ar ·Sep 02, 2022

8 tips for caring for natural hair extensions: How to maintain the quality of your hair extensions

Many women are turning to the use of natural hair extensions to address various hair problems. Hair extensions are the most popular and widely used solution for many women worldwide who want to change their appearance quickly and effectively.

Whether you want to increase the thickness, length, or even change the color of your hair without resorting to chemical dyes, natural hair extensions are the most suitable option for you. However, with daily use, they are susceptible to various external factors that can affect the quality of the hair extensions and, consequently, the beauty and health of your hair. This can also reduce their lifespan, requiring you to purchase new ones, which can be costly. But you can avoid these issues through proper daily care of your natural hair extensions. In this article, we will explore the most important tips to help you maintain the safety and longevity of your hair extensions.

What is the shelf life of natural hair extensions?

The average lifespan of natural hair extensions ranges from 6 months to a year, and in some cases, even more, depending on how you care for them. It's important to note that natural hair extensions don't have a source of moisture like your natural hair, so you need to keep them moisturized regularly to extend their lifespan.

Here are the most important tips for maintaining the safety of your hair extensions:

Selecting the right type of natural hair extensions that suit you and understanding how to wear or install them is crucial. However, knowing how to care for them is equally essential to enjoy attractive hair for as long as possible. Here are some vital tips to ensure your natural hair extensions remain healthy, lasting longer:

1. Proper Storage:

Respecting the storage conditions of your natural hair extensions is a crucial step in taking care of your hair attachments and prolonging their lifespan for as long as possible. Neglecting this aspect can lead to finding your extensions tangled and diminished in quality after some time. Therefore, we're here to provide you with some practical steps to help you store your hair extensions under the best possible conditions to maintain their quality:

After removing your clip-in natural hair extensions, make sure that all the wefts are securely closed.
Always be diligent about combing the borrowed hair thoroughly with a dedicated brush, ensuring it's free from knots and tangles before storage.
Store your extensions in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent any damage.
Ensure that you keep your hair extensions in a designated bag to prevent tangling and to maintain the desired hairstyle.
Make sure your natural hair extensions are completely dry before storing them. This helps protect them from moisture, which can lead to bacterial growth and deterioration.

2. Caring for Natural Hair Extensions While Sleeping:

If your hair extensions are of the permanent type, it's essential to comb them carefully to protect them from tangling.
Use a specialized brush or a wide-tooth comb, gently combing from top to bottom.
You can also apply natural oils like walnut oil or argan oil to provide the extensions with the necessary moisture while you sleep. It's important to avoid sleeping with wet or damp hair extensions, as this significantly increases the risk of tangling.
It's also advisable to sleep on silk pillows, as they reduce friction with the hair extensions and prevent your hair from getting tangled or unruly when you wake up.
If your hair extensions are temporary, you can remove them, comb them thoroughly, and store them in a designated place.

3. Identifying Products to Avoid:

During your hair extension care journey, it's crucial to ensure that you're using the right products and steering clear of those that could harm your extensions. This aspect will determine whether your extensions stay soft, tangle-free, and last as long as possible. So, when buying the products you use, always make sure they don't contain sodium laureth sulfate, ethanol, propanol, isopropyl, denatured alcohol, or propyl. These ingredients strip the hair of its natural oils, making it more susceptible to dryness and tangling. They can also harm the hair and cause damage, especially with prolonged use, significantly reducing the lifespan of your hair extensions.

It's also advisable not to overuse adhesive products like hair spray and hair gel. The more products you use on your extensions, the more you'll need to wash them, potentially affecting their quality.

Video: How to wash temporary clip-in hair extensions.

4. How to Properly Clean Hair Extensions:

Always make sure to clean your hair extensions correctly to extend their lifespan and maintain their quality. Follow these instructions for a proper cleaning process:

Ensure you use a brush specifically designed for hair extensions or a wide-toothed comb. This helps avoid damaging the hair, as the comb smoothly glides between the hair strands, removing tangles and knots without harming the hair roots.
Avoid combing your hair extensions when they are wet, as they are more prone to breakage.
After cleaning, you can moisturize the extensions with natural hair oils to protect them from dryness.

5. Using a Towel to Dry Hair Extensions:

The best way to dry your hair extensions is by using a soft towel designed specifically for this purpose. Gently pat them dry without rubbing vigorously until they are dry. It's not advisable to comb the extensions when they are wet to prevent any damage since they can become fragile. Also, avoid using heat-based drying equipment as they can contribute to damage.

6. How to Reduce Hair Extension Shedding:

Just like your natural hair, hair extensions are also susceptible to shedding because they are made from natural hair. So, it's essential to know some tips to significantly reduce this shedding:

First, make sure to thoroughly comb your natural hair before washing it, and be sure to comb it when it's completely dry. Natural hair extensions are delicate and prone to breakage when wet.
Use products that are free from harmful chemicals when washing your extensions.
Utilize a brush designed for hair extensions or a wide-toothed comb.
Avoid washing them with hot water or exposing them to styling tools that rely on heat.

7. Washing Hair Extensions:

It is recommended to wash your hair extensions once a month to keep them clean and well-maintained. Here's how to do it:

Fill a container with lukewarm water.
Add a small amount of natural shampoo, then gently massage the extensions. Afterward, rinse them thoroughly with water.
Finally, condition the extensions with the hair conditioner you use and apply a bit of natural oil to keep them moisturized.

8. Additional Tips:

With the arrival of summer and rising temperatures, it's advisable to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, as it can lead to quicker damage. So, covering your hair is a good way to protect it.
Also, while you're on vacation, make sure to use products that shield your hair extensions from the salty seawater or chlorine found in pools.

The best investment you can make in your beauty and hair health is to ensure proper care for your hair extensions. This will reap numerous benefits for the health and beauty of your hair, as well as your overall elegance. On one hand, it saves you time and money, as these simple daily habits spare you from searching for new hair extensions and allow you to enjoy them for the longest possible duration.