Got Extensions? How to Care for Your Faux Locks Like a Pro
Are you considering hair extensions but wondering about the required maintenance? This blog will cover everything you need to know about properly caring for, styling, and maintaining extensions.
We'll discuss how often to get them retired and coloured, what products work best, pro tips for washing, drying, and styling, and when you'll know it's time to get them removed.
You'll also learn about costs, finding the right colour match, and protecting your natural hair from damage. We'll make sure you feel fully prepared for the upkeep so you can focus on rocking your new dream locks!
Maintenance of extensions
Getting extensions requires ongoing maintenance every 6-8 weeks to keep them looking their best. This involves having them "lifted" and retired back into your natural hair as it grows out.
Washing should be limited to only 1-2 times per week to avoid drying out the extensions. Use a sulfate-free shampoo made for extensions.
Heat styling should be minimized as much as possible. Allow hair to air dry first before finishing with a blow dryer on low heat. When curling, make curls last several days instead of re-curling daily.
Always detangle gently with a wide toothcomb or wet brush. Avoid brushes with beads or using excessive force.
Braid hair at night to avoid tangles and breakage while sleeping. Tie hair in a loose braid or ponytail.
Proper maintenance is key to keeping extensions looking fresh and avoiding damage to your natural hair.
While it requires some time and money every 6-8 weeks, taking good care of extensions will help them last longer. Investing in quality maintenance will lead to beautiful, healthy hair.
Caring for extensions
It's important to use the right products to keep extensions looking their best in between maintenance appointments every 6-8 weeks.
Use a sulfate-free, silicone-free shampoo and conditioner made specifically for extensions. This will gently cleanse hair without drying it out. Some good options are Unite, Monat, or salon brands.
Conditioner should only be applied from mid-length to ends. Avoid getting conditioner near the roots, as this can loosen bonds.
A leave-in conditioner provides additional moisture and helps detangle strands. Apply after shampooing and before styling.
Use a heat protectant before using any hot tools. This will minimize damage from blow drying, curling irons, etc. Try a product like Monat Blow Out Cream.
Dry shampoo is great for refreshing hair in between washes. Spray at the roots to absorb oil and revitalize limp hair.
An occasional deep conditioning mask can bring very dry extensions back to life. Look for a hydrating formula free of protein and silicones.
Be very gentle when brushing and detangling extensions. Use a wide-tooth comb and brush gently from the bottom up.
Avoid sleeping with wet extensions. Always allow hair to dry completely before bed to prevent tangling.
Have extensions professionally removed at the salon when ready. Never try to remove them at home.
Washing and styling tips:
Wash 1-2 times per week max. Use lukewarm water and massage shampoo gently onto the scalp. Rinse thoroughly.
Blot hair with a towel to remove excess moisture. Allow to air dry as much as possible before blow drying.
Blow dry on a low heat setting. Use a smoothing serum or cream to minimize frizz.
Curls can be touched up and made to last several days. Use dry shampoo and texture spray between washes.
Proper at-home care will keep extensions in optimal condition. Be gentle, use the right products, and adhere to a strict maintenance schedule. Your hair will look fabulously full, healthy and long-lasting.
Cost considerations
Getting quality hair extensions involves making an upfront investment, as well as budgeting for ongoing maintenance costs. But great hair is priceless!
The initial consultation should give you an estimate for your custom extensions. The stylist will assess your hair and recommend the best type, length, etc.
The installation appointment is when you'll get your dream locks! This is the biggest investment upfront. Prices vary greatly based on:
Hair type and length needed
Method used (beaded wefts, tape-in, fusion, etc.)
Quality and origin of hair (Remy human hair is best)
Maintenance appointments every 6-8 weeks will cost less than the initial installation, but still an investment. This covers:
Having extensions retied and $lifted$
Optional color refresh for regrowth
Shampoo, blowdry and style
Products for at-home care add up too - plan to invest in good quality shampoos, masks, leave-ins, heat protectants, etc.
To keep costs down:
Extend time between salon visits for maintenance
Purchase clips, tape, or beads for self install if skilled
Find a stylist who offers payment plans
Choose less expensive synthetic hair for short-term wear
Opt for thinner, shorter styles if you are on a budget
Take very good care of extensions to maximize longevity
Getting a quote for your custom look will allow you to budget accordingly. While not cheap, many feel the ability to have any hairstyle easily is worth the investment and maintenance costs.
Some tips to save on maintenance costs:
Stretch salon visits to 8 weeks instead of 6 weeks
Do your own roots touch up if skilled
Use dry shampoo and protective styles to extend washes
Don't skimp on products - invest in quality to avoid damage
Take extra care in brushing, washing, and sleeping to prevent the need for early removal
By budgeting properly for initial investment and ongoing care, fabulous extensions can work with almost any budget!
Styling extensions
Hair extensions allow you to switch up your style daily, but proper styling is key to keeping them looking beautiful. Here are some tips:
Extensions hold heat well, so use minimal heat when styling to avoid damage. Let hair air dry most of the way before using hot tools.
Always use a heat protectant spray before using any hot tools. Coat hair from mid-shaft to ends. This helps minimize styling damage.
When blow drying, use a low or medium heat setting and keep the dryer 6 inches away. Work in sections and use a rounded brush to smooth and straighten hair.
Make curls and waves last as long as possible. Some tips:
Use a curling wand that heats to lower temps
Allow curls to cool completely before touching or brushing
Finish with a firm hold hairspray
Refresh curls by spot-treating pieces with a curling iron
Use dry shampoo and texture spray between washes
Change up your hair by using clips, headbands, scrunchies and other cute accessories. This gives hair a rest from heat styling.
