Weft Extension Care
Daily Care:
Brushing
Brush your hair 2-3 times daily.
Use a detangling or boar-bristle brush (like a Wet Brush or a brush specifically designed for extensions).
Technique: Hold the base of the extensions with one hand while gently brushing, starting at the ends and working your way up to the roots. This prevents stress on the attachment points.
Sectioning: Once a day, section your hair and brush between the rows of wefts. This prevents matting and tangling at the attachment sites.
Sleeping
Never sleep with wet hair. This is crucial, as it can lead to matting, tangling, and even mildew.
Before bed, gently gather your hair into a loose braid or low ponytail. A silk or satin pillowcase can also help reduce friction and tangles.
Product Use
Use high-quality, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners. Sulfate-free products are gentler and won't degrade the extension bonds.
Incorporate a leave-in conditioner or hair oil, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. This will keep the extension hair hydrated and prevent dryness.
Dry shampoo can be used between washes to refresh your hair and add volume.
Avoid: Products containing alcohol, sulfates, or parabens, as these can damage both your natural hair and the extensions.
Washing Your Hair:
Frequency
Wash your hair as infrequently as possible, typically 2-3 times a week. Overwashing can dry out the extensions and loosen the wefts.
Technique
Gently wet your hair with lukewarm water.
Apply a small amount of sulfate-free shampoo to your scalp and gently massage with your fingertips (not fingernails). Avoid vigorous scrubbing.
Rinse thoroughly longer than feels right.
Apply conditioner from the mid-lengths to the ends, avoiding the attachment areas.
Rinse thoroughly with cool water
Drying
Carefully blot your hair dry with a microfiber towel. Avoid rubbing, which can cause tangling.
You can air dry or blow dry on a low heat setting. If blow-drying, use a heat protectant spray and direct the airflow downwards.
Styling:
Heat Styling
Use heat protectant spray before using any hot tools (flat irons, curling irons, wands).
Keep the heat styling tools below the extension attachment points. Direct heat on the wefts can weaken them.
Use heat styling tools on a low to medium heat setting.
General Styling
Avoid hairstyles that put excessive tension on the wefts, such as tight ponytails or updos.
When styling, be gentle around the attachment areas.
Sun, Saltwater & Chlorine Protection:
Sun Protection
Never allow sunscreen, oils, or tanning products to come into direct contact with your extensions. These products can cause discoloration, especially in blonde hair.
If applying these products to your body, wash your hands thoroughly before touching your hair.
If you must use sunscreen, opt for a mineral-based formula that does not contain avobenzone or octocrylene.
When in the sun, wear a hat or scarf to protect your hair. You can also put your hair up.
Saltwater and Pools
Always wet your hair and apply a layer of conditioner before entering salt water or a pool. This creates a barrier.
Immediately after swimming, rinse your hair thoroughly with fresh water to remove salt and chlorine.
Shampoo and condition your hair after rinsing.
Blow-dry your hair as soon as possible after swimming. Do not let it stay wet for extended periods.
Limit how often you submerge your hair.
Brush 2-3 Times A Day:
Brush 2-3 times a day, starting at the ends and working your way up towards your scalp, to prevent tangling. Once each day, section and brush in between each row.
Workouts:
Feel free to get your work out on but don't trap sweat, moisture and oil at your scalp by leaving it up. So let your hair down after your work out!
Maintenance Appointments:
Schedule regular maintenance appointments. The frequency will depend on how quickly your natural hair grows, but typically every 6-8 weeks.
During these appointments, I will check the condition of your extensions and your natural hair, remove and wash the extensions, touch up color if nesassary and reposition them.
Recommended Products:
Sulfate-free is supreme: Invest in high-quality, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners. Sulfates can be harsh and drying, which is the last thing you want for your extensions.
Hydration heroes: A good hair oil or leave-in conditioner is essential for keeping your extensions (and your natural hair) moisturized and healthy.
Dry shampoo delight: Dry shampoo can be a wonderful tool for extending the time between washes and keeping your hair feeling fresh.
Expert advice: When in doubt, always seek recommendations from your trusted hair extension specialist. They can recommend the best products for your specific type of extensions and hair.