How To Make Your Hair Extensions Last Longer
Hair extensions are a lady’s partner-in-crime on many fancy occasions. Wearing them may give you a boost of confidence, whether you have short hair or not.
But hair extensions, whether they’re made of natural or synthetic hair, need regular maintenance to stay usable for a long time. Proper care is crucial because quality extensions don’t always come cheap.
To extend the life of your precious hair extensions, here are some easy-to-follow tips that you can follow:
Wash Them Properly
Hair extensions may stay on your head temporarily, but they’ll pick up dirt and grime just like your natural hair. Therefore, you must wash them well regularly, by shampooing and conditioning them right after using. The ones you use for your own locks should suffice. But if your extension technician recommends other products, it’s best to follow their advice. Also, avoid anything with alcohol and sulphates to maintain the extensions’ quality.
The washing process depends on which type of hair extension you’re using, whether a nano extension or a weave, among others. Knowing the type will help you avoid breaking the bonds or strands due to the wrong method of cleaning it. Don’t hesitate to consult with your technician about this since they know the best way to wash hair extensions to ensure they stay in excellent condition for a long time.
The best way to wash extensions is to do it in the shower. Let the water flow down from your crown to the hair tips. Keep your head upright and try not to flip your hair over, or your extensions might get tangles afterward. Like with your natural hair, rub conditioner away from the roots, because conditioners may let your extensions slip off faster and reduce their lifespan. Also, to make them last longer, use warm water in the shower instead of scalding hot.
Brush Them Daily
One of the best ways to extend your hair extensions’ lifespan is to treat them the way you would your own hair. If you spend around 15-30 minutes brushing your hair to perfection, you should also do the same for your extensions.
Try using a brush with looped nylon bristles. The shape of the bristles will glide through the strands effortlessly while detangling some stubborn ones in the process. Other brushes you can use are a wide-toothed comb and a soft-bristle brush. These types are widely available in most beauty stores or you might already be using one yourself.
Ensure the extensions are dry before brushing them out. You’ll find yourself tugging harder when the hair is wet, possibly pulling out strands or breaking them. Make sure to brush your extensions as often as possible, just like your natural hair. It’ll keep them from tangling and matting throughout the day.
Use Products Sparingly
You might think using multiple products will maintain the excellent quality of your hair extensions. But on the contrary, applying too many products will degrade them, just like what they may do to natural hair.
No matter the type of extensions you have, they can do well with dry shampoo, a heat protectant, and shine spray. Be careful only to use these products occasionally or when needed. For instance, you’ll need to coat your hair with a heat protectant before using a curling or flat iron.
Though, you may apply hair oil onto your extensions for regular maintenance. Coconut oil is one of the best choices for your extensions. You can leave it overnight for soft and glossy hair in the morning or use it as an alternative conditioner in the shower. It’s also a great choice to protect the strands from breakage and frizz.
Store Them Correctly
Storing hair extensions is one of the easiest ways to ensure their longevity. Keep them in a special bag, preferably with a hanger, dedicated to hair extensions. The bags may come in silk or satin material to protect the hair better. Repurposed containers, like clean shoeboxes or anything airtight, can also serve as storage if you don’t have a bag available.
After taking the extensions off:
- Close the clips and brush through the strands before storing them in the bag.
- Keep the bag or container somewhere cool and dry, away from direct sunlight.
Ensure that your hair extensions aren’t wet before storage, too. The moisture will attract bacteria and mould growth, damaging the hair and shortening the extensions’ lifespan.
Replace Them Regularly
Unfortunately, hair extensions won’t last forever no matter how well you try to take care of them. Some sew-in types may only last up to two to three months, even with proper maintenance.
You’ll know if it’s time to lay your extensions to rest when you put them on, and your hair looks different, but in a bad way. Sometimes it’s because your hair has grown out or the bonds of the extensions have deteriorated.
Whatever the reason, it’s best to replace your extensions when they are no longer in good shape. However, some experts recommend changing them every six to eight weeks to avoid matting and tangling in your own hair. But you don’t have to toss them out immediately if you spot defects. You can still repair hair extensions with a few tools and a lot of patience.
Conclusion
Hair extensions should receive the same attention as you would give your real hair. They help enhance your natural beauty, so you must take care of them, too. You could wear your extensions for as long as possible with proper maintenance. That said, take the tips mentioned above handy at all times to help you extend the life of your hair extension through proper care and know-how.