Washing Your Hair Extensions

by SHOPIFY API / JUL 8, 2014

Index

It is important to wash your hair extensions in order for them to look their best and to remove any product build up. You should generally be washing your hair extensions every 15-20 wears. You may find your extensions are becoming tangled and unmanageable; this is a sign they need washing.

Ideally you should use a shampoo that is not too harsh on the hair, such as gentle baby shampoo or products designed especially for hair extensions and free form harsh ingredients such as alcohol which can dry out the hair.

If you use a colour-depositing shampoo on your own hair (such as a blue/purple shampoo if you are blonde or a dark shampoo for brunettes) then consider using this every other wash or mixing half and half with the gentle shampoo in order to keep the hair toned which will ensure the best colour match to your hair.

Step 1 – Take all of the hair extensions and hold at the clipped end

Step 2 – Hold the hair extensions under a running tap, ensuring the water is warm. (Try not to submerge the hair in a sink of water as this can cause the hair to swell and become unmanageable and tangled)

Step 3 – Apply the shampoo to the hair massaging in from the top to the ends

Step 4 – Rinse the hair under the warm tap allowing most of the shampoo to run out before carefully separating the extensions to remove any remaining shampoo

Step 5 – Squeeze out excess water and apply conditioner to the hair, avoiding rubbing the hair and then rinse.

Step 6 – Wrap the hair in a towel and gently squeeze out any excess water. Lay the hair flat on the towel and separate with a wide tooth comb. For best results allow hair to air dry, or if you’re in a rush blow dry the extensions on a low heat

Step 7 – Straighten the hair once dry (if required) ensuring you use a heat protection spray to protect the hair as you would your own.

Finally, clip in and style as usual!

Hints and Tips:

Try to avoid submerging hair in water – it tangles the hair. Instead, keep a grip of the hair at the clipped end preventing extensions tangling up.
Comb though extensions with your fingers or a wide tooth comb otherwise hair will tangle and breakage may occur.
Use a good quality conditioner or hair mask on the extensions from time to time to add moisture back in to the hair
Allow hair to air-dry, laid flat on a towel. This will prevent any heat damage and is much easier than using a dryer.
You are likely to experience a small amount of hair loss when washing, drying and brushing your extensions. This is normal, like your own hair the extensions will experience shedding or breakage from washing or heat damage.