This is quite an extensive list, but it is important you follow the after care
advice to get the most out of, and prevent damage to your hair extensions
Brushing - use a soft bristle brush as this will gently go over the joins. Begin brushing the ends of the hair in downward strokes, moving up the hair until finally placing the brush at the root area and brushing gently from the root through to the ends. Do not brush harshly. Always hold extensions at the root area when brushing to avoid unnecessary tension on the roots and bonds. Never comb or brush in between the extension bond and the scalp, this will result in extensions coming out. Only brush over bonds with a soft bristle brush.
Washing - at least 3 times every week. This is to ensure that natural oils do not build up at the scalp area, which can cause the bonds to break down and slide out. If you
Conditioning
Stroke the conditioner into the hair section by section in
Separating and Products - After washing, gently pat wet hair with a towel to remove excess water. This will make it easier to comb through, preventing pulling on the hair and bonds. They are more likely to come out at this stage when the hair is ringing wet.
Do not wrap wet hair in a towel, as this can cause tangling. Blot wet hair with the towel, without rubbing it.
After removing the excess water from the hair, apply a spray leave-in conditioner such as Revlon Equave Hydro Nutritive Conditioner, to the mid-lengths and ends of the hair. This will keep your hair soft and make it easier to comb through. Then, comb through with a wide toothed comb. Whilst holding the hair at the root, start to comb the ends first, ge ntly working upwards step by step.
Once the hair has been combed through, separate extensions at the root area before drying, making sure each one is hanging separate from its neighboring connection. This ensures that the bonds do not stick together, and that any loose hairs that may be in the root area are not tangled and entwined with a neighboring extension. You can apply serums, hairsprays, mousse and gels etc. on wet hair or dry hair. However, avoid contact with the bond as this could cause them to slide out.
Do not use any reconstructive conditioners, hot oils, wax treatments, perms, permanent dyes, Henna products, alkaline (not pH balanced) shampoos, or styling products containing oil or heavy wax. Extension hair has already gone through several chemical processes, and the use of these products may create chemical shock in the extensions, and would result in them becoming matted together and breaking off, or having unpredictable colour and perming results.
Blow drying - Before blow-drying your extensions, it is a good idea to prepare and style the top section and fringe area. Then, using a cool setting on your dryer, tip your head forward and dry the root area.Once the root area is dry, turn your head the right side up. Using a warm or hot setting, blow-dry the hair section by section. Hold each section of hair over a round bristle brush, and direct the blow dryer down the hair shaft to the ends.
Scrunch drying - Tip your head upside down, and using the cool setting on the dryer, dry the root area first. Keeping your head upside down, turn up the heat setting, and hold hair into a diffuser. When just about dry, turn your head up straight, and scrunch with your fingers for the finishing touches.
Hot rollers - Apply a little mouse to the ends of your hair after it has been blow dried. Keep the hot rollers away from the bonds, and use as normal.
Do not direct hot air from a blow dryer, or the heat from tongs and rollers onto the bonding area, as this will cause the bonds to soften, and you may lose extensions.
Sleeping - gently plait the hair or tie loosely in a soft band to prevent tangling. Never sleep on wet hair, always make sure hair is completely dry before going to bed.
General wear - do not apply unnecessary tension to the bond and root areas by tying ponytails too tight.
Keep your hair clean- when dirt and sweat build up, hair can tangle and matte together and can also cause the bonds to soften. Wash your hair after exercise, swimming etc. If possible, wear a cap when swimming or try to keep your hair out of the water. It is recommended to wear your hair up or in a ponytail when you swim or exercise.
Please note, excessive pulling or picking of extensions may result in extensions coming out and your own hair breaking off.
By making sure you take the correct care of your hair extensions and by following these guidelines, your hair extensions should last 3-4 months. After this period, the extensions will need to be removed professionally. Do not pull or pick out extensions, as this will result in damaging your own hair.
