Hair Extension Dos and Don'ts for Beginners

Hair extensions can be an excellent way to switch up your look, add volume or length to your hair, or experiment with new styles. However, they require some attention and care to keep them looking their best. In this article, we'll go over some essential dos and don'ts for beginners to help you make the most of your hair extensions while also being mindful of their impact on your natural hair.

Dos:

• Choose the Right Type and Color of Hair Extensions

Hair extensions come in a variety of types, such as clip-ins, tape-ins, sew-ins, and more. It's essential to choose the type of extensions that works best for your hair type and lifestyle. For example, if you have thin hair, clip-in extensions may be the best option for you. If you have thicker hair, sew-in extensions may be a better choice. It's also essential to choose a color that matches your natural hair seamlessly. This will help ensure that your extensions look natural and effortless.

• Wash and Condition Your Hair Extensions Regularly

Just like your natural hair, hair extensions require regular washing and conditioning to maintain their appearance. However, it's crucial to be gentle when washing and conditioning your extensions. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and a moisturizing conditioner to avoid stripping the hair of its natural oils. It's also a good idea to use a deep conditioner once a week to keep your extensions soft and shiny.

• Brush Your Hair Extensions Gently

To prevent your extensions from becoming tangled or matted, it's essential to brush them regularly. However, it's crucial to be gentle when brushing your extensions to avoid damaging them. Use a soft-bristled brush or a wide-tooth comb and start at the ends of the hair, working your way up to the roots. This will help prevent breakage and shedding.

• Style Your Hair Extensions with Care

One of the great things about hair extensions is that they can be styled in various ways, from straightening to curling to braiding. However, it's important to be careful when styling your extensions to avoid damaging them. Always use a heat protectant spray or serum before applying heat, and use the lowest heat setting possible to achieve your desired style. It's also a good idea to let your extensions air dry whenever possible to minimize damage.

• Store Your Hair Extensions Properly

Proper storage is essential to keep your hair extensions looking their best. When you're not wearing them, store your extensions in a cool, dry place, such as a satin bag or box. Avoid storing them in a humid environment or in direct sunlight, as this can cause damage to the hair.

• Visit a Professional Stylist for Application and Removal

If you're new to hair extensions, it's recommended to visit a professional stylist for application and removal. They can help you choose the right type of extensions and ensure that they're applied correctly. They can also show you how to remove the extensions safely to avoid damaging your natural hair.

• Trim Your Hair Extensions Regularly

Just like your natural hair, hair extensions require regular trimming to keep them looking their best. Trimming your extensions every six to eight weeks can help prevent split ends and keep the hair looking healthy and full.

Don'ts:

• Sleep with Wet Hair Extensions

Sleeping with wet hair extensions can cause them to become tangled or matted, which can be challenging to brush out. Always make sure your extensions are completely dry before going to bed to avoid this issue. 

• Wear Hair Extensions for Extended Periods

While hair extensions can be a great addition to your look, it's important not to wear them for extended periods. Wearing extensions for more than eight weeks can put stress on your natural hair, causing breakage and damage. It's essential to give your hair a break between extensions to allow it to rest and recover.

• Use Products with Sulfates or Alcohol

Products containing sulfates or alcohol can strip your extensions of their natural oils, leaving them dry and brittle. Avoid using these products on your extensions, and opt for gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and alcohol-free styling products instead.

• Pull or Tug on Your Extensions

Tugging or pulling on your extensions can cause them to become loose or fall out altogether. It's essential to be gentle when handling your extensions, especially when brushing or styling them. Pulling or tugging can also cause damage to your natural hair, so it's best to avoid this as much as possible.

• Use Hot Tools Without Protection

Using hot tools on your extensions without protection can cause them to become dry and brittle, leading to breakage and damage. Always use a heat protectant spray or serum before applying heat to your extensions, and use the lowest heat setting possible to achieve your desired style.

• Neglect Your Natural Hair

While it's essential to take care of your extensions, it's equally important not to neglect your natural hair. Be sure to wash, condition, and moisturize your natural hair regularly to keep it healthy and strong. Neglecting your natural hair can lead to breakage and damage, which can be difficult to repair.

• Overload Your Extensions with Products

Using too many products on your extensions can weigh them down and cause them to become greasy or dull. It's important to use only the products necessary to achieve your desired style and to avoid using too much product on your extensions.

Conclusion:

Hair extensions can be a fantastic way to switch up your look, add volume or length to your hair, or experiment with new styles. However, they require some attention and care to keep them looking their best. By following these essential dos and don'ts for beginners, you can make the most of your hair extensions while also being mindful of their impact on your natural hair. Remember to choose the right type and color of extensions, wash and condition them regularly, brush and style them with care, store them properly, visit a professional stylist for application and removal, and give your natural hair the attention it deserves.