Congratulations, you’ve just got yourself some gorgeous hair extensions! Either I.B.E or Great Lengths, and you’re ready to rock your new look. But wait, how do you take care of them? Don’t worry, I've got you covered. In this guide, i'll show you some dos and don’ts of hair extension care, so you can enjoy your beautiful locks for longer. Trust me, it’s not rocket science, it’s just hair science. Follow these easy steps and you’ll be the envy of everyone with your stunning hair!

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Shampoo and Conditioner

Let’s start with the basics: washing your hair. You might think that you need to wash your hair every day to keep it clean and fresh, but that’s actually a big no-no for your extensions. Washing your hair too often can strip your extensions of their natural oils and make them dry and brittle. Not to mention, it can also loosen the bonds or the wefts  or bonds of your extensions and make them fall out. Yikes!

So, how often should you wash your hair? Well, it depends on your hair type and lifestyle, but I recommend no more than once or twice a week with Goldie Locks Signature Shampoo and Conditioner. These products are specially designed to nourish and protect your extensions, and they smell amazing too.

Before you wash your hair, you need to brush it out really well with a wet brush or a paddle brush. This will help you get rid of any tangles and knots that might damage your extensions. If you have multiple rows of extensions, separate and section them on top of your head so that you can wash between the rows. Then, gently wash your hair as normal, but avoid rubbing the ends of your hair together. You may need to shampoo twice if you are washing less frequently than usual.

When it comes to conditioning, you only need to apply it from the ears down and around the face framing pieces. Avoid putting conditioner on the scalp and where the extensions are tied in, as this can cause build up and make your extensions slip. Starting from the ends, use your fingers to gently comb through your hair and detangle it.

If you absolutely have to wash your hair every day, you can try just washing the top of your head. This involves sectioning off the hair above your extensions and braiding your extensions so they stay out of the way. Then, you can wash the top section of your natural hair under the faucet, sink, or shower, and condition it as usual. After washing, apply your leave-in conditioner and styling products on your damp hair. This way, you can keep your scalp clean and fresh without over-washing your extensions. And remember dry shampoo is your Friend!

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Drying

After washing your hair, gently squeeze the water out of your hair, but don’t rub it. Rubbing your hair can cause frizz and breakage, which is bad for your extensions. You should also moisturize your hair regularly with a leave-in conditioner, serum, or oil, depending on your hair type. I recommend Goldie Locks Signature Serum, which is a lightweight and hydrating product that will make your hair soft and shiny. Brush through your hair with a wet brush or a wide tooth comb, making sure each row of extensions is completely detangled from the top to the bottom.

I don’t recommend letting your extensions air dry, as this can cause them to become frizzy and tangled. Instead, use a hair dryer on a low or medium heat setting and dry your hair gently, starting from the roots and working your way down. Make sure the top of the row (where the extensions are attached to your head) is completely dry, as this will prevent matting and damage to the extensions.

Here’s a pro tip: if you want to add some volume and bounce to your hair, you can use a round brush and a hair dryer to create some loose curls or waves. Just wrap your hair around the brush and blow dry it for a few seconds, then release it and let it cool. Repeat this for the rest of your hair, and voila, you’ve got yourself some salon-worthy hair!

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Sleeping

One of the most important things to remember is that you should never go to bed with wet or damp hair. This can cause your extensions to become matted, tangled, and even moldy (yuck). Always make sure your hair is completely dry before you hit the pillow.

I also recommend always braiding your hair or putting it in a low ponytail before you sleep. This will help you avoid any friction or pulling on your extensions while you toss and turn. It’s also a good idea to invest in a silk pillowcase, which is great for your hair and your skin. Silk pillowcases are smooth and gentle, and they can prevent frizz and split ends over time. You can easily find these at Ulta, Sephora, or we can get one for you.

Here’s another pro tip: if you want to wake up with some gorgeous waves in your hair, you can braid your hair loosely before you sleep. Then, in the morning, just undo the braids and shake your hair out. You’ll have some natural-looking waves that will last all day!

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Styling

The best part about having extensions is that you can style your hair however you want. You can straighten, curl, wave, or braid your hair as normal, and enjoy the extra length and volume that your extensions provide. However, there are some things you should keep in mind when using hot tools on your hair.

First, always apply a heat protectant before you use any heat on your hair. This will help you prevent damage and dryness to your hair and your extensions. Second, use a low or medium heat setting on your tools, and avoid holding them too close or too long on your hair. Third, avoid using hot tools on the bonds or the wefts of your extensions, as this can weaken them and make them fall out.

One of the benefits of having extensions is that you don’t need to style your hair as often, as your extensions will hold the style better than your natural hair. For example, if you curl your hair after you wash and dry it, you can just touch up the curls as the week goes on, until you wash your hair again. This will save you a lot of time and hassle, and also reduce the heat exposure on your hair.

Here’s one more pro tip: if you want to add some fun and flair to your hair, you can try some accessories like clips, headbands, scarves, or hats. These can spice up your look and also hide any visible bonds or wefts of your extensions. Just make sure you don’t pull or tug on your extensions too much, and you’ll be fine.

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I hope this guide has helped you understand how to care for your hair extensions and make them last longer. It may seem like a lot of work at first, but once you get into a routine, it will become easy and natural. A little extra effort in the care of your extensions will go a long way in keeping them beautiful and healthy.

Remember, your extensions are an investment, and they deserve the best care possible. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me at and I'll be happy to help you. Thank you for choosing Virasana Salon, and enjoy your new hair!

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-- Shannon