5 Tips and Tricks for Washing Your Hair With Extensions
Ah, yes. There is nothing better than the feeling of walking out of the salon with fresh extensions. Your hair has tons of volume and shine, and your stylist gave you the bombshell look you've always dreamed of.
It's heaven on earth until reality hits you. It's wash day. No one really teaches you how to scrub your scalp with all the extra pieces on your head.
After wearing extensions for a few years, we've found a few tips and tricks to make wash day less dreadful. Continue reading to streamline your process!
Make Sure Your Hair Is Clean Before Extensions Are Installed
Surprisingly, some people do not wash their hair before they install extensions. Just because the hair isn't growing from your scalp doesn't mean it isn't getting dirty—especially if you use human hair. The extensions still harbor product build-up, oils, bacteria and more. So, not washing your extensions is like quickly saying goodbye to your freshly washed tresses. Take the additional half an hour to scrub the wefts, clip-ins or any other extension type before you add it to your head.
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Understand the Tension Your Extension Type
Different extensions have different needs, so please ensure you know how to care for your type. For example, you may have to be more meticulous because your stylist might have woven a net to prevent too much tension if you have a sew-in. Or, if you have microlinks, you might have to be gentle because the beads can slip down. You will get longer use out of your extensions if you properly care for them.
Also read about: 6 Scrunchies That Actually Hold Thick, Curly Hair
Find a Shampoo and Conditioner That Work for Your Natural Hair and the Extensions
Remember, hair extensions deserve the same treatment as the hair from your scalp. So, if you notice that the bundles you received get dry easily, you'll want to wash them with a hydrating shampoo. Maybe you purchased a curly texture to match your natural pattern—you can wash the extensions with shampoo created with curly hair in mind.
Pro-tip: try to purchase hair that is close to your texture. Then, you can use the same shampoo for your entire head.
Always Detangle Before Stepping Into Water
When you wear your extensions to their maximum lifespan, you must do everything you can to prevent matting. Typically, the extensions will involve your hair getting tied together or attached to something, which can quickly cause knots and tangles. So, whenever you go to wash it, please give it a good brush and detangling because things might get messy once you're under the shower head.
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Remember to Use Heat Protectant While Drying Your Hair
Okay, you've washed your hair. Now, you're likely going to blow dry it. We'll say it again: your extensions should receive the same treatment as the hair that grows from your scalp! That means applying too much heat will cause damage and breakage on your extensions, too. You definitey don't want to mess with that, because we know how much you spent to purchase them.
Feeling greasy? Read HERE for five sleek hairstyles so cute no one will notice your oily hair.