Hair extensions can be an amazing way to add length, volume, and even color to your natural hair, but they require proper care and handling to stay looking fabulous. Many extension wearers unknowingly make common mistakes that can damage both their extensions and their natural hair. Here’s a troubleshooting guide to help you avoid these errors, so your extensions look flawless and last as long as possible.
1. Improper Washing Techniques
Washing extensions is essential, but it’s easy to make mistakes that can lead to tangling, matting, or even shedding.
- Common Mistake: Treating extensions like natural hair. Many people wash extensions the same way they wash their own hair, scrubbing vigorously or using any old shampoo.
- Solution: Use a sulfate-free, gentle shampoo to keep extensions soft and prevent stripping away natural oils (especially for human hair extensions). When washing, gently massage shampoo in a downward motion to avoid tangling. Follow with a quality conditioner, focusing on the mid-lengths to ends, and rinse thoroughly.
2. Skipping the Conditioning Step
One of the most common mistakes is neglecting to condition hair extensions, especially since they don’t receive natural oils like your own hair does.
- Common Mistake: Skipping conditioner, thinking it’s unnecessary or that it will weigh the extensions down.
- Solution: Conditioning is crucial. Use a lightweight, moisturizing conditioner after each wash. Concentrate on the lower lengths and ends, where extensions are more prone to dryness. Leave it on for a few minutes and rinse well for best results.
3. Overuse of Heat Styling Tools
Excessive use of heat tools can damage extensions, just as it can damage natural hair. However, since extensions can’t repair themselves like natural hair, overusing heat can cause lasting harm.
- Common Mistake: Using flat irons, curling irons, or blow dryers too often or at high heat settings.
- Solution: Use heat styling tools sparingly and always apply a heat protectant spray first. When styling, keep tools on a low-to-medium heat setting. Limit the use of heat tools to a couple of times a week and consider heatless styling techniques like braids or rollers for waves and curls.
4. Incorrect Storage
If you wear clip-ins or removable extensions, proper storage is key to keeping them in great shape between uses.
- Common Mistake: Tossing extensions in a drawer or leaving them on a countertop, which can lead to tangling and exposure to dust.
- Solution: Gently brush your extensions, then store them in a dedicated box or pouch. Some extension brands offer storage cases or hangers to keep the hair organized and safe. Avoid storing them in a humid area to prevent mold or mildew.
5. Improper Installation and Removal
Putting in or taking out extensions incorrectly can cause unnecessary stress on your natural hair and even lead to breakage.
- Common Mistake: Rushing through installation or removal, which can cause pulling, snagging, or tangling.
- Solution: If you’re new to extensions, consider having them installed or removed by a professional. For clip-ins, attach them gently, ensuring they’re secure but not pulling on your roots. When removing, start from the bottom layers and work your way up, releasing clips gently to avoid hair damage.
6. Wearing Extensions While Sleeping
It may seem convenient to go to bed with your extensions in, especially if they’re sewn or taped in, but sleeping with them loose can cause unnecessary friction and tangling.
- Common Mistake: Sleeping with loose extensions, which can lead to matting, frizz, and breakage.
- Solution: For semi-permanent extensions, tie your hair into a loose braid or ponytail before bed to keep it organized and reduce friction. You may also want to invest in a silk or satin pillowcase, as it causes less friction than cotton. For removable extensions, take them out and store them properly before bed.
7. Overloading with Product
Extensions don’t produce their own oils, so they don’t need the same heavy products that natural hair might benefit from.
- Common Mistake: Applying too much product, which can weigh extensions down, make them sticky, or cause them to look greasy.
- Solution: Use only a minimal amount of product, focusing on lightweight formulas. Avoid heavy oils and creams, which can be hard to wash out of extensions. A small amount of leave-in conditioner or a light, alcohol-free serum is usually enough to keep extensions looking shiny and hydrated.
8. Skipping Regular Maintenance Appointments
If you have sewn-in, tape-in, or bonded extensions, regular maintenance is essential. Extensions can move down as your natural hair grows, leading to a gap near the roots that can get tangled.
- Common Mistake: Delaying or skipping maintenance appointments, which can lead to tangling and even damage to your natural hair.
- Solution: Schedule touch-up appointments as recommended by your stylist, usually every 6-8 weeks, depending on your natural hair growth. During maintenance, your stylist can re-secure or move up the extensions to ensure they sit comfortably and look natural.
9. Not Brushing Correctly or Frequently Enough
Extensions require regular brushing to stay tangle-free, but they need to be brushed with care.
- Common Mistake: Using any old brush or brushing too harshly, leading to shedding and breakage.
- Solution: Use a wide-tooth comb or a brush specifically designed for extensions. Brush gently from the ends, working your way up to avoid pulling on the wefts or bonds. Be extra gentle around the attachment points to prevent loosening or damage.
10. Ignoring Your Natural Hair’s Health
Healthy natural hair is the foundation for beautiful extensions, but extensions can sometimes cause people to overlook their natural hair's needs.
- Common Mistake: Neglecting your natural hair and scalp, thinking extensions cover any issues.
- Solution: Regularly cleanse and condition your scalp, especially if you wear semi-permanent extensions. Apply a gentle, hydrating scalp treatment if needed, and ensure your natural hair is healthy and nourished, which will help your extensions blend better and last longer.
By following these troubleshooting tips, you’ll keep your extensions looking as fresh as the day you got them. Remember that each type of extension might have unique care needs, so consult your stylist or extension provider for specific guidance. With a little extra TLC, your extensions will stay gorgeous and last longer, enhancing your style with confidence.
