Maintaining Your Hair Extensions: Tips for Ensuring a 12-24 Month Lifespan
Investing in high-quality hair extensions like those from Hair2Love’s Remy Amour range is just the beginning. The key to long-term enjoyment of these luxury products lies in meticulous aftercare (click here for our aftercare advice sheet). This comprehensive guide will delve into proven strategies for extending the lifespan of your hair extensions, ensuring they remain in optimal condition for 12-24 months or more.
Proper Hair Washing Techniques
Frequency
Over-washing your extensions can strip them of essential oils, leading to dryness and potential damage. Aim to wash your extensions every 2-3 days, depending on your lifestyle and hair type.
Shampoo & Conditioner
Opt for SLS – sodium lauryl sulphate-free, sodium chloride, and alcohol-free shampoos and conditioners. These are gentler on the extensions and will help maintain their structural integrity. Keep in mind, not all sulphates are bad for hair extensions, ALS (Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate) is found in our Hair2Love Shampoo.
Incorporating ALS (Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate) into our hair extension shampoo ensures we offer an effective yet gentle cleansing experience. ALS serves as a surfactant, adept at removing oil, dirt, and other impurities from the scalp and hair, meaning you’ll witness better cleaning from this product compared to an entirely sulphate-free hair extension shampoo.
Due to the larger molecular structure, ALS is less likely to penetrate the skin’s outer layers compared to that of SLS, thereby reducing the risk of irritation to sensitive underlying skin cells. This makes it a preferred choice for those seeking an effective cleanse without compromising comfort, particularly beneficial for individuals with sensitive scalps or for those who frequently shampoo.
Additionally, ALS demonstrates a good foaming ability, providing the luxurious lather consumers often associate with effective cleaning. This balanced profile of cleansing efficiency and reduced irritability positions ALS as a thoughtful choice for shampoo formulations aimed at combining performance with skin compatibility.
Daily Maintenance
Brushing
Utilise a soft bristle brush specifically designed for extensions to prevent tugging and breaking. Make sure you avoid brushes with bobbles. Starting at the ends and working your way up to the roots is a gentle technique that minimises stress on the extensions.
Heat Styling
Minimise the use of heat tools like straighteners and curling irons. When you do need to use them, always apply a heat protectant spray beforehand. Our Moroccan Argan Oil is a real winner here.
Products
Use leave-in conditioner and hair serums sparingly. These are fantastic products for improving the lifespan and appearance of your locks, and while these can help maintain the smoothness and shine, overuse can lead to a greasy appearance.
Night-Time Care
Protecting your extensions during sleep is equally important. Consider investing in a silk or satin pillowcase to minimise friction. Alternatively, you can braid your extensions loosely to prevent tangling and matting during sleep.
Check out our 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase for a truly high-quality product at a great price. If looking for a wider range of colours or sizes check out https://uk.blissy.com/ or www.slipsilkpillowcase.co.uk/ for some great alternatives.
Professional Check-ups
Scheduled visits to a professional hairstylist are non-negotiable for optimal extension care. These check-ups can address any concerns before they escalate into significant issues. Hair extensions, if not properly fitted or cared for can cause everlasting damage, so, ensure you take action if you feel anything may be happening with the hair you are unsure about.
In-Depth Aftercare Products
For those committed to the long-term quality of their extensions, consider using specialised aftercare products that offer deep conditioning and damage repair. We have an entire page devoted to our advice and guidance on maintaining your extensions it’s worth a read.
Conclusion
Maintaining your hair extensions is a well-worthwhile commitment that pays off in luxurious, long-lasting hair. With these comprehensive tips and a disciplined aftercare routine, you can enjoy your investment to the fullest. Our hair extension ranges such as the Ukrainian and Russian Hair Extensions found in our Boutique Slavic hair range, and the superior quality in Remy Amour, are both priced well for their standard, but still, they are a sizeable investment for many, so take the time and make the effort, you’ll look fabulous for months…or years to come.
