Hair Extensions Care Guide
After many hair extensions consultations at my salon in Parker, Colorado, I’ve learned that caring for extensions seems intimidating. Today, I’m going to tell you that it’s NOT! Learning how to care for hair extensions is far easier than you think!
Let’s start with the maintenance that I’ll do on your hair! Every 6-8 weeks, you’ll come in for a move up. This is an easy appointment where I’ll just move the beads and extensions closer to your head as your hair grows. It’s as simple as that! Sometimes we’ll touch up toner or color, but generally, these appointments only take an hour.
Now let’s talk about how you’ll care for your hair extensions at home. I like to send my hair clients home with all of the salon-quality products they need to keep their color fresh and their new hair looking perfect! These are the ones I love:
For Your Overall Haircare Routine: Olaplex Regime No. 4 Shampoo No. Conditioner, No. 3 Treatment, and No. 6 Bond smoother
Clarifying Shampoo: Kevin.Murphy Maxi.Wash
This is my all-time fave clarifying shampoo. I use it every time I shampoo! I will always shampoo twice: first with the Maxi Wash followed by Olaplex No. 4 and condition with Olaplex No. 5.
Shampoo & Conditioner: Iles Formula Shampoo and Conditioner
Leave-in Conditioner: Iles Formula Finishing Serum
Recently, I’ve also tried a new product line called SEVEN. So far, I’m loving the SEVEN Satara Leave-in Conditioner. It detangles, softens and moisturizes while providing deep shine! I’ve also enjoyed their GAZAR Diamond Serum. It nourishes and brings a reparative softness to your hair. It also smooths the cuticle and makes the hair reflect light, adding a glossy shine. Plus, the smell is to die for!
How to Brush Hair Extensions
Next, let’s talk brushing! You’ll want to use a paddle brush or soft bristle brush. I love this one and this brush from Harper Ellis! When brushing your extensions, you ALWAYS want to place your free hand at the installation point.
It’s crucial to brush out all of your tangles before the next step in your hair extensions care journey: washing! Be sure your locks are nice and smooth before you hop in the shower!
Once you’re ready to wash, dampen all of your hair with lukewarm water and a sulfate-free/paraben-free, salon-quality shampoo like the ones listed above! Keep in mind, you don’t want to rub the ends of your hair together while washing because it can cause more tangles!
Next, add your conditioner and leave it in for about 5-7 minutes. Extensions need to stay hydrated, so make sure you condition your hair well every time you wash it!
Make sure you completely rinse out all excess shampoo and conditioner. You may find that washing your hair with extensions takes a little longer and requires a bit more care, so make sure you have enough time to do it well before you dive in!
How to Dry Your Hair Extensions
Now let’s talk about drying your hair extensions. This does NOT mean flipping your head upside down and rubbing your hair with a towel. Not to make anyone feel attacked (HAHA!), but this is a great way to ruin your new hair!
When you’re ready to get out of the shower, squeeze the excess water out of your hair with your hands, then do it again with a cotton towel wrapped around the length of your hair. Do this a few times until your hair is no longer soaked!
Before drying, you’ll want to carefully comb out your hair with a wide tooth comb or a soft, bristle brush like this one. Remember to hold your hair in place with one hand at the installation point!
Now you can start blow drying sections of your hair on low heat. You’ll want to do this with slowly and carefully with a brush that’s suitable for heat! Trust me, I’ve melted a few brushes in my day!
Styling with Hair Extensions with Heat
The good news is, you can 100% style your new hair extensions just like you normally would! The important thing to remember is to keep your tools below 250 degrees! And of course, you’ll want to start with a great heat protectant like this one!
Hair Extensions Care: A Quick Recap!
Now, let’s go over a few quick and easy-to-reference rules for caring for your hair extensions:
Use only sulfate-free and paraben-free, salon-quality products
Use a spray leave-in-conditioner or moisturizer to prevent tangling and dryness
Wrap you hair into a bun before going to bed
Always dry your hair before going to bed. Don’t sleep on it wet!
Sleep on a silk pillow case. This helps a lot with tangles!
Water and Your Hair Extensions!
Finally, let’s go over some summertime rules! You guys know I love hitting the beach or the lake or any body of water for that matter, but there are some things you have to think about to protect your stunning new hair!
First, prep your hair by wetting it with clean water from a shower before entering an ocean, lake or pool.
Comb and braid your hair before getting in the water.
Rinse your hair immediately in a shower after leaving the water.
Take it a step further by washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo after any water fun to remove all impurities that may cause damage. Then, follow with your regular hair extensions care system of shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in products.
See, I told you that taking care of your extensions wasn’t so hard! You’ll have to put in a little more effort, but I can promise you that you’ll love your new so much, you won’t care at all! Of course, please reach out in the comments or in my Instagram DMs if you have any questions about products or how to care for your hair!