Hair extensions are an excellent way to increase your hair’s volume, length, and rigidity. Keeping clip-ins, tape-ins, or sewn-ins clean and well-maintained is critical so they look great and last long.
Washing hair with extensions is an important part of their care regimen, but have you ever wondered how to wash hair with extensions properly, ensuring it stays shiny, healthy, and long-lasting without worrying about tangles, damage, slippage,…?
With our dependable guidelines, you will discover how to wash hair with extensions and retain longevity, allowing you to care for your real hair to avoid these common mistakes when washing extensions. Please follow us!
Before washing: Prepare tools and products
Washing hair with extensions may seem more hard than it is. To answer how to wash hair with extensions, first of all, let’s explore what you should do to prepare for washing your hair with extensions? Here are some tools and supplies for the prep part of the hair care routine that you should know.
Essential tools
- Loop brush or wide-tooth comb: Hair is more sensitive when wet, especially with extensions. You need to learn how to detangle extensions without causing damage. To avoid breakage, use a brush or comb specifically made with distinctive looped bristles or wide teeth that let the brush or comb glide easily over wefts without getting rammed or pulled.
- Microfiber towel: The hair microfiber towel wrap comprises super-absorbent fabric that is soft and pleasant while absorbing water swiftly. This point of towels can help your hair, particularly hair extensions, dry more thoroughly, drop frizz, and prevent dripping during everyday use, thereby saving time.
- Shower head with adjustable pressure: The reduced water pressure of an adjustable pressure shower head produces a constant and moderate stream of water that can be advantageous for particular extension types, ensuring that hair extensions do not change shape after shampooing while furnishing a nice and refreshing experience.
- (Optional) Shower cap: A shower cap is a good idea for keeping your hair extensions dry and guarding particular types of extensions while washing. This shower cap will also guard your hair extensions against any dangerous chemicals set up by shower gel that may accidentally get on your hair.
Hair products
- Sulfate-free and alcohol-free shampoo: Sulfate and alcohol-free products are essential for maintaining the quality of your hair extensions. These substances deplete the hair’s natural oils, making it drier and further susceptible to tangling or matting. So, sulfate-free shampoos are the best for the health of your hair extensions.
- Moisturizing conditioner: An excellent moisturizing conditioner can help add moisture and form to your hair. This will also make your hair softer, shinier, and less damaged.
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Step-by-step guide to washing hair with extensions
Proper hair extension maintenance is essential to protect your hair from significant damage. If you’re wondering how to wash clip-in hair extensions or need guidance on washing tape-in hair extensions, we’ve got you covered. Follow our expert advice below on how to wash hair with extensions effectively.
Step 1: Prepare your hair
Before wetting your hair extensions, carefully untangle them with an appropriate brush, such as a wide-tooth comb or loop brush. Start at the bottom and work your way over, cautioning not to tug or pull too hard since this might result in damage. If your extensions are especially prone to tangling, try using a detangling spray or serum to help remove knots and make the process smoother.
Step 2: Wet your hair
Use lukewarm water to thoroughly wet down your hair extensions. Avoid using hot water because it can damage the hair fibers and cause them to come dry and brittle, and make sure the water flows in the direction of hair growth to avoid tangles. Before applying shampoo, gently wring out any excessive water to ensure the product penetrates the hair fully.
Step 3: Apply shampoo
Firstly, you should find out discover the best shampoos for hair extensions. It’s essential to use a sulfate-free and alcohol-free or extension-friendly shampoo. Then, using your hands, carefully massage a tiny quantum into your hair extensions, focusing on the roots and the scalp. Massage the shampoo into the scalp gently, but avoid pressing or scrubbing too roundly, which can beget tangling and matting.
Step 4: Rinse thoroughly
Shampooing latterly, carefully scrub the extensions and thoroughly rinse with lukewarm water until all shampoo residue is removed from your hair. Before pacing to the following step, ensure no remaining soap and carefully squeeze out any redundant water.
Step 5: Apply conditioner
Use a generous amount of extension-friendly conditioner on your hair extensions, concentrating on the mid-lengths and ends. Avoid putting conditioner directly on the roots, which can weigh down the extensions and make them oily. Leave the conditioner on for a few minutes to allow it to percolate and nourish the hair strands completely.
