Hair extensions are the most popular way to improve the appearance of your hair. Whether it’s an evening date or a wedding ceremony, hair extensions allow you to style your hair however you want. They also add substantial volume and length to your hair.
Depending on their installation method, hair extensions can vary in type. For example, clip-on hair extensions are easy to attach and remove without the help of a hairdresser. On the other hand, tape-in extensions can take hours to install, and you need a hairdresser to install them.
Despite their numerous advantages, many people often face difficulties using them. They either damage the extensions due to improper storage or never wash them, making them unusable. It’s essential to take the proper care of your extensions to look natural and beautiful.
To help with that, here are four hair extension tips that you must know.
Hair Extension Tips
1. Store them correctly
How you store your extensions makes a big difference in their appearance and shelf life. If you don’t keep them correctly, the hair strands get dislodged from the base, and the hair looks unnatural and artificial. When you use the extensions, carefully remove them from your hair.
The time and efforts required to remove the extensions vary according to the type. Clip-on hair extensions have small clips to attach them to your hair. You can carefully remove these clips from your hair to remove the extension.
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Once removed, you can gently brush them to remove minor tangles and knots. It’s good to have a dedicated drawer to store your hairpieces. So they don’t get damaged due to other things and can maintain their original color and texture.
Store them in a dry and tidy place away from direct sunlight. Exposure to direct sunlight can severely damage the hair strands. You can use a hair extension pouch to store your extensions and keep them safe. If you don’t have a container, you can use a silk pillowcase to store them. Silk fabric is smooth and doesn’t damage the extensions.
2. Always braid your natural hair before installing the extensions.
If you have long hair and use extensions to get more volume, it’s okay to attach extensions directly to your hair. But shorter hair tends to get out of the hairpieces, making the clip-on hair extensions easily recognizable. To avoid that, you should braid your natural hair or pin them before installing the extensions.
Braid the bottom layer of your hair on the nape of your neck and wrap the braid around itself so it won’t come out. Use clips or bobby pins to secure them in place. Then, attach the extensions right above the wrapped braid to easily cover the braided hair.
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It will add volume to your hair. Once you clip in all the hairpieces, carefully arrange them and blend them. You will be surprised to see how well they mix in with your natural hair. No one would be able to distinguish the extensions from your natural hair.
3. Style them before attaching them
Many users first attach them and start styling them later. They think it is easier to style the extensions when they have attached to your hair as they seem to be a part of your hair. But it’s important to understand that extensions can lose their original place and grip when you style them after attaching them.
It can also displace them from your natural hair. That’s why you should style them before you clip on. However, you can use an extension hanger to hang them and then style them.
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4. Regularly wash the extensions.
The most underrated tip for maintaining extensions is regularly cleaning them. Many users often avoid cleaning them to keep their original shine and texture, but it’s a myth.
Not washing your extensions for a long time can accumulate dust and debris from styling products. This dust causes the hairpieces to smell and look unnatural.
Cleaning the extensions removes hair’s dirt, dust, and any hair product residue while eliminating the smell. It’s also crucial to use the right cleaning products, and harmful chemicals can affect hair quality. You can use a sulfate-free shampoo to clean your hair.
After cleaning, let them dry naturally. You can use a soft towel to soak the extra water. Avoid blow-drying your extensions as the heat can microwave your hair and damage its natural texture, shine, and volume.
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Hair extensions can transform your hair instantly. But to continue using them, you have to keep them in their best shape. These tips can help maintain your hair extensions and make them last for years.
