Hair extensions offer you great options to play with your hair and try different hairstyles you wish without worrying about your natural hair length and volume. But this flexibility can be utilized only when given proper care to these extensions; otherwise, it will matte, become dull, or even worse, damage your natural hairline.
Hair extensions, irrespective of the fact that they don’t grow from our natural hairline, need proper care and attention to last long and happy life. Usually, a hair extension is expected to last 3-6 months, but it can last for about a year if given proper care and attention. So, whether you are new to hair extensions or have used them for a long time, these pro tips are always going to help you take care of your extensions even more.
- Correct installation of the extensions: Asking a professional to install the extension is always a better choice. Installation of hair extensions is tricky, and installing is different for all four variations of installing hair extensions. Whether you are using clip-in, glue-in, sew-in, or Brazilian knot method, all the four methods’ installation has their tips and tricks; if not followed, it can sometimes embarrass you and even damage your natural hairline.
- Washing and drying of the hair extension: Hair extensions also need the urgency to be washed, but since they aren’t subject to the oil produced by the scalp, the frequency of them being washed should be less than that of washing natural hair. Since extensions don’t receive any natural ingredient or oil, they should always be washed with sulfate and alcohol-free shampoo to prevent dryness. It is highly advisable to wash the hair extension in cold water and co-washed it with a conditioner. It is highly recommended not to blow-dry your extensions as it makes them dry and thus reduces their lifespan. Still, if needed urgently after washing, it can be blow-dried after applying a heat protector spray and should never be combed before the extension dries up to 90%. It is always advised to air-dry the extension and untangle it with your hands until the extension doesn’t dry. A pro tip for drying the hair is to use a microfiber towel to remove excess water and apply a small amount of hair oil when wholly dried to prevent frizziness.
- Brushing the extension is important: To increase the lifespan of the extension, it is essential to brush the hair correctly. Brushes and brushing are a crucial point for a hair extension’s life period, so it is always advised to brush the hair with a good comb, a wide-tooth or soft bristle, every time you take it out for use. An extension should never be brushed when wet, and also, when the weather is not favorable, it’s better to tie the hair.
- Storing of hair extension: Due to the absence of natural oil, extensions are always in danger of drying out or losing their gloss; therefore, it’s important to store it in a very favorable condition to give your extension a long life. Understanding the importance of storing hair extension, it should always be stored away from sunlight in a cool and dry place. In addition, it should be ensured that the extensions are completely dry before storing them in an air-tight box to prevent growing bacteria and mold.
- Use of silk or satin pillowcase: Sometimes, removing the extension before sleeping is impossible, so sleeping on a silk or satin pillow is always better to prevent the hair from tangling. It is highly recommended to tie a silk scarf around the back and knot it near the forehead to prevent the hair from flowing in all the directions.