How to care for hair extensions?

When searching for tips, advice and information on how to care for human hair extensions, there is so much advice out there, it’s hard to know which advice is right for you.
This article is designed to help you better understand how to care for hair extensions and the options available to you.

how often should you maintain hair extensions?

To maintain your natural hair and human hair extensions in the best possible condition, it is important that you follow the following advice and procedures. It is very important to get regular check-up and maintenance appointments.  We recommend that you need to get your hair extensions maintained (also known as  pushed-up or moved-up) every -8 weeks.  If left longer that this between maintenance then the natural hair and hair extensions may start to tangle and matt together.

how do you brush hair extensions?

You should brush hair extensions at least twice daily. Always start at the ends, work up the length of the hair to the roots and then back down to ends. Separate your extensions from natural hair and brush both thoroughly to avoid matting. You should always support the top of your hair extensions at the roots whilst brushing to avoid tugging at the bonds and roots of your own hair. Do not backcomb your roots or hair extensions.

what is the best brush for hair extensions?

There are a few different hair brushes you can use to care for your human hair extensions. A wide-tooth comb is best used first to gently remove large tangles from hair extensions. This can be followed by a loop brush or tangle remover brush. These brushes are designed so you can brush close to the roots of your hair and over the hair extension bonds. A loop brush has looped bristles instead of straight ones like a standard hair brush. A tangle remover has light flexible bristles which bend slightly. Both of these allow the brushes to slide over the hair extension attachments without pulling. Finally you can use a natural bristle brush, it is good for the finishing touch of your hair extensions, it will effectively remove small ranges and smoothen and de-frizz your hair extensions.

can I brush wet hair extensions?

Like real hair, human hair extensions are most fragile when wet. It is not advisable to brush them when they are wet. Also your hair extensions are attached to your natural hair, which will also be wet and fragile, so it is best to avoid brushing wet extensions because they will pull on your natural hair. 

how to dry hair extensions?

Towel dry hair gently without rubbing. Squeeze hair with towel to remove excess water. We recommend drying the roots and mid lengths of your hair on a medium heat and in a downward motion until it is 80% dry and then combing through with a wide tooth comb. After this you can blow dry as normal. Always dry hair thoroughly. It is recommended that leave in conditioner is applied.

how often should you wash hair extensions?

It is important not to over wash hair extensions as hot showers and heat styling will dry out and damage your hair extensions. However, it is also important to keep your human hair extensions clean, and stop the build up of dirt, oils and products. We recommend washing 1 - 2 times weekly (more frequently for oily hair) using recommended products and procedures. To extend time in-between hair washing we recommend using a dry shampoo.

how do you wash hair extensions?

Before washing hair extensions brush as directed above. How to shampoo human hair extensions: Wet hair thoroughly, add recommended shampoo and massage your scalp under the extensions.  Then squeeze shampoo through hair from roots to ends. Do not rub hair extensions - only squeeze the product through. Rinse thoroughly using clean running water and squeeze gently to remove excess. How to condition human hair extensions: apply recommended conditioner to the mid lengths and ends. Rinse again thoroughly using clean running water and squeeze gently to remove excess water. Do not massage or rub hair lengths when using products otherwise matting  and tangles may occur, only squeeze hair to distribute products.  Wrap in a towel, do not rub dry. An additional deep conditioning treatment is recommended every few washes to maintain softness and condition of hair extensions. After washing separate the individual extensions before drying, this will prevent them naturally falling or matting. Always dry hair thoroughly. It is recommended that leave in conditioner is applied. 

what to wash hair extensions with?

Sulphate and protein free products are recommended for human hair extensions. Any products containing protein should be avoided. Oil based products should also be avoided.

what products do you need to use on hair extensions?

We recommend a leave in conditioner to be used twice daily.  Do not use any products that are oil based or contain protein. These may cause your human hair extensions to slip.  Shampoo and conditioner should be designed for extensions. If not then it is best to use moisturising products designed for dry hair.

If hair oil is required, it is only to be used sparingly on the very ends of the hair.

how to care for hair extensions at night?

Brush as directed above, apply leave in conditioner and tie in a loose plait before sleeping. Consider a silk satin pillowcase to reduce friction. In the morning release plait, apply leave in conditioner and brush through as previously directed. Make sure that hair is alway dry. Do not sleep with wet hair extensions.

how to maintain hair extensions on holiday? 

Prior to swimming or sunbathing apply leave in conditioner and tie hair back in a loose plait/ponytail. Immediately afterwards untie hair, rinse thoroughly with clean water, gently squeeze towel dry and apply a leave in conditioner. Dry as directed previously. Do not leave hair to dry in bun or plait.

how to maintain hair extensions when exercising?

Hair should be tied in a ponytail or plait, avoid wearing in a messy bun. Brush hair thoroughly as directed before and after activities and apply leave in conditioner.

how to remove hair extensions?

Please contact a professional should you wish to have your hair extensions removed. Trying to remove them at home may result in damage to the natural hair.