How to Prolong the Lifespan of Your Hair Extensions?
Today, we're excited to share some practical tips to help you maximize the longevity of your hair extensions. By adopting proper care and usage habits, you can significantly extend their life and save on replacement costs. Let's explore these tips in detail.
Tip 1: Choose the Right Shampoo Products and Adopt Correct Washing Methods
Product Recommendations for Washing: It's advisable to select sulfate-free shampoos. Sulfates, the foaming agents in shampoos, along with alcohol, strip away the natural oils from the hair. This not only makes the extensions more prone to matting but also causes damage. Therefore, it's essential to avoid products containing these ingredients.
Washing Method Guidelines: After your hairstylist applies the extensions, wait at least 48 hours before washing your hair. Whenever possible, wash your hair in the shower, allowing the water to flow downward through your tresses. When shampooing, concentrate the product on the roots to eliminate excess oil, and apply conditioner solely to the ends to keep them well-nourished. Applying conditioner near the roots can cause the extensions to slip, which will considerably reduce their lifespan. Moreover, use warm water for washing.
Tip 2: Never Sleep with Wet Hair
One of the crucial rules for taking care of hair extensions is to never go to bed with wet hair.
Hair, whether natural or extended, is at its weakest when wet. Tossing and turning during sleep can thus cause damage to the extensions. Additionally, this will result in severe tangles in the morning, which can be extremely time-consuming and frustrating to untangle. Even if you carefully remove the knots, the bonds will be under strain, pulling on your scalp and loosening the extensions. Therefore, always ensure your hair is blow-dried before going to bed.
To further reduce tangles, you can tie your hair into a loose ponytail or braid before sleeping, and use a silk pillowcase to minimize friction.
Tip 3: Brush Your Hair Extensions on a Regular Basis
When it comes to daily brushing, gentleness is crucial, and more frequent brushing is better. Work in small sections, starting from the ends and gradually moving up to the mid-lengths and scalp. Make sure to tease out tangles from the bottom first. Avoid backcombing areas with pre-bonded or tape-in extensions. For those with pre-bonded extensions, regularly separate them with your fingers to prevent matting.
Tip 4: Reduce Heat Damage
No matter how high-quality the hair extensions are, excessive heat from styling tools will damage them. Such damage is difficult to repair and will drastically shorten the lifespan of the extensions.
Here are some ways to minimize heat damage:
- Use a Heat Protectant: Always apply a heat protectant before using heated styling tools. It can significantly reduce damage to both your natural hair and the extensions.
- Lower the Temperature: Keep the temperature of the heated tools as low as possible. We recommend that the temperature does not exceed 180 degrees Celsius.
- Take Regular Breaks: Daily straightening or weekly curling with heavy use of styling products may make your hair look great, but it will shorten the life of the extensions. Try to take occasional breaks from heat styling.