Hair extension aftercare can be an absolute nightmare for many hair extension technicians. Customers can often go back to their stylist wondering why their new extensions aren’t as lush and silky as when they first fitted. You’ll be pleased to know that this doesn’t necessarily mean that anything is wrong with the hair itself – it’s actually all about the aftercare. So, how do you care for your hair extensions, after they’ve been fitted? Read on to find out more.

Brushing Your Hair Extensions

At first, the scalp might be a little sensitive – this is especially true if you have gone for a mesh integration or the weave extension options. There will also be a little tightness, which is to be expected and completely normal. In order to avoid pulling your extensions out or down, start off at the bottom. Using a soft-bristled brush, gently brush the tips of your hair, before moving on the centre (being careful not to snag the base of the hair extensions themselves) before moving from your scalp downwards. You can also purchase specialist extension brushes, which work to keep your hair silky soft and avoid static building up in both real and synthetic hair. If you have matted hair extensions through poor aftercare, you can do this after rubbing lots of conditioner into your hair, in order to smooth your hair follicles as much as possible before brushing.

Sleeping in Hair Extensions

Leaving hair extensions down at night is a big no-no. Instead, you should try to braid your hair before going to bed. This will stop the hair from dragging across the pillow during the night and causing breakages and frizzy hair extensions. If your hair is still relatively short – say, from a mesh integrated extension system, you can also place a shower cap over your head to protect your new hair.

Washing Your Hair Extensions

For those who have never had extensions before, washing your hair is probably going to be the hardest part of hair extension aftercare. However, appropriate rinsing and plenty of conditioner can make a world of difference. Dry hair extensions are very common, as the natural oils in your hair often don’t reach your new tresses. Follow these tips to avoid dry ends and keep your locks looking lovely:

1. Brush your hair before getting in the shower, using the above method
2. Try to avoid tipping your head forward, as this can cause the extensions to become tangled. Instead, allow the water to naturally run from the crown to the tips.
3. Focus the cleansing on the roots of the hair, allowing the shampoo to be rubbed against your scalp in small circular motions.
4. The mid-section and tips will be cleaned as the soap runs through your hair, so you don’t need to focus on this area.
5. Ensure the bonds of the extensions have been thoroughly rinsed clean before moving on to conditioning.
6. The conditioner should focus on the mid-section and end of your hair extensions. The scalp of your hair will be naturally conditioned with your natural oils, so leave this area be.

If you’re struggling with extremely dry and frizzy hair extensions, it might be worth trying out the “No ‘Poo Method”. Although you can still wash your hair, this method requires that you leave longer between each wash and try not to use any shampoo during rinsing. Business Insider even recommends that those with hair extensions can leave their hair for up to 3 – 4 weeks between washes using this technique.

Drying Your Hair Extensions

Never start “roughhousing” with your towel. Gently squeezing the water out, beginning at the crown and moving toward the ends, with your towel should be more than enough to get the majority of water out. Doing this will help avoid your hair extensions matting and breaking. It’s best to leave your hair to air-dry but we completely understand if you prefer to blow-dry your hair. In these cases, keep your dryer on low and try to keep it facing downwards, as you brush your hair with a soft-bristled brush.