Expert Guide on Curly Hair Extensions: Tips, Care, and Recommendations
Ever wondered why some curly hair extensions blend seamlessly while others look out of place? The secret lies in selecting the right texture, type, and installation method. As Essence's Best in Black Beauty Award winner for our kinky curly I-tip extensions, we’re here to break down everything you need to know to make the best choice for your hair.
With insights from our celebrity stylist and founder, LeAna McKnight, we've crafted this expert guide to help you navigate the world of curly hair extensions confidently and effectively.
How to Choose the Best Curly Hair Extensions for Your Hair Type
Finding the perfect curly hair extensions isn’t just about getting 100% natural hair. It requires understanding your unique texture, density, and lifestyle needs.
To help you out, here’s a summary of the steps we discussed in our recent blog post on picking your new curly hair extensions.
📌 Pro Tip: If you have fine 4B hair and want more volume, choose Kinky Curly I-tip Extensions for a natural, undetectable blend.
- Know your hair type and curl pattern.
- Check your hair density and length.
- Understand the types of hair extensions available (wigs, I-tips, weft bundles, clip-ins).
- Decide on your desired style: kinky/curly or kinky/straight.
Frequently Asked Questions: When to Wear Curly Hair Extensions
Q: Can I wear curly hair extensions if I have hair loss?
A: If you have traction alopecia, avoid styles that cause tension. Instead, opt for keratin I-tips, which are lightweight and less damaging.
📌 Pro Tip: Always consult a trichologist before using extensions on thinning hair.
Q: What is the best way to blend curly hair extensions with my natural hair?
A: To achieve a seamless blend, match the curl pattern of your extensions to your natural hair. For high-volume styles, Kinky Curly Hair Extensions are perfect for 4A-4C textures, while Loose Curly Extensions work best for softer curl patterns.
Q: How do I maintain moisture in my curly hair extensions?
A: Hydration is key to keeping curly extensions soft and frizz-free. Use a satin bonnet at night and apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner daily.
Following this process ensures you can find a hair extension that blends in seamlessly with your hair.
RELATED: Expert Tips on Choosing The Perfect Curly Hair Extensions Everytime
When to wear curly hair extensions
One of the concerning trends we’ve seen is recommendations for hair extensions for every hair issue. You’ll see persons recommending getting extensions if you’re having hair loss or other hair-related problems.
But stop and think first before you even consider putting in an extension, as this might make the problem even worse. If you have traction alopecia, adding hair extensions could worsen the situation if the style places tension on your hair.
For certain other issues, you should seek professional help before resorting to extensions.
As an example, consider other types of hair loss. This is an intricate issue and should be reviewed and a course of action should be provided by a certified professional, like a doctor or dermatologist.
Knowing when to use extensions is key.
Now, if you got a bad hair job and want to hide the results? Then of course hair extensions would work well here. If you want to leave your hair out, try keratin I-tips for a seamless blend that can hide any problem areas.
The overall recommendation is to only install extensions if they won’t make any problems you have worse, and you’re in a position to care for your hair and the extensions.
How long to wear your curly hair extensions
Wearing extensions for longer than the advised timeframe is a recipe for disaster. The suggested timeframe for each style is as follows:
| Extension Type | Recommended Wear Time | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Clip-ins | Daily removal | Store in silk bags |
| Sew-ins | 6-7 weeks | Wash regularly, use a satin bonnet at night |
| Microlinks | 11-15 weeks | Visit a stylist for adjustments, wear a satin bonnet at night |
Clip-ins and wigs:
Remove them daily and store them appropriately until your next wear. For wigs, this can be on a suitable wig headstand. Or lay both extensions flat in an appropriate container like a silk storage bag.
Sew-in extensions:
Best suited for 6-7 weeks with regular and consistent wash days. Ensure to cover with a quality satin bonnet at night to prevent tangling and matting while you sleep.
Microlink hair extensions:
Best suited for 11-15 weeks. You have direct access to the scalp to care for the hair. And you can visit your stylist for link adjustment services to ensure the style continues to look awesome. To preserve, make sure you cover your hair with a satin bonnet when sleeping.
RELATED: Learn The Different Methods and Compare Which Works Best For You Lifestyle
How to care for your curly hair extensions
As your hair extensions (well the ones from SL Raw Virgin Hair) are made from 100% human hair, caring for the hair will be similar to how you’d care for your naturally curly hair – with a few exceptions.
Cleansing and Conditioning
For clip-ins, ponytails, and other extension styles that you can put in and take out at will, it’s best to cleanse and condition them separately from your hair. Ensure that they dry properly before you put them up for storage, and keep them stored away from dust, water, etc.
For other curly hair extension methods that have the extensions affixed to your hair – microlinks, sew-ins – you’ll need to still follow a consistent wash day routine. This will ensure your scalp stays clean, and your hair and the extension are cleansed, conditioned, and moisturized.
Moisturizing
For 100% virgin curly hair extensions, you need to pay attention to moisturizing, just like you would with your naturally kinky or curly hair. As they are not your hair, they won’t have the benefit of your natural oils.
Heat protection
If you use heating tools like flat or curling irons, you should invest in a quality heat protectant. Yes, you need heat protectant even for your curly hair extensions and especially if you bought them from SL Raw Virgin Hair. Our extensions are 100% virgin human hair and require the same love and care to ensure they last as long as we know they can.
Preserving your curly extensions
Before you sleep at night, ensure to secure your hair in a satin bonnet after moisturizing and detangling.
Ensure to brush your extensions with a detangling hairbrush while wet to prevent matting. Apply a leave-in conditioner daily, distributing evenly from the ends and throughout your curly extensions.
When storing your extensions, make sure to lay them flat in a satin or silk storage bag to prevent them from being tangled. Place them in a cool dry area without anything on them to prevent them from being squished or getting wet.
Depending on the type of hair extension, they can last from 1 to 3 years with multiple installs and wears if you care for them properly.
Styling Your Curly Extensions
Depending on the type of extension, style just as you would your natural hair. Try:
- Perm rod sets
- Flat ironing
- Curling irons, heat wands, crimpers
- Heat-free styling methods
For a flawless microlink install, check out our Kinky Curly I-tip Hair, awarded Best in Black Beauty by Essence.
Keeping your curly extensions flawless is easy when you follow the right care routine. Need a moisture boost? Try our SL Raw Virgin Hair Satin Bonnet to protect your curls while you sleep.