Hair Extension Care Guide:

Keep Your Wefts, I-Tips, K-Tips, and Tape-Ins Looking Fabulous

Hair extensions are a fantastic way to enhance your natural hair's length and volume. At Extensions by Melissa in Newport Beach, California, we specialize in wefts, I-tips, K-tips, and tape-in extensions, providing top-quality products to our Orange County clients. To ensure your extensions stay beautiful and last as long as possible, proper care is essential. Here’s your ultimate guide to maintaining your hair extensions.

1. Washing Your Extensions

Proper washing is crucial to maintaining the longevity and appearance of your hair extensions.

Steps:

1. Brush Before Washing: Gently brush your hair to remove any tangles. Use a wide-tooth comb or a brush specifically designed for extensions.

2. Use Sulfate-Free Shampoo: Choose a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to avoid stripping the extensions of moisture. Apply the shampoo to your scalp and roots, allowing the suds to cleanse the extensions as you rinse.

3. Conditioning: Apply a sulfate-free conditioner from mid-length to the ends of your hair. Avoid applying conditioner near the bonds or tapes to prevent slippage.

4. Rinse Thoroughly: Ensure all shampoo and conditioner are rinsed out to avoid product buildup.

2. Drying Your Extensions

Proper drying techniques help maintain the quality and texture of your extensions.

Steps:

1. Pat Dry: Gently pat your hair with a towel to remove excess water. Avoid rubbing, as this can cause tangling. A microfiber towel is amazing!

2. Blow Dry: Blow dry extensions on medium heat. It’s important that the extensions' attachment site is not kept wet for prolonged periods. This can lead to mildew and possibly break down the extension bonding site. BE GENTLE WHILE BLOW-DRYING! The last thing you want is to rip at your extensions while drying.

3. Avoid Heat: Always apply a heat protectant spray before styling. Try to put hot tools on medium heat to avoid heat damage and color fading.

3. Brushing and Detangling

Regular brushing keeps your extensions looking smooth and prevents tangles.

Steps:

1. Use the Right Brush: Use a brush designed for hair extensions, such as a loop brush.

2. Start from the Bottom: Begin brushing at the ends of your hair, working your way up to the roots to avoid pulling on the bonds.

3. Be Gentle: Handle your extensions gently to avoid unnecessary stress on the bonds or tapes.

4. Sleeping with Extensions

Taking care of your extensions while you sleep helps prevent tangling and matting.

Steps:

1. Braid Your Hair: Braid your hair or put it in a loose ponytail before bed to minimize friction and tangling.

2. Use a Silk Pillowcase: Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and keep your hair smooth.

3. Wear a Nightcap: Consider wearing a silk nightcap to protect your extensions while you sleep.

5. Regular Maintenance and Professional Touch-Ups

Regular maintenance and professional touch-ups ensure your extensions remain secure and look their best.

Steps:

1. Schedule Regular Appointments: Visit Extensions by Melissa every 6-8 weeks for maintenance and adjustments.

2. Professional Removal and Reapplication: Have your extensions removed and reapplied by a professional to avoid damage to your natural hair.

3. Check for Slippage: Regularly check for any slippage or damage to the bonds and schedule a touch-up if needed.

6. BE GENLTE!

This is the most important rule of all! Extensions are attached to your natural hair and excessive pulling and tugging will create damage. It’s important at all times to be gentle on your extensions and do not pull or tug at them.