The best approach to ensuring your extensions stay vibrant and look brand new one year after you buy them is to think of your hair extensions as your natural hair. These tips and tricks will help you how to care for your hair extensions.
With how pricy hair extensions are, you need these simple tips and tricks, including washing and conditioning, minimizing heat damage, and avoiding tangling, to help you get the most out of your hair weaves.
No matter what type of hair extension you have installed.
Start with Quality
If you buy low-quality hair, there’s only so much you can do to care for it. It’s like pouring water on a rock, sort of. So, before we get into the care tips, starting with quality extensions is essential. Investing in high-quality, 100% human hair extensions will make a massive difference in how they look, feel, and last.
Cheaper synthetic extensions can look unnatural and don’t hold up well to styling and washing. So, if you want your extensions to blend seamlessly with your natural hair and withstand daily wear, choose quality from the get-go.
Install Your Extensions Correctly
DIY queens, please. Proper installation is crucial for the longevity and appearance of your extensions, so always have your extensions installed by a professional.
This ensures they are placed correctly and securely, reducing the risk of damage and extending their lifespan. Poor installation will not only cost you time and cause you to take it out sooner than you planned, but it can also damage your natural hair. Who wants that?
Replace Extensions Regularly
With the economy, you may be tempted to get your money’s worth by keeping your extensions as long as possible. It’s good to remember that even with the best care, hair extensions don’t last forever.
The lifespan of extensions installed usually ranges between 6 to 9 weeks, depending on how fast your hair grows and no longer blends with your extension. Replacing or renewing your extensions will help prevent excessive dryness, tangling, and fraying ends.
Monitor their condition and replace them when they show signs of wear. When your extensions no longer blend seamlessly with your natural hair, it’s time for a new set, girl.
Wash Your Extensions Correctly
When washing your hair extensions, follow a few key steps to ensure they stay in top condition. First, gently detangle the extensions using a wide-tooth comb or fingering comb to remove any knots or tangles.
Once the extensions are detangled, it’s time to wash them. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and lukewarm water. Apply the shampoo to the hair, working it in gently from root to tip. Rinse the extensions thoroughly to ensure all the shampoo is removed.
Next, apply a lightweight conditioner, focusing on the mid-lengths to the ends of the hair. Leave the conditioner on for a few minutes before rinsing it out. Finally, gently squeeze out any excess water and lay the extensions flat on a towel to air dry. You must allow them to air dry because you want minimal heat usage. This careful washing process will help maintain your hair extensions’ shine and overall quality, ensuring they have a long and beautiful lifespan.
Minimize Heat Damage
Heat can cause serious damage to both natural hair and hair extensions. When styling, applying heat can not be avoided, so it’s always important to use a heat protectant spray before using any hot tools to create a barrier between the hair and the heat, reducing the risk of damage.
Additionally, it’s essential to keep the heat setting on your tools at 350°F or lower, as high heat can damage both natural hair and extensions. Furthermore, it’s best to limit hot tools
whenever possible and opt for heatless styling methods like braiding damp hair for waves, foam rollers for curls, or allowing your extension to air dry after washing.
Don’t Use Too Many Products
Less is more when it comes to hair extensions. Avoid using excessive styling products on your hair extensions, boho braids, and wigs, as this can lead to product buildup and make the extensions appear greasy or heavy.
Using lightweight, alcohol-free styling products is best to avoid weighing down your extensions. Consider using serums and leave-in conditioners, as they add shine and moisture to your hair extensions without causing buildup. This approach will help maintain the natural look and feel of your extensions.
Store Your Extensions Properly
Proper storage is essential for maintaining the quality of your extensions when they’re not in use.
To properly store extensions, keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain their shape and prevent tangling. Lay the extensions flat or hang them using a hanger with clips. In addition, consider investing in a protective storage bag explicitly designed for extensions. This will keep them dust-free and ready to wear whenever you need them.
After a good wash and air drying, I put my extensions in a poly bag and then hung them with a hanger and clips. Whenever I want to use them again, they are shiny, moisturized, and softer than ever.
If you have a low-maintenance haircare routine or know you may need more time to follow all of these tips and tricks I have painstakingly listed, you shouldn’t be found wanting when deep conditioning your extensions.
Conditioning is vital in ensuring that your extensions remain moisturized, super smooth, and maintain a beautiful shine, so it’s essential to incorporate a weekly conditioning treatment into your routine.
Natural products are often preferred because they are cost-effective and provide thorough hydration.
Argon oil, coconut oil, and macadamia oil are all excellent for keeping your hair smooth and glossy, but in the spirit of not doing too much looking, a very good conditioner will do your good. Maintenance will be as simple as mixing the conditioner with a little water and applying it all over your hair until you have the time to do the real deal.
Easy peasy, huh?
Long live your hair extensions.