Caring For Your Extensions At Home
So you just got your hair done and you’re loving the transformation, but now it’s time to put the care of your gorgeous locks in your own hands! How you care for your extensions is super important and will make a huge impact on how your extensions look, feel and how soon you’ll have to replace your extension hair.
But don’t worry, the steps are simple and we created a guide for your convenience! In no time you’ll find caring for your extensions easy, but we want you to know there is a bit of a learning curve so please don’t feel overwhelmed. Between this guide and the help of your stylist, we guarantee your extension hair will look amazing between reservations! Remember this tip: the more proper care you give to your extensions, the better they will look & longer they will last (which is what we all want, right?!).
Brushing
To keep your hair tangle-free, aim to brush it around 3 to 4 times a day. Before hopping into the shower, it's important to brush your hair as well. We highly recommend using a Wet Brush for this—it's a game-changer & is very gentle on hair. Hold your hair firmly at the beaded track (the spot where the string, beads and wefts are near the root of your hair) and gently brush from mid-shaft to ends. Don't forget to brush between the rows if you have multiple rows of hair to ensure no strands are left tangled. Keep brushing until your hair feels smooth and tangle-free—it's worth it, trust us!
Important Product Information
What to avoid:
The most important thing to steer clear of is any product that is protein-based. They will dry out your extensions, and we definitely don't want that. Some top protein-based products include Olaplex, bond-builders & keratin products.
You should also avoid silicones in your products—they can weigh your hair down and cause buildup.
Do not use dark oils like Moroccan oil, argan oil or similar oils. These oils stain extension hair & lead to dryness. Also avoid oils like coconut and castor oil, they cause buildup.
And remember, just because it’s a salon quality product does not mean it’s the right product for extension hair! Be sure to avoid the above types of products and only use what we recommend. (We give specific product suggestions at the end of this guide!)
What to use:
Stick to moisturizing products to keep your extension hair healthy and happy.
Look for sulfate-free shampoos with gentle, buffered sulfates. Opt for hydrating shampoos with lightweight oils for maximum nourishment. And don't forget to deep condition every few washes to keep your hair hydrated and shiny.
Since hair extensions don't have the luxury of natural oils from your scalp like your natural hair, it's crucial to keep them hydrated with a light daily oil or serum.
Washing
Follow these steps for a seamless washing experience!
Before you go into the shower, thoroughly brush out each row of your extensions to avoid matting and help with the cleansing process. Be sure to carefully wash in between each row. When washing your hair, be gentle, especially around the track where your extensions are attached. Avoid vigorous movements and circular motions that could cause tangling. Since you’ve added in more wefts of hair, you’ll also need more shampoo and products, so keep that in mind! Use a lot of conditioner only from mid-shaft to ends, avoiding the track to prevent buildup. We recommend letting your conditioner sit on your hair for 3-5 minutes so your hair can get all the hydration it needs.
Drying, Brushing & Styling
After washing, pat your hair dry with a microfiber towel to remove excess water. You should aim to remove 70-80% of the water from your hair before you begin brushing, a quick (and gentle) shake dry with a blowdryer will do! Avoid rubbing or harsh movements that could cause tangling. When detangling, use a wet brush or round brush, and be gentle to prevent damage to your extensions. You can use a detangling product if you’d like!
Hair is more fragile when it’s wet, so be gentle.
Now’s the time to add oils, only from mid-shaft to ends. If you plan on heat styling with a blow dryer, curling iron or flat iron, you must use heat protectant.
If you choose to use heat, be sure the temperature never exceeds 350 degrees. You can heat style as normal, just be extremely careful around your beaded track. You should never curl or straighten your hair when wet.
Sleeping
When it’s time for bed, make sure your hair secured is an important part of care. We recommend a loose braid or bun, and a silk pillowcase if possible. Never go to bed with wet hair.
Maintaining Your Color
It is normal for your hair color to fade a bit until your next reservation. Depending on how you follow our care guidelines, how often you wash your hair and other factors, you may receive a gloss or touch up at your move up reservations. A custom plan for your hair color can be discussed with your stylist!
