FAQ’s on Hair Extensions
Hair Extensions are great if you'd like to gain extra volume, length or both on a daily basis, this includes hair loss due to illness or post-birth. To disguise a bad haircut. Or simply for colour without the commitment or chemical damage.
Below are some FAQ's to help you decided if Hair Extensions are for you.
1. Will hair extensions damage my hair?
No, it won't damage your hair when you look after them correctly. Hair extensions require a bit more TLC due to it not receiving the same nutrients that your scalp gives your natural hair. We highly recommend that you attend your Maintenance appointments every six to eight weeks, both in order to enable you to enjoy your extensions as long as possible, but also to avoid tangles and matting. It's also important that the removal of hair extensions is done by a professional as an untrained professional could cause breakage.
2. What are the best products to use with my hair extensions?
The two most important products for giving your natural hair and your extensions the care and moisture are sulphate-free shampoo & conditioner. Sulphate strip natural oils from the scalp and hair which will leave hair dry and brittle.
Using a deep conditioning hair mask once a week will give your hair that extra moisture boost. The hair mask, however, does not replace the effect of your conditioner, so always finish with conditioner on the mid-length to ends.
Avoid products on the root area as this will cause the root to not only look oily but also cause the bonds/adhesive to start slipping or become undone.
3. How long will my hair extensions last?
This all depends on the method and how well you look after your hair extensions. The basics are:
- always fully dry your hair extensions before going to bed to avoid matting,
- when going to bed either braid your hair or keep it in a low ponytail to make sure it stays tangle-free,
- attend your maintenance appointments between 6-8 weeks of having them fitted to avoid the risk of too much outgrowth, which can cause the extension to damage your hair i.e. matting.
- brush your hair with a hair extensions brush on a regular basis to reduce the risk of knotting.
- chlorine and salt water will damage your hair, use a swim cap, or washing it straight after,
- always use a heat protection product before drying your hair to avoid them becoming dry and brittle.
4. What's the best way to shower with hair extensions?
Wait 48 hours after your fitting to wash your hair - this allows the extensions to 'settle in'. Brush your hair before you shower with a hair extensions brush i.e. tangle teaser. You should never brush damp or wet hair, use a comb instead. Wet hair is much weaker than when dry and brushing the hair will increase the risk of breakage. When shampooing your hair, massage the shampoo and cleanse the roots, then let it flow through the tips when rinsing. This will avoid unnecessary wear on your ends while still ensuring clean, fresh hair. Just as with your natural hair, you should also avoid using conditioner near your scalp. This weighs your hair down and closes off the pores on the scalp, which can cause hair loss, fungus formation and an oily scalp. This is also not advised when you have hair extensions fitted, as it may cause your extensions to become slippery, which makes the extensions slide off the hair. Apply conditioner on your mid-length to ends only.
Apply a heat protection product and let your hair air-dry or use a hairdryer on a low heat setting. Avoid rubbing your hair, and instead, squeeze out of the water with your towel. Rubbing your hair wears on the outer layers, which can result in damage. When the hair is completely dry, comb, brush and style to get your desired look and results.
Caring for hair extensions isn't difficult, but you will need to add a few more minutes to your grooming routine.
Having hair extensions is an investment of your time and money, please get in touch to make an appointment for a FREE Consultation.