If you have ever purchased or even researched any type of quality hair extensions, you know that they can be used over and over again. And this happy proclamation is usually followed by the phrase “with proper care.” This means you cannot take for granted that your hair will last without doing your part to keep it in good condition.
So many women fall into the trap of thinking because hair hasn’t grown out of your scalp it is completely maintenance free. So untrue!!! Especially if you’ve invested in virgin 100% human hair. It is still REAL – hair whether on your scalp or on a wig or weft is dead once it grows out of your scalp. So the fact that you did not grow it does not mean that to look its best it will not need the same amount of care!
Here are a few tips to help you hair last and look as great as it did when you first purchased it:
- Seal your wefts. Apply some kind of sealant along the edge of the track where the hair is sewn together to form one continuous piece. In well constructed wefts, sealing can almost eliminate shedding altogether by adding extra reinforcement. Aside from being annoying, shedding decreases the life of your extensions because the less hair on the weft, the less full your finished product will be, whether it is a weave, wig, or ponytail.
- Cleanse the hair. Most times you are using product to maintain the look of your extensions. This product, plus the daily accumulation of dust causes buildup and needs to be removed regularly. I recommend using gentle shampoos, sulfate free or diluted with water. Do not agitate the hair back and forth or massage in circles. Instead rub the shampoo down the length of the hair to prevent excessive tangling.
- Condition regularly. Even if you don’t have the time to deep condition, co-washing alone can make a huge difference in your extensions. Conditioner revives the hair, restores suppleness, prevents frizziness, and relieves tangling.
- Be easy with products. Just like on your real hair, try not to overload your extensions with products. Oil sheens, serums and sprays may look pretty for the moment but continuing to pile it on will cause buildup, which requires more frequent shampooing, which will cause your hair to “wear out” more quickly. Good, quality hair shouldn’t require a lot of products to maintain so why use them?
- Do not cut the wefts. This also decreases shedding, similar to sealing. But also, keeping the entire length of the track intact makes for easier storage and re-installation.
- Store properly. After your hair has been removed from your sew-in, roll it with a piece of silk or satin fabric and place an elastic band around the entire thing. The fabric helps keep the tracks separated, preventing tangling while not drying the hair.
Follow these tips and I guarantee you will soon be testifying that your hair survives months to years still looking good!
