Come on; you have surely thought about getting hair extensions at least once in your life. Who doesn’t want instant long and beautiful hair without all the waiting and hair-growing products that are useless more often than not? However, when you decide to get them done, you need to know how to care for them properly. It is not much more complicated than tending to your natural hair, but here are some tips that will help you keep it looking healthy and beautiful for a long time.
Which Kind is the Best?
Before getting them done, you should inform yourself about which types of extensions are the best. The biggest priority is to choose a type that will look as natural as possible and that won’t damage your normal hair. The professionals at VeilaHairExtensions.com have highlighted the importance of getting ones without adhesives, which could damage your scalp, and the ones that will be invisible. Some of the types of extensions that you can get are:
- tape-in
- clip-in
- halo
- braid
Decide on the type that suits you the best, which will help you achieve the hairstyle you wish for!
Brushing
Brushing is the most important part of extension maintenance. Instead of using your normal hairbrush, invest in one specialized for them. The best type is the one with soft nylon bristles. You will save yourself from a lot of pain and ripped-out hair! Never brush the roots of your hair because you could rip the extensions out, and pull your fingers through to keep them from tangling. Also, you should avoid back brushing because it could rip them out. Brush regularly, starting at the bottom of the hair to the top of it. Detangle sections one by one because doing it all at once could cause hair breakage.
Washing
Avoid washing your hair over the bath because that could cause the bonds of the extensions to tangle. Don’t wash it too often. It is recommended to do it two or three times a week. If your hair is the oily type, it is always better to use dry shampoos to absorb it than to wash it every day. Don’t use scorching hot water. Instead, it is better to keep it at a mild temperature, and then near the end, switch it up to cold. That way, you will improve the circulation in your scalp, and the bonds of the extensions will tighten.
Heat
There is no reason not to blow dry your hair, but don’t do it after every wash. It is important to keep the roots dry, but it is better to do it in a lower setting. In this case, you should do it from top to bottom. That way, you will avoid tangling and keep it straighter. Air drying is always a better way to do it. Also, if you want to take an extra step, use a microfiber towel because it is less likely to cause damage. If you want to use straightening or curling iron, always put some heat protection spray beforehand. Like with the blow dryer, the iron should also be set up to a lower setting.
Product Do’s and Don’ts
Buying hair products that contain sulfates or alcohol is a big no-no. This has less to do with the extensions and more with your natural hair. Alcohol and sulfates will dry out your natural hair oils, making it become dry and increasing shedding and breakage. It is very important to keep your natural hair in good shape because it holds your extensions. If it thins out or becomes damaged, the extensions will be more noticeable. Always go with more natural and lightweight products. When in doubt, consult with your hairstylist and ask them to recommend the right ones for you.
Before Going to Bed
You should try not doing it anyway, but you mustn’t go to bed with your hair wet when you have extensions. It will loosen the bonds, tangle them all up, and leave you with an unmanageable mess in the morning. Additionally, always tie your hair in a low ponytail or braid before you go to sleep. It will be easier to style and is sure to prolong the longevity of your extensions.
If you take care of them properly and make sure that you choose the ones that best suit your hair type, they could last up to eight weeks. When you get them once, you won’t want to go on without them ever again. Think of it this way; you could have any hairstyle you want in a short amount of time.
