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Hair Extensions - How to care for Hair Extensions
by
CJ of Studio She in Frederick, Maryland
How do I
Care for my extensions?
It is completely possible to have undetectable free flowing
hair. Maintenance is required to to keep the extensions looking their
best. We have to feed and care for the hair to maintain lustre and shine.
It is possible to have healthy hair with extensions. Just as it is possible
to have healthy looking extensions. It is a give and take relationship.
My instructions are noted as my "Personal Journal". I am not
disregarding other Stylists...just stating what works best for my clients
and myself.
It is very important that you treat your hair as an investment.
This means that if you want the "life" out of your hair you
need to take care of it. Hair is dead...so unless you treat it right you
won't get the bang for your buck! Simply put, I know who takes care of
them and who doesn't. The choice is up to you. I've seen both sides of
the spectrum and when a guest has issues with her extensions it typically
is because he/she didn't follow this outline. I have been wearing extensions
for as long as I can remember. I have taken great care of them and sometimes
while on vacation I let things slide a bit. Not taking care of our extensions
can cause damage to the extension and your own hair.
  From
the beginning...
Before washing your hair it is most important that you
brush your hair first. This also includes swimming or anything to do with
water and your hair extensions. With a Professional Extension brush not
a comb. A comb should never be used on dry hair nor should a brush be
used on wet.
If you forget to brush your hair before washing...you
are potentially putting water into a knot. By the time you get to combing
your wet hair you will notice it can be impossible to get the knots out.
This is because you missed this one step.
As always, brushing starts from the bottom up. If you
start any higher in your head you will just be brushing more hair into
a previously started knot. As your hair grows brushing will be an important
part of your maintenance. If you don't brush at least 2ce per day you
will notice matting etc. If you don't want dreads to start or if you want
to minimize breakage this step is imperative.
Washing: All products used on extensions must be
oil free. Oil is the enemy with extensions and will cause the bond to
slip. I do understand that some clients want to deep condition their hair
while they are wearing hair extensions. The choice is up to you, but just
know that you will have to visit the salon more often if you choose to
do your own thing. Products are a very important part of your investment.
The wrong products can dry out and create loss of extensions. I suggest
MLT or So.Cap 4 U products. Both are created solely for extensions.
Your hair is only to be cleansed on the roots. Conditioner
is for the ends. You don't need to waste product by using both products
on the wrong area. Not to mention that conditioner will weigh down fine
hair. Do not wash your hair upside down or try to create any type of flood
water. This can cause the hair to tangle.
After washing, gently rub off excess water and let hair
air dry for 10+ mins. By doing this you are letting the water evaporate
a bit so that if any tangles were created while washing, you will not
be brushing more hair and water into the knot. This also helps prevent
damage because your hair can stretch when wet and for some females that
means your hair will break off. You will also want to use a reg. or diluted
conditioning spray by Long Tresses or So.Cap. You can not use any aftercare
products that have oil. There isn't anyway around this. Only use professional
after care created for extensions.
Gently comb wet hair with a wide tooth comb.
Styling: I suggest using a heat protectant spray.
When it comes to using heat you have only one option when it comes to
styling tools. If you must blow dry then you should stay away from using
a flat iron/curling iron etc. If you plan on using heat, let your hair
air dry first and then finish it off with the use of a tool. This will
keep the extensions in great shape and increase the longevity of your
investment.
Sleeping: Never go to bed with wet hair. This is
a big NO and will totally cause your hair to matt. It is the best thing
for your hair (and face) to invest in a silk pillowcase. Trust me, if
I learned this trick years ago... it is also suggested that you wear a
low braid so that your hair doesn't get tangled. And don't forget to brush
hair before bed.
Activities such as the gym, swimming etc. It is personal
preference if you decide to wash your hair everyday. It can dry out your
hair extensions. It is important though to rinse your hair after each
time you go swimming/hot tub/ocean. I also suggest using a spray in conditioner
by Long Tresses or So.Cap.
Chemicals and Extensions:
If you require color you can only use demi-permanent color. Even using
a demi can harm some types of extentions. A strand test is always best.
I have seen good and bad things happen it just depends on what was done
to the hair prior to it being shipped to the salon.
I have great things to say about Paul Mitchell Shines
or any type of cylophane shine that you can create and custom color for
your clients. It is enough to feed the cuticle and give the hair back
what it lost.
Highlights can be done to but only to the clients own
hair. Typically the mohawk area/upper parital ridge area.
It is NOT recommended that you color your hair yourself.
Box color acts as a glue/type layer and will coat the hair rather than
penetrate. This also makes it harder to correct.
CJ
Studio She
Phone: 240-329-6163
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