Whether you’ve just recently installed your first set of hand-tied hair extensions or are a long-time wearer, it’s important to take care of your set. Since hand-tied hair extensions are extremely popular for their ability to give you a your-hair-but-better look, they’re a coveted option in the world of hair extensions. Since they’re quite literally tied into your hair, it’s important to take proper care of them to avoid damage and extend their wear. Simply put, the better you care for them, the longer they’ll last. Here are our top tips for taking care of your Hairlaya hand-tied hair extensions.
Brush Your Extensions Before Shampooing
This can help remove any knots or tangles. One of the best ways to ensure your hair is tangle-free is to brush it before washing and not after. Since shampooing can cause a lot of friction, brushing it prior can mitigate tangling and knots. Remember to use a soft bristle brush, as they’re incredibly gentle on hand-tied hair extensions and won’t cause snagging. Brushing from the bottom up ensures you avoid damaging your hair and pulling on it too much, which can damage not only your extensions, but your natural hair as well.
Use a Sulfate Free Shampoo
Sulfates have the ability to strip the hair of its natural moisture. When your natural oils progress down the hair shaft between washes, your hand-tied hair extensions won’t stay moisturized at the root if you’re using a sulfate based shampoo. This encourages breakage, dryness, and brittleness. The weaker your hair is at the scalp, the less likely your extensions will maintain integrity and longevity. Opt for a sulfate free shampoo to maintain your hair extensions and extend their wear.
Wash Your Hair Once or Twice a Week
Over washing your hand-tied hair extensions can cause them to wear out quicker. Not only is narrowing down your wash schedule to once or twice a week good for your extensions, but your natural hair. Similar to the way sulfates strip your natural hair, over washing does the same. Keep your wash sessions to once or twice weekly to maximize the wear of your extensions.
Put Your Extensions in a Protective Style Before Bed
To prevent your hand-tied extensions from knotting, always place them in a protective style before bed. Braids are great to prevent your extensions from tangling and can preserve their longevity. A low ponytail also suffices. Make sure to use a scrunchies to tie them back, as tight elastics can result in serious damage.
Always Blow Dry Your Hair Extensions
As long as you’re religiously using heat protectant and waiting until your hair is about eighty percent dry before blow drying, you don’t need to worry about excess damage. In fact, it’s better to blow dry your hand-tied extensions than air dry them. Blow drying preserves their longevity since it prevents water from settling into the beads. Your hair is most fragile when it’s wet, so it’s best to get them dry as soon as possible. Always remember to use a microfiber towel prior to blow drying, since regular towels can cause damage and friction!
