HAIR extension care

Timing is everything: After your extensions are applied, please wait a full 48 hours before washing your hair. This allows the keratin bonds to fully set and ensures the longevity of your extensions.

Gentle cleansing: When you do wash, use a very gentle touch. Imagine you're washing a delicate piece of silk. Use the pads of your fingers, not your nails, in a smooth, downward motion.

Focus on the scalp and hair: Pay close attention to cleansing your scalp and natural hair, gently working around the attachment areas. Avoid vigorous scrubbing or pulling.

Conditioner care: Conditioner is your friend, but keep it away from the keratin bonds. Apply it from the mid-lengths down to the ends of your hair, where the extensions need the most moisture. This will prevent the bonds from becoming slippery or breaking down. 

No wet sleep: It's so important to never sleep with your hair wet. Wet hair, especially at the roots and around the bonds, is much more prone to tangling and matting. It can also create a less-than-pleasant mildew smell.

Braid before bed: Before you drift off to dreamland, gather your hair into a loose, soft braid. This simple step will keep your extensions from getting tangled and reduce friction while you sleep. A silk or satin pillowcase can also be a wonderful addition to your routine!

Heat styling: We all love a good style! When using flat irons or curling irons, always be mindful of the extension attachments. Apply heat below the bond. Direct heat on the bond can weaken it over time.

Lower heat is better: When possible, use the lowest effective heat setting on your styling tools.

Mineral is a must: Protecting your hair from the sun is crucial, but not all sunscreens are created equal. Only use mineral-based sunscreens.

The culprits: Avoid sunscreens that contain avobenzone and octocrylene. These ingredients can cause your beautiful extensions to take on an unwanted "pinky-orange" hue. Look for sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredients.

Brush twice daily: Gently brush your hair at least two times a day – morning and night is a great routine.

Boar bristle beauty: A high-quality boar bristle brush is your best friend. The soft bristles will glide smoothly over your hair and extensions. ASK ME FOR THE RECOMMENDED BRUSHES!

Support is key: Here's a little trick: Use one hand to gently hold your hair near the roots while you brush with the other. This will minimize any tension on the bonds and prevent pulling.

Root-to-tip: Always brush from the roots down to the ends. Pay extra attention to the area near the extension attachments. This will prevent matting and keep your extensions looking their best.

Feel free to get your work out on but don't trap sweat, moisture and oil at your scalp by leaving it up. So let your hair down after your work out! 

Prepare beforehand: Before taking a dip in the pool or the ocean, wet your hair thoroughly with fresh water. Then, apply a generous amount of conditioner. This creates a protective barrier.

Rinse, rinse, rinse: As soon as you're done swimming, rinse your hair thoroughly with fresh, clean water to remove any chlorine, salt, or other chemicals.

Dry gently: Don't let your hair stay wet for too long. Gently blot it with a towel and then use a blow dryer on a low, cool setting to dry your extensions completely.

Submersion caution: Frequent and prolonged submersion in water, especially salt water or chlorinated water, can be hard on your extensions. Try to minimize how often you fully submerge your hair.

Normal shedding: It's completely normal to lose a few strands here and there. We all naturally shed between 50 and 150 hairs each day! So, seeing a couple of loose keratin strands or a few hairs attached to a lost extension is not usually a cause for alarm.

Gentle is the way: Proper maintenance is key to ensuring the health of your natural hair and the longevity of your extensions.

Maintain thickness: Consistent and gentle care will prevent your extensions from thinning out over time. If the extensions become too sparse, they can put undue stress on your natural hair.

Sulfate-free is supreme: Invest in high-quality, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners. Sulfates can be harsh and drying, which is the last thing you want for your extensions.

Hydration heroes: A good hair oil or leave-in conditioner is essential for keeping your extensions (and your natural hair) moisturized and healthy.

Dry shampoo delight: Dry shampoo can be a wonderful tool for extending the time between washes and keeping your hair feeling fresh.

