Hair Extension Maintenance
Proper aftercare is crucial to ensure your hair extensions last as long as possible.
Remembering the information on these aftercare pages could mean the difference between your extensions lasting one month or six months.
If you experience any discomfort after getting your extensions, such as itching or aching, don't worry, it's normal and usually goes away within 4 days to a week.
If it doesn't go away within 5 days, feel free to come back in so we can loosen them. (Individual Keratins excluded)
Additionally, your hair may feel heavy the first few nights, but this is normal as you're not used to having so much extra hair on your head. It should go away within 2-4 days as you get used to your extensions.
Brushing
Expect tangling. Remember you're used to your short hair, and soon you'll have a full head of long hair.
Using a wet brush, brush your hair gently holding it all to one side, starting from the bottom, and working your way up. if you hear tearing or ripping, brush the bottom again and make sure it is tangle free before moving up.
With track/weft type extensions, many people forget to brush near where the extensions are applied. This will slowly cause matting to develop.
❗Be sure to section out each track/weft and untangle as close to the scalp as you can, making sure to be extremely gentle but remove tangles.
Shampooing
Brush your hair before showering, separating each track/weft to untangle as close to the scalp as you can. Make sure to be extremely gentle but remove tangles.
Avoid bunching up your hair when shampooing as well as vigorous scrubbing. Bunching it up at the top of your head will cause a lot of tangling that will be very difficult to brush out.
Shampoo on the roots, conditioner on the tips/ends.
Apply shampoo to your scalp, and let the shampoo rinse over the extensions. Shampoo in a downward straight motion the same way your hair grows.
Condition in the same downward motion but avoid getting conditioner too close to the roots where the extensions are applied. Conditioner is very slippery and getting it too close to where the extensions are applied can cause them to slip.
I recommend blow drying (on low heat) where the extensions are applied in order to ensure no slippage. If you can, try to air dry the rest of the extensions, the least amount of heat the extensions endure, the longer they'll last.
While they're air drying, remember to put a good leave in conditioner/serum on the tips/ends of the extensions.
Due to the Individual Keratin Shrink Links being attached with a glue like tube, direct heat from the blow dryer is not recommended. Too much heat in one area will cause the Shrink Links to melt. To avoid this, make sure you constantly move the blow dryer.
Sleeping
😴 Before going to sleep secure the hair extensions by braiding or wearing a bun. If you're a back sleeper, try two braids or two buns parted down the middle.
Swimming
🏊 If you can, try to avoid swimming. If you do decide to risk swimming, lather the hair extensions with conditioner (avoiding the roots) BEFORE swimming.
Then braid the hair (with the conditioner still in) in a two braids. This will help keep the hair in place. The conditioner will create a barrier between the hair and salt/chlorine water.
Try to keep your hair in braided buns, out of the water.
If you foresee your hair getting wet, have a hair bag on hand with your wet brush, mist, serum, and leave in conditioner. As soon as you're done swimming, brush your hair immediately and apply all of your moisturizing products.
Styling
Metal flat irons and curling irons are very harsh on extensions.
If you're using heat, try to stay at or below 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
No heat styling is best for longevity!
I recommend heatless styles like the Heatless Curling Noodle.
Extensions are prone to more dryness than your natural hair.
Use moisturizing oils and serums daily, especially on the tips/ends.
Apply from the mid section of the hair down to the ends, focusing mostly on the ends.
Avoid applying an oils and serums too close to the scalp where the extensions are applied.
Oils near the scalp can cause the extensions to slip. Sticky products near the scalp can cause buildup.
Tightening
If you plan on keeping your extensions long term, make sure you get them tightened every 4-6 weeks.
Waiting long periods of time in between tightening can cause tangling, matting, and stress to your natural hair.
I offer a 10% off tightening discount for pre-booking your tightening appointment during your installation appointment! Tightening prices vary and can be seen under the prices menu.
❗Please read the tightening page by clicking here. ❗
Hair Products
❗Please read the Ingredients to Avoid page by clicking here.❗
Always check ingredients. Never use products with sodium chloride or sulfate.