Proper Products to Maintain Your Mane
Proper products to Maintain Your Mane— become an expert on caring for your extensions at home with proper products.
Whether you have a full head of keratin bonds, a row or two of Hidden Bead sew-ins, or a mix of it all; caring for your hair at home is the most important part about being an extension wearer! There are a few differences to caring for ktips and sew-in, so following these tips will ensure optimal longevity in your investment.
The Basics — Product Line-Up
If we could pick three products that are essential for at home care for both ktips and sew-ins, they would be
•Sulfate free shampoo & conditioner
•Nourishing oil
•Thermal heat protectant
Be sure to check your shampoo specifically for sulfates, as they can dry the hair out, cause tangles and knots and even alter the color of your extensions.
Keratin bond wearers should avoid products with alcohol, parabens and silicones as they can damage the bonds and cause buildup.
For all extension wearers, steer clear of anything that claims to “repair” and “bond”— these will cause hair to become brittle and break off over time due to overdosing your hair on protein. Look for the buzz words “Hydrating” & “Moisturizing” when shopping for product. They will be your besties!
It’s essential to apply oil to the mid lengths and ends of your extensions daily to prevent them from getting dry, frizzy and brittle. This can be done on wet or dry hair.
Lastly, adding a liquid thermal heat protectant before you blowdry and/or a dry heat protectant spray before restyling is crucial to maintaining healthy extensions. Keeping your hot tools at or below 350° is also key.
This trifecta speaks for itself and is the perfect base for your at home product collection— your hair will thank you later.
The Silent Killer: Sunscreen
With summer just around the corner, make sure to check the ingredients of your sunscreen to protect the color of your extensions. Sunscreen containing avobenzone and octocrylene can react with minerals in water and produce a pink or brassy buildup on extensions— who wants to deal with that?! Stick to a mineral based sunscreen with ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and you’ll be in the clear!
Your New Routine
Taking care of your hair extensions at home doesn’t have to be a chore—it can be a fun and rewarding part of your routine! By arming yourself with the right products, like sulfate-free shampoo, nourishing oils, and thermal protectants, you’ll not only keep your extensions looking fabulous but also extend their life. Remember, your hair is an investment, so treat it with the love and care it deserves.