Regardless if you are a new user of hair extension or someone who already used a set of it in the past, it is extremely necessary to learn a thing or two about the correct ways of taking care of it. You need to establish a set of good routines when using hair extensions right from the start.

By setting good habits in place, you can increase the lifespan of your extensions and make them look as great as when they are still new. The following are just some of the common ways for you to give your hair extensions the proper care and attention they need:

Determine the products you should use and avoid

The first thing you should do when trying to take good care of your hair extensions is to use the right products. This means knowing exactly the specific products to use and avoid. Your knowledge in this area can make a huge difference in whether your hair extensions will remain manageable and soft or will get tangled.

The best way to find the right products is to spend time checking the list of ingredients. Make sure that it contains familiar words. Among the words that should not be present in the ingredients’ list are ethanol, isopropyl, propanol, propyl, SD alcohol 40, sodium lauryl sulfate, and alcohol denat. If any of these ingredients are included then look for other hair care products to buy and use.  

Go for alcohol-free and sulfate-free products. It is because these ingredients tend to remove the natural oils from your hair, causing it to become extremely dry and vulnerable to matting and tangling. Using products with sulfate and alcohol can also affect the hair’s integrity, causing the extension’s lifespan to get shortened dramatically.

Note that while hair products devoid of sulfates are incapable of producing plenty of lather, you can still expect them to work efficiently in cleaning the hair extensions without having to strip off moisture from each strand.

Stay away from sticky products, like hair gel, wax and spray, too. It is because these products tend to clog up the hair extensions. Another thing you have to remember is that using more products will also translate to the need to wash your hair more often. The problem with this is that it can result in over-washing, leading to tangled and dry extensions in the long run.

Brush your extensions properly

Another important tip in taking good care of your hair extensions is to brush them properly. In this case, you have to do the brushing in a gentle manner. Follow these steps to ensure that you are brushing your extensions the right way, thereby helping in extending their lifespan.

• Gather all hair together. You can do so by stacking all wefts on top of each other.
• Brush them starting from the bottom then slowly work up to the roots. For pesky knots, remove the individual weft then brush through it gently.
• Avoid brushing your hair extensions when they are still wet. It is because this might make it prone to breakage. What you should do, instead, is to brush your extensions if they are 90 percent dry or before you wash them.

Avoid over-washing your hair extensions

Keep in mind that most hair extensions, especially the clip-in type, do not get as much moisture from your scalp as your natural hair. With that, make sure to avoid washing it excessively as this might only lead to dryness. Excessive washing might also cause unnecessary damage to your extensions.

With that in mind, consider washing the extensions only once every 4-6 weeks. The frequency will also be based on the specific type of hair extension you have, where you purchased or have them installed, and the number of styling products you decided to use.

In case you are uncomfortable about the thought of not washing your hair extensions that frequently, consider using a dry shampoo. This will somewhat eliminate your discomfort, put your mind at ease, and ensure that your hair will not get damaged.

Condition or moisturize your hair

Conditioning or moisturizing your hair is one of the most vital steps linked to hair extensions. You need to moisturize your hair regularly to replenish each strand. Each moisturizing session can help nourish your hair with everything necessary to maintain its shine and health.

Avoid using too many nourishing products, though, as this might result in your hair looking dull, limp, and lifeless. Use just enough to keep it as moisturized as possible.

Do not use a hairdryer; air-dry, instead

While it is tempting to use a hairdryer to dry your extensions, you should still avoid doing it. It is because excessive heat and your hair extensions do not go well together. Let your extensions air-dry, instead. Once you’re done washing your hair, you can let your fingers run through them to get rid of tangles. You can then dry them on a towel.

If you really have to use a dryer because of your hectic schedule, just do it occasionally and make sure to set the device at the lowest heat level. Make it a point to lessen the exposure of some sensitive parts to heat, too.

Trim hair extensions regularly

No matter how much you like your hair extensions, do not forget to trim them regularly. Trimming them is even the best way to protect them. It is because no matter how much effort you put in, you can’t still prevent them from having split ends. In such a case, a regular trim is what it needs. Make sure to let the professionals do the job, though. A little cut is all it takes to maintain the beauty of your hair extensions.

Store your extensions the right way

The proper storing of your hair extensions also contributes to their ability to last longer than what you initially expected. As much as possible, store them in the specific storage box where they initially came from. Another option is a shoebox or an airtight container. To store it correctly, secure the hair using a hair tie.

Make sure that it is secured close to the wefts’ base as a ponytail. Do this after you have gently brushed your extension. After securing them with a hair tie, roll them into a circle before finally putting them into the recommended box. Another tip is to knot the hair gently together. This is a wise tip if you prefer having a light wave running all through the hair when you wear it the next time.

Conclusion

Since you have invested money over your extensions, it is just right to learn a thing or two about taking good care of them. The good news is that with good habits and routines, you have a higher chance of wearing your extensions for several months while ensuring that they retain their healthier-looking, fuller, and thicker locks.