Treating your hair after getting extensions involves specific care to maintain both the extensions and your natural hair's health. Since extensions don't receive nutrients from your scalp's natural oils, moisturizing is key.
Here's a comprehensive guide:
Moisturizing is Essential
- Condition Regularly: Use a high-quality, moisturizing conditioner every time you wash your hair. Focus on the mid-lengths to ends of the extensions.
- Leave-in Conditioner: Apply a leave-in conditioner daily or as needed to keep the extensions hydrated.
- Hair Oils: Consider using hair oils, like argan or coconut oil, on the extensions, avoiding the roots and bonds to prevent slippage.
Washing and Drying Techniques
- Wash Carefully: Wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to prevent damage and drying. Gently massage the shampoo into your scalp, and let the soapy water run down the extensions. Avoid vigorous rubbing.
- Drying: Gently pat your hair dry with a towel. Avoid rubbing. You can air-dry your hair or use a low-heat setting on your hairdryer. Be sure to use a heat protectant spray if you're using heat.
- Detangle Before Washing: Always detangle your hair thoroughly before washing to prevent knots.
Brushing and Detangling
- Use the Right Brush: Use a soft-bristle brush or a wide-tooth comb designed for extensions to prevent snagging and pulling.
- Brush Gently: Start brushing from the ends and work your way up to the roots. Hold the extensions near the bond to avoid pulling on your natural hair.
- Detangle Regularly: Detangle your hair multiple times a day to prevent matting and tangles.
Sleeping with Extensions
- Braid Your Hair: Loosely braid your hair before sleeping to minimize tangling.
- Silk or Satin Pillowcase: Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and prevent damage to your hair.
- Avoid Wet Hair: Never go to bed with wet hair extensions.
Products to Avoid
- Sulfates: Avoid shampoos and conditioners containing sulfates, as they can dry out both your natural hair and extensions.
- Alcohol: Avoid products with high alcohol content, as they can also dry out your hair.
- Products at the Root: Avoid applying heavy products directly to the extension bonds, as this can cause slippage.
Regular Maintenance
- Professional Maintenance: Schedule regular maintenance appointments with your stylist to tighten or re-apply extensions as needed.
- Trim Regularly: Get your extensions trimmed regularly to remove any split ends and keep them looking healthy.
By following these guidelines, you can keep your hair extensions looking their best and maintain the health of your natural hair.
