Hair extensions are a major beauty investment. They can cost hundreds of dollars, so it’s important to take great care when washing them to ensure they last as long as possible before you need a new set. Washing your hair extensions incorrectly can lead to tangles, knots, and ripped out extensions, costing you even more money. Your hair stylist should be able to give you specific instructions related to your extension type and method of installation, but this general guide is suitable for most varieties. Learn how to wash hair extensions correctly.
Materials
When washing your hair, it’s important to first have the right materials on hand to not needlessly damage your extensions. First, you’ll need a high-quality shampoo and conditioner. Choose something moisturizing to help your hair retain its shine. Shampoos and conditioners without sulfates and silicones are not only safer for color treated hair, which is important because many extensions are dyed, they also clean your hair more gently and prevent frizz, helping lengthen the extensions’ lives.
You’ll also need a brush and a comb. Your comb should have widely spaced teeth, which help detangle without damaging the hair. When shopping for a brush, choose one with boar bristles, which carefully shape your hair while adding some shine. Finally, make sure you have the right towel on hand. Microfiber towels leave hair smoother than traditional terry cloth, so consider having a special towel just for your hair.
The Steps
Begin by brushing and combing your hair to remove any tangles. Start from the tips of your hair and work your way up slowly, focusing on small sections of your hair. This will help you avoid pulling out an extension and will leave your hair tangle free. Washing tangled hair can make the mess worse, so take your time on this step.
Next, gradually add water to your hair to moisten it. Soaking dry hair with water can make it swell and create more tangles, causing damage to your extensions. Add small amounts of water to your hair, and continue combing as you do so to prevent tangles.
Once all of your hair is wet, begin shampooing. Working from the top down, add a small amount of shampoo to the top of your head and gently work it through the strands of your hair. It may help to run your fingers through your hair to evenly distribute the shampoo without damaging your extensions or pulling on them too hard. Add more shampoo when you get to the middle and ends of your hair, if necessary, to ensure that each section is properly cleaned. Rinse thoroughly with water, again working from the top down and in small sections.
You can now condition your hair. But remember, too much conditioner will leave your hair heavy and lank, while not enough will deprive your hair of that much needed moisture. Your hair should feel slick to the touch after putting in your conditioner. As with shampoo, apply conditioner from the top down and in several sections if necessary, paying special attention to the ends of your hair. Be careful to not put too much conditioner on the bonds of your extensions, as this may weaken them or cause uncomfortable buildup. Leave the conditioner in for a few minutes to allow it to penetrate the hair cuticle and fully moisturize the hair, then wash the conditioner out slowly.
After washing your hair, wrap it in your microfiber towel and press or squeeze the excess water out. Do not wring your hair or rub it in the towel. These methods will make your hair frizzy and also run the risk of pulling out the extensions. At this point, you can apply some leave in conditioner, which helps prevent flyaways and can add extra moisture and shine.
Comb through your hair once more and allow it to air dry before styling as usual. Try to limit the amount of heat you use on your extensions. While you may blow dry, curl, and straighten them every so often, doing so on a regular basis can shorten their lifespan and require you to purchase more extensions sooner.
Learn More About How to Wash Hair Extensions
Visit HairByRussians.com for more information about how to wash hair extensions and to purchase your own set. Hair by Russians sells a variety of extension types, including clip ins, weft, and hot fusion extension styles, in multiple colors and lengths. Slavic hair is renowned for its softness, texture, volume, and durability, making it an ideal choice. Hair by Russians cleanses and conditions hair to ensure that it blends seamlessly with your own, then uses a unique dyeing process to prevent burning preserve its natural spring and shine.