The first step in caring for your extensions are identifying the good and bad ingredients in your shampoos as well as conditioners. Looking out for good ingredients is to not only keep your extensions in good condition but also allow your natural hair to continue growing healthily. (Scroll to see our product list below!) Avoiding products that contain ingredients such as sulfates and alcohol, which are known for stripping your hair of its natural oils which then can make your extensions mat, is essential. When washing, focus your shampoo on the roots to remove excess oil and conditioner on the ends to keep them nourished while of course washing with warm water, never hot. Before you start washing, always brush your extensions thoroughly, removing any tangles. With thicker hair, dividing it into two sections on either side of the head to wash could be helpful in this process!
It’s highly suggested that you invest in a quality brush, such as a “Wet Brush''. When brushing, brush the ends of your hair before working your way up. This will cause the least strain on your hair, extensions and scalp. As long as you are gentle while brushing, brushing your hair multiple times a day could be helpful. Separating your hair and extensions everyday is key in preventing bigger knots from forming. Doing this daily before you brush will save more time in the end and no tools are needed for this either.
Before using a blowdryer, towel or air drying your hair for as long as possible is recommended. Using leave-in products such as conditioners, heat protectants as well as oils are highly recommended as well. While using these types of products, you want to use a minimal amount while only applying from midway to the ends. When introducing a blowdryer, you want to start at the ends and work your way up towards the scalp. Avoiding heat as much as possible can also be very beneficial.
Nighttime care is also important in maintaining healthy extensions. With extensions, make sure to never sleep with wet hair. Your hair is at its weakest when it is wet, which means tossing and turning while you sleep can take a toll on both your natural hair and extensions. If you do go to bed with wet hair or even wear your hair down, when you wake up in the morning you’ll have a major bedhead which leads to a detangling process. Even when taking extra care to brush out knots, you will be putting the bonds under immense pressure, pulling at your scalp and loosening the bonds. Sleeping can also leave your hair in tangles, but there are many ways to prevent this from happening. Tying your extensions back loosely before bed in a low ponytail or braid is an easy solution. While this may be good on its own, a silk scrunchie, a spiral hair tie or a silk pillowcase will be very beneficial to keep your hair healthy with no tangles.
STYLIST SUGGESTED PRODUCTS TO USE :
Pureology Colour Fanatic Multi-Benefit Leave-In Treatment
Sebastian Dark Oil Styling Oil
Nioxin Instant Fullness Dry Cleanser
Wella Fusionplex Shampoo & Conditioner
Wella EIMI Glam Mist
Wet Brush
Silk Pillowcase