Aftercare

For a downloadable/printable version please use the following links: Aftercare Instuctions and a .pdf format of our Important Aftercare Tips

We highly recommend that you use our Aftercare products which are specially formulated for use with hair extensions. They will restore your natural hair and condition of your hair extensions, this is essential to looking after your extensions, although the extensions are human hair, they do not receive any nutrients from your scalp like natural hair.

We recommend using aftercare products which are specialized and formulated for use with human hair extensions.
Click Here To View Our Aftercare Range

We also suggest checking out our articles we have written on Aftercare Issues

Using heat on the extension hair can reduce their life span. Extensions should be treated with respect, just as your natural hair. Good aftercare and maintenance that will keep hair looking and feeling good for longer.

For preparation, application and removal advice please visit our Fitting & Removal Guides

 

Washing Your Extensions

Once the hair extensions have been applied, you should avoid washing hair for two to three days. After a few days we recommend your extensions must be washed only two or three times every week (no more than this) before washing we suggest brushing your hair extensions thoroughly to remove any teasing or tangles using wide tooth comb or soft brush to separate these bonds. Also, it is necessary to use the shampoo as well as conditioner which is designed especially for use on hair extensions, which is our very own tried and tested HairXtensions aftercare range. We also suggest you do not use hair products which have alcohol as one of their ingredients some can dry out your hair excessively!

When you wash your hair, avoid tipping your head over your bath since it can cause them to tangle. Wash them with head upright, ideally in a shower. The hair should be gently massage on the scalp with your fingertips, using a light up and down motion. DO NOT wash the hair in circular motions (never rub the hair together) as these can cause tangles or even matting. Apply the shampoo on your scalp and avoid rubbing vigorously. Pick out the top section of your hair and then apply the conditioner to it. Once hair is washed, pat them gently rather than rubbing them together. Conditioner should be used only from mid length of the hair till the ends. Avoid applying the conditioner or anything oily to your bonds since these will cause them to become slippery and soft. Also do not apply too much water as this cause the hair to swell and cause tangles.

 

How To Care For The Extensions Before Sleeping

Always make sure to thoroughly dry your hair out before you hit bed for the night. So, if you are planning on washing your hair, make sure you dry it several hours before bed time. You also need to tie up your hair gently before you sleep so that the hair does not tangle up.

Drying Your Extensions

DO NOT brush the hair whilst wet. Before you untangle your hair, it is advisable to use leave in conditioner spray. Post spraying your hair, untangle them using a wide toothed comb and ensure that you do not have any contact with the bonds. Ensure all bonds are completely dried. You will have to be quite careful while brushing hair when they're wet. Ensure that the extension hair is supported by holding your bonds (although its best to let the hair dry out naturally)

Section the hair and then blow dry with a soft bristle round brush for sleek finish. Ensure that the bonds are not snagged. We recommend you use a thermal protection serum before using hair straighteners for a smooth and silky finish.

Styling Your Extensions

Tongs, crimpers, irons and heated rollers can be used on your extension hair. However, it is advisable that you use heat protection spray for protecting your extension hair and natural hair before you use them. Hairspray, gels and serums can be used but the keratin bonds should be avoided as it can cause slippage, stickiness and even cause the bonds to weaken. Try not to overuse heat tools as this can cause your extensions to dry out excessively, again use a protection serum to avoid these issues. When using heat tools we recommend setting the temperature at no more than 200 degrees. If you want to curl the hair, unfortunately Chinese hair is known to be completely straight and can be very stubborn, however there are ways/hacks to help the hair hold the curl, please review to our article Why My Hair Extensions Won't Hold A Curl.

Colouring Your Extensions

We strongly suggest you do not perm, tint or colour the extension hair. As all of our hair is multi-tonal (made-up of different colours) the dye may pick-up different tones. If you do dye make sure you avoid the bonds and its only advisable to dye darker. We also cannot be responsible for any problems you have with the hair as any contact with the bonds can seriously effect the keratin and also over dyeing will damage the cuticles. These products contain various elements which may damage extension hair. This includes using any toners or hair colouring shampoo's. Should you do decide to colour the hair extensions, this is done at your own risk!