Products to Avoid
Moroccan oil
Olaplex
Any non-professional products
Strengthening products
Protein products
Extension focused products (these coat hair)
Texture sprays (tangles causes breakage)
Things to Avoid to Ensure Your Extensions Last
Water softeners
Self tanner/spray tans
Hard water
Pool water
Protein-based products
No heat protectant (always use when styling)
Sleeping with wet hair
Not brushing properly
Sunscreen (will ruin color)
Hot tools above 350*
Remember These Steps
Brush properly
Use hydrating products
Use deep treatments regularly
Opt for Malibu treatments/in-salon detox treatments
Use a shower water filter
Always use heat protectant
Always keep hot tools at 350*
Other Important Tips
After you wash your hair at home, your extensions will fluff up and settle. If you experience more shedding than usual please call us. If you notice more tangling than usual, it maybe your products & we recommend you change them immediately.
FAQs
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Sunscreen is known to turn your extensions orange and the damage is irreversible due to the chemical reaction with the dye that is used in human hair extensions. NEVER use sunscreen with Avobenzone (Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane). Choosing a sunscreen that is Zinc Oxide based is the best but it cannot be mixed with other harmful ingredients. Always wear your hair up when you use sunscren to avoid getting sunscreen on your hair accidentally.
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Avoid swimming, as the chemicals in pools and minerals in oceans, lakes and rivers can damage your hair extensions. It’s risky to swim as this will significantly dry out your extensions and possibly damage them. If you have to swim, there are a few things you can do:
Right before you swim, wet your hair in the shower and apply conditioner to it. Protect your hair with a UV protection product to prevent damage from salt, chlorine, and other chemicals & braid your hair.
Wash immediately after swimming! Please note that your warranty will become void if your hair has been stained or has changed color after swimming.
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We recommend to brush, wash, and condition your hair as quickly as possible after intense physical activity. If you are outside, the same rules apply with swimming, avoid sunscreen & braid to avoid tangles.
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The cons outweigh the pros with hard water. We recommend investing in a water softener or water filter. We recommend this water filter.
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If your hair feels dry, you need to add moisture. This may mean you are not using the proper products on your hair. Here’s what you can do:
Wash more often
Use hudrating styling products
Stay away from products with drying alcohol
Always use a heat protectant
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During your custom design appointment, your stylist will discuss hair color options. You can color your hair with extensions, just note that if you have already purchased extension hair and want to make a big color transformation, you may need to purchase new extension wefts with a different color.
Products We Recommend
Sold exclusively at Opulent Beauty Salon
Hydrate Wash
For significant color protection & hydration, this gentle cleanser is designed to address the needs of thick, curly or dry color-treated hair. Excellent Hair Extension cleanser, this highly functional shampoo gently removes dirt and residue from hair while adding moisture & shine.
Hydrate Rinse
Hydrate with a luxurious vegan conditioner free from sulfates & parabens. This conditioner enhances hair integrity with natural antioxidants & deep penetrating peptides for a burst of hydration & shine.
Luminous Heat Spray
Restorative & Nourishing emollient Argan Oil abundant in Vitamins A, C & E, Essential Fatty Acids & Antioxidants eliminates frizz, add softness, shine and promotes overall healthy hair.
Revive Mist
Lightweight detangler & thermal protectant provides hair with all-day protection from the aging effects of oxidation, free-radical damage, and UV exposure. Preserves rich hues & vibrant salon color while improving manageability. It revitalizes 2nd day hair & hair extensions and is a perfect blow-out primer that softens & smooths hair.
Re.Fresh Dry Shampoo
Cleanses hair between washings without water. Refreshes second-day hair by eliminating excess sebum and neutralizing unwanted odors. Adds texture and volume. Leaves hair soft and flexible for restyling. Suitable for all hair types.
Flawless Styler
Nourish your crown with an alcohol-free & vegan leave-in conditioner that detangles, protects, revitalizes & restructures each cuticle to its youthful condition. This multi-tasking thermal protecting formula reduces frizz, smooths & conditions hair using exotic tropical oils rich with antioxidants. Malleable to serve all hair types and hair extensions. Color & extension safe.
We promise after some time, caring for your extensions will become second nature. Your stylist and the team at Opulent Beauty Salon are here to help you on your extension journey.
Here’s to maintaining your extension hair with ease! If you have any questions, you can reach our team at hello@opulentbeautyllc.com.