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Hair Extension Maintenance
How to Care for Hair Extensions
Hair extensions are more popular than ever, providing you with beautiful, full hair. There are two common types of hair extensions, tape-in and clip-in extensions.
Tape in extensions are a semi-permanent solution and perfect for those people who want to have I woke up like this hair. Imagine not having to put in and take out hair daily and still having full thick hair. Tape in extensions take about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours to be installed and can last anywhere from six to nine weeks, though the hair can be reinstalled after one year with proper care.
Clip-in hair extensions are the ideal solution if you want to temporarily add length and volume to your own hair within minutes. Since clip-in extensions are not permanent, they are very easy to apply and remove. Clip-in extensions are the most affordable option for natural, healthy and fabulous looking hair.
Regardless of which hair extension you select, how you care for them will make the difference in how long they last and help them retain their glamorous appearance. In this guide you’ll learn everything you need to know about hair extension maintenance.
How to Wash Hair With Extensions
When washing your hair extensions, use a sulphate-free or gentle shampoo and a silicon and protein-free conditioner. These ingredients are overly drying for real human hair extensions. Always use a conditioner after shampooing. Soak hair for 5 minutes in the conditioner before rinsing.
After washing, make sure to lay the extensions flat on silk or satin. These can be bought at your local fabric store.
How Often Should I Wash My Hair Extensions?
If you wear your extensions often (3 or 4 + times a week), we recommend deep conditioning your extensions at least once (or twice) a week.
Because extensions are not attached to your scalp they do not receive any natural oils from your scalp, such as our own hair does. This means extensions dry out over time with washing and hot tool use, which is just natural wear and tear. To keep your hair from drying out, it’s important that you keep your extensions moisturized. Wash them only when necessary, such as when there is too much product build up or they are starting to feel 'dirty' from touching them.
How To Dry Your Hair Extensions
To dry your hair extensions, lay them flat on silk or satin (this is better than laying hair on a cotton towel. You can easily purchase a half yard of silk or satin at a local fabric store). The silk and satin will help keep your extensions soft, silky, and tangle-free.
You can also use a hair wrap. This lightweight, microfiber material prevents breakage and dries hair quickly (whereas towels are heavy and thick, causing breakage to wet hair).
If you are not using your extensions, we recommend wrapping them in silk or satin and storing them in a shoebox.
Additionally, a hair carrier is ideal for storing clips.
How To Reduce Shedding
Shedding is normal with hair extensions as it is with our own natural hair. When the hair is first received an initial shed will occur. This is when more hair than usual falls out, but from this point on it will shed less. Below are some tips provided for care of the extensions and to assist with shedding:
Use leave in conditioners and deep conditioners when washing (all sulfate/paraben and silicone-free).
Avoid getting the weft wet as best as possible.
Always treat your Bombay Hair like your own natural hair. Heat protectant sprays and hair oils are a great way to maintain the integrity of your hair when using our hair tools. Also, using a lower setting can assist with preventing damage to your natural hair.
Avoid dying, toning or altering the hair in any way.
How To Properly Brush Hair Extensions
The best way to comb your hair extensions is with a tangle teaser or an actual extension brush. Never comb or brush your extensions while they are wet. Make sure to brush from the bottom up with an extension brush or a wet brush (no boar bristles or similar).
What Should You Avoid When Using Hair Extensions
Wash Your Extensions Correctly
Use a deep conditioner or moisturizing treatment once per week and dry them out on satin or silk.
Never Sleep With Wet Extensions
Sleeping in wet hair extensions will push moisture into the adhesive area and cause them to come apart. If you have long extensions, we recommend sleeping with your hair in a braid or with a silk headscarf/cap around your head. This will prevent any pulling/shifting of your extensions while you sleep.
Always Brush Extensions With Care
Using a good brush is important. This will make it easier overall to care for your hair. When brushing the hair, brush from the bottom up with an extension brush or a wet brush (no boar bristles or similar). Do not brush the hair when it is wet, since this is when the hair is at its weakest point.
Schedule A Weekly Conditioning Treatment
A weekly conditioning treatment is recommended to keep your hair extensions smooth and tangle-free. As mentioned, using a tiny amount of Argan, Moroccan, or Almond oil overnight will help.
Minimize Heat Damage
Always use a heat protector will using hot tools on your extensions. Many customers use the, Miracle 7 Leave-in Mist for Extensions (red bottle) as this shields against heat, detangles, and moisturizes.
Avoid Tangling While You Sleep
By using a deep conditioning treatment once per week and combing your extensions before bed, you’ll be able to avoid tangling when sleeping. Trimming your extensions every several weeks will also prevent tangling and keep your ends fresh and voluminous.
Separate The Bonds Daily
To separate the bonds of your hair extensions, run your fingers through your hair and feel each bond, making sure it isn’t tangled to any hair.
Products to Avoid on Hair Extensions
Specific products, ingredients and environmental factors will harm your hair extensions and therefore should be avoided. These include:
High Summer Heat and Tropical Conditions: These can have an affect on the longevity of your tape. It’s always a good idea to cover up your hair in high summer heat/tropical conditions (especially around where the adhesive connects to your natural hair). Wearing a hat will keep the hair protected from the sun and assist in maintaining the longevity of your tape-in installation.
Salt Water and Chlorine Pools: These might affect the adhesive in the tape. It’s always a good idea to keep your hair out of the water to ensure a long-lasting hold.
Tones and Dyes: If you visit a salon to have your extensions dyed and the chemicals are too hot or strong it can significantly affect your extensions. The result can be extensions that feel tangled, matted, or like straw. Dying your extensions or toning them at home is at your own risk. Using dyes that are semi-permanent (28 washes for example) might be a better option, as these are less damaging to hair than permanent hair colors.