Step 6: Rinse thoroughly
Rinse the conditioner out with lukewarm water directed down to the ends of the hair. Ensure no product residue is left behind since this can weigh down the extensions and make them appear dull.
Step 7: Gently squeeze out excess water
Gently squeeze out any redundant water and avoid twisting or wringing the extensions, which can damage them and beget tangles in the hair fibers. Moreover, to avoid frizz, gently pat dry with a microfiber towel.
Discover the best shampoos for hair extensions.
Read more: Pros and Cons of Hair Extensions to Consider
Drying and styling for your hair extensions
The next section can help you determine why air drying is recommended for hair extension care and what we should do when styling and drying for hair extension maintenance.
Drying
- Air Drying: Allow hair extensions to dry naturally to reduce heat damage. Avoid using heat-styling products like hairdryers, straighteners, and entwining irons since they can damage the hair fibers and cause them to become dry and brittle.
- Blow Drying: If you can’t wait for your hair to air dry, use a heat protection spray before blow drying it. It’s highly recommended that you blow-dry your hair in a cool setting and avoid brushing it until it’s nearly dry.
Styling
- Heat Styling: You can use a straightener or entwining iron to style your extensions and natural hair. Use a heat protectant and lower heat settings when styling your hair with clip-in extensions.
- Brushing: Brush your hair gently after washing and before styling, making sure to use the applicable equipment for your hair extension. Brush the hair from the top and work your way over.
Specific washing instructions by extension type
There are so many hair extension brands: Bellami, Glam Seamless, Hidden Crown, Luxy Hair, Foxy Locks,… So we have a variety of methods for washing hair extensions to cover and maintain each hair extension type, from remy hair to virgin hair. Here are some thorough guidelines to help you understand how to wash hair with extensions properly.
Clip-in extensions
This section truly applies to those concerned about how to wash clip-in hair extensions.
Washing clip-in hair extensions independently from natural hair is the best approach to ensure a hair’s lifetime. Because human hair extensions are not replenished with moisture and nutrients from the scalp like genuine hair, washing clip-in extensions in the shower will precociously dry them out and beget them to dull over time.
Tape-in extensions
Use gentle procedures to avoid stressing the tapes when washing tape-in hair extensions. Before washing your tape-in extensions, precisely brush your fingers through them to remove any little knots. You can also use a soft brush to brush your hair. Additionally, avoid using oils or heavy conditioners around the tapes since these can intrude with the adhesive over time.
Sew-in extensions
Proper washing practices are demanded to keep your sew-in extensions looking good and lasting longer. When washing sew-in hair extensions, apply a diluted shampoo and water mixture with an applicator bottle to the braids beneath the extensions. To remove buildup, use lukewarm water and wash with cooler water to help strain hair cuticles and keep moisture. Pay special care to the weft area, the weakest section.
Keratin-bonded extensions
If you’re curious about how to wash keratin-bonded hair extensions, this section is still for you. When washing keratin-bonded hair extensions, be gentle and avoid pulling or tugging on them since this will beget damage. To keep beautiful keratin-bonded extensions inside and out, you must always pay close attention to your hair’s condition.
Read more: Top 10 Best Hair Extensions for Thin Hair for Natural Volume
5 mistakes you need to avoid
When washing hair with extensions, avoid the following common mistakes:
- Using the wrong products: Regular shampoos using harsh chemicals might dry out your hair and beget matting. To keep your extensions hydrated and healthy, use a shampoo devoid of sulfates.
- Overwashing: Overwashing can deplete the natural oils in extensions, making them dry and brittle. Sticking to the specified washing schedule and exercising products created specifically for hair extensions is a good method to care for your extensions.
- Rough handling: When washing or detangling your extensions, be gentle. Excessive straining or tugging may loosen the bonds or tapes, resulting in shedding or slipping. Take your time and manage the hair with care to keep it intact.
- Sleeping with wet hair: If you go to bed with hair that is wet, make sure to let it dry first. Sleeping with wet hair can beget knots and stress to your natural hair, resulting in damage.
