Now your HSU hair extensions has been installed, you need to take care of them correctly if you want them to last long.
If you want your human hair extensions to remain smooth and shiny, you can't wash them in the same way as you do to your natural hair. With the proper care, you can enjoy your extensions for 6 months or longer, especially if they're made with real human hair. For our virgin human hair extensions, it can last over one year.
Any other types of extensions can be washed as your real hair. Ideally, this shouldn't be more than 2 - 3 times a week.
Here are the steps you would typically follow when washing your hair extensions.
Step 1: Start By Brushing Your HSU Hair Extensions
Before you get your extensions wet, brush them out. This minimizes tangles and knots after washing. Regardless of the type of extensions you have, start brushing from the bottom and work your way up.
A wide-tooth comb or soft bristle brush are the best tools you should be using to brush extensions. If you have clip in extensions, place the wefts on top of each other to prepare them to be washed.
Step 2: Shampoo Your Hair Extensions Or Hair Wefts
If you're washing your machine wefts in a sink, make sure it's clean. You should only wash your hair extensions with lukewarm water. Once your extensions are wet, use 2 - 3 pumps of a sulfate-free shampoo to wash your hair. Be careful that you don't wash the hair too vigorously, especially near the bonds or clips. After rinsing your hair, apply a sulfate-free conditioner from the middle to the ends of the hair. Be sure to avoid applying conditioner on the roots and near the bonds of the extensions. Leave the conditioner on for at least 5 minutes and a maximum of 10 minutes. Thoroughly rinse the hair before moving onto the next step.
Step 3: Apply A Nourishing Hair Mask
To keep your human hair extensions soft and healthy, it's recommended to apply a hair mask once or twice a month. If you have a clip in hair, you can leave the wefts in a shower cap overnight to give the mask time to work. Just be sure to rinse your hair thoroughly after each application to avoid a residue and prevent the extensions from slipping.
Step 4: Air Dry Your Extensions
When you've done washing your hair, squeeze out any excess water and let your hair and extensions air dry. If you want to remove excess water faster, purchase a micro-fibre towel. It will not only dry your hair faster, but it causes fewer tangles too. Lay your extensions on a flat surface before patting them dry to avoid pulling the hair out of bind.
If you can not wait for your hair to air dry, apply a heat protection spray to your hair before blow-drying it. It's highly recommended that you blow dry your hair on a cool setting, and you should avoid brushing your hair until it's almost completely dry. Start drying the roots of your hair and extensions before working your way down to the ends. Blow-drying your hair downwards will help prevent frizz by smoothing the cuticle.
Step 5: Comb Your Hair
Gently brush your hair once it's dry, don't forget to use the right tools. Again, brush the hair from the bottom and slowly work your way up. You can now also style your extensions and natural hair using a straightener or curling iron. For those with clip in extensions, if you won't be applying the hair right away, store them in an appropriate bag or box, or place them on an extensions hanger.
This way, they're ready to wear whenever you want to.
Genius wefts, XO wefts, Handtied wefts can use the similar steps.
(All you need to do when washing human hair extensions is to be gentler and use the right products. If you're unsure about which products to use, speak to your hairstylist about recommendations. If at any point your hair extensions slips out after washing or styling, make an appointment with your stylist for an adjustment.)