left slightly damp, which means that you shouldn't use a blow dryer to make it completely dry. To clarify, keep blow drying hair until it’s 80% dry and then allow it to be air-dried. Moreover, hair extensions should be treated with either cool or warm air stream because high temperature makes the joints loose.

For that reason, do your best to avoid hot air generated by your blow dryer and make sure that while using the tool you hold it more or less 7-10 inches from your head. Always finish blow drying using cool air stream which closes hair cuticles, smooths the hair and leaves it shiny. Also, hair treated with cool air stream is more manageable.

To make your hair dry, use only an ionic hairdryer. Begin the procedure from the roots and then gradually move downwards until you reach hair ends - this technique also helps you to close hair cuticles and smooth out the strands. While blow drying, try to use your fingers to run them through the hair. You can comb the strands once they are completely dry.

7. Don't Backcomb Hair Extensions

Backcombing of hair extensions is a black spot on the list of procedures that damage this type of strands in an accelerated mode.

Backcombing is the extremum, it leaves hair extremely knotted that later needs to be detangled, which often is connected with strong tugging. As a consequence, hair extensions might get loose and their joints may dismantle. With this in mind, it become obvious that you should refrain from backcombing hair extensions.

8. Smooth Out, Luster and Condition Your Hair Extensions

Since this type of hair loses moisture faster, its looks might get worse just within a few weeks. Therefore, in order to gift the hair with shine and prevent tangling, treat the strands with natural oils. Resign from drugstore products that are full of synthetic silicons and alcohols. Hair covered with natural oil wins beautiful look and adequate protection against damage.

9. Wash Your Hair Extensions Properly

Before you even start, brush your hair precisely and gently so as to prevent it from tangling while washing. It's best to wash the hair under the shower so as to let the stream of water run down the hair. Another important thing to mention is the strength of water stream that shouldn't be too high since wet strands are easier to get damaged (in the case of hair extensions, dismantled). Always use lukewarm water to wash your hair with. Simply, such temperature is neutral to the extensions so it doesn't harm them in any degree. Last but not least, avoid using circular motions to wash your hair. Instead, try to move your hands up and down.

10. Don't Warm up the Joints

No matter if you use either a flat iron or curling rod, don't place the hair styling tools on the hair roots where the hair extensions joints are located. Also, remember to apply special heat protection products. Finally, it's better not to use hot styling tools too often. The less often used, the longer hair extensions preserve their good condition.