The Secret to Gorgeous Extensions All Year Long!

The Secret to Gorgeous Extensions All Year Long: Your Ultimate Care Guide

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of freshly installed extensions. Luxurious length, added volume, and effortless glam that elevates your everyday look. Whether you're wearing hidden beaded rows for a special occasion or just want to enjoy fuller, healthier-looking hair every day, proper care is essential for keeping your extensions looking their best.

If you’re ready to protect your investment and maintain that salon-fresh look between visits, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Brushing Techniques That Protect Your Hair

Brushing might seem simple, but when it comes to extensions, technique matters. Here’s how to keep your extensions tangle-free and damage-free:

• Always detangle your hair before washing.

• When brushing, start from the mid-shaft and work your way down to the ends. Use your hand to apply gentle pressure over the top of your wefts to avoid pulling on your scalp.

• Never brush directly over the roots of your extensions. This can disrupt the wefts and affect the longevity of your installation.

• After washing, start drying the top of your extensions first. Hair is more fragile when wet, so this helps minimize damage.

• Aim to brush your hair two to three times a day to prevent tangling and matting.

Styling Guidelines for Long-Lasting Results

A consistent styling routine helps keep your extensions smooth, shiny, and healthy.

• Use sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.

• When washing, gently massage your scalp around the rows of extensions. Afterward, apply a few drops of hair oil and a heat protectant before styling.

• Blow-drying is important. Even if you don’t wash your hair every day, blow-dry two to three times per week to keep your extensions from holding too much moisture.

• For a quicker refresh, try a half-wash: tie your extensions into a ponytail and wash only the natural hair above your wefts.

• Avoid high heat when styling. Keep your blow dryer on a medium setting, and set your curling or flat iron to no more than 360 degrees.

Special Considerations for Summer

While summer is a fun and vibrant season, it can be tough on your hair extensions. Exposure to heat, sun, salt water, and chlorine can lead to dryness, discoloration, and damage. With a few simple steps, you can keep your extensions protected all season long.

• Keep your hair hydrated by using leave-in conditioners, nourishing hair oil, and a weekly hair mask.

• Before swimming, wet your hair and apply a leave-in conditioner. This helps create a barrier and minimizes the absorption of damaging minerals.

• Rinse your hair immediately after swimming to wash away salt, chlorine, and other impurities that can be harsh on extensions.

• Choose your sunscreen carefully. Avoid formulas with Avobenzone and Octocrylene, which can cause discoloration. Instead, use a mineral sunscreen.

Here are a few mineral sunscreen options that are extension-safe:

• Affordable: Neutrogena Sheer Zinc, Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen

• Mid-tier: Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum, Biossance Squalane + Zinc

• Tinted: Supergoop Mineral Mattescreen, Summer Fridays Shadedrop Mineral Milk

A Little Extra Care Goes a Long Way

Extensions can be a beautiful, confidence-boosting part of your beauty routine, but like anything worth having, they require care and maintenance. By brushing correctly, styling with intention, and protecting your hair from environmental stressors, you can extend the life of your extensions and keep them looking flawless day after day.

If you’re ever unsure about which products to use or need a professional refresh, I’m here to help. My goal is to make sure your hair feels as incredible as it looks, every season of the year.