How To Wash Hair Extensions – A Step-By-Step Guide
Step 1: Detangle The Extensions
This is the first and most important step before you start washing the hair extensions. Synthetic hair often tangles easily. Thus, brushing gently helps clear all the knots and detangle the extensions. Brush the extensions from bottom to top without pulling the hair out. Use a wide-toothed comb or soft bristle brush while working on extensions. Take a single wefti XA group of hair extensions joined together by sewing over a piece of cloth to be used for hair styling. and place them over each other to form a bundle. This ensures that the hair does not form tangles during the washing process.
Step 2: Prepare The Sink
Fill the sink with lukewarm water, squirt about 2-3 pumps of organic shampoo, and create bubbles. To keep the shine and luster of the hair extensions intact, use a color-safe shampoo that does not contain parabensi XChemicals widely used as preservatives to extend the shelf life of cosmetic and skin care products. , sulfatesi XChemicals used as foaming and cleansing agents in body care products such as shampoos and soaps. , and alcohol.
Step 3: Wash Every Hair Weave
Wash 2-3 wefts of the hair extensions at a time with a moisturizing shampoo. Hold the top of the weft in one hand, dip it into lukewarm water, and wash gently with light strokes. Do not rub them vigorously as it may damage the texture. Hair extensions are made of synthetic hair, and shampooing does not strip off the natural oils. However, gentle washing is essential to maintain the shine and texture. Place each weft on a neat towel after washing and repeat the process for the rest of the wefts.
Step 4: Condition The Weft
A conditioner helps soften the extensions and restore their shine. Apply a dollop of natural conditioner onto each weft from top to bottom. Massage gently and leave it on for 5-10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly in lukewarm water to remove all the residue.
Step 5: Apply Deep Conditioning Mask
Apply deep conditioning cream or hair mask to make the extensions soft and smooth and leave it on for an hour or overnight. Apply hair mask on damp extensions and follow it up with gentle and thorough rinsing after an hour. If you want to keep the hair mask overnight, bundle it softly and cover it with a shower cap. Rinse it thoroughly the next day for a super soft and supple texture.
Step 6: Rinse Thoroughly
Rinsing in cool water is important after applying a hair mask. Any residue on the hair extensions makes them greasy and will weigh down your original hair. Washing in cold water seals the cuticles, locks in moisture, and adds shine to the hair extensions. Wash each weft thoroughly under running tap water.
Step 7: Air Dry
Towel dry your extensions after rinsing the extensions to absorb the extra oil without damaging them. Do not rub the towel as it may damage the extensions and develop tangles. Place the wefts on a microfiber towel and let them air dry naturally. If you want frizz- and tangle-free wefts, apply a lightweight hair oil with your fingers and comb with a wide-toothed brush.
Step 8: Blow Dry
Before blow drying your hair extensions, apply a heat-protectant spray. Use the blow dryer on a cool setting to prevent any heat damage. Start by drying the roots of the wefts and follow to the ends. Use the blow dryer in a downward motion to smoothen the extensions and prevent tangles.
Step 9: Comb Each Weft
After drying the extension, comb each weft with a wide-toothed brush. After combing, bundle the wefts together and comb from top to bottom.
If you have beaded hair extensions and are worried about taking care of it, the following section may help you.
Technique For Washing Beaded Hair Extensions
Microbeads are delicate and may fall out or drop easily. Thus, use a loop brush or nylon boar bristle brush to detangle knots. Wash each microbead weft with a shampoo that is free of silicones, parabens, and alcohol. Apply the shampoo gently through the hair from root to tip. Do not tug or pull the wefts as they may detach from the natural hair or the bead may get damaged. Apply conditioner to the tips of the extensions to moisturize them. Do not apply it to the root or bonds of the beads. Rinse the shampoo and conditioner out of the hair extensions thoroughly as any product residue may damage the hair and beads. As the microbead extensions are not detachable, frequent styling or heating tools may damage the natural texture of your hair. Hence, use heat protectant sprays every time you use a styling tool.
Scroll down to our next section to know the techniques of washing feather hair extensions.
How To Care For Feather Hair Extensions
Feather extensions can be washed, brushed, blow dried, straightened, curled, or styled easily as per the requirement. Handle the micro links of the feather extensions with care. Do not brush over the micro links as it might damage the roots. Always use a mild shampoo and dry the extensions in low heat. The feather extensions may detach from the roots as the hair grows. Save them in a pouch and reinstall after two weeks.
Do hair extensions thicken after washing? Hair extensions expand after you wash them. Therefore, they may appear thicker than before. Do extensions blend better after washing? Yes, extensions blend better after they are washed. This is because most hair extensions look glossier than the wearer’s original hair. Washing them with a gentle shampoo and conditioner can remove the unwanted shine and help them blend well.
