7 Things To Avoid For Your Hair Extensions

Hair extensions are perfect for people that want to add length and volume to their hair. They are amazing products that help spice up our looks, whether it’s for a special occasion or an everyday thing. Getting hair extensions is an investment people make, and it can take a lot of time to research or search for hair extensions that are perfect for you. They can also be quite expensive depending on what kind you get, but they are definitely worth it in the end. 

Since they are an investment that we should treasure, it is important that you take care of your hair extensions properly. Some of your habits could be damaging to your hair and hair extensions without knowing it.

In this article, we’re going to discuss things that you should avoid that could potentially damage or lower the lifespan of your hair extensions. 

1. Harsh Products

You should refrain from using harsh products on your extensions and natural hair. Alcohol and sulfate-containing products are terrible for your extensions. These chemicals remove the hair's natural oils, making it drier and more prone to tangling or matting. Using these products with harmful chemicals will damage your hair and extensions which will affect its lifespan.

To avoid having dry and tangle-prone extensions, make sure to use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner when washing your hair to keep them hydrated and moisturized. Not only will this make your hair look beautiful, but also keep your hair and extensions healthy and long-lasting.

2. Washing Your Hair Too Much

It is recommended not to wash your hair right away when getting tape ins or fusion hair extensions. Waiting for 24 to 48 hours before washing your hair would be best to let the extensions settle in. This will also give you time to be accustomed to how the extensions would feel.

When it comes to washing, it is recommended to wash your hair not more than 3 times a week, depending on how oily your hair could get. Excessively washing your hair would strip away the natural oils from the hair extensions, leaving them dry and unmoisturized. Remember to use high-quality, sulfate-free products when washing your hair and extensions to keep them hydrated and healthy.

3. Coloring And Bleaching Your Hair

Hair extensions made from human hair are possible to color or dye. If you’re planning to color your hair extensions, don’t do it on your own. Ask your hairstylist if it’s possible, and let them do the work for you. Don’t risk damaging or ruining your hair and extensions, especially if you have no experience. Let a professional do it for you.

When it comes to bleaching your extensions, this is highly inadvisable by professionals. Different chemicals are already used during the production and processing of hair extensions in factories. The hair extensions could be harmed as a result of chemical reactions between those chemicals and the lightening products. Bleaching the hair will simply cause the extensions to dry out, ruin their color, and shorten their lifespan.

4. Using Normal Brushes

Regular brushes will only cause the hair strands to break when used on extensions. Use brushes made specifically for hair extensions instead, such as PerfectLocks' Hair Extension Loop Brush. The bristles are looped to prevent pulling or breakage of the extensions by gently sliding through the hair. It will help untangle your extensions without making the hair frizzy or pulling any hair. Keep in mind that human hair extensions are more sensitive than your actual hair. Therefore, you should carefully comb your extensions.

Your real human hair extensions will continue to look wonderful with the help of a great hairbrush and a regular brushing routine. Not only will this help with tangles, but also with your hair matting . It's important to brush your hair before a shower, after a shower, and before bed. This will prolong the life of your extensions because it will remove and prevent any tangles.

5. Overusing Heat-Styling Tools

When you want to give your hair a specific style, heat styling tools are basically a necessity, but excessive heat can harm your hair over time. If you really need to use heat styling tools, then make sure to coat your hair with a heat protectant spray first, and use the lowest heat setting as possible. Try to simply let your hair air dry naturally rather than using heated tools.

6. Sleeping With Wet Hair Extensions

Whether you wear extensions or not, following this rule goes a long way. Your hair will become matted down, knotted, and tangled if you go to bed with it still damp. With tangles and knots, this could add stress and pulling to hair which could also damage your extensions.

Make sure to have your hair dry before going to bed to avoid any tangles or matting while sleeping. Letting your hair air dry and combing it before bed will also help prevent any tangles and prolong the life of your extensions. It is also advisable to sleep with your hair up in a loose bun or ponytail to keep them from tangling and pulling.

7. Harsh Environment

Your environment does have an effect on your hair. Pollutants in the air collect on your hair, building up dirt that could take away the beauty of your extensions and hair. Not only will your hair extensions' appearance be affected, but it will also make them dry. The simplest method to protect your hair extensions if you live in a polluted environment is to keep them wrapped in silk cloth when going out.

If you plan on going for a swim or going to the beach, remember that this could potentially damage your extensions because they are vulnerable to salt and chlorine. Remember to bring your swim cap if you're planning to go on a swim to keep your extensions protected.

If you feel like your hair is getting dry, you can also apply natural oils like argan oil to keep your hair moisturized and smooth which helps maintain the quality of your extensions.