How to maintain your weaves/extensions

Hi girls,

I recently got a request on Twitter to write a post on how to maintain your high quality weaves and or extensions, and as we all know buying good quality hair is not only a purchase but an investment which can cost a lot of money therefore putting in effort to help maintain and protect your hair is vital to getting the most out of your hair and to increase and support its longevity to make sure you get the most out of the money you were willing to spend! So here is an in-depth yet concise guide on how to do this.

Lex 

xo

When approaching the maintenance of your hair you have to remember to treat the hair as if it were your own hair, although extensions are attached to a weft rather than a scalp it is still human and will be affected by the use of heat tools, exposure to pollution, the weather and chemicals just as natural hair would.

Even when you are not preparing to wash or condition your weave or extensions you have to put in place daily care regime to help protect and maintain your hair from any styling you decide to apply to it.

You should aim to comb your hair with a wide toothed comb at least twice a day in the morning before styling and before you go to sleep and remove or wrap your extensions in a scarf to hold them in place; this will help to get rid of any lose strands of hair which aid in extreme tangling and knots. To do this you should begin from the tips and work upwards you should never start combing from the weft down as this only increases the chances of tugging and your hair becoming prone to shedding which also causes tension and damage to your natural hair.

In the general care of extensions or weaves I would advise in purchasing a nourishing, light weight leave in conditioner that won't weigh the hair down with excess oils which your extensions don't need!

Alternatively you can make your own leave in conditioner by take part conditioner part water mixing them together and depositing it in a spray bottle.

 Start by sectioning off the hair and lightly spraying each section before combing this will not only add aid in the combing process but add a new lease of life to extensions which can become dull in appearance. 

Secondly I would advise in purchasing a heat protectant spray to protect the hair from heat damage and becoming split, dry and brittle. 

Kerastase Heat Protector

SHOP 

Aussie Miracle Recharge Moisture Infuser Leave in Conditioner

SHOP

Pre- Conditioning your hair before washing it will prevent your hair form tangling up whilst beginning your full wash process and again will prevent you having to tug at your extensions and minimizes shedding.

To do this apply a thin layer of conditioner and don't rinse it out until you're ready to apply your shampoo.

Wash your hair with moisturizing shampoo. Like natural hair, hair extensions need moisturizing oils. With that said, use shampoos that contain moisturizing oils to protect its shine and overall quality.  (see recommended products below).

Wash and rinse your hair with a wide tooth comb while moving in a single direction. When combing your hair during the washing process comb from top to bottom while maintaining a single direction.
Make sure not to scrunch or tousle your hair as this can lead to extensive tangling.

You should aim to wash your extensions/ weave at least biweekly every 2-3 weeks!

RECOMMEND SHAMPOO'S

   Tresemme Moisture Rich Shampoo               Dove Intense Repair Shampoo

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After rinsing your shampoo, apply your conditioner and with a wide tooth comb distribute it evenly through out the hair leave on for 10-15 then rinse.

RECOMMENDED CONDITIONERS


Pantene Moisture Masque                       Elasta QP
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If possible allow your hair to dry naturally, otherwise use a blow dryer on a very low heat setting to diffuse the moisture. Avoid rubbing with a dry towel as this causes tangles and knots and make sure that your extensions are completely dry before sleeping.

It is always good to invest in a good Argan Oil however avoid over applying as it can make extensions heavy and greasy looking and therefore require more washing.