Planning a Vacation?

One of the biggest threats to hair extensions is water. Water can loosen bonds and tapes and cause stress to the hair. Not only that, but both salt water and chlorine can strip the scalp of natural oils that keep hair strong. 

·      SALT WATER - A swim in the ocean is a great way to relax, but it’s not so great for the scalp or hair extensions. Sea water is made up of different minerals including sodium chloride, also known as salt. These minerals suck moisture from the hair causing it to become dry, brittle and more prone to breakage.  Saltwater strips sebum from the scalp causing extensions to require deep conditioning products and oils which can increase the chances of slipping and loosening of bonds and tape.

·      CHLORINE - Just like saltwater, chlorine can make hair extremely dry, brittle, and even discolored. Although not so attractive, swim caps are the best defense.  If swim caps are not an option, then it is strongly recommended to rinse hair in clean water, apply a small amount of conditioner before swimming. Hair strands are super absorbent, so if they are “filled up” with conditioner first, there will be less room to absorb chlorinated water. Take it a step further and make sure you wash your hair right after you swim too. Hair tips are super vulnerable to breakage, so oil is another great way to add a boost of extension protection against chlorine.

·  SUNSCREEN - WILL discolor your extensions. Do everything you can to avoid your hair coming in contact with sunscreen. Putting sunscreen on your body and shoulders with your hair out of the way is NOT enough to keep sunscreen off of your extensions, as your hair may fall against your shoulder and even a simple rubbing can absorb into the hair and cause it to turn colors. Spray sunscreen is highly discouraged when trying to avoid sunscreen product touching your extensions. Sunscreen will cause your extensions to turn an orange/peach color and there is nothing that can be done to get them back to their original color. So please take great care in using sunscreen. Always choose a sunscreen without the ingredient: avobenzone. Be mindful of self-tanners, as they will discolor the extension hair as well.

HOW DO I WASH MY EXTENSIONS?
Always use products that are hydrating and gentle on the hair. Pay close attention to ingredients and make sure to choose products that are sulfate-free, have mild detergents and provide lots of moisture. Wash the hair in one direction. From top to bottom. Avoid washing hair upside down. After you wash and condition the hair let it air dry about 70% before brushing. This will put less stress on the natural roots. When brushing the hair, start from the bottom and work your way up while holding the top part to keep it from shedding, or stretching.

CAN I USE HEATED TOOLS ON MY HAIR EXTENSIONS?

Hair Extensions are 100% human hair and can be styled exactly like natural hair. It is recommended to apply a heat protectant spray prior to using styling tools such as blow dryers, flat irons, curling irons, and etc. to maintain the hair extension quality especially with a lower heat setting to prolong the life of the hair. Make sure to avoid direct heat or contact on the application areas via bead/tape/bond to help ensure the longevity of the installation.  

HOW DO I MINIMIZE SHEDDING AND TANGLING?

Slight shedding and tangling is normal for all hair extensions. Shedding may differ based on which installation method, texture of the extensions, and hair product used. Shedding/hair-fallout, may be minimized by maintaining the extensions with great care, make sure to brush your hair a couple times per day.

As for tangling, just like natural hair, hair extensions can and may tangle. Tangling can be cause by many reasons. Humid weather, using the wrong hair products, not enough maintenance, or using heat tools without heat protective products can cause tangling over time. Hair tangles when dirt and sweat build up so make sure you wear your hair up in a ponytail when you exercise and be sure to wash your hair after working out.

To minimize tangling start with brushing the hair extension 2-3 times with a detangling brush daily. Before you shower, make sure you brush your hair and remove all tangles. Then wash it upright, do not flip the hair over in the opposite direction. Make sure any hair product used is alcohol-free, sulfate-free, and paraben-free. These chemicals can dry out the hair extension which lead to tangling and matting. Make sure to use heat protective spray before styling with any heat tools. Develop a good night -time routine. Buy yourself a silk pillowcase. This will allow for less friction while sleeping. Brush your hair and put into a braid, loose ponytail, or wear a silk cap before going to bed. Treat the hair extensions like natural hair, maintenance is the key to have long lasting hair extension. 

HOW DO I SLEEP WITH HAIR EXTENSIONS?

With Clip-Ins, it is recommended to take them out and storing safely until the next use. While one may sleep in them, it will only help to prolong their lifespan. 

With more semi-permanent extensions (Hand-Tied Wefts, Machine-Tied Wefts, Tape-Ins, I Tips and Fusion), please keep all these tips in mind.

• Before bed, gently brush extensions to remove any tangles or buildup from the day.

• Secure hair in braid, ponytail, or pigtails. Make sure it is loose, low, and does not pull the hair too tight. A braid is ideal as it keeps your hair tangle-free.

• Make sure to sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction experienced in sleep.

• Lastly, never sleep with damp or wet hair extensions.

 CAN I PERSONALLY COLOR, TONE OR BLEACH MY HAIR EXTENSIONS?

It is strongly recommended not to personally color hair extensions as the hair has already undergone color processing and bleaching - harsh chemical processes. Non-professional processing may damage the quality of the hair extensions, and result in more tangling and matting due to severe damage to the hair cuticles.

If coloring hair extensions is desired, please consult with Kristen, who has expertise with hair extensions. It is best to trust the coloring, toning, or blending of experienced hands to ensure the desired results.