CLEANSING
Always thoroughly brush through your hair and extensions before the cleansing process. We recommend washing your hair no more than 1 to 2 times per week in an effort to prolong the life of your extensions. Wash/Condition with an Oribe, Goldie Locks. If you have multiple rows, we recommend sectioning the rows so that you’re able to cleanse between the rows. Gently wash as normal, avoiding accessive or vigorous rubbing through the ends. We do recommend first using a clarifying shampoo, rinsing after, and following up with your hydrating shampoo of choice. Apply conditioner from the ears down and around the face-framing pieces. Avoid conditioner at the scalp and weft line to avoid build-up and slipping of the rows. Use a wet brush or a wide tooth comb to gently brush the conditioner through the ends before rinsing it. Always use a serum/oil after the cleansing process & heat protectant when styling your hair. This will allow your extensions to live a longer, beautiful life!
For guests that have an excessively oily scalp or work out, we recommend a "half wash" in an effort to extend the life of the extensions and maintain fresher-looking hair. Top wash tutorial
HARD WATER
Hard water is water that has a high mineral content. High mineral contents can cause extreme hair color fading, causing the extensions to become discolored, build up, and hair dryness. Install a shower head filter to keep these harsh minerals off your hair and prolong the life of your extensions.
DRYING
Gently squeeze the water out of your hair, do not vigorously rub with a towel. Spray in your favorite leave-in conditioner. Before drying, ensure you protect your hair with a heat protectant, followed by combing through with a wet brush/wide tooth comb. Before using a brush during the blow dry, use your fingers only to blow dry 80% of your hair, then follow with a round/paddle brush and light tension for the last few minutes of your blow dry. If you find accessive tangling, it may be time to have a detox treatment done to your extensions.
PRODUCTS
Extensions require hydrating products and should be paraben and sulfate free. Use oil/serum daily on wet/dry hair for added moisture to maintain the longest life for your extensions. A moisture mask is also crucial to use 1-2 times monthly, depending on how often you cleanse your hair.
SLEEPING
We recommend adding a hydrating oil/serum before braiding your hair and putting it in a loose, high ponytail or bun with a silk scrunchie. It’s also best to sleep on a silk pillowcase (this is great for your face AND hair). Cotton pillowcases can cause frizz and split ends over time. Silk pillowcases are much more gentle on your hair. Do not sleep on your extensions while they’re wet; it can damage your natural hair and can cause matting and mold.
STYLING
When using hot tools, don’t forget to apply a dry heat protectant before you use heat. Straighten and curl your hair like normal! Using hot tools less often is better, as they dry out your hair and decrease the life of your extensions. With extensions, normally curling your hair once or twice a week will be enough to maintain your style; prepping your hair before sleeping will help to hold the style.
Brush your hair multiple times daily, especially with longer lengths, to avoid excessive tangles/matting. It’s best to use a wet brush or wide-tooth comb for gentle effectiveness. You can wear your hair up in a high-pony or bun. IBE is the best for this, allowing you to be worry-free about seeing beads or tape!
SWIMMING
Can you swim with extensions?
Yes – BUT with caution. There are minerals found in some water that can react poorly with your extensions and can cause matting, discoloration, or dry them out. To avoid this, we advise you to do the following:
* Slightly wet your hair before entering the pool/ocean/river, etc. After wetting, lightly apply a leave-in conditioner or hair mask (you do not have to over-saturate your hair).
* Comb your conditioner or mask through your hair, then braid it (we recommend bubble braids or something that requires multiple elastics to hold the hair in place), or put it in a tight bun or pony.
* Brush & wash your hair immediately after swimming.
* Beware of sunscreen; most brands contain ingredients (Avobenzone) that will turn your extensions a brassy orange or peach color. Goldie Locks released their sunscreen that is safe to use with extensions; it's our favorite! Other sunscreen brands are extension-friendly, mostly mineral-based sunscreen. Be sure to check the ingredients always before applying.
**Beware of your friends/family around you spraying sunscreen or being in pools where others wear sunscreen, as well as this can transfer onto your extensions.
Home Must Haves With Extensions
-hydrating shampoo, conditioner, hair mask
-serum/oil
-heat protectant
-silk scrunchie
-flexible brush
-silk pillowcase