Extensions give you the versatility to make your hair longer, thicker, fuller, to try a fun new color, or to transform your look. When cared for properly, extensions won’t damage your natural hair.

Here’s what you need to know about hair care.

🛡 Invest In Quality

Both the cost of your virgin hair extensions and having them installed is an investment, but like most things in life you get what you pay for. The price tag of synthetic is tempting, but their high gloss shine gives away that they are synthetic—and they will only look good for a few weeks at most. In terms of your natural hair, synthetic extensions are heavier, especially when wet, and because they shouldn’t be washed can damage your hair.

🛡 Prep Your Hair

Extensions must be installed to a clean and conditioned head and scalp, especially if you plan on wearing them for the full 3 months. The type of conditioning treatment plan will vary if your natural hair is already damaged. And while your braids need to be tight, they shouldn’t be so tight that they put strain on your hair.

🛡Wash Your Hair Extensions

How often you should wash your hair extensions varies on your lifestyle and styling. Clip-ins should be washed every 6 to 10 wears to remove product build-up. If your extensions are sewn-in, you should wash every week or two. If your workout or sweat a lot weekly washing is a must. Be sure to use sulfate and paraben-free shampoo and conditioner. Never go to bed with wet extensions.

🛡Have Your Extensions Professionally Removed

Due to time or expense it can be tempting to remove your extensions yourself, but improper removal is the most common cause of damage, breakage, and hair loss. If you are having extensions reinstalled give your natural hair at least 2 days in between to breathe. 

When properly cared for your natural hair extensions can last a lifetime. Be sure to store them in a tangle-free manner between use. The best way to do this is with the silk-lined Hair Shield rollup storage unit. Take a look for yourself now!