Monday, February 9, 2009

How to Care for Hair Extensions

Hair extensions are wonderful. You can add length to your hair or a beautiful streak of color. They can cover a bad cut or color and tie your hair in a ponytail. With all the glorious things they can do, can you return the favor? Proper care of extensions ensure they'll be around for a while.

1. Wash your extensions. Gently! Your fake hair soaks up oils made by your head naturally. This can make your extensions greasy and fibers may fall out. To wash them, soak it in warm water in the bathroom sink. Cover them with a clarifying shampoo and rinse out with cold water. Do not comb or brush extensions when wet because this will rip out hairs and lead to a shorter life for them.


2. Keep them moisturized, especially when you style extensions often. When your extensions are dry, comb a little bit of leave-in conditioner evenly. Don't overdo it because they'll become greasy easier than your natural locks.

3. Make extensions tangle-free. Never untangle dry extensions with a comb. Soak them in cool water and untangle with a wide tooth comb. If absolutely necessary, you can brush out tangles in dry hair, but never use a comb.


4. Only use stylers when your extensions are dry. Never blow dry extensions. You can always put them in when the rest of your hair is dry. If necessary, curl and straighten extensions for about half the time it takes the rest of your hair. Put them on your head when you're done styling your natural hair. This will keep hairs from falling out.
* If you can, get two sets of the same extensions. Keep one pair "just for curling" and one "just for straightening." This will cut down on style time and damage.


5. Only wear extensions in a ponytail if they were made to. Some extensions will fall apart in a ponytail. Read the labeling when buying new extensions to see if you can use them in a ponytail. If it doesn't say whether or not you can, best be on the safe side and not use them in ponytails.

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