maintenance
Hair Extensions are probably one of the best thing ever in life but it is an investment. Make sure to go to a certified extensions specialist. To get the most out of your hair, you must follow all of the aftercare maintenance for extensions.
Here are some DO’s and DON’Ts for extension maintenance.
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Do not wash everyday & never use conditioner at your root. Wash at max 2-3 times a week.
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Use a good leave-in conditioner/oil from the mid shaft to the ends of the extensions.
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Sleep with your hair in a low loose ponytail or loose braid to avoid matting.
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Use a silk pillowcase – it’s like an anti-aging product for extensions.
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Highly recommend a microfiber towel – it is friction free and will not be harsh on you hair as other towels.
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When brushing your hair, hold at the root where the weft is and brush at least twice a day.
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If you plan on going in the pool, ocean or any type of water other than a shower, rinse your hair in fresh water in the shower then coat your hair in conditioner or a leave-in from mids to ends and put it back in a ponytail or braid.
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Do NOT get sunscreen or tanning lotion on blonde extensions as it might cause color alterations.
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You must get a move-up every 6-8 weeks.
We highly recommend pre-booking all of your move-up appointments so you don’t go longer than recommended and risk damaging your hair.
FAQ:
IS IT PAINFUL? You won’t feel any pain during the install but there may be some scalp sensitivity afterwards. This usually lasts the first night only.
CAN I TIE MY HAIR BACK OR PUT IT UP IN A PONYTAIL? YES! But wait a few days or a week to put it up in a bun or high ponytail. It can be pretty tight the first few days so the tension can give you a headache if you try to put it up too early. Be gentle and do not tug too tightly. You should ALWAYS tie it back in a loose ponytail or loose braid before bed.
IS IT HEAVY? The weight is pretty light and minimal compared to other methods. But when wet, it can be 3-4 times heavier.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I WASH MY HAIR? We recommend 2-3 times a week MAX! Less is better. Use dry shampoo in between shampoos but only on your natural hair on top. The extensions will need all the natural oil it can get and the dry shampoo can soak up all of that. Apply shampoo only on scalp and scrub, and use the lather to squeeze it through the extensions. Do not apply shampoo onto the extensions. Apply conditioner only on mid shaft and ends, do not apply on roots. Brush your hair before getting in the shower to remove all tangles. Quick Tip: If you need to wash more than recommended, tie extension hair back in a low ponytail and stick your head under a sink or faucet in bathtub and wash just the front and top of your head for a quick mini wash to get rid of oil. *Make sure to rinse the shampoo out really well from scalp and in between wefts. If you leave residue, the shampoo will buildup on scalp causing irritation.*
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I BRUSH MY HAIR? We recommend at least twice a day. Always start at the bottom and brush out tangles working your way up, while holding the root area down tightly. NEVER brush or comb wet hair. Hair is most fragile when wet so it will stretch like a rubber band and break. After washing hair, towel blot gently and apply a leave-in conditioner and detangler. Blow-dry hair and the tangles will slowly fall out as its drying. Once it’s dry, gently brush it.
WHAT PRODUCTS SHOULD I USE? Use recommended products by your stylist. Always use sulfate free shampoo and for color treated hair (I recommend Kevin Murphy, Davines, R+Co, Olaplex, or In Common). Use a hair mask/treatment once in awhile and apply it to mids-ends and let it sit for at least 10 minutes, the longer the better and rinse really well (Olaplex no 3 or Kevin Murphy Hydrate Masque). Use a leave-in conditioner and a heat protectant after washing hair (Kevin Murphy Untangled and Heated.Defense) and an oil/serum on dry hair (Kevin Murphy Young Again Serum).
CAN I CURL OR STRAIGHTEN MY HAIR? Yes, but please use lower temperature (around 350 or lower). Use a heat protectant before using any hot tools.
WHY IS MY HEAD ITCHY OR RED? You may experience itchiness the first couple weeks from the "mustache" on the extensions. It will soften up and go away. If you do not rinse your extensions thoroughly, the shampoo buildup can cause irritation to your scalp. If you have a hand held shower head, get in between each wefts and rinse the scalp area really well. Never use conditioner on scalp, only on mids-ends. Excessive pulling or tightness of ponytails and buns will irritate your scalp.
If you have any other questions or concerns, email us at takohairstudio@gmail.com.