hair hacks: post-install maintenance
Having hair extensions is not just about looking amazing once you leave the salon, it's also about protecting your investment and taking the necessary steps to get the most out of extensions.
Good thing we’ve collected some tips and tricks on how to maintain your hair post-install.
Styling for Sleep. The beauty of extensions is how they keep your style/curls much longer than your natural hair. That said, extend the life of your style and sleep in a low pony or braids the first few days post-service.
Pro- Tip: The LB Extensions team is obsessed with the silk or satin scrunchies from Kitsch. We try to include a few of them in your new install gift bag, but if you need more, we sell them here at the salon.
Your First Wash. Washing your hair just got a bit more labor intensive. Fortunately, you don’t need to wash it every day (we recommend washing 1-3 times a week) since your style will hold longer. That said, there are a few things to keep in mind come wash day.
Brush your hair and section your rows. Whether you have one or two rows (link to one or two row blog), you will want to section your rows with a claw clip from your natural hair.
When shampooing, start with your natural hair at the bottom, then your row of extensions and continue to move your way up toward the crown of your head, removing your sections as you go. Repeat this process when you condition.
Pro-Tip: If your hair is really dirty/oily, we recommend shampooing twice for each section.
Your First Dry. If you have time, let your hair air dry a bit and always make sure you put heat protectant before drying, we use Mr. Smith’s Leave In first (only use this product on wet hair), followed by the Mr. Smith Serum.
Don’t Forget! Only place the Leave In when your hair is wet.
Similar to how you sectioned your hair to wash, you will want to do the same when you go to dry your hair, going from bottom to top.
Pro-Tip: Level up your tools and consider getting a Dyson dryer. It’s a bit pricy, but the technology is better for your hair, protects your investment, and it dries much quicker.
Do’s and Don’ts.
DO! Oil it up. Use serum every day. Since your extensions aren’t getting the natural oils your hair gets, it tends to get dry. We recommend using serum in the morning and night and pairing it with a leave-in conditioner.
Pro-Tip: Towards the end of your extension’s life, you may need to wash your hair more frequently or do a mast. We recommend Mr. Smith’s Luxury Masque Luxury.
Fun Fact: You can purchase Mr. Smith’s Luxury Masque in the salon at your next appointment!
DON’T! Go to bed with wet hair. Consistently going to bed with wet hair can cause mold to build on your wefts potentially ruining them and your hair.
DO! Brush your hair consistently. We recommend brushing three times a day (morning, afternoon, night).
Pro-Tip: Invest in a travel brush for when you are at work or traveling.
We’ve collected even more tips on protecting your hair for those wanting more. And if you have any questions, feel free to let us know, we are happy to help protect your gorgeous hair!
