How to Care for Your Natural Hair Extensions

We know how much effort it took to get the gorgeous hair you have, so to care for your hair extensions, you need the best tips to keep them strong and shiny for as long as possible.

At any time of the year!

In this post, we’ll give you all the advice and tricks you need to keep your hair extensions in perfect condition while enjoying life to the fullest.

Get ready to show off a stunning mane.

Let’s go!

1. Brush Gently

This may seem obvious, but 🤔 do you know the best way to brush both your natural hair and your extensions?

Exactly!

Start from the ends and work your way up slowly, whether your hair is towel-dried or completely dry, never wet, holding the roots to avoid unnecessary pulling and breaking the tips of your hair.

Here are some ✨professional product recommendations✨ to make brushing much easier day to day:

Also, the most useful tips for brushing your hair correctly:

• Use the right brush: Use a natural bristle brush or a wide-tooth comb. These are gentler and prevent snagging on extensions, which can cause breakage.
  
  
• Correct direction: Always start brushing from the ends and gradually move up to the roots. This helps detangle knots without putting too much tension on the bonds.
  
  
• Frequency: Brush your extensions at least once a day, especially before washing them. This prevents tangles and makes styling easier.

2. Keep Your Extensions Hydrated

Hydration is an absolute must!

💁🏽♀️ Heat from straighteners, blow dryers, and exposure to sun, rain, and other weather conditions can dehydrate both your natural hair and your extensions.

It’s essential to keep your extensions hydrated to prevent dryness and dullness.

Here are some tips to achieve this:

• Use a moisturizing conditioner and apply it gently to your extensions after washing. This helps maintain softness and hydration.
  
  At Shiny, we recommend the full range of Olaplex professional products, especially the Olaplex conditioner with active ingredients to keep your hair hydrated and silky for longer.
  
  
• Avoid excessive heat styling, such as straighteners and curling irons, as they can dry out your extensions. Alternate between cool and warm air when blow-drying, and in summer, opt for cooler styles like braids or natural waves to avoid daily heat styling.
  
  
• Apply hair oil or serum to the ends of your extensions to prevent dryness. Natural oils like argan or coconut oil work great.

  Our Olaplex No. 7 serum is perfect for keeping ends sealed and hydrated.

• No sulfates or alcohol: These ingredients can dry out hair and damage the cuticle, making extensions look dull and tangle more easily.

3. Water Temperature

🚿 Wash your extensions with lukewarm water, never hot.

Hot water can damage the hair fiber and cause tangling more easily.

• If you go swimming in a pool, beach, or spa, tie your hair in a high bun or braid. This prevents tangling from chlorine or salt water.
  
  
• After swimming, rinse your extensions with fresh water to remove chlorine or salt residue. Detangle gently with a soft-bristle brush to avoid pulling or breaking hair.
  
  
• Lukewarm, not hot: Hot water opens the hair cuticle, which can cause damage and porosity. Lukewarm water cleans gently without causing harm.
  
  
• Rinse thoroughly: Make sure to rinse your extensions well with lukewarm water to remove all shampoo and conditioner residue.

Our range of Salerm and Olaplex shampoos and treatments is the perfect combination of instant hydration and long-term care using natural products for your hair.

4. Avoid Harmful Ingredients and Dry Your Hair Gently

When choosing products for your extensions, especially in summer, make sure to read labels and avoid harmful ingredients such as sulfates and alcohol. These can be harsh and dry out both your natural hair and extensions.

Opt for gentle, sulfate-free, paraben-free, and alcohol-free products. Look for shampoos, conditioners, and treatments specifically designed for hair extensions.

Avoid excessive use of blow dryers and flat irons.

If you use them, apply a heat protectant first and dry at low temperature.

• Soft towel: Instead of rubbing your extensions with a towel, gently wrap them in a microfiber towel to absorb excess water.
  
  
• Low heat blow dryer: Keep the dryer at least 20 cm away and use warm or cool air. Avoid focusing heat on one spot.
  
  
• Heat protection: Always apply a heat protectant before using styling tools. This creates a barrier between your hair and the heat, preventing damage.

5. Nighttime Care

Braid your extensions before bed to prevent tangles and breakage.

💁🏽♀️ You can also use a satin or silk pillowcase to reduce friction.

• Loose braids: Before sleeping, braid your extensions into one or two loose braids. This prevents tangling overnight and reduces friction with the pillow.
  
  
• Satin pillowcase: Switch from a cotton pillowcase to satin or silk. These materials are smoother and more slippery, reducing friction and preventing hair breakage.

Additional Tips

• Avoid chlorine and salt water: Chlorine and salt can dry out and damage your extensions. If swimming, use a swim cap and rinse your extensions with fresh water afterward.
  
  
• Regular visits to your stylist: Schedule regular appointments so your stylist can check the condition of your extensions and make any necessary adjustments.
  
  
• Be gentle: Remember that extensions are more fragile than natural hair, so handle them with care.

By following these simple tips, your extensions will look beautiful and healthy for much longer.

Proper care prolongs their lifespan and lets you enjoy long, abundant hair.

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Or, if you prefer, keep learning about hair extensions and hair care on our blog.