In this blog, you will learn about:
- The importance of proper hair extension care
- Six steps to maintain your raw hair extensions
- The role of premium products in hair extension upkeep
Hair extensions offer an incredible way to transform your look, adding length, volume, and vibrancy to your hair. Just like any hair product, they require care and maintenance to stay looking their best. By correctly caring for your SL Raw Virgin Hair extensions, you'll maintain their health and longevity, ensuring your investment continues to shine for a long time.
Why Proper Hair Extension Care is Essential
Like your natural hair, your extensions can face challenges like dullness, matting, and even damage, if not properly looked after. Taking good care of your raw hair extensions will not only keep them looking vibrant and natural but also extend their lifespan, saving you money in the long term.
How to Care for Your Raw Hair Extensions: A 6-Step Guide
Step 1: Gentle Detangling
Treat your extensions as if they were your natural hair. Brush gently, teasing out any knots without tearing. Use a wide-toothed comb or soft brush to gently detangle, and remember - never pull or tug on your extensions to prevent breakage.
Note: that for curly or kinky curly hair extensions, it is recommended to detangle the hair when it is wet, rather than when it is dry. Detangling dry hair can lead to breakage or damage to your extensions.
Step 2: Cleansing
Raw hair extensions may have more coarseness or minor frizz, so using high-quality products is key to keeping them manageable and soft. Opt for a sulfate-free shampoo and a nourishing conditioner specifically formulated for hair extensions. Gently massage the product into your hair and rinse thoroughly with cool water, avoiding any excessive rubbing that could tangle the hair.
Quick Note on Cool Water Rinse
Rinsing your hair extensions with cool water is an often overlooked but crucial step in hair care.
Cold water helps to seal the hair cuticles, locking in the moisture and nutrients from your conditioner. This not only enhances the shine and glossiness of your extensions but also reduces the likelihood of frizz. Cold water rinses also slow down the loss of color in dyed hair.
In sum, using cool water to rinse your hair extensions helps maintain their luxurious look and texture, making your locks look healthier and more vibrant.
Step 3: Hydration
Keeping your raw hair extensions hydrated ensures their longevity. Use a leave-in conditioner or hair serum regularly to prevent dryness and frizz, keeping the hair soft and manageable.
Step 4: Drying
Properly drying raw hair extensions can be a bit tricky. Although air-drying gives them a great look, the braids underneath may take longer to dry, leading to unpleasant odors or bacterial growth. To prevent this, consider sitting under a hood dryer for an hour after the extensions seem dry.
Remember, the drying process is crucial for maintaining the quality of your raw extensions.
Gently pat them dry with a soft towel to remove excess water, avoiding any rubbing or wringing. Use a hood hairdryer in a medium-heat setting. If you opt for air drying, it's advisable to spend a 1.5hour under a hood dryer once the extensions are dry enough to prevent frizz and maintain the curl definition.
Step 5: Styling
Style your raw hair extensions as you would your natural hair, but be wary of excessive heat application. Use heat styling tools sparingly and always apply a heat protectant spray or serum beforehand. Opt for low-temperature settings and avoid prolonged exposure to heat. 350F is the maximum temperature.
Step 6: Storage
As the day arrives when you desire to alter your hair texture or perhaps take a break and showcase your natural hair, it becomes important to safeguard your valuable hair investment.
When not in use, store your raw hair extensions in a pristine and dry location. Ensure they are delicately placed inside a satin or silk bag to prevent entangling and the accumulation of dust.
Proper care and maintenance are key to maintaining the beauty and longevity of your SL Raw Virgin Hair extensions. By following these steps, you can ensure stunning, natural-looking hair every time you wear your extensions.
For more detailed information and tips, check out our post on Ultimate Beginners Hair Extensions Guide.