Brushing & Combing

The extensions are attached to your natural hair and therefore pulling hard or mistreating them can result in pulling out of your natural hair. You should only use an extension brush which has cushioned base with soft bristles. Start styling your hair from the bottom and then move slowly to the top portion. Always make sure to brush in a gentle manner and never exceed over 3 times in one day (we supply several brushes within our store) The brush will glide over your bonds gently. When you brush your extensions you should hold your bonds and ensure there is no added stress on your hair.

Everyday Activities

Those who use sun beds should wrap their hair first in a towel. These sun beds will dry out hair and can weaken or even start to melt the keratin bonds. For those who work out regularly or use steam room and sauna regularly should ensure that their bonds are dried/cooled down completely after each session. Keeping bonds in a damp environment can make them deteriorate.

If you are pregnant, we advise against having hair extensions. We also suggest avoiding hair extensions for 12 months after giving birth due to hormonal hair loss issues

 

Holidays & Swimming

Wearing hair extensions and going swimming with the extensions on is not recommended. However, in case you do, the following precautions are advised to be taken:

Use a covered band and place the long extensions in a braid. DO NOT get extension hair wet. Keep head above water, avoid diving and under water swimming. The chlorine present in pools as well as the salt present in sea along with heat can matt and the chemical within the pool can cause discoloration. Salt, pool chemicals and chlorine can cause the disintegration and break down of keratin bonds which cause a weakness/stickiness of your extension which can lead to matting or extensions falling out.

When extensions get wet while swimming, it is advised that you dry your extensions immediately after rinsing hair out with fresh water and use a leave in conditioner. Avoid brushing wet extension hair and dry them immediately (and its recommended to let them dry out naturally) Make sure that the extensions are not tangled after swimming. Again avoid sleeping with wet extensions and ensure that they have been completely dried before going to bed.

