You were ready for a new look, one that would change your life, and you did it. You took the plunge and got professionally installed hair extensions. You look amazing and ridiculously glamorous, and now it’s time for your life to change, but it might not change in the way you thought it would.

Hair extensions not only make you look fab, but they also require commitment. With extensions, you now need to treat your hair and scalp differently. They are about to become the focus of your beauty and haircare routine.

You’ll need to learn to brush your hair differently, your shampoo routine changes, you’ll use conditioner differently, drying changes completely, and you’ll style in a very different way. Everything changes when you have extensions.

So, let’s look at how to care for your hair extensions.

Caring for new hair extensions

There are several different types of hair extensions available, our guidelines are meant to be wide-reaching. It’s best to check with your stylist to see if their instructions differ. If there is a conflict, always follow the stylist’s instructions over these more broad guidelines.

This will be your new shampoo routine with hair extensions. From beginning to end, you’re going to see some changes in how you approach your hair.

Brushing your hair

Brushing is now the first step in your shampoo routine, it’s also the last step of the day before you go to sleep. To detangle extensions, use a wide-toothed comb, a wig brush or a looper brush.

Never comb right from the scalp down, instead, begin at the bottom and work upward in small sections. Avoid extension joints, so you don’t pull out your new hair.

Shampooing your extensions

Oil is the enemy for most extensions, this means if you have oily hair, you may need to shampoo more frequently. You’ll also need to avoid shampoo and other products that contain a lot of oils. If you haven’t already switched to an all-natural shampoo that’s free of sulfates, it’s now time to do so.

When shampooing, don’t expect a lather, sulfate-free products don’t lather but don’t worry, they’re still working. Shampoo from the scalp down, avoiding the connection area and working it down to the tips. Remember, oil is the enemy, so you want to shampoo well to get rid of the oils.

Conditioning hair around extensions

Conditioning your hair is still very important when you have extensions, but the conditioner can act like oil and cause them to loosen their hold or slide out of place. For this reason, apply the conditioner below the connections and work it downward, toward the tips. Yes, you will be conditioning extensions, and that’s what you want to do.

Rinsing your extensions

It’s essential to thoroughly rinse your hair and your extensions to avoid any buildup. Make sure you start at the top and rinse downward

Drying your hair

Start by squeezing your hair to remove excess water before getting out of the shower. Invest in a quality smoothing hair wrap like Hair La Vie’s Smoothing Hair Wrap, which works to absorb moisture while protecting your hair from the damage that a bath towel can cause.

Or, you can air dry your hair for the healthiest results. Blow drying should always be done with a thermal spray to protect the hair and don’t dry it all the way.

Styling extensions

Extensions shouldn’t be styled with heat, and if you just use a curling or straightening rod, make sure to use heat protection and set it on a low setting.

Sleeping with extensions

Your extension haircare doesn’t end when the day ends. Before bed, remember to comb or brush out any tangles, then either braid your hair or tuck it into a hair cap to protect it from getting tangled while you toss and turn. Silk or satin pillowcases add extra protection to strands that slip free.

Beyond the extensions

Rather than paying for extensions and worrying about their care, try growing out your own hair to extreme lengths. If you don’t think it’s possible to grow your own hair, then you haven’t tried the Hair La Vie Clinical Formula Journey Box.

With vitamins designed to grow your hair from the inside out and tools to help you protect and strengthen your hair naturally, you can have gorgeous, lush locks that are healthy and the envy of everyone you know. You’ll never have to pay for extensions again.

Final thoughts

You’ve spent a lot on your extensions, and they look amazing. Now, it’s time to take care of them, so they can last as long as possible and continue looking fresh.

The entire shampoo process from beginning to bedtime changes with extensions, and it’s vital that you stick to the regimen to protect your new locks. If your stylist gives you specific products or different instructions, use them. Otherwise, this handy guide is the perfect reference for keeping your hair extensions healthy as long as possible.