- Applying conditioner near the roots or bonds: Applying conditioners near the roots or bonds may cause your hair extensions to slip or come free. Instead, use eatherlight, non-greasy products and apply them mid-length to ends to achieve a more natural look without damaging the bonds.
4 tips for washing your hair extensions
Here are some tips to help you avoid these common mistakes when washing extensions.
- Water temperature: When washing hair with extensions, use lukewarm water to avoid damaging the hair fibers and making them dry and brittle.
- Washing frequency: It’s dependent on the extension type and lifestyle. Washing extensions too frequently can dock their life. Try to increase the time between washing. We recommend washing your hair 1-2 times per week unless it truly needs to be done in between, in which case it should be done three times maximum.
- Handling: To untangle your hair, use a soft bristle or special extension brush. Begin at the ends and work up to avoid pulling on the bonds or wefts.
- Rinsing: Rinse thoroughly to exclude any product residue and avoid product buildup.
Conclusion
If you know how to wash hair with extensions properly, you will find them more healthy and enjoy the attractiveness of wearing them. Pay regular attention and minimize tangling or matting to ensure your extensions’ longevity and optimal appearance. Our blog post will help you discover the finest styles for washing hair extensions.
Are you a beauty lover looking for helpful hair care tips? Visit SourceVietnam.com to get expert tips on maintaining your hair extensions.
FAQs
How often should I wash my hair with extensions?
The frequency of washing hair extensions depends on several factors, including the type of extensions, hair type, and lifestyle. Washing extensions too frequently can dock their life. We recommend washing your hair 1-2 times per week unless it needs to be done in between, in which case it should be done no further than three times.
Can I use dry shampoo on my extensions?
Dry shampoo can let you go longer between washes, but it should not be used instead of regular cleanliness.
Keep these suggestions in mind.
- If you must use dry shampoo, choose one that is soft and leaves no residue.
- Avoid dry shampoos with heavy oils or silicones, as they can weigh down the extensions and produce buildup.
How do I prevent my extensions from tangling when washing?
To maintain hair extensions smooth and intact, avoid getting them tangled during washing. Here are some excellent ways to help you avoid tangles while washing.
- Use a wide-tooth comb or loop brush to detangle hair before washing it
- Wash in portions to prevent touching together
- Use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to add humidity
- Allow extensions to dry flat, and avoid wringing
- Place them in a protective bag or hang flat
These ways will help your extensions remain smooth and tangle-free.
What should I do if my extensions get wet in the pool or ocean?
If your extensions get wet in the pool or ocean, you should only do the following:
- Rinse immediately with fresh water
- Pat dry with a towel, avoid rubbing
- Apply leave-in conditioner for hydration
- Avoid heat styling until completely dry
- Store duly to help tangle
These actions will help protect your extensions
How do I know if I’m damaging my extensions when washing?
You may harm your extensions while washing if you notice:
- Tangles or breakage: If your extensions are tangling or slipping more than normal, you are presumably being too hard.
- Dryness or frizz: If your extensions seem dry or frizzy after washing, you may have used harsh treatments or hot water.
- Loss of shine: Healthy extensions should keep their luster. If they appear dull, it could be because they use strong shampoos or scratching them excessively.
- Loose or slipping bonds: If you feel your tape-in or fusion extensions slipping or coming loose after washing, you’ve presumably used too much water or conditioner around the roots.
To avoid damage, always wash gently using sulfate-free shampoos and avoid using too much heat or friction.
Should I wash my hair with extensions before a haircut?
Yes, washing your hair with extensions before a haircut is a good idea. Clean hair makes it easier for the stylist to see the natural texture and blending needs. Here are a few tips:
- Wash Gently: Use a sulfate-free shampoo and focus on your scalp, avoiding tugging on the extensions.
- Condition Carefully: Apply conditioner only to the mid-lengths and ends to avoid loosening the bonds.
- Dry Thoroughly: Make sure your hair is completely dry before your appointment to prevent tangling.
This helps ensure a smooth haircut and better blending of your extensions!
