Haircare – Top 10 Tips for Long Lasting Hair Extensions

Brushing your hair extensions is as important as brushing your teeth each morning. Use a Carla Lawson soft bristle brush to detangle the hair without damaging it. Start at the bottom, as you would with your natural hair, detangling that area first before you move up to work on the top sections. For long lasting hair extensions, be gentle, as pulling can cause breakage.

Firstly, make sure you detangle your hair before shampooing (use a Carla Lawson bristle brush!). Tilt your hair back in the shower instead of flipping your hair up and washing it over the sink or tub. Use a good salon professional shampoo that is sulphate free (we recommend sulphate free shampoo & conditioning products, such as Oribe Gold Lust range available from Carla Lawson Hair Extensions). Take it slow! Wet your extensions bit by bit to prevent tangling using a downward motion when shampooing and rinse them thoroughly.

Follow up with a nourishing leave-in conditioner such as the sulphate-free Oribe Gold Lust range. Spray it on or work it in using the same downward motion and brush out any remaining tangles carefully. Don’t over-apply nourishing products as this may make your extensions dull and limp, causing them to get dirty at a much faster rate and tangle more easily.

Excessive heat is detrimental to your natural hair and hair extensions. Regardless of whether you have extensions or not, you should allow time for your hair to dry naturally. Avoid sleeping with semi-wet hair which can cause tangles and odd creases.

Use a low-heat setting to dry your extensions and surrounding hair first then style/dry the rest of your hair as usual. Never ever use hot styling equipment that exceeds 200 degrees Celsius or 392 degrees Fahrenheit.

Your clip-ins, wigs or quick weaves need to be stored with love when unused. Clean, condition, dry and detangle them first then place them in an air-tight container big enough to accommodate them perfectly – no squishing please!

In case your luscious locks can’t be removed before sleep or intense physical activity, you can always sweep them back in a ponytail. If you’re about to hit the sack, make it a low pony to avoid tangles and creases. If you’re about the hit the gym or a running track, opt for a high pony to limit the exposure to sweat.

You may need to adopt a serious cap-wearing habit as chlorine and salt aren’t your hair’s best friends. We know that a swimming cap isn’t the hottest headwear, however in the long run, your extensions will last longer.

Harsh pulling, wringing or knotting your hair tightly is a no-go if you want long lasting hair extension. You can also damage your real hair, causing breakage and ruining your chances of having beautiful longish hair after the extensions are removed. Treat them well & keep up regular maintenance re-lifts to ensure your extensions are long lasting.

Even the best quality extensions need upkeep. We recommend you check back with your stylist every 5 to 7 weeks for professional re-fitting and styling.