Brushing your Hair Extensions

 

Brush carefully, support the attachment points when styling, and avoid pulling or tension from tight hairstyles. Gentle handling helps preserve both the extensions and your natural hair. We recommend using a loop or soft bristle brush, always starting at the ends working your way up while supporting the roots with your other hand. Never brush your extensions while they are wet. Brush gently from the ends upward, supporting the hair at the roots to prevent tension on the attachment points. Brush at least twice daily to prevent tangling.

 

If you experience knotting or bunching of your extensions, opt for a moisture treatment on your own hair and your extensions. In some cases your own hair's cuticles and the cuticles of the extensions can hook which can cause this issue. Smoothing out your hair's cuticule's with a treatment will prevent this from happening. Also use a hair oil twice a day on the area where you are experiencing more knotting or bunching. Keep in mind that wearing scarves, jackets or high collars (specially in winter) can result in hair bunching close to the neckline. Have a brush and hair oil nearby to assist when this happens.  Ensure hair is completely dry before sleeping, and secure it in a loose braid or ponytail to prevent tangling. Regular maintenance appointments and following your stylist’s recommendations will help keep both your natural hair and extensions in optimal condition.

 

Styling Tools: Heat styling tools should be used with caution and kept away from attachment points whenever possible. Use heat styling tools sparingly and avoid direct heat on tapes or keratin bonds. Excessive heat can soften adhesives and keratin, leading to premature loosening. Frequent or high-heat styling can weaken the hair shaft and lead to breakage and shedding. Always use a heat protectant and keep styling tools at a moderate temperature of 180 degrees. Split, dry or brittle ends are the cause of excessive heat on the ends. 

Sleeping with Hair Extensions

 

 

Before Bed: Gently brush your hair from root to tip to prevent any knots from forming.

 

Sleeping: Never sleep with wet hair as this can cause matting and unnecessary stress on the extensions. Make sure your hair is always dry, your hair is loosely pinned up in a loose bun or loosely braided before going to bed to reduce friction. Tuck away and secure any ends to avoid breakage and shortening of the extension ends. 

 

Sleeping Tip: Use a silk or satin pillowcase for added protection. 

Colouring Hair Extensions

 

 

Hair extensions can be professionally coloured or toned; however, this should only be performed by an experienced stylist. Extensions are often chemically processed prior to purchase, which can affect how they respond to additional colour services.

 

Colouring: Lightening or bleaching hair extensions is not recommended, as it may compromise the integrity, longevity, and overall quality of the hair. We recommend using professional salon-grade quality products, ammonia-free dyes and peroxides when colouring. Only use Semi - or Demi- Permanent Dye when possible as these are less harsh than permanent dyes & better suited for the preserving the softness and health of the extension hair.

 

Toning: Toning is typically suitable for adjusting or maintaining blonde shades, but blonde or chemically treated extensions may require extra moisture and care following any colour service.

Do a strand test first (small section) before colouring the full set of extensions to make sure the extensions react well to the dye and that the desired colour is matched in the final result.

Keep dyes away from tapes, keratin bonds, nano-micro rings and sewn-in wefts. The chemicals of the dyes can weaken the adhesive or bonding materials, resulting in slippages, damage, or shedding of hair.

 

Hydrating: After rising out the dyes, we recommend using a deep conditioner or moisturizing hair mask to rehydrate the hair extensions (only use sulfate-free products design for colour-treating hair).

 

Drying: We recommend air-drying your extensions where possible or you can use the lowest heat setting on your hairdryer to preserve the smooth texture of the hair extensions.

 

Please note that colour changes can occur over time due to heat styling, product use, sun exposure, or environmental factors. To maintain colour and extend the lifespan of your extensions, always use sulfate-free, chemical-free products and avoid excessive heat. Avoid anti-fizz and straightening treatments.

Cutting Hair Extensions

 

 

Cutting hair extensions once they are installed is a critical step in achieving a seamless, natural-looking blend. This process should always be performed by a trained professional to ensure the integrity of both the extensions and the natural hair is preserved.

 

Cutting once installed: Extensions should be cut while installed, rather than beforehand, to allow the stylist to customize the shape, length, and layering to the client’s natural hair and desired style. Precision cutting techniques are essential to blend the extensions smoothly without thinning the hair excessively or exposing attachment points.

