Extension Care

Washing your Extensions

Make sure to prep your hair by brushing thoroughly to remove any tangles. This helps to prevent extra tangling during the washing process and ensures the entirety of your hair gets evenly cleaned.

• Before you get in the shower, divide sections of your dry hair at each row and clip up each section separately. Once in the shower wet, wash, and rinse each section separately. This will allow you to wash the whole section of hair easier as well as scrub your scalp around each row.

• Work the shampoo in and push it into your scalp and through the extensions. You want to brush down with your fingers in each section and minimize circular motions throughout the extensions. 

• ONLY USE SALON-QUALITY SULFATE-FREE/PARABEN-FREE SHAMPOO.

• Next, add conditioner throughout and leave in as directed. Extensions need to stay hydrated, so make sure you condition your hair well, every time you wash it! 

• Make sure to completely rinse all shampoo and conditioner from your scalp and the extensions. It’s very easy to accumulate buildup around each track. It is very important to do this so you don’t have product trapped, it can cause issues to your scalp later on!

• Make sure you have enough time to wash well. I don’t suggest washing/drying your hair when you are in a big hurry, as the process tends to take a little longer than normal if done correctly.

• Limit washing to twice a week. Overwashing can dry out the extensions. Dry shampoo can be a li Another option is to clip all the extension hair back, and just wash your natural hair on the crown of your head over the sink.

 

If you want to be extra careful, getting a water filter or softener will make sure that chlorine, minerals, or other impurities don’t affect your extensions negatively and cause a shorter life.

​

Drying your Extensions

​

• Squeeze out the excess water from your extensions. It is going to be heavy with water after. Repeat with a cotton towel or an old T-shirt through the length of your hair. Repeat until your hair feels damp and is no longer dripping. Do not rub the ends of your hair together to dry! The extra friction can create more damage for your hair.

• Gently detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb or a flexible bristle brush. ALWAYS use one hand to hold the track in place while using the other hand to comb out the hair. Start at the ends and work up toward the scalp.

• Next, gently blow-dry your extensions on LOW heat near the installation point. This is important that your extensions near the base are dry because wet extensions can cause matting and tangles. The extensions themselves can start to unravel and become loose. It can also possibly mold and mildew because that moisture gets trapped. 

Just make sure the top of the extension wefts feels dry. Feel free to let the rest of your extensions air dry. If you choose to blow-dry the extensions completely, use a brush to smooth and dry the hair by section.

​

Styling & Care

​

Extensions can be styled with a smoothing brush or a bristle brush and using heat tools such as flat irons and curling irons on low heat. 

Your extensions need to be brushed every day! Hold your extensions with one hand where they are attached to your natural hair, and use the other hand to brush. Make sure to detangle your hair at the nape of your neck, as well as the top of the extension weft. These are the two places where most matting occurs.

For best results, we recommend the following when caring for your extensions:

• Use only sulfate-free and paraben-free, salon-quality products. This will ensure the best care of your extensions and ensure products aren’t coating or stripping your extensions.

• Use spray leave-in-conditioner or moisturizer on extensions to keep them from tangling or drying out.

• Braid, bubble braid, or put your extensions in a high bun before sleeping.

• Always dry the base of your hair before going to bed. Your ends can be a little damp but dry is always best!

• Sleep on a silk pillowcase if you want to be extra careful!

• If wearing glasses or sunglasses, be aware to not slide your glasses up past the extensions onto the top of your head. They can get caught and cause tension on the front corners.

• Silk or satin ponytails are best for securing extensions. 

Avoid regular tight ponytails, especially while running or other “bouncing” activities. This puts added tension on the front corners and can cause irritation or damage. A low ponytail or a top knot that you can flip up all the hair straight up will be best. 

Something to note as well: The more you pull on your wefts by styling, wearing high ponytails, and round brushing, the more frequently you will need to come in to move up your extensions.

​

Vacation Extensions

​

Be very cautious with your extensions if you choose to do any water activities.

Follow these steps to protect your extension hair around the pool, lake, or ocean.

• Brush thoroughly.

• Prep your hair by wetting it with clean water from a shower. If possible, coat your wet hair with a leave-in conditioner.

• Comb and braid (TIGHT braid such as a French braid) before entering the water.

• After leaving the water rinse your hair immediately in a shower. For added measure, wash your hair with a professional clarifying shampoo to remove impurities that cause damage. Then follow with your regular extensions care of shampoo/conditioner/leave-in.

• Use caution when applying sunscreen near your extensions. Sunscreens contain chemicals that can permanently discolor extension hair.

• Avoid sunscreen with avobenzone and octocrylene. Blonde extensions especially can become discolored so read carefully! Sunscreens I like are mineral-based. Bare Republic is a great option!

​

If you have any issues with your extensions, please let me know right away so I can help troubleshoot or fix anything that might have happened. If you feel anything pulling or experience pinching or soreness, let me know right away as well. This can lead to unwanted hair loss where the extension is attached. 

​​

​