When to Oil Your Hair Extensions, Wash Them, and Know When It's Time for an Update: The Ultimate Hair Extensions Care Guide
Hair extensions are a fantastic way to enhance your look, adding volume, length, and even a splash of color. However, to keep your extensions looking gorgeous and to extend their lifespan, they require proper care. Whether youβre wearing tape-in, clip-in, or fusion extensions, understanding how to maintain them is key. In this comprehensive guide, weβll answer three of the most frequently asked questions about hair extensions: When to oil your hair extensions? When should you wash them? And when is it time to refresh your extensions?
Why Oil Your Hair Extensions?
Proper hair extensions care involves keeping your extensions nourished and free from damage. One of the most important steps in this process is knowing when and how to oil your hair extensions. Hair extensions, like natural hair, can become dry, especially when exposed to heat styling or environmental factors such as sun, wind, and pollution. Oil helps to restore moisture, prevent tangling, and keep the hair looking glossy. Using oil on your hair extensions ensures that they stay healthy, shiny, and easier to manage. When to Oil Your Hair Extensions: The Key to Shiny, Healthy Hair
However, itβs important to remember that hair extensions are not attached to your scalp, meaning they lack the natural oils that your hair produces. As a result, they need extra moisture to stay soft and supple.
What Oils Are Safe for Hair Extensions?
When choosing oils for your extensions, itβs important to opt for light, nourishing oils that wonβt weigh down the hair or cause buildup. Here are some of the best options:
Argan Oil: Known for its nourishing properties, argan oil helps to hydrate and smooth hair, leaving extensions looking shiny without feeling greasy.
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is a great option for deep conditioning. It helps restore moisture to the hair, but use it sparingly as it can be quite heavy.
Jojoba Oil: Similar to the natural oils produced by your scalp, jojoba oil helps keep the hair moisturized and prevents dryness.
Olive Oil: Rich in vitamins A and E, olive oil helps to nourish and hydrate extensions, making them soft and shiny.
How Often Should You Oil Your Hair Extensions?
The frequency of oiling your hair extensions depends on several factors, including the type of extensions and your lifestyle. As a general rule, once a week is enough for most people. If you style your extensions with heat frequently or live in a particularly dry climate, you may want to oil them more often. Avoid applying oil directly to the roots or near the bonds (for tape-ins, keratin bonds, etc.) to prevent buildup at the attachment points.
How to Apply Oil to Your Hair Extensions:
Start with a small amount: Apply a small, pea-sized amount of oil to your hands. Rub them together to warm it up.
Work through the ends: Gently run your fingers through the ends of the extensions, focusing on the tips where the hair is most likely to become dry.
Avoid the bonds and roots: Make sure the oil doesnβt come into contact with the attachment points to avoid loosening the extensions or creating a greasy buildup.
When to Wash Hair Extensions: Tips for Long-Lasting Extensions
Another essential part of hair extensions maintenance is knowing when and how to wash your extensions. Just like natural hair, hair extensions accumulate dirt, oil, and product buildup over time, but they donβt need to be washed as often as your natural hair.
How Often Should You Wash Hair Extensions?
The frequency of washing your hair extensions depends on a variety of factors, including the type of extensions, your lifestyle, and the climate. Hereβs a general breakdown:
Type of Extensions:
Tape-in Extensions: These extensions typically need to be washed every 7β10 days. Washing too frequently can weaken the adhesive.
Fusion or Keratin Extensions: These extensions may last longer between washes, as the bonds are stronger and less likely to be affected by washing. Washing every 10-14 days is ideal.
Clip-in Extensions: Since clip-ins are temporary, wash them only when neededβusually every 10β15 wears or so, depending on how much styling you do.
Micro-bead Extensions: These should be washed every 1β2 weeks, but always use a sulfate-free shampoo to avoid loosening the beads.
Lifestyle Factors: If you sweat heavily during exercise, or if you live in a humid or coastal environment (like Brisbane or Gold Coast), you may need to wash your extensions more frequently. In contrast, those with drier, less active lifestyles can go longer between washes.
How to Wash Hair Extensions Without Damage:
Use a Sulfate-Free Shampoo: Sulfates can strip extensions of their natural moisture and cause them to dry out. Always opt for a sulfate-free shampoo designed for hair extensions.
Avoid Hot Water: Wash your hair extensions in lukewarm water to prevent them from drying out.
Be Gentle: Always wash your extensions gently. Donβt rub or twist them, as this can cause tangling or breakage. Instead, lather the shampoo in your hands and apply it to the extensions.
Condition Well: Follow with a conditioner to keep the hair hydrated. Apply the conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends, avoiding the bonds or clips.
Drying Hair Extensions:
Pat Dry with a Towel: Avoid rubbing the extensions with a towel. Instead, gently pat them to absorb excess water.
Air-Dry When Possible: Let your extensions air-dry to prevent heat damage. If you must use a blow dryer, use a cool or low heat setting.
Use a Wide-Tooth Comb: Once your extensions are dry, use a wide-tooth comb to detangle them, starting at the ends and working your way up.
When Should I Get New Hair Extensions? Signs It's Time for an Update
No matter how well you care for your hair extensions, eventually they will need to be replaced. Here are the key signs itβs time to refresh your extensions:
Thinning or Shedding: If you notice your extensions are shedding excessively or appear thinner than before, it could be a sign they need to be replaced. Normal shedding is common, but if the hair appears sparse or patchy, it may be time for a new set.
Tangled, Matted Hair: If your extensions are constantly tangling and no amount of detangling can solve the problem, they might be past their prime. This is often due to prolonged use and wear.
Loss of Shine and Luster: Over time, even well-maintained extensions can lose their shine. If your extensions look dull and lifeless despite proper care, itβs time to consider getting a fresh set.
Damage to Bonds: If youβre wearing tape-in, fusion, or micro-bead extensions, the bonds can weaken over time, especially if theyβre not properly maintained. If the bonds are becoming loose or thereβs discomfort at the attachment points, it's best to replace them.
Change in Texture: If your extensions no longer match your natural hairβs texture or have become more coarse or brittle, this is a strong indicator that itβs time for a replacement.
How Often Should You Replace Extensions?
Tape-in Extensions: Every 6β8 weeks.
Fusion Extensions: Every 3β6 months.
Clip-in Extensions: As needed, depending on how much you wear them.
Micro-bead Extensions: Typically every 3β4 months.
Caring for your hair extensions involves more than just brushing them regularly. Knowing when to oil your extensions, when to wash them, and when itβs time to refresh them are key to maintaining healthy, beautiful hair. Whether you're in Brisbane, Gold Coast, or beyond, keeping your extensions in top shape will help you enjoy long-lasting, flawless results. So, give your hair extensions the attention they deserveβand theyβll reward you with stunning, shiny hair!
If you're looking for the best in hair extension care, come visit Hair Candy in Brisbane or the Gold Coast, where our professional team will ensure your extensions stay gorgeous for as long as possible.
