Hair extensions look amazing, but they can also be extremely expensive. These pro tips will help you get the most out of your new set.

I first was introduced to extensions 9 months ago, it was mainly for the sides of my hair ever since having my daughter and turning 30 (so blaming hormones!) my hair has been thin. I wasn’t fully unhappy, but I was conscious of the fact my hair was never ‘thick’ L’Oréal adverts made me jealous!! I never realized what extension options were out there, and that were affordable. Through guidance of my hair dresser I opted for Bead extensions – they are a little bit more maintenance due to the fact every 8 weeks they need to be moved up.

Next month I’m changing out hair dressers (my one is moving to California :(((( so through recommendations I found a new one!) and I will be trying keratin extensions. Like microlinks, they fuse small strands of your hair with the extensions; however, unlike microlinks, they use heated keratin protein to bond and fuse your hair and the extensions. I’m excited – this time going for volume AND length! But until then my hair is taking a much needed break.

So what products are needed to keep your extensions fresh and healthy?!

Hair Oil

Hair extensions require special treatment as there is no oil traveling down the hair shaft, meaning the hair becomes dry.

Shampoo & Conditioner

Pay attention to what is in the shampoo and conditioner you are using. Choose products that are Sulfate Free have mild detergents, and provide lots of moisture and hydration.

With hair extensions, you want to ensure you are taking care of your scalp. We often forget that scalp is skin, the largest organ on your body.

If you use dry shampoos on your natural hair, you may want to hold off a bit while having extensions. Dry shampoo can dry out extensions. Limit the use of these on extensions to keep them looking great longer.

After you wash and condition your hair, let it air-dry. This will put less stress on your natural roots. If you must use a dryer use it on the lowest setting, and if blow-drying curly extensions, use a diffuser.

Sleep on silk or satin

The best way to sleep with your hair extensions is by wrapping them in silk or sleeping on a silk pillowcase to prevent dryness. You can easily learn how to prepare your extensions before a good night’s rest. Using a small soft bristle brush, gently brush the area where the extensions are connected to your own hair (near the roots). Using a silk scarf, tie around the circumference of your head, then tie from around the back and knot it near your forehead area — it’ll keep the hair going in the same direction.

Brush your hair daily and every time you take out your extensions

Brush all tangles out after each use. Wearing your straight extensions curly? Make sure you brush out the curls before starting a new style. If you’re working with straight extensions, use a paddle brush. If you are working with curly hair, use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush when hair is wet and conditioned.

Take Aways

• Always use an approved hair extension brush (like a paddle brush or a wet brush) or a wide tooth comb. This special brush is made specifically for hair extensions and when used properly will not pull or catch on the extensions. Start at the ends of the hair and work your way up to the scalp.

• Use a high quality, sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo and conditioner. Condition only below the bonds. Do not do a deep condition.

• Shampoo hair in a gentle manner, following the direction of hair flow. The less you shampoo the longer they will last. The bond breaks down over about a 4-6 month period and shampooing too often will cause them to break down faster.

• Blowdry hair 80-90% before using your approved brush or comb to finish blow dry style. Air drying is not recommended. If air drying, at least get the bonds dry and the hair around it, then let the rest air dry.

• Do not go to bed with your hair wet as this will cause dreaded hair. Instead place your hair in a loose ponytail after it has dried, a loose brad is also okay.

• Brush your hair and run your finger through the hair once a day to ensure the bonds stay separated. Hold the roots of your hair with one hand while brushing in a downward motion with the other. If you do not consistently separate the bonds, you will get dreaded hair.

• On average we lose 100+ hairs a day. When breaking apart the bonds you will notice that there will be hair that is coming lose. This is hair that has fallen out but was still attached to the extensions, so do not worry that you are causing extra breakage.

• If you have fusion extensions, stay away from salty and chlorinated water as this will eat away the bonds that are holding in the hair extensions.
Some slippage is common. If you are losing more than 10% of your extensions, and you purchased the hair though our salon, return to the salon and troubleshoot with your stylist.

• Remember, hair extensions require maintenance. The better you take care of your hair, the longer they will last.