Hair extensions can help you change your look, add volume, and lengthen your hair. They can be attached in a variety of ways. Sew-ins, tape-ins, and clip-ins are some of the approaches you can choose from. Micro links and keratin extensions are two further options, too.
The good news is that hair extensions are more affordable than ever. The cost varies depending on whatever type of hair is used. Synthetic materials can cost as little as USD$60. On the other hand, natural human hair can range from USD$100 to USD$500. These hair extensions usually last for at least three months.
Whether you’ve had hair extensions for a long time or this is your first time, you must implement an aftercare routine at home to help boost the longevity of your extensions. Regardless of the application used, you should identify your extension’s needs and develop a hair care plan. You’ll be able to utilize it for a long time and receive your money’s worth if you do so.
If you want to keep your hair extensions in tip-top shape, follow these four hair care suggestions to make it last longer:
Chapter Overview
1. Wash Your Hair Extensions Appropriately
It’s not advisable to wash your hair frequently because your hair extension is prone to tangling. If you wash it excessively, the installation may get loosened, and you will not be able to wear it for a long time. So, you should consider plotting a schedule when to wash them.
Accordingly, you should wash your hair as regularly as you usually would if you had sewn-in hair extensions. If you have clip-in extensions, cleaning them once a month is fine. While this may seem like a long time, keep in mind that clip-in extensions lack hair’s natural oils. Washing them too frequently will dry them out and make them brittle.
You should also carefully choose the products you use for your hair. These products will either make or break your extensions. If you pick the products with the right ingredients, it’ll keep your extension in good condition and it’ll also help your natural hair thrive.
There are ingredients you should avoid, like sulfates and alcohol. These two ingredients will strip your hair of its natural oil, resulting in dry extensions. Once your hair extension is dried, it’ll be more prone to tangling.
Furthermore, you should also avoid saltwater and chlorine when you have hair extensions. If you can’t stop yourself from dipping in pools or beaches, don’t forget to wear a swim cap. After you swim, wash your hair right away to remove harmful chemicals.
2. Brush Your Extensions Properly
Combing your hair might not seem like a big deal, but it’s actually one of the most crucial parts of maintenance and aftercare. If you brush your hair regularly, tangling will be less likely to be your problem.
When you brush your hair, do it carefully and gently. Gather your hair together, start brushing from the bottom, and then work your way up.
Aside from brushing it properly, you should also use the appropriate comb for your extension. As much as possible, avoid using plastic or wooden comb. Such materials are damaging your hair strands.
There are a variety of brushes you can choose from, like loop brush and bristle brush. A loop brush is used when you need less tension and is suitable for all hair extension types. On the other hand, the bristle brush is helpful for massive detangling.
If you’re going to brush your hair while it’s wet, do it very carefully and gently. Being harsh on your hair can cause further damage and tangle.
3. Lessen The Use Of Heat
Heat, sweat, and friction are the most prevalent causes of hair extension tangling. When the hair moves around a lot, it clumps together. On the other hand, sweat is salty and acidic, causing dryness. Heat also does the same result to your hair.
Air drying your hair extension is an alternative approach to reduce the amount of heat directly applied. If you can’t air your hair, then you should use the lowest setting on your hair blower.
Blow-drying with hair extensions takes a little more work than blow-drying without it. You must first remove moisture from your roots before moving on to the ends of your hair. Then make your way down, ensuring that the airflow is also facing down. You’ll avoid tangles in your hair if you do it this way.
Additionally, it’s also a good idea to use microfiber towels when drying your hair. They can readily eliminate extra water without causing damage to your hair.
4. Don’t Sleep With Wet Hair Extensions.
Hair extensions do demand a significant amount of effort. Because, as much as you’d like to, you can’t go straight to bed when you’re exhausted from work. You can wake up with a head full of tangled hairs if you sleep with wet hair extensions overnight.
To avoid this, make a braid or a ponytail with your hair. This strategy will keep the strands from tangling by preventing them from moving around too much. Tangling is caused by friction between the hairs, which can be avoided by tying it down. Of course, if you have clip-in extensions, remove them before going to bed because there’s no reason to sleep with them on.
Remember
Keep in mind that you should treat your hair extensions with the same care that you do to your natural hair. After all, they’re both components of your look.
Follow the washing directions for your hair extension and buy the appropriate products. When dealing with tangles, try your best to be patient. But brush your hair regularly to avoid this.
If you can, opt for air-drying since heat can damage your hair and shorten its lifespan. And lastly, be mindful of your extensions before going to bed.