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How To Keep Your Hair Extensions in Salon Condition

Hair has long been a fashion accessory of choice, as the stars of stage and screen have used their locks as an asset to complete their enviable looks. From Marilyn Monroe and the Supremes to the Spice Girls and Beyonce, all have experimented with wigs in some way as an alternative to their natural tresses. Hair extensions are now a more popular replacement to wigs and they’re just as available to high-street customers as they are to celebrities. Simply pop into your favourite salon and come out looking a million dollars! But to keep your new locks looking luscious, you’ll need to follow these top tips to keep your hair extensions in salon condition. 

Don’t Treat Your Extensions Like Your Natural Hair 

You may have paid for beautiful natural hair which has been cut and blended to look as if it’s grown from your very own crown. However, it’s essential that you don’t treat your extensions as if they’re actually your real locks. As your own hair grows, it is being constantly nourished by the natural oils in your scalp. So, you’ll need to do a little more than just shampoo and condition to keep your extensions looking fresh. 

Washing Your Extensions

Ideally, you’ll wash your hair extensions infrequently to prevent them from ageing too quickly. A hair extensions training courses Manchester professional explains that choosing the right products is also essential to your washing regimen. You’ll need to select those which won’t react with the bonding glue which attaches the extensions to your own hair. Your salon should have provided you with aftercare instructions including their recommendations for products. When applying your conditioner, always work from the ends of the strands first, avoiding both the bond and also the roots to prevent a greasy, limp look. 

Deep Conditioning Treatments

Just as with your regular hair, your extensions will benefit from some extra TLC every month or so. A deep conditioning treatment is a great way to prevent your extensions from drying out. Gently rub the product in, avoiding the bonding joins and leave in for the desired length of time. This will give your hair the extra shine you’re looking for and can be a relaxing treat too. On a more regular basis, if you think your extensions are looking a little dull, you can also rub a little oil into the ends of your hair to provide more life to your hairstyle. 

Drying Your Extensions 

If your typical habit is to hop out of the shower, roughly towel dry your hair and then turn the dryer on, then think again. When you have hair extensions, you need to be careful not to tug them loose, which can easily happen when you rub a towel over your head. Ideally, you’ll let your hair dry naturally, but if you’re in a hurry then patting your hair gently with a towel is an acceptable option. 

Avoid Using Heat  

If you’re addicted to your hair straighteners or curling tongs, then be aware that heat can be incredibly damaging to the follicles of your hair, which can lead to a dry and frizzy barnet. Allow your extensions to dry naturally where possible, but if you do need to use a heating appliance, then always apply a quality heat protection spray first. If you’re using a hairdryer, then try to use the coolest, lowest setting to keep plenty of moisture in your hair. 

Brushing Your Extensions 

If you’re worried about getting in a knot with your extensions, then always run a detangling spray through your hair before you start brushing. Knotty, frizzy hair can be carefully worked through with a wide-toothed detangling comb before styling your hair. Take care not to overbrush though as you could ultimately damage your hair by pulling the extensions off your natural hair. 

Sleeping With Hair Extensions 

We can all follow the rules to keep our extensions looking healthy during the day, but what about when we’re asleep? A night of tossing and turning can turn even the most luscious of locks into a tangled disaster. You can avoid this type of damage by tying up your hair before bed. Some of the best styles to wear to bed include a side braid, long pigtails or a bun. These should always be worn semi-loose to prevent any hair loss but also for comfort as you sleep. If you complete a hair extensions training courses Manchester program, you’ll know to take care with the types of hair ties you’re using so as to minimise any damage to your hair. Always avoid using elastic ties or rubber bands and opt instead for a softer covered scrunchie. In the morning, take your time to carefully unravel your hair rather than pulling the tie out quickly. 

Changing Up Your Hair Colour 

One of the reasons you may have been drawn to hair extensions in the first place is their versatility. Extensions which are natural or synthetic, bonded or clip-in, widen the options available to you in terms of your hair style. Whether you’re looking to add volume, length or a different texture to your hair, extensions enable you to go beyond nature to create just the look you want.  So, it’s only natural that you may wish to experiment with a change of colour at some point. If you know that you’re planning to change your style on a regular basis, then you may be more comfortable with clip-in extensions rather than the bonded variety. These enable you to switch up your hair as often as you change your clothes.  If you’re already wearing bonded extensions and are tempted to dye them, then it’s best not to use bottle dye at home. Even if you’re adept at dyeing your own hair, you don’t know how well your extensions will take to the chemicals in your preferred colour brand. It’s always best to visit a professional salon with hair extensions training courses Manchester qualifications to ensure that your change of colour is matched and well-blended. 

Removing Your Extensions 

Even ‘permanent’ hair extensions aren’t supposed to last forever. So, if your extensions are beginning to look lacklustre and need to be replaced, don’t be tempted to remove them yourself. Head back to your salon to discuss having them taken out and either consider giving your locks a rest for a few months, or replacing with a new set of tresses.