Having hair extensions can really change up your look, adding volume or length that you might have always wanted. But, you know, keeping them looking their best means giving them a little extra attention when it's time for a wash. It's not quite the same as washing your natural hair, and getting it right can make all the difference in how long your lovely extensions stay looking fresh and beautiful.
Actually, taking good care of your extensions when you clean them helps them last a lot longer. It's not a super complicated process, but there are some simple steps and a few things to keep in mind that are different from your usual hair washing routine. Think of it as just a slightly different way of doing things, nothing to feel worried about at all.
This guide will walk you through the simple steps, making sure you have all the information you need to keep both your natural hair and your extensions looking wonderful. We'll cover everything from getting ready to the best way to dry them, and even some special notes for different kinds of extensions, so you can really maintain that gorgeous look for as long as possible.
Table of Contents
- How Do You Get Ready to Wash Your Hair with Extensions?
- What's the Right Water Temperature When You Wash Your Hair with Extensions?
- How Should You Gently Wash Your Hair with Extensions?
- How Often Should You Wash Your Hair with Extensions?
- How Do You Dry Your Hair with Extensions Safely?
How Do You Get Ready to Wash Your Hair with Extensions?
So, before you even think about getting your hair wet, there are a couple of things you should definitely do to get ready. First off, it’s really good to make sure your sink or basin is very, very clean. You want a fresh start for your hair, right? A clean spot helps keep everything hygienic and ready for your hair care. You'll want to gather all your supplies before you begin, too. This includes things like a gentle shampoo and a gentle conditioner, perhaps even one with natural oils.
It’s also a good idea to wash your hair with extensions before you go in for a haircut. This is because having clean hair makes it a whole lot easier for your hair stylist to really see your hair's natural texture. It also helps them figure out just how well your extensions are blending in with your own hair. This way, they can give you the best possible cut, making sure everything looks seamless and pretty. Basically, getting everything ready beforehand just makes the whole process smoother and helps you get the best results for your lovely hair.
What's the Right Water Temperature When You Wash Your Hair with Extensions?
The temperature of the water you use when you wash your hair can actually make a big difference for the overall health of your hair, and this is especially true when you have extensions. You really need to think about the water's warmth when you're washing your hair with extensions. It's always, always best to use water that is just lukewarm. Not too hot, not too cold.
You see, very hot water can cause your extensions to become quite brittle, and that can lead to hair breaking off. You should, by all means, avoid boiling water because it can really do damage to your hair extensions. On the other hand, water that is too cold isn't very effective at all when it comes to getting your hair truly clean. It just doesn't work as well as water that is a comfortable, moderate temperature. So, a nice, gentle lukewarm stream is what you're aiming for to keep your extensions happy and healthy.
How Should You Gently Wash Your Hair with Extensions?
When you're ready to wash your hair with extensions, the first thing to do is make sure your hair is completely wet with clean, warm water before you even think about putting on any shampoo. Once your hair is thoroughly wet, you'll want to use a gentle shampoo. Moisturizing shampoos, especially ones with natural oils like argan or coconut, are pretty good for keeping your hair shiny and lustrous without making it feel heavy. You should avoid using any harsh shampoos or conditioners, as these can be unkind to your extensions.
When you apply the shampoo, and later the conditioner, remember to wash in a downward motion. This means you should gently stroke the product down the length of your hair, rather than scrubbing it all over. It’s also very important that you do not scrub or rub the areas where your extensions are attached to your natural hair. Being gentle around those attachment points helps keep them secure and prevents any kind of damage. After shampooing, make sure to rinse your hair extensions very thoroughly. You want to make sure there's no product left behind, because leftover shampoo or conditioner can actually make your hair feel dry or even get tangled.
Brushing Your Hair with Extensions the Right Way
Proper brushing is a really important part of looking after your hair extensions. You should always, always start by brushing your extensions to get rid of any tangles or knots before you even think about washing them. It's also a good idea to brush your hair before you step into the shower. This helps prevent tangles from forming when your hair gets wet.
When you do brush, use a hair brush that has special bristles designed for extensions. And here's a big tip: never, ever brush the wefts, which are the parts where the extension hair is attached, when they are wet. Doing that can cause hair to break. Instead, always start brushing from the very ends of your hair and then slowly work your way up towards the roots. This gentle method helps you remove tangles without putting too much stress on your extensions or your own hair.
Special Washing Tips for Beaded Hair Extensions
If you have beaded hair extensions, there are a few extra things to keep in mind when you wash your hair with extensions. For this type of extension, washing your hair as little as possible will actually help them last longer. So, try to extend the time between washes if you can.
Also, when you're washing, you should try to avoid tipping your head forward too much. This can put stress on the beads and the hair attached to them. Instead, try to keep your head more upright, allowing the water and products to flow down the length of your hair without pulling on the attachment points. This gentle approach helps keep your beaded extensions secure and looking good for a longer time.
Taking Care When Washing Clip-In Hair Extensions
For those of you with clip-in hair extensions, it’s very, very recommended that you take them out before you wash your hair. There are several good reasons for doing this. Washing your hair with the clip-in extensions still in can make it harder to clean your own hair properly, and it can also put unnecessary strain on the clips and the extension hair itself.
By removing them first, you can wash your own hair thoroughly, and then you can wash the clip-in extensions separately, giving them the specific care they need. This approach helps keep both your natural hair and your clip-ins in great shape, making sure they last and look their best every time you wear them.
Washing Weft Hair Extensions with Care
Washing weft hair extensions requires a bit of special care, too. You should only wash these types of extensions once or twice a week, and how often you wash them might depend on how frequently you wear them. Again, use lukewarm water to wash your hair with extensions. As mentioned before, hot water can really strip the hair of its natural oils, and that can lead to dryness.
Sometimes, for weft extensions, you might even want to fill a sink or a basin halfway with warm water, then gently immerse the extensions to wash them. This can be a good way to ensure they get a thorough but gentle cleaning. Just remember to be kind to them and avoid any harsh scrubbing to keep them looking their best.
How Often Should You Wash Your Hair with Extensions?
When it comes to how often you should wash your hair with extensions, a good rule of thumb is that less is more. Washing your hair too frequently can actually cause more damage than it does good. So, try not to overdo it. However, there are some things that might change how often you need to wash.
For example, if your scalp tends to get oily the day after you wash it, then you might need to wash your hair daily. But for beaded hair extensions, as we talked about, washing your hair as little as possible will really help to make them last longer. And for weft hair extensions, washing them once or twice a week is usually enough, depending on how much you wear them.
Natural hair extensions, meaning those made from real human hair, need to be washed regularly to keep them clean and feeling healthy. However, extensions made from real human hair, like Luxy hair extensions, do not get natural oils from your scalp in the same way your own hair does. Because of this, they often do not need to be washed as often as your natural hair. On the other hand, if you use synthetic hair extensions, you really must wash them to get rid of any lye or harsh chemicals that might be on them from manufacturing. So, the type of extension you have can actually influence your washing schedule quite a bit.
How Do You Dry Your Hair with Extensions Safely?
Once your hair extensions are completely clean and rinsed, the next big step is drying them. This part also needs a bit of patience and the right method. You should never brush the wefts of your extensions when they are wet, as this can cause hair to break. So, make sure they are fully dry before you start brushing them.
When it comes to using a blow dryer, a good approach is to dry your natural hair a bit, then dry your extensions a bit, then go back to your natural hair, and so on. This back-and-forth method helps make sure everything dries evenly and without too much heat focused on one spot for too long. Taking your time with drying helps maintain your beautiful hair extensions for as long as possible, keeping them looking their best.