Essential Important Tips

• NEVER go to sleep with wet hair, always make sure your extensions and bonds are dry before sleeping.
• Take care of your human hair extensions as you would your own natural hair and remember that like your natural hair your extensions can be easily damaged with too much heat or abuse.
• It is important that you should take good care of your extension to make the most of them by using the right aftercare products.
• Several manufacturers have tested and tried various methods before they select a good aftercare range of products for hair extensions. All of this is done to make sure that extensions get the right product balance and these products also help you maintain natural hair.
• When removing knots or tangles start at the ends and work your way up. Never pull on your Extensions.
• Gently tie your hair up in a scarf or wear in a ponytail before sleeping.
• Wash regularly with a mild shampoo designed for hair extensions in cool water.
• Hair extensions prove to be an effective way to change your appearance but they will need some care and maintenance. After getting the extensions fitted, a stylist can guide you on how to look after the extensions in the best way. Hair extensions normally cost quite a bit of money and they do take some time to attach. Therefore, it is best to take care of them the right way.
• Several stylists will also advise you that you should not wash your hair for three or four days after the extensions are fitting. Doing this will ensure that the bonds have enough time to set correctly and will reduce the possibility of hair shedding later on from your bonds.
• Keep your scalp moisturized, but avoid conditioners or silicone based products if your hair is bonded because these products will loosen the bonds.
• When drying your hair, never rub or scrub with a towel . Simply wrap hair in a towel or air dry if possible.
• Wait until hair is completely dry before combing or brushing.
• One of the first things noticeable immediately after the extensions have been installed, for the next one or two days is that the scalp can feel tender. However, this is normal and it will go away eventually. This isn’t any type of problem but is caused because there is added weight on the scalp by the extensions.
• Hair will grow by approximately 1.5 inches within three months. Hair roots start tangling together often if the bonds have not been correctly separated. Therefore it is not really healthy for your hair nor your scalp. We also recommend after having extensions in for 2-3 months to give your hair/scalp at least a 2 week break.
• The lighter colours will have bleach content and so their life span will not be as long as hair that is not bleached. These light shades will also require more care and heat application will have to be avoided for improving lifespan. If you do use heat tools we high recommend using a thermal protection serum to help avoid damage from heat.
• Do not use shampoos or conditioners (even toners) that contain oils or fruits oils such as wheatgerm or citrus, using shampoos that contain these ingredients could result in damage to your extension bonds and may even cause discolourment to your hair extensions.
• With the new hair extensions, it would not be necessary for you to wash hair as frequently as you normally would. You should not have to wash your hair more than two times per week. Any more than this will put a lot of stress on your extensions because of excessive styling.
• It is also necessary for you to use conditioners and shampoos that are recommended and made for use on hair extensions. The standard brands generally contain very high amount of salt or sodium chloride that can dry your hair out. They also contain silicone ingredients that can make the bonds weaker and break them down. Loose bonds can cause your extensions to fall out. Therefore, using the right products is important.
• When rinsing hair, rinse for a few seconds extra as the extra volume created by your extension may mean it takes a little longer to rinse.
• We advise never to sleep with wet or damp hair as it could affect the bonds or may cause the hair to tangle whilst asleep (or even matting)
• If you have an oily scalp wash hair regularly, as build up of natural oils could lead to your wax bonds slipping or falling out.
• You can use styling products but avoid these on the keratin bonds as they can cause stickiness and even the bonds to weaken.
• You will also have to keep hair in good condition by regularly using moisturizing conditioner. While selecting the conditioner, ensure that it does not come in contact with the bonds since this will weaken your bonds.
• After your hair has been washed you will have to be extra careful while styling and drying it. Hair is always weak when it is wet. Therefore, you should dry it gently and handle it carefully. Your hair extensions will have a longer life and they will look better if they are taken care of properly so it is worth investing a little extra time to do it right.
• If you regularly swim or are planning to on holiday whilst wearing your extensions we recommend that when swimming in the sea or a swimming pool you wear a protective bathing cap as the chemicals in the pool or salt levels in the sea may effect your extensions, which can cause discolourment or even serious matting.
• Before fitting the hair should be washed so its completely clean.
• If you straighten the hair, only straighten from mid-length to the end of the hair, as this can make the bonds hot and therefore causes them to adhere. We recommend you use a thermal protection serum to help protect the hair from heat. Avoid overuse of heat tools and this can cause your extensions to dry out considerably.
• When you brush your hair, ensure that you use a brush for hair extensions since it has been designed specifically for extensions. All other brushes that have tiny balls on their ends can break the hair. The extensions will have to be kept free of tangles so it is best to brush your hair twice a day. However, do not over brush since it will cause shedding.
• If the hair stylist applies the bonds too tightly to the scalp, this can cause the root to break away.
• Avoid the keratin bonds when using tools such as hair dryer or straighteners, to much heat can cause the bonds to weaken
• It is quite normal for you to lose some hair when you brush since most people loose up to 100 hairs every day! You will be doing less damage if you have extensions since you would not be using the heat directly on natural hair.
• It is advised that you tie up hair in ponytail or loose plait when you sleep since it will reduce matting and tangles overnight.
• Treat your extensions with the same respect as your natural hair. Good aftercare and a regular maintenance will keep your hair looking great for longer
• You can style the extensions the same way as your normal hair if you invest in good quality hair extensions made from 100% human hair. You will be able to blow dry, curl and straighten them the way you want.
• It is advised that you should have a monthly maintenance appointment after getting the extensions fitted to ensure that everything is well. Arrange for an appointment with a stylist. This would be the right time to get any bonds re tightened, replaced or removed and also a trim.
• As hair extensions aren't as strong as your normal hair some will loosen and drop out, don't worry as this is normal on all extensions applications.
• When brushing, use a soft bristle brush and start from the bottom and gently work your way up (Avoid tugging or harsh brushing as this could weaken the bonds that hold the extensions in place.
• Hair extensions will need some amount of regular maintenance. However, once you get used to it and learn how to wash, style and dry your extensions, they will look good for a longer time so it is well worth the effort!