Hair Extensions Care Guide
Whether you have clip-ins, tape-ins, sew-ins, or fusion extensions, properly caring for your hair extensions is essential to keep them looking fresh, natural, and long-lasting. Gypsy Rose Salon has created this guide to help you maintain your extensions at home, ensuring they remain as beautiful as the day they were first applied.
Brushing & Combing
Why it matters: Brushing and combing your extensions correctly will keep them tangle-free, smooth, and help avoid unnecessary breakage.
Use the Right Brush: Invest in a specialized extension brush or a wide-tooth comb designed for use with extensions. These brushes have soft bristles that won’t pull on the bonds or damage your natural hair.
Brushing Technique: Always brush from the bottom to the top to gently work through any tangles. This helps reduce unnecessary tugging on the roots or extensions.
Combing: When your extensions are wet, use a wide-tooth comb to avoid pulling and damaging the hair. Never tug or yank at tangles.
Tip: For extra protection, try applying a leave-in conditioner to help detangle and protect both natural and extension hair.
Washing
Why it matters: Extensions need to be washed less frequently than natural hair, but washing them properly will prevent buildup, tangling, and keep them looking shiny and fresh.
Shampooing: Wash your extensions no more than every 3-4 days (or as recommended by your stylist). Use a sulfate-free shampoo to maintain the hair’s moisture balance.
Washing Technique: Always wash extensions gently and avoid scrubbing them vigorously. Focus on the scalp, and let the shampoo rinse down the lengths of your hair.
Tip: Avoid washing your extensions in hot water, as it can loosen the bonds or make them appear dull. Use lukewarm water instead.
Conditioning
Why it matters: Conditioning is crucial for maintaining softness, shine, and manageability. Proper conditioning ensures your extensions look healthy and prevent dryness or brittleness.
Conditioner Type: Use a moisturizing conditioner for added hydration. If you have keratin or tape-in extensions, a silicone-free conditioner is ideal as it won't weaken the adhesive.
Application: Apply conditioner from mid-length to ends to avoid weighing down the bonds or tapes. Leave-in conditioner can be used to maintain smoothness and shine.
Tip: Deep condition your extensions once every two weeks to restore moisture and strength, especially if they feel dry or damaged.
Products
Why it matters: The right hair care products can keep your extensions looking glossy, free of tangles, and help with styling. Visit us in Salon and shop for your products!
Leave-In Conditioner or Detangler: To keep extensions soft and free from tangles, use a light leave-in conditioner or detangling spray. Make sure to choose products that are extension-friendly and don’t contain oils or silicones that can weaken bonds.
Heat Protectant: Always apply a heat protectant spray before using styling tools like flat irons, curling irons, or blow dryers. Extensions are more sensitive to heat damage than natural hair, so protection is key.
Dry Shampoo: To keep your extensions fresh and oil-free in between washes, use a dry shampoo at the roots. This will add volume and help absorb oils without disturbing the bonds.
Tip: Avoid using products that contain alcohol or sulfates, as these ingredients can dry out your extensions and cause them to lose their luster.
Styling
Why it matters: Styling adds versatility and personality to your extensions, but it’s important to protect them from excessive heat and unnecessary tension.
Heat Styling: When using heat styling tools, always make sure to use a heat protectant. Extensions can be damaged by heat if it's too high or used without protection. Stick to low to medium heat settings.
Blow-Drying: Use a blow-dryer with a nozzle attachment to direct air flow and avoid rough drying. Always blow-dry your extensions on a low heat to prevent them from getting frizzy or losing their smoothness.
Avoid Tight Styles: Avoid pulling extensions into very tight styles (like high ponytails or buns), as this can put pressure on the bonds and lead to breakage or premature shedding.
Tip: When curling or straightening, work in small sections to ensure even styling without over-processing the hair.
Sleeping
Why it matters: Sleeping with your extensions in the wrong way can lead to tangles, knots, and breakage.
Loose Braids or Ponytail: To protect your extensions overnight, braid your hair loosely or tie it in a loose ponytail. This helps prevent tangling and breakage while you sleep.
Silk or Satin Pillowcase: Switching to a silk or satin pillowcase helps reduce friction and prevents the extensions from becoming frizzy, tangled, or worn down.
Tip: Never sleep with your hair down if it’s long, as friction from the pillowcase can cause the extensions to tangle and break.
Other Tips & Fun Facts
Avoid Oil-Based Products: While oil-based serums or sprays are great for natural hair, they can loosen the bonds in your extensions. Always choose products that are free of oils, silicones, and sulfates.
Professional Touch: While home care is important, getting your extensions professionally adjusted or checked every few months ensures they are healthy and properly maintained.
Moisturize Your Scalp: For those with scalp sensitivity or dry scalps, consider using a scalp oil or scalp massage to keep your skin healthy. Just be careful not to get oil directly on the extensions.
Fun Fact: Hair extensions, if properly cared for, can last anywhere from 6 months to a year, depending on the type and maintenance level. Taking good care of your extensions will help them look fresh longer!