Just purchased your first set of hair extensions? If so, try to invest a lot of time, effort and care into them to enjoy a long-lasting hair salon-like outcome.
Often, hair extensions can be quite expensive, and it is essential to take proper care of them if you want to keep them shiny, smooth, and luscious. In case you do, you can expect them to last anywhere from three to six months!
If you want to know what are the little tips and tricks when it comes to hair extension maintenance and how to wash hair extensions, then you are right where you need to be.
Are You Supposed To Wash Hair Extensions?
Since hair extensions can’t produce any natural oils they don’t need to be washed as often as your natural hair. The less you wash your extensions the longer they will last you, so keep that in mind before making your next big purchase, or before soaking them in water.
Many hair experts recommend that you wash them every ten wears or even less. However, the more styling gels or creams you apply, the more you will have to wash them. Also, higher quality extensions won’t demand frequent washes.
How To Wash Hair Extensions in Five Simple Steps
If you feel like your hair extensions are semi-dirty and you want to bring them back to life, make sure you follow these five steps!
Step 1: Brush Out
Always make sure your extensions are free of any tangles before you get them wet. This will help out a lot with the styling process.
Always start at the bottom and gently move upwards to remove any hair knots, and try to be careful and not to pull on your hair. Brush wise, know that a wide-tooth comb is the best option for hair extensions.
Step 2: Wet Them
Before you place them into your sink make sure that the sink itself is clean and free of any chemicals or dirt.
Add lukewarm water halfway through and apply a handful amount of shampoo into the water. Split your hair into sections and work with smaller chunks one by one. Shampoo-wise, we will mention which kind to purchase later below in the article.
Shampoo each hair strip individually, and work the extensions one by one by thoroughly washing out the residue.
Step 3: Conditioner
Even fake hair demands moisture and softness. Remove any excess shampoo and go in with your favorite conditioner (both regular and deep will work). You should leave the conditioner on for 30 minutes at least if you want to rinse out and condition your extensions, as well as remove any product build-up.
Once you start washing out the conditioner make sure you use cold water since this will seal the moisture the best, and won’t harm your extensions.
Step 4: Air Dry
The best way to dry your extensions is by using no heat and letting them air dry for 24 hours. Make sure you squeeze all the water out of them. Using high heat can harm your extensions in the long run and might make your extensions break sooner than expected.
However, if you do decide to use any form of heat make sure you also use a heat protectant spray and a cool setting on your blow dryer to prevent any potential damage.
Step 5: Lay Flat
Lay your extensions flat on a towel and let them rinse out and dry thoroughly. Use a tooth comb only after they are completely dry, and never brush wet extensions since they can break due to pressure and harsh movements.
What Products Should You Use On Your Extensions?
Many hair experts recommend using natural or organic products. Also, you should always use sulfate-free and alcohol-free tools, as well as anything that is specifically made for this hair material.
It is essential to avoid any oils, silicones, wheat proteins or extracts since these can make your extensions slip out.
Don’t forget to purchase high-quality extensions since these will last you the longest.
Can You Switch Up Your Hairstyles?
If your extensions are high-quality, you will easily switch your hair from curly to straight! Many women are not sure how to transition from curly to straight hair because they are not too sure if they should wash their extensions or not.
Well, if you are trying to make your hair flat, you can brush it out with soft bristles from bottom to top and simply use a hair straightener (on low heat) to style and straighten your previously curled extensions. However, in case you’ve previously used a lot of hairstyling creams or gels, you should wash your extensions and then straighten out.
How To Store Your Extensions
If you are done using them or you want to show off your natural hair for a while tie a loose ponytail around your extensions. Make sure you store them after they are washed and dried down, and keep them out of reach from your children and dust in a cabinet.
