Here Are Some Care Tips That Will Make Your Hair Extensions Last

To get the best out of your hair extensions, it’s important to take care of them in the same way that you would take care of your natural hair. Regardless of whether your hair extensions are human or synthetic, adopting a simple but effective haircare routine will ensure you are able to enjoy them for as long as possible. Maintenance doesn’t end when you leave the salon. Here are some care tips that will make your hair extensions last longer:

Oil your hair on a weekly basis

Type 4 hair is prone to dryness, so you still need to apply oil to your scalp when wearing any protective style. The easiest way to do this is to buy an empty applicator bottle from a local beauty supply store and put your favourite oil/oils in it and apply them to your hair once or twice a week. Don’t overdo it when it comes to oils as some of them can ruin protective styles, although this applies more to synthetic hair than it does human hair. When you are applying a protective style, ask your stylist to recommend a few products you can use. A good stylist should be able to recommend quality, cost effective products to keep your hair looking its best.

Research any brands/suppliers before you buy hair from them 

It’s so easy to buy hair online these days and social media has become a haven for hair enthusiasts everywhere. Unfortunately, there are suppliers and businesses out there who aren’t genuine, so do your due diligence before you part with your money. Always research hair suppliers or brands before you make a purchase. As someone who alternates between wigs and protective styles, I want to see and touch any hair I have an interest in before I buy it.

When detangling hair extensions, always start from the ends first 

There’s a misconception that straight hair doesn’t tangle as much as curly hair and this couldn’t be further from the truth. When brushing, combing or detangling your hair, always start from the ends and slowly work your way up. If you have a protective style that’s really curly, you might want to use your fingers instead of a brush. Some curly styles can unravel completely and not return back to their original curl pattern, so this is something to be aware of. Ask your stylist to recommend tools or products that can faciliate the detangling process and be sure to section your hair into two or four parts before you begin.

Protect your hair when you sleep and when you workout 

When you sleep, protect your hair with a silk or satin scarf or bonnet. It’s also important to tie your hair or wrap it up when you are working out. Some people wash their hair while it’s in a protective style but if you want to preserve yours for as long as possible without washing your hair, then ensure it is as far away from your face and neck as possible.

Don’t keep hair extensions in for more than two months

When applying a protective style, one of the most important things to consider is how long you plan to keep it in for. I have always abided by the eight week rule. I’ve never kept a style in for more than eight weeks. Recently, a lot of the protective styles I’ve applied (mainly crochet braids) have been kept in for four to five weeks. Keeping a style in for longer than you should can lead to breakage. For premium hair extensions and wigs that won’t compromise your hair’s health, visit the Lily Hair website.

Note: If you wear hair extensions regularly and your hair becomes damaged, stop wearing them immediately. Give your hair the TLC it needs and work towards reversing the damage and breathing new life into your hair. Protective styles put an unbelievable amount of pressure on hair, especially when heat is applied beforehand. Use a moisturising shampoo and conditioner, trim away any split ends regularly and apply treatments on a weekly basis. Natural oils can help to stimulate the scalp and promote hair growth but the most important thing you can do is to find the products and techniques that work for you.