 

Dry Cutting: Dry cutting is often recommended, as it provides greater control and visibility of the final shape and movement. Care must be taken to avoid cutting too close to bonds, tapes, rings, or wefts, as this may compromise the security of the extensions.

 

Layer Strategy: Layering should be approached conservatively and customized to the client’s natural hair density and desired shape. Soft, gradual layers help integrate the extensions without removing excessive weight or exposing attachment points. Over-layering can thin the ends and compromise the overall finish.

 

Blend the Ends: Blending the ends is essential for a natural look. Techniques such as point cutting or slide cutting help soften blunt lines and create movement, allowing the extensions to flow naturally with the client’s hair. The goal is to eliminate visible separation between natural hair and extensions.

 

Trim Regularly: Regular trims are important to maintain shape and prevent dryness or fraying at the ends. Trimming the extensions during maintenance appointments helps preserve a healthy appearance and extends the overall lifespan of the hair. Every 6-8 weeks is ideal for long-term wearers. 

 

Use a Mirror: (Clip-Ins) Using a mirror to assess the haircut from multiple angles ensures balance, symmetry, and proper blending throughout the head. This allows the stylist to show the client the precise adjustments and confirm the extensions sit naturally in all views.

 

Keep the Natural Hair in Mind: Always consider the natural hair’s length, density, and growth pattern when cutting extensions. The cut should enhance the natural hair rather than overpower it, ensuring the extensions support the overall style without creating excess weight or uneven transitions

 

 

Swimming or Exercising with Hair Extensions

 

It's not advised to swim with hair extensions. 

 

Exercising/Swimming: If you exercise regularly, tie your hair up loosely (try to keep yuor hair above water, especially if wearing extension like tapes, keratin bonds, wefts, or micro rings - cip-ins should be removed before swimming) and wash soon after to remove sweat buildup or chlorine/saltwater. High heat saunas can also compromise the adhesive seal on the tapes or soften the keratin bonds. Always dry your extensions at the root after a sauna or workout. You can also apply a light layer of protective oil before getting into the water. This will act as a barrier, reducing absorption of the chlorine or saltwater. 

 

Drying Roots: Always ensure the hair—especially at the roots and attachment areas—is completely dry after washing, sweating, or swimming. Prolonged moisture can compromise adhesives and bonding strength. We recommend drying the tapes or bonds immediately after swimming.

 

Hydrating: After drying we recommend using a deep or leave-in conditioner or moisturizing hair mask to rehydrate the hair extensions (only use sulfate-free products design for colour-treating hair). Focusing on the mid-lengths and ends - avoid scrubbing near the roots if you have tapes or keratin bonded extensions. 

 

Brushing:

We recommend using a loop or soft bristle brush, always starting at the ends working your way up while supporting the roots with your other hand. Never brush your extensions while they are wet. Make sure the tapes and bonds are completely dry at the scalp before brushing to prevent slipping of your extensions. Gently detangle extensions before washing and before bed to prevent matting and tension. Secure hair in a loose braid or ponytail while sleeping to reduce friction.

 

Limiting Swimming in Chlorine and Saltwater

Swimming in chlorinated pools and saltwater can significantly impact the quality, colour, and longevity of hair extensions. Both chlorine and salt draw moisture from the hair, leading to dryness, tangling, and increased risk of breakage over time.

 

Chlorine can weaken extension bonds and adhesives while also causing unwanted color changes, particularly in blonde or lighter shades. Saltwater has a similar dehydrating effect and may leave mineral residue that dulls shine and contributes to matting.

 

Self-Tan and Sunscreen Avoidance

When wearing hair extensions, it is important to exercise caution with self-tanning products and sunscreens, as these can negatively affect the colour, texture, and attachment points of the hair. Many self-tanners and sunscreens contain chemicals that may cause discoloration, particularly in blonde or lighter extension shades, often resulting in pink, orange, or warm undertones.

 

These products can also transfer onto the extension bonds, tapes, or wefts, leading to buildup that may weaken adhesives or compromise bond integrity over time. Oils and residues left on the hair can contribute to slippage and reduced longevity.

To prevent damage, avoid direct contact between extensions and self-tanning products or sunscreens. Apply these products well below the hairline and allow them to fully absorb before letting the hair rest against the skin. When possible, choose lightweight, extension-safe formulas and cleanse the hairline thoroughly after application.

 

PRO TIP: Deep condition your hair once a week during summer holidays to counteract the drying effect of the sun, salt, and pool chemicals.