How to make your extensions last
So, you finally took the plunge and got some beautiful hair extensions. They gave you the hair you’ve always wanted and it boosted your confidence the second you walked out of the salon. Depending on your installation method, your hair extensions can last for several months before they need to be tightened or reapplied.
How long it lasts depends on your unique hair, and it also depends on how well you maintain it. By following a few simple tricks, you can keep your hair looking as gorgeous as it did when you skipped out of the salon. Let’s go over the top preventative measures you can take as soon as you get home.
Showering
Showering is always the scariest part after getting new extensions. But it doesn’t have to be. When you're washing your hair, there are a few things you want to keep in mind. First, your extensions are not super delicate. What you do with your natural hair you can also do with your extensions. But you don’t want to be very rough with them, either. Find a happy medium where you can care for the strands without over-handling them, especially when brushing your hair.
Products are equally important. You want hair products that don’t have oils or sulfates. These ingredients can interact with the bonds in your hair and give them less hold. Go for sulfate-free shampoos and avoid putting oil right on the scalp.
Styling
Hair extensions are great for styling, especially if you opted for virgin human hair. But, as with your natural hair, they can become damaged by excessive heat. When using straighteners or curling irons, you want to put a heat protectant on the hair before you do anything else. This will help to prevent any damage.
Next, make sure you're working with a lower heat. The higher the temperature of your device is, the more likely you will be to damage your hair. If you can avoid heated styles altogether, that’s your best option. Unlike with natural hair, once the hair extensions are damaged they have to be totally replaced.
Sleeping
When you’re going to sleep, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you should wrap your hair in a silk bonnet or scarf before bed. This will prevent the hair from getting tugged throughout the night if you toss and turn. You can also braid your hair if you don’t have anything to wrap your hair in.
Next, make sure your hair is totally dry before hitting the pillow. That’s because wet hair plus nighttime movement will turn your extensions into a knotted mess. You’ll be forced to tug away at it with a brush, which will make the bonds weaker - so you’ll be back in the salon sooner than you know.
Treatments
Conditioning treatments should be a regular part of your routine. This keeps the hair from getting damaged, especially if you’re styling it with heat often. Your hair extensions will not generate the oils that your natural hair will, so they need some outside assistance. Plan to do a deep-conditioning treatment once a week to keep that beautiful shine.
Maintaining your new look might seem like a hassle in addition to all the time you spent having it done. But if you want your money’s worth for all that investment, it is absolutely essential. Once you get into the routine and see the benefits, it won’t seem like a burden anymore.