Hair extension guide.
Hair extensions are a costly but worthwhile investment. They require constant, quality care. But with so much different information on the internet, it can be tough to discern which care tips and advice are correct.
That’s why we at Beautify™ by Walker Tape® put together the following “hair extension care guide” to help you care for your hair extensions hassle-free.
1. Washing
Keeping the adhesives/weft safe through a cascading rush of soap and water is a huge challenge in and of itself, one that makes washing with extensions tricky.
Here are some tips to making washing with extensions easier:
- Wait at least 48 hours after extension installation to wash your hair.
- Wash your hair no more than 2x/Week to retain moisture and increase the hold
- Avoid the wefts when washing. Gently work the shampoo (or other product) into your scalp and down the hair while avoiding tape.
- When conditioning, skip the scalp and work only below the tape.
- When swimming, wear a cap to protect your hair, or wash hair immediately after finishing.
2. Drying
Drying your extensions is just as (and maybe more) tricky as washing them. Since the strands are no longer living and can’t self-rejuvenate, using heat to dry is a no-go. And they’re gentle, which is another layer of caution to have to consider.
Here are some tips to making drying your extensions easier:
- Use a towel to gently pat your hair from the bottom up. Work with your fingers to reduce tangles, then let air dry.
- Do not wrap your hair in a towel.
- Do not flip your hair upside down.
- Avoid squeezing or pulling your hair.
3. Brushing
Just like chiseling a masterpiece of a statue from solid marble, brushing your extensions, too, is a careful and tedious process.
Luckily, we have some tips to help you out!
- Make sure your hair is completely dry before brushing, as your hair is weakest when wet.
- Use a wide-toothed comb instead of a brush.
- Hold your hair just under the tape to ensure you’re not pulling on the tape itself.
- Start by brushing out the tips, then work your way up.
4. Protecting
It is important to remember that hair extensions cannot rejuvenate themselves like bio hair can. This means that they must be protected at all costs. So:
- Wear a swim cap when swimming.
- When sleeping, wear a low & loose braid, or a ponytail, to prevent movement/friction.
- Care and store your extensions correctly when not in use – washed, detangled, and air dried; then stored straight in a flat, airtight container.
5. Maintaining
Consistent, quality maintenance is key to keeping you and your extensions looking good. But what does quality and consistent maintenance look like?
Along with the tips above, the best practice is to have your extensions removed and reinstalled every 4-6 weeks (or sooner, if you wish), being sure to not leave them in any longer.
For more tips and advice on keeping your extensions in the best shape possible, keep up with our blog, or follow us on Instagram at @walkertapeofficial. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to our Customer Service at [email protected], or by phone at 1.800.759.5150.
