Washing your hair with extensions can feel a bit intimidating at first. You’ve invested in beautiful, longer, or fuller hair, and the last thing you want to do is cause damage or tangling during a simple wash day. But with the right technique, keeping your extensions clean and lustrous is completely manageable and will help them last much longer.
Preparing Your Hair for a Gentle Wash
Before you even get your hair wet, take a few minutes to gently detangle it. Using a soft-bristle brush or a loop brush designed for extensions, start from the ends and work your way up to the roots. This prevents tugging and minimizes breakage. It’s also a good time to check for any loose bonds or tapes if you have that type of extension.
The Right Way to Shampoo and Condition
When you step into the shower, make sure the water is lukewarm, as hot water can weaken bonds and dry out the hair. Thoroughly wet your hair, then apply a sulfate-free shampoo. Focus the shampoo on your scalp and roots, massaging gently with your fingertips. Avoid piling your hair on top of your head, as this creates major tangles. Let the suds run down the length of the extensions to clean them without rough handling.
Conditioning is crucial for keeping extensions soft. Apply a generous amount of conditioner from the mid-lengths down to the ends, avoiding the roots and bonds entirely. Leaving conditioner on the bonds can cause them to slip. Let the conditioner sit for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly with cool water to seal the hair cuticle.
Drying and Styling with Care
After washing, never rub your hair with a towel. Instead, gently squeeze out the excess water and pat it dry. Use a wide-tooth comb or your loop brush to detangle while the hair is still damp. For drying, a blow dryer on a low heat setting is best. Keep the nozzle pointing downward to smooth the cuticles. If you have tape-in extensions, try to dry the tape areas completely to prevent lifting.
By following these gentle steps, you can keep your extensions looking and feeling fabulous. A little extra care during your wash routine makes all the difference in maintaining that beautiful, healthy hair you love.