A Valuable Guide To Keep Hair Extensions Looking Their Best

Many of my clients that I add hair extensions for have short natural hair. This can often lead to problems as they tend to maintain their long new extensions the way they would treat short hair! Long hair requires a lot more attention. To get the most out of your hair extensions, follow this  MyNaturalHairExtensions hair care advice. Not only will your hair extensions look amazing, but you will also reduce the chance of damage to your natural hair:

Washing:

Keep your hair clean as hair extensions tangle when dirt and sweat build up. Gently brush your hair to remove all tangles before washing it then gradually wet the hair. When a lot of water is added at once, the hair can swell up and tangle. Apply a liberal amount of alkaline free shampoo and then massage the scalp gently all over, paying attention especially to the nape of the neck. Do not rub the hair together as this will cause tangling and make combing out and styling very difficult. When you have finished washing, rinse your hair with warm water. Squeeze the excess water from the hair. Pat dry, do not rub.

Just a quick note about choosing a hair care product. The lower priced supermarket type products are not suitable for long hair extensions. Make sure you invest in a premium shampoo and conditioner that will leave your hair in top condition. Brands such as Paul Mitchell and KMS California are good options. Speak to your hairdresser for more advice on a good hair care product for your needs.

Styling:

When brushing use soft bristle brush with wide teeth or a paddle brush with wide teeth. Start at the ends of your hair and brush in a downward motion and gently work your way up to you roots. Do not brush harshly. If you can, try to brush your hair 2 or 3 times a day.

Heat is one of your hair's biggest enemies, the more you use it, the shorter your hair extensions will last. Be careful with the use of blowdryers and curling irons. It is best to let your hair dry naturally but of course we want our hair looking it's best! So make sure you use a spray-in treatment before and after you style your hair. Before blow-drying your extensions, it is a good idea to prepare and style the top section and fringe area. Then, using a cool setting on your dryer, tip your head forward and dry the root area. Once the root is dry, turn your head the right side up. Using a hotter setting, blow-dry the hair section by section. Wrap hair around a bristle brush, or in the paddle brush, and hold the dryer over it (not on it!) until the hair is dry, To curl the ends under, a hot brush or styling tongs are recommended. Alternatively you could use a round bristle styling brush, and the dryer again, with a little hairspray.

Treat wavy or curly hair as though you would a perm. Do not brush wavy or curly extensions. Instead, use only a wide toothed comb and use a leave in conditioner everyday.

Exercise:

Wear a cap when swimming or keep your hair out of the water. Chlorine and salt water can cause the hair to tangle and mat. It is recommended to wear your hair up or in a ponytail or plat when you swim or exercise. Chlorine will dry out your extensions. Therefore, immediately after swimming, shampoo and condition your extensions, also applying a leave-in conditioner.

Sleeping:

Never sleep on wet hair. Make sure your hair is completely dry before you go to bed. It is also recommended to wrap your hair together or gently tie it up to prevent tangling. Use a good (leave-in) conditioner to keep your hair soft but don't over do it. Too much conditioner or any other hair care product can cause a build up and tangling. Avoid hair products that contain a lot of alcohol which makes hair dry.

Hair treatments:

Avoid permanent colour if possible on your extensions. As with any hair, dye will reduce it's life. Use only a semi-permanent colour if you intend to colour your extensions, free of ammonia or peroxide bleach.

It is recommended that you follow the above points to keep your hair looking its best. In addition to the above, there are also a few things to avoid. Hair conditioners or oil based styling products containing oil or heavy wax are not good for the hair. Reconstructive conditioners, hot oils/wax treatments, perms, permanent dyes or alkaline shampoos may create a chemical shock in your extensions which could result in them becoming matted together, and breaking off. And finally, avoid wrapping your wet hair in a towel. This is a common mistake people make and yet it is likely to cause tangling and hair breakage.

By following this hair care information you will dramatically increase the life of your hair extensions and they will look and feel great!