ONE-ON-ONE GUIDE OF HAIR EXTENSIONS If you've entered into our favorite Disney princess Rapunzel s territory, you ve got to make sure you take care of it. Dealing with hair extensions can be a bit tricky. Taking care of that perfect piece of chunk is no left hand's work. Hair extensions can lead to bad hair days but they can also give you that extra volume you ve always wanted... It's important to understand that it's going to take more time to dry your hair and it'll take longer to comb out. Many people try to save money on aftercare by watering down regular shampoo's/conditioners etc. which can have really disastrous results such as dryness, matting, and dullness in the extensions. Correct aftercare is just as important as fitting the extensions correctly. It is crucial that you make the most of your extensions by taking good care of them and using the correct products. Hair extensions do require a certain amount of maintenance but once you've got the hang of how to wash, dry and style your hair your extensions...your hair can put on a spectacular show! You just need to give that weave a little love to keep it looking gorgeous. It s all about knowing what to do and not to do to keep them looking great and while it may take a few extra steps, it ll be worth it! That s why we re presenting you our detailed trustworthy guide of all the DO'S AND DONT'S of hair extensions to let you keep flaunting your flawless hair.
The Do s: Washing: It is important to only use a shampoo and conditioner recommended for hair extensions. This is because many of the standard high street brands contain high volumes of sodium chloride (salt) which will dry out your hair and silicone-based ingredients which can cause the bonds to weaken and break down. Loose bonds will cause the extensions to fall out - so either way, it is a lose-lose situation. After the installation of your hair extensions do not wash your hair for at least 2-3 days Wash your hair between 2-3 times per week. It is advised to use a wide tooth comb to detangle your extension hair and gently separate the tangled bonds before washing. Girls, DRY SHAMPOO is your best friend when you have extensions. Invest in a good quality dry shampoo (approved by your stylist) on any oily root areas as this allows the bonds to fully harden, the longer you wait, the better it is for the longevity of the bonds. While taking great care not to rub, scrub or bunch your hair, shampoo 2 to 3 times a week. Whether its keratin or tape-in, the key to longevity is not stressing your bond. Be gentle.
Leave-in conditioners are fantastic for keeping your extensions from getting tangled and dried out... As long as you keep conditioner away from the base of extensions, it's ok to use. Regular daily conditioner should be applied to the mid-shaft to the ends of your hair only. Follow the simple rule of LESS IS MORE. Always use a decent amount of shampoos and conditioners. Don't go overboard with the usage. Use LUKEWARM water for washing your extensions. Do take care of your hair with the right products. Keep your product guidebook handy whenever investing in a product. Also read the product ingredients carefully to ensure the quality of the product. Drying: Before detangling, we advise you to use a leave-in conditioning spray. Follow by detangling with a wide tooth comb, making sure you avoid the bonds. Make sure all bonds are dried completely. Be very careful when brushing the hair when wet, make sure you support the extensions hair by holding the bonds. For scoring a sleek finish, take small sections of your hair and blow dry using a round brush with soft bristles. Be very careful that you do not snag the bonds. Finish by using a straightening iron of good quality having ceramic plating. It is advisable to use a HEAT PROTECTION SPRAY to protect the both your hair and the extension hair when using Heated Rollers, Straightening Irons, crimpers, and tongs. Serums, gels, hairsprays, etc. may all be used but avoid the bonded areas as this may cause slippage.
Brushing: Be prepared to spend extra time doing your hair in the morning girls. Brush your hair EVERY day, especially in the summertime. but not just with ANY brush. Use a special HAIR EXTENSION LOOP BRUSH. At Glam locks, our hair experts have carefully designed a loop brush with nylon bristles which glides through the extensions easily without breaking or tangling them. It's a must-have for anyone that cares about their natural hair and the longevity of their hair extensions. When brushing your hair, make sure you are using a hair extension brush as this is specifically designed for your extensions. Other brushes usually have balls on the ends that can rip and break the hair. You need to keep your extensions tangle free by brushing your hair up to two times a day but avoid over-brushing as this can cause unnecessary shedding. Start at the ends of your hair and when all tangles are removed, gently work your way up. Always brush in a downward motion. Remember your extensions are attached to your own natural hair, pulling too hard or mistreating your extensions can result in your own hair being pulled out. Use only an EXTENSION BRUSH NEAR to your extension bonds this brush gently glides over the bonds as it has soft loop bristles and a cushioned bristle base. Always hold the bonds when brushing the extensions, making sure no additional stress is put on the hair.
