Social media makes so many things look easy, including how to use hair extensions. If you were going by the standards of beauty influencers and online celebrities, you would think that using extensions for your hair was just a matter of buying them, putting them on, and going out to bounce your new locks.
Well, we are here to tell you it is all a lie.
Don't be surprised. Like most things shown online, using hair extensions is not easy. Using your extensions properly is an intricate art that requires practice and time. Yes, even with clip-on extensions. Whether you choose clip-ons, tape-ins, or a more long-term solution to get a mane of long and lovely hair, it is easy to make rookie mistakes as a new user.
The good thing is you can prevent such mistakes by reading this article and finding out how to take care of your extensions.
The Do's & Dont's of Hair Extensions
Your extensions are a long-term investment, which is why it is a great step to learn how to care for them properly. Treating your extensions right is the only way that you can ensure they last long.
So now that you have your dream hair, you need to know what to do and what not to do with them!
DO Wash Your Extensions Regularly
Hair extensions are very similar to your natural hair. They need to be washed regularly to be in tip-top condition. Pay special attention to your extensions if they are made from human hair. Wash them at least three times a week with a mild shampoo. On the days you don't use shampoo, use a hair conditioner to cleanse them. This can keep your extensions soft and free from damage.
DON'T Use Harsh Products
When considering products to use on your extensions, try to steer clear of harsh products that contain paraben, sulfates, triclosan, alcohol, and dimethicone. Products containing these chemicals tend to dry out your natural hair and can prove to be even worse for your hair extensions. Using such products regularly can lead to hair loss, irritation in the scalp, and color fading. Definitely not fun.
DO Brush & Detangle Frequently
To keep your extensions looking sleek and silky for a long period:
- Brush your hair frequently.
- Look for a brush with wide teeth that can detangle your hair without difficulty and leave it feeling smooth and shiny.
- Brush your hair thoroughly after applying shampoo, before rinsing, and again after rinsing to avoid tangles and matting.
DON'T Sleep With Wet Hair
When it comes to hair extensions, going to bed with wet hair is a definite no-no. Sleeping with a mass of wet hair is bad for your natural hair, but the problems become worse with extensions. Your hair gets super matted and tangled, making it a huge chore to brush them properly.
DO Take Breaks
While keeping your extensions on all the time might sound very tempting, it is important to keep your natural hair healthy as well. It is imperative to let your scalp breathe and take breaks in between reapplying your extensions. This allows your head to recover completely during this time. It is also a good way to prevent yourself from going bald.
DON'T Buy the Wrong Hair Extensions
The quality, texture, and color of your extensions are integral for a completely natural look. Extensions are supposed to increase the length and volume of your hair naturally. That is why they must match your natural hair in color and texture.
The quality of extensions is also an important detail that people tend to overlook. Bad-quality extensions tend to tangle and become brittle. The resulting look from their application will not be as seamless as you like. Investing in good quality hair extensions that will last longer is definitely worth it.
DO Visit a Salon
Irrespective of how well you care for your extensions, they can begin looking a little worse for wear as time goes by. That means it's time to visit the nearest salon!
Visiting an expert in extensions can help you get advice on how to better care for them. Not only that, it can also get you a much-needed trim or a conditioning treatment that can breathe back life into your locks.
DON'T Use Too Much Heat
Heating tools can be super useful while styling your locks, but if you want them to stay lovely for a long time, you will want to avoid using heat on them as much as possible. Using heat too frequently on your extensions can be terrible and damage them permanently. Always make sure to apply a heat protectant if you use heating tools regularly to style your hair. Try to maintain low heat settings while using your curlers and straighteners.
DO Avoid Salty & Chlorinated Water
Quality hair extensions made from natural hair are just as susceptible to damage as your natural hair. Salty and chlorinated water can change the color of your extensions and make them brittle and limp. Try to avoid swimming without providing proper protection for your hair. Make sure to wear a swim cap before jumping into the pool or the ocean.
DON'T Wash or Brush Your Hair Upside Down
Washing your hair upside down can tangle your extensions to the point of no return and harm your natural hair as well. Removing the product when you wash your hair this way also becomes very difficult. Make sure to wash your hair in one direction without scrunching up your hair too much. This also means that you cannot dry your hair in an upside-down turban or brush them with your head bent forward.
DO Use Hair Care Products
Hair products like oils, creams, and leave-in conditioners can help keep your locks hydrated. Just make sure to avoid the roots of your hair and extensions. Only apply the products from the mid-shaft to the ends of your hair. Hydrating oils and dry shampoo can work wonders if your extensions are feeling dry.
DON'T Overuse Styling Products
Styling products such as hair wax, hair gel, mousse, and hairspray can be detrimental to the lifespan of your hair extensions. They dry and tangle your hair and can severely clog up your extensions. If you do need to use any of these products, make sure that they are alcohol-free, as alcohol tends to dry out the hair.
How to Style Your Extensions for a Natural & Flawless Result
Believe us when we say you do not want to be caught dead with unnatural-looking hair extensions. Styling your extensions requires a bit of work, but the end result needs to be flawless.
Here are a couple of tips to help you style your gorgeous extensions for a natural and flawless result.
Have enough hair extensions: Make sure you have enough extensions to match your hair density. Opt for a larger number of extensions if you have thick hair. Go for lesser if you have thinning hair. Short hair also requires a lot of extensions, as you need multiple layers to cover the short bits.
Get a trimming by a stylist: Use an expert hair stylist to trim your extensions to allow them to blend seamlessly with your natural hair.
Use the right type of extensions: If you have super thin or fine hair, then clip-on hair extensions are probably not the best idea for you. They will weigh down your natural hair and look weird. Tape-in extensions will suit thinning hair the best.
Match the color: Do not go for an outrageous color of extensions that do not match your natural hair color. You can probably go two or three shades darker with your extensions if you have a basic hair color. If you have a unique hair color, make sure to get the right color match. Match the hair extensions to the ends of your hair rather than the roots.
Brush your hair after placing extensions: Brushing your hair after placing in the extensions is one of the best ways to blend them in with your natural hair. Brush your hair and extensions together, starting at the bottom and working your way to the top. This will allow the extensions to look like a part of your natural hair and make your hairstyle last longer as well.
Curl your extensions: While straight extensions may be a more tempting look, curling your hair can mask the break between your natural hair and hair extensions. Just wrap your hair around a curling iron and curl away.
Wear them upside-down for updos: Wear your hair extensions upside down if you are planning to do updos or opt for a ponytail. This allows your extensions to blend in more naturally.
Takeaway
As more and more people are beginning to use hair extensions, the number of people searching for ways to seamlessly style extensions is increasing, too. Extensions do require extra care and practice to style, but they are a super fun and unique way to change your look! Our tips, along with our dos and don't, can assist you in looking after your extensions better and styling them more naturally.
Looking For More Tips?
If you are new to the world of hair extensions and are looking for more tips and tricks on using them properly, you can book a consultation appointment with Bond Hair Bar today. We have the experience that your extensions need and can make you look like a style diva on your worst hair day!
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FAQs
Avoid all hair care products that contain high amounts of sulfates and silicone, as they tend to dry out your natural hair as well as your extensions.
Sleeping with extensions shouldn't be an issue as long as you braid your hair before sleeping. This will avoid any unnecessary matting and tangling while you are asleep. You can secure your hair with a silk scrunchie for best results.
Quality hair extensions applied by a stylist can last you for 9 to 12 months.
Absolutely. You can wear and rock your hair extensions every day. Make sure to take the time to insert them properly and blend them in with your natural hair. Do remember to take a break and allow your scalp time to breathe.
