Hair extensions can be your best friend, as long as you take care of them. So, here is a quick list of all the things you should and shouldn't do with hair extensions:
Do
Use a specialized extension brush. These are designed to prevent tangles, without pulling or catching the extensions. They also have boar bristles, which help to distribute the natural oils from your scalp to the ends of the hair. This helps prevent excessive dryness.
Brush the hair 2-3 times a day, and before showering or wetting the hair. Hold the top of the extensions with one hand, while you brush carefully with the other hand. Brush gently, and start at the ends of the hair and carefully work your way through all the hair, always using downward motions.
Avoid salty or chlorinated water. Salt and chlorine harm your extensions, just like they harm your natural hair. Dryness is the #1 cause of problems with hair extensions.
Apply oils and sprays from the middle of the extensions, to the ends. Avoid the roots, where the extensions are attached.
Use professional, salon quality, sulfate-free shampoo.
Wash your hair as infrequently as possible, (like once a week). Use high quality dry shampoo to absorb oils and make your hair feel and smell fresh. Certain hard water may also deteriorate the condition of the hair.
When you go to bed, make sure hair is completely dry, and in a loose braid or ponytail to prevent excessive tangles.
Don’t
Don’t wash hair too frequently.
Don’t go to bed with your hair wet.
Don’t put excessive tension on your hair, like when brushing, washing, or styling.
Don’t overuse heat tools. Just like your natural hair, extensions will get split ends (and they don’t grow back)
Don’t chemically process the hair. Extensions cannot be bleached or permed. The exception is a gentle demi-permanent hair color, for blending color and creating dimensional effects.
Remember
Extensions are made of real hair, but they don’t grow back. So whatever you do, treat it gently and carefully. If it's bad for your natural hair, it will be bad for your extensions. If it hurts your scalp, it hurts your hair extensions too. When you take care of your extensions, they take care of you.
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