Can I Straighten My Curly Hair Extensions?

 
“Can I straighten my curly hair extensions?”, a question we are often asked. Hey, we get it…sometimes you buy a texture that matches your own and in a few months get into a whole mood to go wavy, sleek or straight. But once you do, what happens if you want to rock the original curl again? Will hair extensions go back to curly?

The short answer is YES! Since hair extensions are made with 100% real human Remy hair they can be transformed, straightened, smoothed, colored and even permed with the right tools and knowledge. If you’re a mood to lose the curl there’s a formula you need to know: 

Tools + Hydration + Temp Control = Straightened (without damage).

Tools Required:

• Curl Care Defining Shampoo
• Inspire Deep Conditioner
• Argan Oil
• Silk Serum
• Heat Protectant Spray (any will do)
• Comb
• Blow Dryer with Nozzle Attachment
• Round Barrel Brush
• ½ or 1 Inch Flat Iron (Straightening Iron)

Step 1: Hair Prep

1. First things first, always start with completely clean hair, free of any styling product that may have built up on your extensions. Gently wash them (never ball and lather) using Curl Care Defining Shampoo. Rinse and towel dry to absorb excess moisture. 
2. Apply a Deep Conditioner, making sure you use enough to thoroughly coat the hair extensions. Comb through to distribute evenly. If you are smoothing clip-in hair extensions  you can hold them up while combing them OR simply use a Hair Extension Stand (if you have one). 
3. Leave on for a minimum of 5 minutes and then rinse thoroughly. Towel dry, but do not blow dry them…just let them air dry. 
4. Once they are dry, gently comb your hair extensions to detangle them before you start straightening them. 
5. The ends of the hair are also the most delicate, so apply a small amount of Argan Oil for added moisture, shine and protection before you begin. 
6. Apply your favorite Heat Protectant Spray liberally before starting the straightening process. 

Step 2: Straighten Those Curls!

1. Attach the nozzle attachment to your blow dryer before using it. The nozzle attachment is a pro step you often see used in hair salons because it creates a single, controlled band of air and heat that will prevent your hair from frizzing up. Using a medium heat setting, blow dry in sections, keeping good tension on your round brush as you smooth down the curls. 
2. Now it's flat iron time! The temp is REALLY important here, so don’t use heat higher than 360F (ex: you wouldn’t back your cookies at 400). 
3. Take small thin sections using a comb as your work on straightening the curl at your roots and through the lengths and ends of your hair. 
4. Work by using your comb as a guide with your flat iron following it right behind and move in slow, fluid movements down through the lengths of your hair to the ends. 
5. During this step you can add a Silk Serum for enhanced shine and smoothness. 

Boom! Sleek, straight hair, ready for fun in the sun or hair flicking down the sidewalk.

“Can I undo this and bring my curls back??”

When you’re missing your curls and want to make the transition back, the good news is that unlike a chemical straightening service, you can easily reset your curls.

Tools Required:

• Inspire Clarifying Shampoo
• Inspire Deep Conditioner
• Inspire Leave-In Conditioner
• Argan Oil
• Blow Dryer with Diffuser Attachment

Step 1: Curl Restore Prep

1. As before, always start with completely clean hair, free of any styling product that may have built up on your extensions. Gently wash them (never ball and lather) using Inspire Clarifying Shampoo. Rinse and towel dry to absorb excess moisture. 
2. Apply a Deep Conditioner, making sure you use enough to thoroughly coat the hair extensions. Comb through to distribute evenly. If you are smoothing clip-in hair extensions you can hold them up while combing them OR simply use a Hair Extension Stand (if you have one). 

Step 2: Curl Restoration

1. To restore the curl pattern, you need to restore the elasticity of the hair so it can “bounce back” into shape. Leave on for a minimum of 30 minutes to bring that elastic curl snap back and then rinse thoroughly. Towel dry, but do not blow dry them…just let them air dry. 
2. Apply a Leave-In Conditioner to maintain elasticity and moisture and scrunch the hair to encourage the curl pattern can continue reforming on its own. 
3. As a final step, you can optionally a pply a small amount of Argan Oil for added moisture, shine and protection. 

And done! The curls are back. That is…until next time!