Aftercare

In a hurry?

Prevention is better than cure

Hair is a natural product and therefore hair extensions require diligent care and attention in order for them to remain looking good and in healthy condition. A common misconception is that wearing hair extensions means that little or no styling of your own hair is necessary but unfortunately the reality is somewhat different and you must be willing to devote time and patience to your hair extensions to avoid any issues.

Please remember, prevention is better than cure, so do your utmost to follow our aftercare advice below, alongside that of your extensionist, and you should have a trouble free and enjoyable experience.

Our advice is applicable for our loose, bonded and wefted hair and we sell products suitable for use with our hair extensions in our online store.

Aftercare Products

It is recommended that you use a Hair Extension shampoo throughout the duration of wearing your extensions.
A clarifying shampoo should be used prior to having your extensions fitted. This is a deep cleansing shampoo that removes oil, sebum, styling products, wax or deposits left on your natural hair.
Beware of mainstream high street shampoos – many contain silicon, which is not good for the extensions and if used regularly will gradually soften and break down the bonds. Clients who use recommended hair extension shampoo rarely experience problems with their bonds.
A rinse-out reconstructive conditioner should also be used on the extension hair. This is a conditioner that works inside the structure of the hair shaft and should be applied once or twice a week. Remember extension hair is not attached to your scalp and consequently does not receive the same vitamins and nutrients as your own hair.
Avoid applying conditioner to the bonded root area, as this will cause the bonds to soften and eventually breakdown.
A hair extension leave in conditioner should be used after hair has been towel dried. This is designed to moisturise and condition natural hair as well as extension hair. It is light and easy to apply. The only product that ought to come into contact with the bonds is the hair extension shampoo.

WARNING

Please take great care when using any type of tanning product or sunscreen lotion whilst wearing hair extensions. Many of these products contain bronzers to increase the production of melanin which are designed to help accelerate the tanning process. If these bronzers come into contact with your hair extensions they can dye the hair, especially in a hot climate so please ensure your hair is tied up and does not come into contact with these types of products.

General Maintenance

Regular maintenance every 4-8 weeks by a qualified hair extensionist will increase both the health and longevity of your extensions. It helps create a cycle and allows your extensions to stay looking good for longer.
During a maintenance appointment you should expect a certain amount of bonds removed and replaced, and some new bonds added.
It is not advisable to leave in extensions that have not been maintained for longer than 3 months as your re-growth can become matted and make the extensions harder to remove.
The longer the extensions, the more care and maintenance they will require.
When first wearing extensions it may be difficult to sleep at night, as your head will not be used to the bonds. Rest assured they will settle down after a few days.
Extensions may also itch for a few days in the beginning, this should settle down after a few days. If itching persists seek medical advice.
The hair will shed. It will occur more so during the first 2-3 weeks, however please do not think that the extensions are falling out… this is totally normal (remember your natural hair sheds everyday too).
Naturally we all lose around 50 of our own hairs per day and these are hairs which would usually have fallen out but can’t drop to the floor because of the extensions, do not worry it is not the extensions pulling your hair out.
Over the course of wearing your extensions you may notice parts of your own hair coming out with the root attached. This is simply hair that has not been able to escape the bond and normally would have shed naturally.
You will lose some bonds during the time your extensions are in. Again, this is to be expected and happens with all bonded extensions. On rare occasions some people manage to not lose any bonds, but typically you should expect to lose up to a dozen or more bonds.

Washing

Do not wash your hair for at least 24 hours after your extensions have been fitted. This allows time for the bonds to properly set.
Wash your hair as little as possible – once or twice a week is best as the less stress put on the extensions the better.
After washing towel dry and leave to dry naturally for as long as possible. When about 80% dry use only cool heat and gentle light styling products.

Brushing

Always use a specially designed hair extension brush. This will cause minimal damage to your extensions.
Brush at least once a day, taking care not to create shedding.
Avoid especially hard brushes or those with balls on the end of the bristles as these will rip and tear the extension hair. You will lose strands of hair whilst brushing but not more than you normally would.
Try to sleep with your hair in a loose plait, as this will minimise the chance of tangling and knots.

Styling

The hair can be straightened, curled and blow-dried. However, bear in mind the longevity and quality of the hair will reduce dramatically with excessive use of applied heat.
When straightening, avoid going directly over the bonds, as this will inevitably cause damage and breakage.

Removal

Removal of your extensions is equally important as the application, and therefore must be carried out by a qualified hair extensionist. Incorrect removal can lead to damage of your own hair and scalp, as well as tangling and matting.
If administered correctly, removal should cause little or no pain at all.

Damage

Do not believe all of the horror stories you hear. Providing the extensions are correctly applied, maintained and removed they will cause no damage to your own hair.
Picking out, rough brushing and general negligence cause the majority of damage to your extensions.

IMPORTANT

Hair extensions should NOT be applied to hair that is already damaged or in an unhealthy condition. The advice of a qualified hair extensionist must be adhered to during consultation.