How to Care For Hair Extensions and Make Them Last Longer
Hair extensions are very popular these days, and they’re a great way to add more volume or length to your own hair. They can also be used to cover up areas of your hair that are thinning out or receding. Caring for your new hair is not as time consuming as you might think. All you need is the right information on hair extension care, so that they last as long as possible. It shouldn’t take you more than 15 minutes every other day to extend the life of your artificial hair.
Step 1) Preparing To Wash Your Hair
Most hairdressers tell their clients that hair extensions will stay in for an average of 3 – 4 months. Why then do so many people end up back at the salon with aged hair extensions that have fallen out after just a few weeks? The truth is that they didn’t take the time to learn how to prepare their hair before washing, or how to look after their extensions properly.
It’s important to take a few minutes just before you bath or shower, to gently brush your hair - removing all knots and tangles. This will make your hair easier to wash, and less likely to bunch up from the shampoo lather. It will also make brushing it easier once you’re done, and as a result you won’t pull out any of your artificial hair. There are ways to extend the life of your extensions while you’re washing them too.
Step 2) Washing Your Hair Extensions
There’s a lot of debate online about what to do once you have artificial extensions in your hair. The safest way to maintain your new look is to use a mild shampoo and conditioner a maximum of 2-3 times a week. This is because potent shampoos contain chemicals that will break down the glue that’s holding your hair extensions in place, making them fall out at a faster rate.
It is also a good idea to buy wig shampoo, which is uniquely suited to artificial hair, and will keep it from becoming damaged, tangled or stripped of its original color. When washing your hair its best to keep the water cool instead of piping hot, as heat damages synthetic hair products. There are many hair care products on the market that are good for both human and artificial hair, read the label and try to find one that works.
It only takes a bit of foresight and preparation to ensure that your extensions last for the full 4 months. Buy shampoo products that are hair extension friendly, and don’t wash your hair everyday. If you stick to these tips on how to care for your extensions, then washing your artificial hair will be just as easy as washing your normal hair.
Visit our care guide for more hair care tips.