1. The Importance of Professional Installation

Before diving into care, it’s essential to note the value of professional installation. Our experienced stylists are trained to choose and apply extensions that match your natural hair’s texture, color, and density. Whether you’ve opted for tape-ins, clip-ins, micro-links, or sew-ins, proper installation ensures your extensions look natural and protect your hair from damage.

Once installed, the longevity of your extensions largely depends on how well you care for them at home. Following these tips will help you get the most out of your investment.

2. Brushing and Detangling

One of the most crucial steps in maintaining your extensions is regular brushing. Hair extensions can be prone to tangling, especially at the root or where they’re attached to your natural hair.

- Use a Specialized Brush: Always use a soft-bristle brush or a loop brush designed for extensions. These brushes glide through your hair without snagging or pulling at the bonds or wefts.
- Start at the Ends: Begin brushing from the bottom and work your way up to the roots. This method minimizes breakage and prevents unnecessary tension on your extensions.
- Be Gentle Around the Bonds: Avoid brushing directly on the area where your extensions are attached to your natural hair. Instead, gently support the roots with one hand while brushing to prevent pulling.

3. Washing Your Extensions

Washing your hair extensions requires special care to ensure you don’t weaken the bonds or cause excessive tangling. While it’s important to keep your hair and scalp clean, you don’t need to wash your extensions as frequently as your natural hair.

- Use Sulfate-Free Shampoo: Harsh shampoos can strip your extensions of moisture and cause them to become dry and brittle. Opt for a sulfate-free shampoo, which is gentler on both your extensions and your natural hair.
- Wash in a Vertical Motion: When washing, tilt your head back and gently massage the shampoo through your scalp and the extensions. Avoid scrubbing or circular motions, as this can cause tangling at the roots.
- Don’t Over-Wash: Extensions don’t produce natural oils like your scalp does, so there’s no need to wash them every day. Depending on your lifestyle and hair type, washing once or twice a week is sufficient.

4. Conditioning for Soft, Silky Hair

Conditioning is essential to keep your extensions soft and manageable. However, you need to be careful about how and where you apply conditioner.
- Condition from Mid-Length to Ends: Focus the conditioner on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, avoiding the roots and the bonds. Applying conditioner to the roots can weaken the bonds and cause slippage.
- Use a Leave-In Conditioner: A lightweight leave-in conditioner or serum can add extra moisture and shine. Be sure to choose a product that is specifically designed for extensions to avoid buildup.

5. Drying Your Extensions

Proper drying techniques are key to preventing damage to both your natural hair and your extensions. Letting your extensions air-dry is ideal, but if you must blow-dry, follow these steps:

- Towel Dry Gently: After washing, gently pat your hair dry with a soft towel. Avoid rubbing or twisting your hair, which can cause tangling.
- Use Heat Protection: Extensions are particularly sensitive to heat. Always use a heat protectant spray before blow-drying or using hot tools. This will help prevent dryness and split ends.
- Dry the Bonds First: If you have bonded extensions (like tape-ins or micro-links), focus on drying the bonds first to prevent them from staying damp and weakening over time.
- Low Heat, Gentle Approach: Use your blow dryer on a low-heat setting, and aim to dry your extensions in a downward motion to prevent frizz and maintain smoothness.

6. Styling with Heat

While it’s tempting to curl or straighten your new extensions every day, moderation is key. Too much heat can cause damage, just like with your natural hair.

- Use High-Quality Hot Tools: Invest in professional-grade styling tools with temperature control. High-quality tools are less likely to cause damage, and using the right temperature for your hair type will prolong the life of your extensions.
- Limit Heat Styling: Whenever possible, try non-heat styling techniques like braiding or using foam rollers. This will help preserve the integrity of your extensions and minimize heat exposure.
- Apply a Heat Protectant: As mentioned earlier, always apply a heat protectant spray before using any hot tools. This step is non-negotiable for protecting your extensions.

7. Nighttime Care

Your nighttime routine is just as important as your daytime care. Properly preparing your extensions for sleep can prevent tangles and unnecessary stress on the bonds.

- Braid or Bun Your Hair: Before bed, loosely braid or tie your hair into a low bun to prevent tangling. This also helps reduce friction between your hair and your pillow.
- Use a Silk Pillowcase: A silk or satin pillowcase reduces friction while you sleep, preventing your hair from snagging and tangling. It’s also great for keeping your skin smooth!
- Sleep with Dry Hair: Always ensure your hair is completely dry before going to bed. Sleeping with damp hair can cause matting and weaken the bonds of your extensions.

8. Regular Salon Maintenance

Even with the best care at home, regular salon visits are essential to keep your extensions looking their best. Our expert stylists recommend scheduling a maintenance appointment every 6-8 weeks.

- Check the Bonds: During your maintenance appointment, your stylist will check the bonds or wefts to ensure they’re still secure. Any extensions that have slipped can be readjusted or replaced.
- Professional Cleansing and Conditioning: A salon-grade deep cleanse and conditioning treatment will keep both your natural hair and extensions healthy and shiny. It’s also an opportunity for your stylist to offer personalized care advice.

9. Avoiding Common Mistakes

While extensions can transform your look, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that could shorten their lifespan or cause damage to your natural hair:

- Don’t Overload on Products: Using too many styling products can weigh down your extensions and lead to buildup. Stick to lightweight, extension-friendly products recommended by your stylist.
- Avoid Oil-Based Products Near the Bonds: Oils can break down the adhesive in tape-in or bonded extensions. Keep oil-based products away from the roots.
- Never Pull or Tug at Your Extensions: Pulling on your extensions can damage both the extensions and your natural hair. Always be gentle when handling them.

So.... 

With proper care and attention, your extensions can remain a luxurious, long-lasting addition to your beauty routine. By following these expert tips and making regular visits to our salon, you’ll enjoy beautiful, healthy extensions for months to come. At Stuart Salon, we’re here to help you maintain the glamour and elegance that comes with professional-grade extensions, ensuring you always leave our salon feeling your absolute best.