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Hair Extensions: Home Care Maintenance
by Holly Huff
Now that you have your new hair extensions it’s important
to know the proper upkeep to get the most out of them. Most
hair extensions companies have their own products
from brushes to styling aides that they say need to be used
to ensure that you don’t use the wrong ones. All in
all they are similar to each other but it is essential to
use them. This home care maintenance information applies primarily
for extensions that have been applied using a strand by strand
method by systems such as Great
Lengths, Hair Dreams and SoCap, but the same care can
be done with other extensions brands.
With most extensions that are attached with a bond, which
is a type of polymer, you should not shampoo for 48 hours.
The bonds need this time to fully set. If any water gets trapped
in them during this process it could cause the bonds to breakdown
or slip out. When you’re ready to shampoo first brush
your hair thoroughly before you shower to make sure there
are no tangles, then use the shampoo recommended by your stylist.
It’s important to massage at the scalp and not to scrub.
The scrubbing action could cause the hair to tangle or mat.
Shampooing with your head upside down could also cause this
problem. Make sure that you cleanse thoroughly to get all
of the styling products out and to help stimulate the scalp.
It might help to shampoo twice and then rinse, rinse, rinse.
Now you want to use your new conditioner which should be
applied mainly on the ends, the middle of the hair and what’s
left over in your hands you can run through the top. Feel
free to leave it in a few minutes so it can do its job. Then,
once again rinse, rinse, rinse. You should wash your hair
this way every time but feel to wash as little or often as
needed.
The extensions hair most likely has gone through some type
of de-colorization process and then re-colored to get it the
to color that it is now. So after you have towel dried your
hair, squeeze don’t scrub, you want to spritz on a protein
spray to close the hair cuticle; this will make the hair more
manageable and add shine. Most companies call this product
“Anti-Tap”. Use enough to coat the hair; it isn’t
necessary to super saturate it. Then use a wide tooth comb
on the middle and ends and boar bristle brush where the bonds
are; make sure you brush through every section.
For a smooth look work a nickel size amount of a recommended
product in your hands and then run your fingers through your
hair applying to the top last. You can use a volumizing spray
but stay away from any products containing silicone as it
will cause the bonds to slip down. If you’re going for
a curly look apply a light mousse and diffuse.
When you’re ready to blow dry do not do it with your
head upside down. Use your fingers instead of a brush in the
beginning and after it’s mostly dry switch to your round
brush to smooth it out. Once the hair is completely dry you
can use a flat iron to get a sleek look or just finish with
some gloss to add shine or a pomade to add texture.
The most important tips to remember are to always dry the
bonds, brush your hair regularly, use the Anti-Tap and to
only use products recommended by your stylist. They can not
guarantee that the extensions will last if you don’t
use them. And lastly have fun with your new hair!
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