There are a few tricks to washing your hair with hair extensions that will help your extensions last longer and look as healthy and soft as when they first went in!
First , you want to make sure you’re using the best products. Your hairstylist will recommend some good shampoos and conditioners, but you want to make sure you’re using a high quality, sulfate-free, color-safe S&C set. You don’t want to use products with a lot of heavy oils, as they will make your hair heavy and could allow the hair strands to slide out of the connections!
So you’re ready to get your hair extensions wet. Growing up, you probably got used to hopping in the shower, getting your hair wet, putting some shampoo in your palm, and then rubbing it all over your hair, letting your hair go every which way over your scalp! It’s a good way to get your hair clean – but it’s damaging to your hair, and it’s especially damaging to hair extensions!
To shampoo your hair properly, you need to remember to leave your hair hanging downward, and carefully apply the shampoo in a downward direction, being very gentle. This will prevent damage to your hair strands, protect the extension connectors, and prevent hair tangles! You still need to scrub the scalp, though, to prevent hair matting. Remember to detangle your hair with a hair extension brush (many come in hair extension kits) before showering, so your hair will be easy to clean and condition.
Next, apply conditioner to your hair. Remember the rule that you only apply conditioner below your ears? Same applies here. Make sure to condition your hair below the extension connectors, whether they are glued extensions or beaded. Conditioner is so slippery that it could cause you to lose some strands, if it gets in the connection beads! Most hair types will benefit from detangling the hair while it is still wet, with a hair extension brush or a very wide-toothed comb on the ends. Then, to finish, dab with a towel – don’t wring your hair! – and blow dry. Finishing with a cold blast will close the cuticle of your hair and your hair extensions, encouraging shine, softness, and hair health, while warding against tangles.
So now you know how to take great care of your hair extensions. Just visit your hairdresser every three months for some easy maintenance, and you’ll be wearing gorgeous hair extensions that look great for as long as you like!
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