While getting hair extensions may seem to be one of the easiest ways to drastically change one’s look stat, taking care of them is a serious business. They don’t really come cheap, and there’s a good reason for it.
Before rushing to the nearest salon, make sure to know the proper care and maintenance to avoid looking like a hairy mess. Here are some dos and don’ts to maintaining luscious hair extensions.
Do
Use the Right Products
Hair extensions are a big investment, so make sure to use only the best products when taking care of them, especially genius weft hair extensions. Avoid products that contain ingredients such as sulfates and alcohol, as these can only damage the strands. Keep things simple by using products that are made from natural ingredients. Also, stay away from sticky products like gels and wax as they can only clog up the extensions.
Buy the Right Kind
Before deciding on getting hair extensions, it’s important to know which one suits your wants and needs in terms of look and feel. For those who are big fans of commitments, clip-on hair extensions are best for a cool temporary do.
Tape-in hair extensions can last for six to twelve weeks. They are perfect for those looking for a quicker change in look as they are easier to install. Weave extensions can give one luscious, natural-looking hair that lasts longer.
Protect Them from Heat
The sun’s heat is bad not only for the skin but also for the hair. If sun exposure is unavoidable, make sure to use heat-protectant sprays to reduce possible damage. This type of product uses oils and silicones to nourish as it protects the hair.
Apply it on dry or damp hair just before going out or before using hot styling tools. It’s also an effective way to dry the hair faster while making it smell fresh for longer.
Get the Correct Kind of Brush
While brushing through the weave is important, choosing the right weapon against tangles is just as vital. Loop brushes are perfect for extensions. They keep them tangle-free without tugging the hair out.
Store Them Properly
This applies especially to removable hair extensions. Make sure to keep them in cool, well-ventilated places to avoid drying them out and making them frizzy. Don’t forget to use proper storage, like boxes or hair-extension hangers, to retain their shape.
Hydrate as Often as Possible
Keep the extensions looking luscious and shiny by keeping them well hydrated. Use sulfate-free conditioners after shampooing. Treating them with hair masks is also an excellent way to lock in moisture. For those on a budget, here are some home alternatives that can keep the extension lustrous:
- Olive oil
- Jojoba oil
- Eggs
- Yogurt
Don’t
Wash It Every Day
Yes, keeping dirt off hair extensions is essential, but that doesn’t mean washing them every day is necessary. This is because washing them very often strips away the hydration, leaving them dry and dull. As such, as much as possible, limit washing your DIY Hair Extensions to two to three times a week to help retain moisture while keeping them in tip-top shape.
Brush Extensions While They’re Wet
This is a major no-no when taking care of hair extensions. Wet hair is much more prone to falling out, and brushing it won’t help. Take extra caution, and don’t brush immediately after washing. Detangle first, or wait for the extensions to dry before combing it through.
Go to Bed with Wet Extensions
Sleeping with wet extensions can easily turn them into a tangled mess. The more you toss and turn in bed, the more tangles it creates. It also heightens the risk of getting a fungal infection on the scalp. Make sure to dry your own hair and your extensions fully before calling it a night.
Use Hot Tools Very Often
It’s a known fact that heat damages the hair, so it’s best to keep extensions from tools that can harm them. If there’s no rush, go for rollers instead of hot irons, and use hair sprays to hold the curls. If hot tools can’t be avoided, use the lowest heat setting to reduce damage, but remember to apply a heat protectant beforehand.
Swim with Hair Extensions
As much as swimming in the ocean with extralong locks is a mermaid’s dream come true, it can do more harm than good. Saltwater and chlorine take away moisture from the hair, more so for extensions. Because they don’t get as much natural oil from the scalp, swimming with them on is much more damaging.
At the end of the day, hair extensions can give anyone the extra boost of confidence they need. That’s why it’s important to take care of them properly and to make sure that they are just as healthy as your natural hair is.
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