How to care for extensions
Follow these suggestions to ensure health, longevity and softness of your virgin hair.
1. When you are brushing your hair, be gentle. Without the proper treatment, your hair extensions will get damaged quickly. Treat this hair just as if it was your own hair.
2. Always detangle your virgin hair from the ends to the roots before shampooing. Don't rub your hair aggressively, because of this method causing the hair to have friction and tangle. Wash your gently from the roots to the ends.
3. Depending the type and texture of the hair, it is recommended to wash your extensions a maximum of 1-2 times a week with moisturizing hair care products. Since your extensions are not getting natural oils from your scalp to keep your hair in good condition, this will keep the moisture in and the hair from drying out from shampooing. Do not over shampoo the hair and make sure to rinse out products thoroughly. Also, use organic and sulfate-free shampoos to regularly feed, moisturize and treat your hair extensions.
4. As a reminder, colored hair goes through a chemical process, especially when lightened to blondes and special colors, so use high quality color treated shampoo and conditioner. Sulfate and alcohol free products are highly recommended.
5. Make sure to deep condition once a week, carefully put your extensions in lukewarm water and apply a bit of conditioner all over. Leave for around 20 minutes then rinse and let dry naturally - using a blow dryer will damage them if used too much. If necessary, put the dryer on a cool setting (almost as if it was wind). This will keep the hair soft.
6. Avoid shampoo and conditioning products which use Sulfates, Isopropyl Alcohol, Formaldehyde and Propylene Glycol, these are strong chemicals which will strip the hair of natural oils and leave them dry and sometimes damaged if used for a prolonged period of time. Most sulfate shampoos and conditioners contain silicones, this is what gives your hair or real human hair extensions that shiny glossy look once washed, if you prefer that finish there are non sulfate shampoos available which combat the sulfate cleansing elements with nutrient rich and essential oils
7. Dry your hair gently, don't rub it with a towel but move in a downward motion from roots to ends. Gently detangle your hair.You can also use products like gel and hair spray to keep the curls in place , but make sure to wash your hair and not leave in these products in for a long time.
Use a heat protectant on hair extensions to reduce the risk of heat damage whenever you use a heated appliance on your hair. Be careful with the use of blow dryers, flat irons and curling irons. It is best to let your hair dry naturally. The more you use heat, the shorter your hair extensions will last. It is best to start at the ends of your hair and when all tangles are removed gently work your way up. Always brush in a downward motion. Brush your hair a few times a day with a soft wide tooth brush.
A little moisturizing oil each week is suggested.
8. Use alcohol free products on your extensions.
9. Don't sleep on wet hair. Before sleeping, make sure your hair is completely dry. A good habit is to tie your hair together in a ponytail to prevent tangling as much as possible.
10. Before going to bed, braid your hair into one loose large braid and wear a satin scarf or bonnet. After waking up, undo braid and comb using a wide tooth comb (or paddle brush)through beginning at the ends and working your way up to roots.