Hair extensions in general need special care. Not all hair dressers educate clients properly on the care needed for hair extensions. Hair extension salons are offering new types of additions, some are good, others not so much. Hair extension costs range in price, my suggestion is to buy the best you can afford. Cheap hair extensions will not last, they may change color, and if they are attached to your hair, they may matt easier. Hair coloring is possible on human hair extensions, but not on synthetic extensions. There are limits however, consult your stylist.
Adding hair for length or fullness is a great option, one that just a few years ago we would not have considered doing. In fact, during the mid '90's I started making clip in extensions for a few clients, but most people would not consider wearing additional hair. Today almost everyone accepts the idea. Remember however, not everyone who cuts hair knows about extensions.
There are a few things you should know before you jump in and add hair....
Human hair extensions require more care, but can outlast synthetic hair.
Hair extensions for short hair are easier to maintain, but still require special care. The majority of all hair additions are colored hair, and this means that colored hair extensions need shampoo for color treated hair.
Clip in hair extensions can be washed in a basin of cold water with shampoo added to the water, not poured directly onto the hair. Synthetic hair additions are treated the same as clip in types.
Brush and comb your hair from the extension bond to the ends of the hair instead of combing from the scalp out. Be patient, in a short time this action will become natural for you. You can hold the bonds at the scalp while you brush to prevent pulling on them.
During the first few days your hair may "hurt" a bit like when it does when we wear a ponytail. Actually, the extensions are ponytails, just very small ones. After the first few days this feeling subsides. The bonds, the area where the extensions are attached to the head are the most vulnerable when they are wet and when any conditioner or oils are on them. Do your best to keep conditioners and other products off the bonds.
These tips apply to human hair extensions:
When washing the hair, always wash it in a downward motion. Do not mix it all together and create unnecessary tangles. Use your fingers in a horizontal motion between wefts or links to clean your scalp. When rinsing, be sure that all shampoo and conditioner residue are washed out. Also, do not pour your shampoo or conditioner onto the top of your head. You are adding unnecessary products directly to the bonds and letting it soak in. Pour into your hands and slowly work the right amount of product in. Use warm, not hot water.
Although the extension hair is real, it is not receiving nutrients from the scalp like your own hair. Using a good conditioner will help keep the hair silky. If your own hair is very fine I recommend you only use conditioner on the extension hair. To do this, pour a small amount of conditioner into your palm, spread to both palms by rubbing them together, then bend your head to the side, close palms together on both sides of the hair, and pull gently down to ends. Then take a comb and comb the conditioner through the extension hair while holding the connection to your own hair. If your extensions are long you may need to start combing at the bottom of the hair and work your way to the top. I also recommend using a spray on leave in conditioner before drying. This will help protect the extension hair from heat and other damaging elements.
When you dry your hair you will notice that the extension hair takes longer than your own hair to dry. Instead of using a lot of brush work while you dry, it is better to dry the hair by just using the blow dryer, no brushing until the hair is 99% dry. If the hair is getting tangled, use your fingers to untangle it while you dry.
If you find the extension hair tangling, use an oil based, or silicone based product when it is dry to protect the hair. There are in-salon treatments that can also help.
If you choose to iron your extension hair be certain to keep the iron moving along the hair shaft. Curling irons and hot rollers are fine, don't let them get too hot. Keeping the extension hair healthy will help prolong the life of the hair.
If your extensions are weft hair extensions with tape, or skin tape extensions, you should check the wefts (or skin) each day before you shower to be certain they are secure. If you find a weft coming loose, just take your flat iron and heat the wefted part of the extension, squeeze the weft together and shower as usual.
I do not like glue in extensions, too often as the glue is rolled into the hair it takes it off it's natural growth pattern and this can cause hair loss. I use several methods of attachment that are safe and watch my clients carefully for any excessive shedding. As hard as we try to make secure connections with hair extensions occasionally they do come loose. It is my belief that it is better to have an extension come out, than attach it so tightly that there is hair loss. If an extension comes out of the hair, save it and bring it to your next appointment. It is more than likely we can reinstall it. extension photos here
Any questions please call 925 245 0194, and state your issue. I will return your call ASAP.
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