1. Know Your Extensions: The Basics
Before you run out to buy your new hair extensions, you need to know what type to get, and which ones will suit your hair type. Different extensions require different care, so knowing what you’re working with will make all the difference.
- Clip-ins are temporary extensions that you can clip in and out of your hair whenever you like. They’re perfect for adding volume or length for a special night out.
- Tape-ins, as the name implies, are taped to your natural hair and can last several weeks with proper care.
- Sew-ins, also known as weaves, are sewn into braided sections of your hair and can last up to eight weeks.
- Fusion or Bonded Extensions are bonded to your hair with a special glue or keratin bond and can last for several months.
- Micro-Link Extensions are attached to small sections of your hair with tiny beads or rings and can last up to four months.
2. Washing Your Extensions: The Do’s and Don’ts
Did you know you can–and should–wash your hair even while you’ve got your extensions in? Whether you have human hair extensions or synthetic ones, washing them is a delicate process and requires a gentle hand. Here’s how to do it right:
- Brush Before Washing: Always detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb or a special extension brush before washing. This prevents knots and tangles that can lead to breakage.
- Use a Sulfate-Free Shampoo: As with your real hair, the right hair product can make all the difference in keeping your locks looking and feeling healthy. Sulfates can strip your extensions of moisture, leading to dryness and frizz (sound familiar?). Opt for a sulfate-free, hydrating shampoo like any of Lu's shampoos that will cleanse your hair without drying it out.
- Be Gentle: When washing, avoid scrubbing your scalp too vigorously. Instead, gently massage the shampoo into your scalp and smooth it down the length of your extensions before rinsing thoroughly.
- Condition, Condition, Condition: Apply a moisturizing conditioner from the mid-lengths to the ends of your extensions. Avoid the roots to prevent the bonds or tapes from slipping. Leave the conditioner on for a few minutes before rinsing.
- Dry with Care: Pat your hair dry with a microfiber towel or a soft T-shirt—regular towels can cause friction and frizz. It's a good idea to avoid rubbing your hair, as this can lead to tangling.
3. Styling Extensions: The Do’s and Don’ts
Styling your extensions can be surprisingly fun, but you also need to treat them with care to avoid damage. Here’s how:
- Heat Styling Tools: While most extensions can handle heat, it’s best to use a heat protectant spray before styling with hot tools. Keep the temperature on the lower side to avoid heat damage.
- Blow-Drying: If you must use a blow dryer, use the cool or lowest heat setting. Hold the dryer at least six inches away from your hair to prevent overheating.
- Avoid Over-Styling: Try to limit the use of hot tools to maintain the integrity of the extensions. Opt for heatless styles whenever possible, like braids or buns.
- Brush Gently: When brushing, start from the ends and work your way up to the roots. Use a brush designed for extensions or a wide-tooth comb to minimize pulling and breakage.
4. Sleeping with Extensions: The Do’s and Don’ts
Bedtime can be a tricky time for extensions, but with the right care, you can keep them tangle-free and looking fresh:
- Braid or Bun: Before going to sleep, loosely braid your hair or put it in a low bun to prevent tangling. This will keep your extensions from getting messy at night.
- Satin or Silk Pillowcase: Swap your cotton pillowcase for a satin or silk one. These materials create less friction, reducing the risk of tangling and frizz.
- Don’t Sleep with Wet Hair: Always make sure your extensions are completely dry before going to bed. Wet hair is more prone to tangling and can weaken the bonds or tapes.
5. Maintaining Your Extensions: The Do’s and Don’ts
Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your extensions looking their best. Here’s how to maintain them properly:
- Regular Brushing: For loose extensions like clip-ins and tape-ins, brush your extensions at least twice a day with a soft bristle brush to prevent tangling and matting. Always brush gently and use the right tools. Pro tip: use The Wet Brush, which will help detangle your real hair without harming the extensions.
- Avoid Over-Washing: Unlike your natural locks, extensions don’t produce oils, so they don’t need to be washed as often. In fact, washing them too frequently can dry them out. Try to wash your extensions once a week or as needed.
- Moisturize Regularly: Extensions need extra moisture since they don’t benefit from the natural oils your scalp produces. Apply Lu's Control, Freedom, or Rescue styling creams, a leave-in conditioner, or lightweight hair oil on the ends to keep them soft and shiny.
- Avoid Product Build-Up: While it’s important to keep your extensions moisturized with the right hair care products, avoid using too many heavy products. Build-up can weigh down your extensions and make them look greasy.
6. Removing Extensions: The Do’s and Don’ts
When it’s time to take your extensions out, do it carefully to avoid damaging your natural hair:
- Seek Professional Help: If you have permanent extensions, always have them removed by a professional. Attempting to remove them yourself can lead to breakage and hair loss. Trust us on this one!
- Don’t Pull: If you’re removing clip-ins, be gentle. Start by unclipping from the roots and carefully sliding them out. To keep them in good condition, never yank or pull on the extensions.
- Treat Your Hair: After removing your extensions, treat your natural hair to a deep conditioning hair mask or nourishing treatment. Also, make sure to add Lu's Rescue Collection to your hair care routine. Rescue will help restore any lost moisture and keep your real hair healthy.
Pro Tips for Different Types of Extensions
Finally, we leave you with a few specific tips to help you get the most out of your particular hair extension type:
- Clip-Ins: To make your clip-ins blend seamlessly with your natural hair, try curling both your natural hair and the extensions together after clipping them in. This will help the textures blend better and look more natural.
- Tape-Ins: Avoid applying oil-based products near the roots, as this can weaken the adhesive and cause the extensions to slip.
- Sew-Ins: To keep your scalp healthy and clean, use a diluted shampoo in a spray bottle to target your scalp without disturbing the braids. Rinse thoroughly to avoid residue.
- Fusion/Bonded Extensions: Be cautious when applying heat near the bonds. Always use a heat protectant and try to avoid direct heat on the bonded areas.
- Micro-Link Extensions: Check your micro-links regularly to ensure they haven’t slipped. If you notice any loose links, schedule an appointment with your stylist for maintenance.
An Extension of Your Style
Hair extensions are a fantastic way to change up your look or accentuate your style, even if they require a bit of extra TLC to keep them looking gorgeous. They’re also a pretty pricey investment that can cost hundreds of dollars, so they deserve to be treated and maintained properly. Follow these tips and tricks to ensure your extensions stay soft, shiny, and tangle-free, no matter what type you have. And don't be afraid to embrace those long, luscious locks!
