How to Keep Your Hair Extensions Looking Brand New for Years
You’ve splurged on gorgeous hair extensions that make your hair look fuller, longer, and healthier than ever. But just a few weeks in, your new hair is beginning to appear limp, frizzy, and dull. What happened? Chances are you’re damaging your new hair without even realizing it.
From voluminous curly hair to sleek length, extensions open up a world of styling possibilities to achieve the look you’ve always desired. They also come in a variety of types, including clip-ins, tape-ins, sew-ins, and micro-link extensions. However, these weaves and add-ons require diligent upkeep. Failure to take proper care of your extensions can result in a loss of shine, bounce, and overall quality, which can lead to a shortened lifespan.
Before your expensive new locks become irreparably ruined, check out these 5 ways you could be destroying your hair extensions and what you can do to prevent further harm. Protect your i-tip extensions and get back to having a good hair day every day with these easy tips. Let’s take a look!
1. Using Sunscreens and Tanning Sprays
Many people use sunscreen or spray tans in the summer without realizing these products can damage hair extensions. The active ingredients in sunscreens, especially oxybenzone and octocrylene, can react with iron and copper in water to create hair-staining chemical compounds. Over time, these compounds leave behind stubborn stains that can discolor blonde hair extensions to orange or pinkish tones.
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this type of damage when wearing hair extensions in sunny weather. First, minimize direct contact between hair extensions and sunscreen by keeping hair up and away from areas of applied sunscreen. It also helps to rinse out hair extensions after wearing them all day to remove any residue before it has a chance to react and stain. Using an oxybenzone-free sunscreen alternative can also reduce staining.
If hair extensions do become stained from sun exposure and sunscreen use, try washing with clarifying shampoo several times to lift out the pigment causing discoloration. Follow up with a purple toning shampoo for only 1 minute to neutralize warmth without over-toning. Condition hair extensions afterward, avoiding the bonds and roots. Repeat this process 2-3 times as needed to remove stubborn staining. Taking preventative steps still remains key to keeping hair extensions looking their best all summer long.
2. Washing Too Much or Too Little
Finding the right balance between washing your hair and scalp too much or too little is key to keeping them looking fresh. Not washing them regularly enough can lead to a buildup of oils, dirt, and product residue, causing them to look dull, limp, and greasy. On the other hand, washing them excessively can strip them of moisture and natural oils, leaving them dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.
As a general rule of thumb, aim to wash your hair extensions three times per week. This helps remove any buildup and leaves them looking clean without overwashing. When you do wash them, use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner formulated for hair extensions or color-treated hair. These products are free from harsh sulfates that can strip moisture and contain moisturizing ingredients to nourish your extensions.
In between washes, use a dry shampoo at the roots to absorb oil and add volume. You can also use a leave-in conditioner, hair mask, or hair oil, especially on the ends, to keep your extensions hydrated and prevent breakage. We recommend limiting the use of heat styling tools like hair straighteners which can damage hair texture, and always using heat protectants before styling to shield your extensions.
The bottom line? Pay attention to how your extensions look and feel to determine the right washing schedule for you. If they start looking lackluster or feel greasy, it’s probably time for a wash. And when you do wash them, use gentle, moisturizing products and limit heat styling to keep your extensions looking lush and healthy. With the proper care and maintenance, your hair extensions can continue to look natural and beautiful for months to come.
3. Using Harsh Products
As if harsh shampoos and conditioners weren’t damaging enough for your natural hairstyle, they can wreak havoc on hair extensions. Extensions, while durable, are still prone to dryness, breakage, and frizz when exposed to chemicals like sulfates (foaming agents in shampoos), parabens (preservatives), and alcohols. These ingredients may clean your hair and extensions, but they do so by stripping them of their natural oils and moisture, which can leave your extensions looking dull and feeling coarse.
To keep your i-tip extensions nourished and protected, use sulfate-free, paraben-free, and alcohol-free hair treatment products formulated specifically for extensions. These specialized products are made to gently cleanse extensions without depleting them of the natural oils they need to stay soft and shiny. They also often contain hydrating ingredients like jojoba oil, argan oil, coconut oil, and keratin to strengthen extensions and seal in moisture.
You should also limit the use of heat tools like blow dryers and curling irons which can cause damage. When you do use them, be sure to apply a heat-protectant product first to create a barrier between the heat and your extensions. The less heat and harsh chemicals your extensions are exposed to, the better.
With some TLC and the right products, your extensions can continue to look as natural and flawless as the day they were installed. Let us know if you have any questions and check out our extension-specific products at Hair Extensions of Houston to find one that keeps your hair looking shiny and bouncy.
4. Improper Handling
Everyone wants their i-tip extensions to remain silky smooth and frizz-free, but few put in the work to maintain it. Your hair extensions are an investment, so you’ll want to handle them properly to keep them looking their best. Be gentle when combing and styling your extensions. We highly recommend using a wide-tooth comb (especially on wet hair) and detangling them carefully with your hands, as well as applying hair oil to restore shine and prevent frizz.
It’s also important to avoid harsh styling tools and high heat without protecting your i-tip extensions first, as the heat can cause damage, breakage, and dryness if you’re not careful. Use a heat protectant spray before blow drying or curling your extensions to shield your extensions and minimize any damage. Also, be mindful of how you handle your hair and avoid any harsh pulling or tugging.
Treat your extensions as delicately as you would your own natural hair. After all, even though they’re not growing directly from your scalp, your extensions are still an important part of your hairstyle and appearance. With regular trims and proper handling, your hair extensions can continue looking natural and healthy in the long run.
5. Cut and Trim Extensions
When it comes to maintaining your hair extensions, getting regular trims is essential. Unlike your natural hair, hair extensions cannot repair split or damaged ends on their own. Failing to get trims can lead to further breakage, leaving your extensions looking unhealthy and uneven.
Some of you may be ready to grab scissors and get to work, but we recommend finding a professional haircutter. Hair extensions require precision cutting to ensure an even, natural-looking trim without altering their shape or thickness, so visit a hair salon that specializes in hair extensions and has stylists with experience trimming them.
Your stylist will examine your extensions to check for any split or damaged ends that need trimming, then they’ll section your hair to precisely trim only the ends of the extensions. Your stylist can also trim your natural hair to blend in with your extensions for an even, seamless look. A trim typically only removes about 1⁄4 inch to 1⁄2 inch of length, so you won’t lose much length but your ends will look refreshed and healthy.
At Hair Extensions of Houston, our stylists are highly trained in properly trimming all types of hair extensions. Our expert team can trim your extensions, remove any tangles or matting, and provide you with the best advice on how to care for your extensions at home.
Contact the Experts at Hair Extensions of Houston Today
You’ve invested a lot of time and money into your hair extensions, so you want them to last as long as possible. Now that you know some of the common mistakes that can damage your extensions, you can start making small changes to your routine and habits to keep your hair extensions looking their best.
Check out our online shop to browse our specialty shampoos, conditioners, hair masques, and more formulated specifically for hair extensions. Our organic We also provide personalized advice from our expert stylists on choosing the right products for your hair type and extensions.
When it comes to caring for your hair extensions, it’s crucial to find experts you can trust. At Hair Extensions of Houston, our team has years of experience helping clients keep their extensions looking flawless. We offer a range of high-quality products and i-tip installing services tailored to your unique needs.
If you have any questions about properly maintaining your extensions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our stylists. We can provide customized advice for your hair type and the specific extensions you choose. Our experts know the dos and don’ts to avoid damage or breakage. Call us or book your appointment online today!
