Hair extensions are a quickfire way to add length and volume to your hair – but good quality extensions do not come cheap. Therefore, it is essential to give them all the TLC for extended use.
From the correct storage technique to detangling and washing, knowing the right way to take care of your extensions can make them look as good as new for a long time. To avoid a tangled mess of tresses that you just can’t use, read my tips below.
How To Store Hair Extensions The Right Way
Good storage habits may seem like a task and a half, but you will be thanking yourself when you take out ready-to-use extensions rather than a hot mess of tangled wefts. Plus, stirring extensions is easy with no special space requirements. All you essentially need is a cool and dry place away from the sunlight and something that will let the hair breathe.
Before storage, wash and air dry your extensions. The gentler you are, the better; then detangle and straighten them. Ensure the clips are not open and your storage space has no moisture whatsoever (goodbye, bacteria!). And, voila! You will not only save time the next time you want to rock a fuller head of hair, but you will also preserve the extensions better – after all, who wants to waste their hard-earned cash?
Here are a few simple ways to store your hair extensions correctly.
1. Use a Shoe Box
Yep. A shoebox is all you need. While the original extension is better, a shoebox (or any big box for that matter) will work just as well.
The box storage is particularly great if you want more extended storage. Brush the hair and place the wefts one over the other and roll them at the top. Brush again to make sure there are no tangles and twist and roll the length of the extension into a donut shape. Depending on the number of wefts, you can make several separate bundles and store them in place.
2. Use Extension Hangers
Using extension hangers (or regular ones as a cheap alternative) is an excellent storage choice for people who use their clip-in tresses daily. For multiple wefts, use numerous hangers. By squeezing more wefts on one hanger, you risk damaging them if they fall.
An added advantage of using hangers for storage is that you can use a straightener or a curling iron while your extensions are hanging – an A-plus storage and styling option.
3. Use Hair Extension Storage Bags
For an even safer (but pricier) storage option, you can opt for storage extension bags. These specifically- made bags come with a hanger. Therefore, they ensure smooth, untangled hair with the added protection of the bag on top.
You can hang the bag in your closet by the hanger, making it a no-fuss storage method.
4. DIY Storage
There is another DIY option to consider if you are super tight on money (apart from the shoebox method). Ensure a clean and dry drawer and place a cotton towel. Detangle your extension and put them in a “U” shape. If the drawer is exposed to direct sunlight, place another cotton towel on top.
Make sure to keep your extension aerated. Using tightly sealed boxes of plastic or glass is not a good choice.
Hair Extension Care Tips For Extended Life
Now that we know how to store hair extensions properly let’s have a detailed look at extending their lives with good care habits.
1. Know The Right Way To Sleep
Do not sleep with your extensions clipped on. I can hear the collective “duh” from many readers, but sometimes tiredness can get the best of us after a late night. Please take off the extensions from top to bottom, carefully removing them to avoid any tangles. Otherwise, you risk unruly hair, as well clips breaking from pressure.
Simple enough? But, wait! What about sewn-in extensions? Well, you HAVE to sleep with them; However, doing so on a silk pillowcase allows smoother, frizz-free hair.
2. Know Which Products To Use
You will have to wash your extensions, though not as much as your own hair; washing is essential nonetheless. Use gentle shampoo and conditioner (a big no to anything with sulfates), preferably suitable for color-treated hair.
Remember that hair extensions do not have oils from your scalp to keep them moisturized. Therefore, using harsh products can strip their shine off and make them brittle. For the same reason, keep heat styling minimal, and when you do so, make sure to use a good amount of heat protectant to ensure hair follicle safety. Instead, I recommend opting for heatless styling for extended use of lustrous extensions.
Remember, the more use of styling products, the more need for washing extensions, which reduces their shine and makes them challenging to work with in the future.
3. The Extension Detangling Guide
Avoid any extension tangle messes by following a few simple steps. Knots and tangles can cause substantial damage if not dealt with properly.
To detangle, place the wefts on top of each other. Comb through slowly, beginning from the bottom and detangling your way to the top. Do not brush through wet extensions – wait till when they are almost dry to avoid breakage. Moreover, be very gentle when brushing through. Use a wide-tooth comb. If using a hairbrush, pick one with soft bristles. You can also use detangling brushes for your hair extensions.
Make sure you are not snagging or pulling your extensions by using excessive force.
Moreover, use moisturizing hair products that prevent tangling in the first place. If you will be wearing hair extensions on a windy day, keep a brush in your bag to go through your hair through the day to avoid pesky knots later on.
4. The Shedding Dilemma
Hair extensions are hair, after all, so a bit of shedding is expected and completely normal. However, rough usage can cause excessive shedding, which is something you can avoid.
To put it simply, if you follow all the care and string tips I have shared, it should keep your extension shedding minimal. For example, gently detangling extensions only when they are almost dry and using moisturizing products is key to a shinier clip-on mane for a longer time.
Another tip is to brush the extensions before washing to minimize breakage during and post-wash. Keep styling products usage as low as possible and use a sulfate-free shampoo. Lastly, avoid using heat styling tools to enjoy your extensions at their best, glossiest-self.
