Extensions and me go way back, to when I foolishly got a bob cut and then destroyed my hair with bleach and had to get it cut even shorter. Even remembering this makes me shudder a bit. I used to wear extensions I got from the market where I lived. They were a good colour match, but the quality was terrible and I had to learn to really take care of them to avoid buying new ones regularly. Luckily, I don’t need to wear extensions for length anymore but I do own some Dirty Looks* extensions for when I fancy busting out some volume. The quality of these are so superior to any extensions I have ever owned, from first touch I could feel how soft and silky they were! That being said, they do still need some TLC to keep them in tip top condition.
Never, ever sleep in your extensions.
I used to do this all the time, and it leaves extensions dry and ratty and tangled. It’s just a plain and simple no, don’t do it kids.
Use a heat protector.
When it comes to it, extensions are hair just like the hair on your head, except you can’t grow new extensions if you use just a little too much heat on them. Use heat protector every time you use heat on them, unless you want to buy a new pair after every styling session.
Use a good serum or oil.
The ends of extensions can get quite dry and ratty if you’re not careful, but I find using a serum helps to prolong the life of the extensions. Just rub a tiny bit into your palms, and over the ends of the extensions every other time you wear them. Don’t put the serum straight onto them, unless you like rocking greasy hair. I use Moroccan Oil as I find it really good quality, but whatever you use on your hair should be fine!
Wash infrequently.
Unlike your hair, extensions don’t benefit from the oils your scalp produces so they don’t need washing very often, I’d say maybe once a month is fine. When you do wash them, fill your sink with warm water and shampoo, and dip the extensions in and gently pat/ rub in the water before rinsing and leaving a conditioner on for a few minutes. Once you’ve rinsed, brush out (using either a wide tooth comb or a Tangle Teezer), apply serum and leave to air dry. Either use an intensive conditioner/ mask, or leave a normal conditioner on for like 10 minutes.
Brush carefully.
I couldn’t tell you the amount of times I used to take my extensions out, leave them on the floor (I know, I know, I’m rank) and then force a paddle brush through them and rip out most of the hair. You should brush them before and after every use, and that’s it. I’d definitely recommend a Tangle Teezer (as I’m obsessed with mine) but you can use a normal brush, just start from the ends upwards to ease tangles out, rather than ripping them.
Store sensibly.
Like I said, I used to leave mine on the floor, on my kitchen table (much to the dismay of my dad) or generally anywhere where I decided I didn’t want to wear them. Mucky pup. I store my Dirty Looks extensions in the box they came with now, after brushing I pop them together and lay them in gently, as it helps prevent tangles and breakages. So long as they have a dedicated place, you’ll be fine.
That’s pretty much everything I can think of to be honest. It’s not rocket science, you wouldn’t treat your hair like crap (or if you do, shame on you!) so why treat extensions like crap? Especially when good quality ones do cost, so you want to make them last. I would recommend Dirty Looks, I was sent these to try but they’re a far cry from the market ones I used to use and when I’m wearing them I can’t tell which is my hair and which is extensions from the look or feel.
How do you keep your extensions in good condition?