Braid extensions before bed to avoid tangles and breakage while sleeping. For extra protection, use a soft silk or satin pillowcase.
When swimming or working out, tie your hair back securely in a bun or braid. Wet hair is fragile and prone to tangling and breakage.
Avoid sleeping with wet extensions! Make sure hair is 100% dry before bed.
Deep condition weekly to restore moisture and shine. Comb a hydrating mask through damp hair and let sit 30+ minutes before rinsing.
Get a professional blowout at the salon monthly. This smooths hair cuticles for a silky, frizz-free finish that lasts.
The right styling products make a big difference:
Use leave-in conditioner for hydration and detangling
Dry shampoo refreshes hair between washes
Sea salt spray or texturizing mist gives grit and hold
Serum, oil or cream tames frizz and flyaways
Volumizing mousse gives hair tons of body
By taking care and using the right products, your extensions will style beautifully every day. Have fun mixing up your look!
Getting the right colour match
Whether going for a subtle highlight or vibrant fashion colour, choosing extensions in the right hue is key. Here's how to get a seamless colour match:
Consult with your stylist and choose a colour 1-2 shades lighter than your natural roots. Extensions will oxidize and darken slightly over time.
Match the colour to your mid-shaft and ends, not your regrowth. Focus on finding the most prominent colour in your hair.
For dimensional colour, select extensions with blended highlights and lowlights rather than a single solid shade.
The very best extensions use real Remy human hair with intact cuticles. This mimics the look and feel of your natural hair.
With quality Remy hair, the colour should remain true even after washing. Lesser quality hair may bleed or fade.
Synthetic hair can't be re-coloured and is prone to fading. It also has an artificial shine. Stick to human hair for the most natural look.
For bold fashion shades like mermaid, rose gold or neon, a synthetic option may work well as you won't wear it long term.
Temporary options like clip-ins or tape-ins allow you to briefly try out a fun new colour without the full commitment.
Extensions don't have to match your natural colour exactly. Play with ombre, balayage, root shadowing or intentionally contrasting colours.
Schedule maintenance appointments based on your regrowth. Root touch-ups help blend new growth with extensions.
Use dry shampoo on the scalp between washes to absorb oil and make roots look freshly coloured.
Use a toning or colour depositing mask to keep vibrant colours looking fresh between salon visits.
Talk to your colorist about the best formula to achieve your desired shade. Bring several inspirational photos to your appointment.
Maintenance Tips:
Use a sulphate-free shampoo to keep colour vibrant
Skip conditioner on the roots and bonds
Limit washing to 1-2 times per week
Use cooler water temperatures
Blot wet hair with a towel - avoid rubbing
With the right colour match and proper maintenance, no one will be able to tell where your real hair ends and the extensions begin!
Knowing when to remove
No matter how well you care for them, there will come a time when your extensions need to be removed. Here are signs it's time:
Extensions are past their recommended wear time. Tape and fusion bonds should be moved up every 4-8 weeks.
You have substantial breakage, shedding or see bald spots at your root area.
Extensions are loosening at the bonds and slipping down your natural hair.
You have persistent headaches or discomfort from overly tight extensions.
Hair damage like split ends and tangles are worsening despite your best care.
You're ready for a new look or significant length change - remove and restart fresh!
Colour is growing out unevenly, and you want your natural colour back.
You're tired of the maintenance required and need a break.
When it's time, removal should always be done professionally at a salon:
They have the proper tools and solvents to gently loosen the bonds and slides without pulling on your natural hair.
Avoid any DIY removal methods like acetone or oils - these can further damage your hair.
There may be some minor breakage of the hair attached to the extensions upon removal. This is normal.
Your natural hair will need some recovery time after having extensions. Give it a rest from any bonding for 2-3 months.
Get a trim or dusting after removal to freshen up your ends.
Use Olaplex, protein treatments and moisture masks to get your natural hair back to health.
Take a supplement like Nutrafol to improve the strength and density during hair recovery.
Use temporary options like clip-ins if you can't fully part with length.
See your stylist 4-6 weeks after removal for a health assessment. Then discuss options for new extensions if desired.
Extend the longevity of extensions by:
Following your stylist's strict maintenance schedule
Using the recommended hair products
Protecting hair from heat, friction, and chemicals
Avoiding braids, ponytails or styles that stress the bonds
Knowing when to remove extensions prevents irreparable damage. Let your expert stylist guide you on ideal wear time.
Conclusion
Hair extensions allow you to instantly achieve longer, fuller locks, but they require diligent maintenance. With proper removal and care, extensions can be a fun way to change up your look without damaging your natural hair.
Caring for extensions involves gentle, minimal washing, conditioning, and heat styling. Be prepared to invest time and money into regular salon maintenance as your hair grows out.
Choosing high-quality Remy human hair and getting a seamless colour match is worth the investment. Budget properly for the initial installation, touch-ups every 6-8 weeks, and suggested products.
Detangling, drying, braiding, and using heat protectant will help extensions last and retain their smooth, shiny texture. Sleeping on silk pillowcases prevents tangles and breakage overnight.
Knowing when to remove extensions is just as important as properly caring for them. Watch for damage, discomfort or too much regrowth as signs it's time.
With a diligent maintenance regimen and high-quality hair, extensions can allow you to safely try any length and colour. You'll love experimenting with different looks!