Aftercare advice for Hair Extensions
GENERAL
Extensions may also itch for a few days, this tends to be just above the nape of your neck, in the middle, and around your crown as these are the most sensitive parts of your scalp. If this is the case please persevere as again it is your head getting used to the weight and bonds. You cannot have twice as much hair and often three times the length put in and expect to get used to it straight away, some people have no trouble whatsoever but every now and then someone may have a sensitive scalp and it will take more adapting to. Do not give up straight away or think the worst!
Over the time your extensions are in you may notice parts of your own hair coming out with the root attached, this is only hair which has not been able to escape the glue bond which you would have normally shed naturally. As I said earlier, we lose around 100 of our own hairs per day naturally and these are the hairs which would usually have fallen out but can't drop to the floor because of the extensions, do not worry it is not the extensions pulling your hair out!
You will also lose some bonds during the time your extensions are in. This is very normal and happens with all bonded extensions. You should expect to lose around 10-15 bonds, sometimes slightly more, and sometimes clients don't lose any at all!
Extensions need maintaining and looking after - you cannot have extensions because you think it is an easy way out of doing your own hair. They need conditioning, gentle brushing and straightening. You have to be willing to spend time on them and have patience to look after them otherwise they will not stay in good condition. Longer extensions tend to be harder to look after than shorter ones and at first it may be difficult to sleep as your head is not used to the bonds. It will not always be like this, after a few days you should not even know they are in. When you first have your extensions put in you my notice that your head will feel sore or tender for the first 2-4 days, this is due to the weight of the hair being added and the pulling sensation on your scalp. This will settle dow n, the other thing you may notice is itching. Please DO NOT scratch the itch area just rather pat it as once you start to scratch you may break your skin causing it to become inflamed and irritated even more
REMOVAL
If you choose to have your extensions removed elsewhere please ask for a removal info sheet. I sell removal products if you wish to do it yourself but you must be very patient and gentle so as to not damage your hair. I can sell a bottle of remover for your salon to use if required. Please make sure you remove them properly as I will not be held responsible for any damage caused. Extension removal should cause very little or no pain at all if done correctly and it should never hurt or tug at your own hair and roots. This is what causes damage and is the reason extensions get a bad reputation for ruining hair
DAMAGE
Do not believe all of the horror stories you hear. As long as extensions are properly maintained and properly removed they will cause little or no damage to your own hair (depending on the quality of your hair to begin with). Picking and rough brushing causes the most damage. Some people find that extensions have helped their own hair grow quite a bit over the time they are in and also improved the condition of it. Please take extra care in all aspects of maintenance if you have naturally fine or thin hair as the extensions and bonds do put a slight added strain on the roots. By being as gentle as possible minimises damage to your own hair, and although extensions should cause little or no damage, it helps to treat them with respect as it is an un-natural process which may take your scalp time to adjust to. I will not be held responsible for any damage caused over the time the extensions are in if they are not properly looked after. If extensions do seem to be causing problems please do not hesitate to contact me. I also can not be held responsible if you find you do not get on with extensions and have them removed (although this is very rare).
MAINTENANCE Always recommended around half way throught the cycle of your hair extensions. I will advise you specifically if you require more as some people depending on the type of hair need every 3-4 weeks.
STYLING
The hair can be straightened, curled, cut, and blow dried. When straightening, try to avoid straightening over the bonds although you will probably find that this part of your hair is missed anyway due to it being so close to the scalp. Hair can also be cut and styled but when cutting please take into consideration where the bonds are so you do not get the hair cut in a way which will expose the bonds. You can dye hair but do a strand test first as different hair types dye differently e.g. your own hair may not dye the same as the extension hair or the extension hair may not dye as expected. You can however dye your roots while extensions are in. The best way to do this is to dye around the hairline (where hair is seen if in a ponytail) and down the centre parting. Usually this is the only hair seen. If however, you wish to dye all of your roots then this is also possible but remember that the less stress put on the extensions the better. Always seek advice from your hair stylist prior to colouring and perming.
BRUSHING YOUR EXTENSIONS
Remember your extensions are attached to your own natural hair, pulling too hard or mistreating your extensions can result in your own hair being pulled out.
The only brush you should use near to your extension bonds is an extension brush – this brush has soft bristles and a cushioned bristle base, meaning the brush gently glides over the bonds.
When brushing the extensions always hold the bonds, making sure no additional stress is put on the hair.
WASHING YOUR EXTENSIONS
Your extension hair should only be washed between 2-3 times per week.
Before washing it is advised to detangle your extension hair with a wide tooth comb and separate the bonds.
It is essential you only use shampoo and conditioner that is designed for hair extension use.
When washing your hair, do not tip your head over the bath as this could cause tangling - always wash with your head upright – in the shower is ideal.
Smooth the shampoo down the extension hair – do not rub vigorously!
Only condition from the mid lengths to the end of the hair. Do not apply any conditioner to the bonds as this will cause slippage. You can pick the top section of your own hair up and apply condition to this section.
Pat hair gently when washed – do not rub.
DRYING YOUR EXTENSIONS
Before detangling we advise you to use a leave in conditioning spray. Follow by detangling with a wide tooth comb, making sure you avoid the bonds. Make sure all bonds are dried completely.
Be very careful when brushing the hair when wet, make sure you support the extensions hair by holding the bonds.
For a sleek finish, section your hair off and blow dry using a round brush with soft bristles. Be very careful that you do not snag the bonds.
Finish by using a good quality straightening iron.
Heater Rollers, Straightening Irons, crimpers and tongs can all be used on the extension hair although it is advisable to use a Heat Protection Spray to protect the both your hair and the extension hair.
Serums, gels, hairsprays, etc may all be used but avoid the bonded areas as this may cause slippage.
DAY TO DAY ACTIVITIES AND HOW THEY EFFECT YOUR EXTENSIONS
If you use a sun bed it is advisable to wrap the hair in a towel first. Sun beds can dry out the hair and melt the bonds.
If you work our regularly or have regular use of a sauna or steam room make sure the bonds are completely dried as soon as possible after your session - leaving the bonds in a constant damp environment could cause them to deterate.
We do not advise getting Hair Extensions if you are pregnant or for one year after having a baby.
You may swim as usual but remember that prolonged water exposure may weaken the bonds. Wash your hair as quickly as possible after swimming.
You may wear your extensions abroad but be aware that a combination of the sun, chlorine in the swimming pool and salt in the sea water may make them a little dryer then normal. They will return back to their normal condition once you return home. Try to wear a hat when the sun is beaming down on your head – this protects the bonds