Things to remember: Gently BLOW DRY the hair using a cold setting, to begin with, this avoids any problems with the bonds softening or rings corroding, then proceed to blow dry the hair as normal. If SWIMMING is a must, then the extension hair must be coated with a watered-down conditioner, avoiding the bonded areas and tied up securely to avoid chlorine contamination and tangling. We advise to wash thoroughly afterward and to apply a GENEROUS amount of conditioner. It is usually a good idea to tie your hair in a loose plait when sleeping as this will minimize tangles and matting overnight. Use a SOFT SCRUNCHIE to tie your hair back in a loose ponytail or plait for bed. Sleep on a nice pillowcase. Swap out that cotton pillowcase if silk or satin one for your bonded extensions. Because of how finely woven the fibers are, they won t catch and tug on your hair at night as cotton fibers do. SATIN SCARF'S or SATIN SLEEP CAPS work great as well. Alternatively, you can tie your hair in a bun before bed to keep them from tangling. It is advisable to have a maintenance appointment after a month you ve had your extensions fitted to make sure everything is going well. This should be organized with your stylist. If you need any bonds removed or replaced then this is the time to do it. Do schedule maintenance appointments for every SIX to EIGHT weeks.
The Don ts: Hair extensions are NOT recommended for use in CHLORINATED water, SALT water, and HARD water with a high mineral content or in hotter climates than normally accustomed to as damage or discoloration can occur. Avobenzone can also cause discoloration, it is an oil-soluble ingredient used in products to absorb the full spectrum of UVA rays. Don t style your hair WITHOUT HAIR PROTECTIVE PRODUCTS. Use a HEAT PROTECTOR before reaching for your flat iron so you don t damage your extensions. DON'T brush or comb your hairs when WET. The strain on the bond (tape or otherwise) can cause it to prematurely weaken. Additionally, regular nylon or bristle brushes can be course, tugging and pulling on tangles which also can cut into the life of your extensions. When you comb, always brush through thoroughly while hair is wet and get all the knots out. It's ok to use a LIGHT DETANGLING SPRAY. DON'T use just ANY brush. The wrong brush can wreak havoc on extension hair. Instead, choose a detangling brush with NYLON BRISTLES that allow you to comb through the hair without pulling. DON'T go to sleep with wet hair (and wet extensions). Don t try to speed dry them with a blow dryer set on high heat. As horrible as too much heat is on your natural hair, your extensions don t have the benefit of receiving oils from your scalp so they ll simply dry out and be prone to frizzing. If you put your hair up before bed, never set it in a ponytail. Ponytails can add collective weight on your bonds, causing them to weaken.
DON'T do anything in EXCESS. Don t use any oily products, especially at the top where the extensions are bonded to the hair. Stay away from anything greasy, as those will break down the bond of the extension. DON'T go crazy with the flat iron. Yes, you can use curling irons and flat irons on your extensions, but remember that it's real hair, so it can burn just like your own hair. It is recommended to not use any iron to go over 250 degrees. 200 degrees is a good spot. You have to remember some curling irons go up to 450/500 degrees. That s a BIG NO. Also, don t pause on a section of hair with the iron. The iron should just glide through your hair really quick, which reduces the damage. Don t OVER-WASH it. When you have extensions, it's important not to over-shampoo your hair and stay away from greasy products. The ultimate way to take care of it is to wash your hair every other day or every second day and when you cleanse your hair, really cleanse the ends and scalp, but STAY AWAY from the MIDSHAFT of the hair. When you put the conditioner in, just focus on the ends, don t just plop it on the top of your head. When washing your hair, do not TIP your head over the bath as this could cause tangling. Always wash with your head UPRIGHT in the shower is ideal. Smooth the shampoo down the extension hair. DO NOT RUB vigorously! DON'T apply any conditioner to the bonds as this will cause slippage. Only condition from the mid-lengths down to the ends of the hair. You can pick the top section of your own hair up and apply condition to this section. Pat hair gently when washed. DO NOT RUB. It is STRONGLY advised to avoid treatments like COLORING, TINTING or PERMING the extension hair as these types of products contain elements that can damage the extension hair and even though our extensions are 100% human hair, they are not receiving nutrients from
the scalp like your own natural hair. If you're willing to go forward with any such treatment ALWAYS have a word with your stylist beforehand. It is STRONGLY advised to avoid swimming when wearing extensions as prolonged water exposure, especially with chemicals, may weaken the bonds. Chlorine in pools and salt in the sea combined with heat can also cause the extension hair to discolor, deteriorate in condition and matt. If you DO swim we recommend you take the following PRECAUTIONS: Place your extensions into a BRAID using a COVERED BAND. AVOID getting the extension hair wet where possible. Immediately after swimming, rinse hair in FRESH WATER thoroughly. Ensure the hair is TANGLE- FREE by combing through with a WIDE TOOTH COMB, separating and supporting the extension hair as you work through the sections. DO NOT brush the extension hair when wet. DRY hair fully and use a hair extension PROTEIN SPRAY. At the end of the day, with a little love, your hair will stay stunning and so will you!