How to Revive Dry Hair Extensions 

First up, if your hair extensions are synthetic or over processed (likely from an irreputable supplier), they are simply more likely to become damaged at a faster rate. Over processed hair is weaker and more prone to damage. Often lighter shades (e.g., blondes) have been processed more to achieve the desired shade, therefore are more susceptible to dryness and breakage.

While we all know the importance of skin protection and sun cream, many of us forget that our hair is just as vulnerable. The sun, while sought out by many, can be extremely damaging to our hair, especially our extensions. Without proper hair extension maintenance, our locks can dry out rapidly from sun damage. 

Hard water is water that contains a high mineral content. In the UK, most of our water is hard, and unfortunately our real hair extensions suffer for it. The high mineral content in hard water can cause locks to dry out rapidly and strip hair of its natural color. 

If you’re lucky enough to live by the sea, taking care of hair extensions is extra important. The sea is full of salt and minerals; a recipe for dry, damaged disaster when it comes to hair extensions. Try to avoid getting your hair extensions wet with sea water at all costs and practice hair extension maintenance regularly.

Chlorine

For swimming pool lovers, the outlook isn’t much better. Chlorine chemicals can dry out our hair extensions as well as stripping color. If you are a regular swimmer, regular oil treatments are essential for keeping your locks healthy.

How to Revive Dry Hair Extensions

How to Get Hair Extensions Soft Again – Step by Step Tutorial

• Brush through your hair extensions to remove any knots, you want your hair extensions to be as tangle free as possible. We would recommend using a hair extension brush for this.
• Apply a specialised all-natural conditioning hair extension mask to your dry hair, combing through to ensure all your hair is covered. Make sure not to get any of the treatment on the tape/bonds of the hair extensions as this can cause them to slide out. If you’re wearing clip in hair extensions, you can apply the treatment up to the clips. 
• If you are reviving non-attached clip in hair extensions, lay the hair extensions on a dry towel and allow the treatment to soak in as instructed. 
• Once your hair extensions have soaked, wash the treatment out with a sulphate free shampoo & conditioner. Be sure to wash extensions thoroughly to avoid build up of treatment in your hair. 
• Before drying your hair extensions, be sure to add a specialised leave in conditioner, moisture spay and heat protection spray to maximise moisture retention and prevent further dry out
• Can you let hair extensions dry naturally? Yes! We find the best way is to let them air dry until about 80% dry, then using a gentle heat device such as an air styling brush to style your hair as desired. To dry your hair extensions, try to use as little heat as possible. The cool setting is your best friend here!

We love this argan oil-based hair mask. Argan oil is known to be full of antioxidants, vitamin E, minerals, and fatty acids, that help restore shine and smoothness to hair. It’s meant for medium to thick hair, so is perfect for a thick set of hair extensions.

Buy it here.

This sulphate free shampoo contains nourishing vegetable proteins to reduce breakage and promote hair follicle strength, and creatine to repair damaged bonds.

Buy it here.

Another from Moroccanoil – we love you! – this sulphate and paraben free conditioner is enriched with Argan Oil, Vitamins A and E and Red Algae, which replenish hair to increase manageability and shine.

Buy it here.

REDKEN’s genius lightweight leave-in conditioner reduces hair dryness, detangles, and helps strengthen hair, as well as protecting your locks from harmful heat styling.
 
Buy it here.

You’ve treated your hair extensions, but now they’re too oily! Don’t panic, even if you’ve over corrected the moisture your hair extensions can be saved. Try using a dry shampoo initially to absorb some of the oil. If possible, you want to avoid further washes. If this fails, wash again gently using a good clarifying shampoo. Sulphate free of course!