A Guide to Maintaining Your New Hair Extensions
Did you just leave the salon and completely space on how to care for your new extensions? Well, don’t stress because here is our Ultimate Hair Extension Care Guide made just for YOU!
We know you are going to LOVE your new look! Be sure to tag us in your selfies on Instagram at @extensionarts and feel free to use our hashtag, #extensionarts , too!
In order to keep your hair looking and feeling its best, Please read & apply the following tips to your hair care routine. Remember to contact your stylist should you have any additional questions.
Let’s get started!
First, Let’s Talk About Washing Your Hair Extensions.
Before you hop into the shower, make sure to prep your hair by thoroughly brushing it to remove any tangles. This helps to prevent extra tangling during the washing process and ensures the entirety of your hair gets evenly cleansed.
Once you are ready to wash, dampen all of your brushed hair with lukewarm water and a sulfate-free/paraben-free, salon-quality shampoo. Our current favorite is the signature collection by Iles Formula.
Avoid rubbing the ends of the hair together while washing, which may cause extra tangling.
Next, add conditioner throughout and leave in as directed or for 5-7 minutes. Extensions need to stay hydrated, so make sure you condition your hair well every time you wash it!
Note: Be sure to totally rinse away all excess shampoo and conditioner. You may find that washing your hair with extensions takes longer and requires more effort to clean effectively.
Make sure you have enough time to thoroughly complete this process. We don’t suggest washing/drying your hair when you are in a big hurry as the process tends to take some time if done correctly.
Next Up: Drying Your Hair Extensions
Start by gently squeezing out the excess water with your hands. When you are ready to step out of the shower, squeeze it again with a cotton towel wrapped around the length of your hair. Do this a few times until your hair feels damp (no longer soaking).
We recommend gently detangling your hair with a wide tooth comb or a soft, bristle brush (THIS brush works great). Please don’t forget to ALWAYS hold your hair in place with one hand at the installation point and carefully brush it with the other hand. This process should be done with extra care as to not harm the integrity of your hair or disturb the point of installation on your head.
Next, proceed to smoothly blow drying sections of your hair using a brush on low heat. Do not rough dry — this means NO tornado drying!
Styling & Recreation Care For Your Hair Extensions
Extension Arts Hair can be styled using a boar’s hair bristle brush or wet brush and heat tools such as a flat iron or curling iron. Remember to use heat tools with caution. We do not recommend exceeding 300 degrees when using any tool on your extensions. Always remember to use a salon quality heat protectant as well. We love Iles Formula Finishing Serum
It is imperative to brush your hair extensions daily. While brushing, hold base of scalp where your extensions are attached to the natural hair with and brush with the other hand.
Note – Please don’t forget! Your extensions must be brushed thoroughly from ROOT to END DAILY! This is a must to keep sections and extensions detangled and looking their best!
For best results, we recommend the following when caring for your extensions:
Use only sulfate-free and paraben-free, salon-quality products
Use a leave-in-conditioner or moisturizer on extensions to keep from tangling or drying out
Wrap you hair into a bun or loosely braid before going to bed
Always dry your hair before going to bed
Sleep on a silk pillow case
We all love water activities, but please proceed with caution . . .
We love the beach or poolside as much as the next person — but it’s vital to consider the following steps to protect your hair if you choose to engage in water activities.
We love the beach or poolside as much as the next person — but it’s vital to consider the following steps to protect your hair if you choose to engage in water activities.
Prep your hair by wetting it with clean water from a shower before entering an ocean, lake or pool.
Comb and braid your hair before entering the water.
Rinse your hair immediately in a shower after leaving the water.
For an extra measure of care — wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo after water activities to remove all impurities that may cause damage to the hair. Then, follow with your regular extension care system of shampoo/conditioner/leave-in products.
Note — we urge you to please use caution when applying/using sunscreen around your hair extensions. Some sunscreens (including spray sunscreen) contain chemicals that can cause discoloration to the hair. We suggest a vegan or all natural, non-aerosol sunscreen to prevent discoloration.