Expert advice: When in doubt, always seek recommendations from your trusted hair extension specialist. They can recommend the best products for your specific type of extensions and hair.

Brushing:

• Brush your hair 2-3 times daily.
• Use a soft-bristle brush (like a Wet Brush or a brush specifically designed for extensions).
• Technique: Hold the base of the extensions with one hand while gently brushing, starting at the ends and working your way up to the roots. This prevents stress on the attachment points.
• Sectioning: Once a day, section your hair and brush between the rows of wefts. This prevents matting and tangling at the attachment sites.

Sleeping:

• Never sleep with wet hair. This is crucial, as it can lead to matting, tangling, and even mildew.
• Before bed, gently gather your hair into a loose braid or low ponytail. A silk or satin pillowcase can also help reduce friction and tangles.

Product Use:

• Use high-quality, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners. Sulfate-free products are gentler and won't degrade the extension bonds.
• Incorporate a leave-in conditioner or hair oil, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. This will keep the extension hair hydrated and prevent dryness.
• Dry shampoo can be used between washes to refresh your hair and add volume.
• Avoid: Products containing alcohol, sulfates, or parabens, as these can damage both your natural hair and the extensions.

 Frequency: 

• Wash your hair as infrequently as possible, typically 2-3 times a week. Overwashing can dry out the extensions and loosen the wefts.

Technique:

• Gently wet your hair with lukewarm water.
• Apply a small amount of sulfate-free shampoo to your scalp and gently massage with your fingertips. Avoid vigorous scrubbing.
• Rinse thoroughly.
• Apply conditioner from the mid-lengths to the ends, avoiding the attachment areas.
• Rinse thoroughly with cool water.

Drying:

• Carefully blot your hair dry with a microfiber towel. Avoid rubbing, which can cause tangling.
• You can air dry or blow dry on a low heat setting. If blow-drying, use a heat protectant spray and direct the airflow downwards.

Never go to sleep with wet hair. You can form bacteria on your scalp, get matting and make your extensions get mildew smell at the root. Sleep with your hair in a braid.

 Heat Styling:

• Use heat protectant spray before using any hot tools (flat irons, curling irons, wands).
• Keep the heat styling tools below the extension attachment points. Direct heat on the wefts can weaken them.
• Use heat styling tools on a low to medium heat setting.

General Styling:

• Avoid hairstyles that put excessive tension on the wefts, such as tight ponytails or updos.
• When styling, be gentle around the attachment areas.

Sun Protection:

• Never allow sunscreen, oils, or tanning products to come into direct contact with your extensions. These products can cause discoloration, especially in blonde hair.
• If applying these products to your body, wash your hands thoroughly before touching your hair.
• If you must use sunscreen, opt for a mineral-based formula that does not contain avobenzone or octocrylene.
• When in the sun, wear a hat or scarf to protect your hair. You can also put your hair up.

Saltwater and Pools:

• Always wet your hair and apply a layer of conditioner before entering salt water or a pool. This creates a barrier.
• Immediately after swimming, rinse your hair thoroughly with fresh water to remove salt and chlorine.
• Shampoo and condition your hair after rinsing.
• Blow-dry your hair as soon as possible after swimming. Do not let it stay wet for extended periods.
• Limit how often you submerge your hair.

Brush 2-3 times a day, starting at the ends and working your way up towards your scalp, to prevent tangling. Once each day, section and brush in between each row. 

Feel free to get your work out on but don't trap sweat, moisture and oil at your scalp by leaving it up. So let your hair down after your work out! 

Schedule regular maintenance appointments with your stylist. The frequency will depend on how quickly your natural hair grows, but typically every 6-8 weeks.

During these appointments, your stylist will check the condition of your extensions, tighten any loose wefts, and re-position them as needed.

Consult your stylist for specific product recommendations. They can suggest brands and products that are best suited for your hair type and extensions.

Look for high-quality, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners.

Use a good quality hair oil or leave-in conditioner.