How to Look After Hair Extensions
Nowadays, more and more people are opting for hair extensions as a way of lengthening and thickening their hair. We now do not have to painstakingly wait for our hair to grow a meager half an inch a month; we can now pop to the salon and emerge a few hours later with long lustrous locks to rival even the most a-list celeb. However, it would be a mistake to think that you have your extensions fitted and that’s the end of it. It is very important to look after your extensions and treat them with care in order for them to last for the longest time possible.
There have been some horror stories in the past regarding hair extensions, but one of the main reasons that people end up having problems with them is that they do not maintain them properly. Some people find that their extensions fall out and that they damage their natural hair but if applied and removed properly and well-maintained these issues shouldn’t be a problem. It makes sense that well-cared for extensions will last longer and since extensions don’t tend to come cheap you will want to get your moneys worth!
It is not hard to take care of your extensions and if you do manage to look after them they could last up to 6 months and the process will be a lot easier on both your natural hair and your scalp. Firstly, you should always ensure that you have your extensions applied by a professionally trained stylist. If your extensions are applied properly then they are more than likely to last longer. Make sure you do some research into the salon before getting your extensions put in and always have a consultation prior to application.
Once your extensions have been fitted your stylist should give you some important instructions on how best to care for your hair. It is essential that you follow these if you are to maintain your extensions for any prolonged period of time. They will also guide you on what products to use specifically with your extensions. If you use the right products with your extensions you really can extend their lifespan.
You should take extra care when dealing with wet hair. You should never sleep on wet hair as it can cause breakage whilst you sleep. You also take care not to leave hair in a wet towel or ponytail for more than a few minutes as it can prevent the hair from drying thus softening the bonds. Try to always use the specific mild conditioners and shampoos recommended by your stylist and be careful not to apply the conditioner to the bonds as this will soften them and cause the extension hair to fall out.
When wearing extensions you will need to take extra care to not let your hair get tangled. If your extensions get tangled in with your natural hair then this can cause them to fall out or need to be removed. With a little extra care on your part you can avoid this by taking the time to brush your hair at least twice a day, but be as gentle as possible. Always start brushing from the bottom up and don’t pull too much at tangles, instead gently tease them out. Before going to bed it is a good idea to tie your hair in a loose ponytail or a plait so that it doesn’t get tangled when you sleep.
When wearing real hair extensions you can still use heat styling tools but you should be careful to protect the hair with a protection spray beforehand. However, if your extensions are synthetic or made of low quality hair then you may not be able to use heat on them. Always check with your stylist first.
If you follow this short guide you should be able to maintain your extensions for up to 6 months depending on the hair type and the application method! By looking after your extensions they will always look stylish and natural.
