One of the most important things to remember about your hair extensions is how to keep them looking as good as that first day those longer locks were tried out. Whilst we all know they won’t last forever, you want them to last as long as possible, so a routine must be put in place and maintained to ensure you get the best value for money. Old hair extensions can be spotted a mile off and it’s an on-going process to maintain the shiny, glossy look you’re going for. At MyHairCraft, we’re confident our aftercare tips will keep them looking fresh, so with your commitment we can have you looking extra gorgeous for longer!
Wash Extensions with High Quality Products
It’s essential you keep your extensions as moisturised as possible as you would with natural hair which means washing around 2-3 times per week. However, many shampoos available on the high street contain chemicals such as silicon and sulfate as well as wax and various types of oil. This is known to break down bonds within the extensions, causing them to lose grip on the natural hair and eventually causing strands to unbind – not a good look!
Our advice would be to opt for a shampoo containing natural and organic ingredients in order to cleanse the hair without causing any damage. Why not try Pureology Hydrate shampoo? It’s sulphate free, derived from coconut, corn and sugar in order to maintain luscious locks as well as colour retention. A leave-in conditioner such as Kérastase Nutri-Thermique will also be beneficial for locking in nourishment and protecting from intense heat.
Let Hair Dry Naturally
Excessive heat from drying and styling is the easiest way to damage your hair extensions. Even though it’s not the most convenient method, it’s important to give your hair a break from drying using heat in order to maintain their current state. We also advise you refrain from brushing when wet as this may cause hairs to become loose or fragile and eventually falling out. If time isn’t on your side, remember to never use curling or straightening irons on wet hair. Instead, use a Heat Protection Spray and blow dry gently on a low temperature setting.
Brushing and Styling
All hair extensions are in some way attached to your natural hair so it is important to remember to reduce stress on the scalp when brushing. Pulling too hard during brushing or styling may snap hairs, ruining the overall finish. Also, take care when using hairbands to tie hair together, as these may also cause hair to break if tied super tightly.
Tie Back When Sleeping
Sleeping in your hair extensions is not only quite painful, it also tangles and knots strands, causing them to become a matted mess overnight. If you have your extensions sewn in or you just happen to be wearing them during sleep, the best way to preserve quality is to tie them in a loose, low ponytail or plait. This way, you can avoid knots and creases when you rise the following morning – simple!
Protect Extensions From Sunlight and Swimming
Activities such as swimming can be damaging to extensions due to the chlorine and salt found in pools and seawater. When combined with heat, it can cause the hair to discolour over a quicker period of time, as well as breaking down bonds used in micro loop or micro bond extension types. Again, if this is unavoidable, the best way to care for your hair when going swimming is to style it in a plait or braid. You will also need to make sure you wash extensions in fresh water afterwards in order to supply nutrients it may have been stripped of.
