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AFTERCARE

Aftercare for Permanent and Semi-Permanent Hair Extensions

Proper aftercare is essential to maintain the longevity and appearance of your hair extensions. Following these guidelines will help ensure your extensions remain in optimal condition.

Initial Care Post-Installation

  • Washing: After your extensions are installed, it’s recommended to wait 72 hours before washing your hair. This waiting period allows the bonds or tapes to set properly, ensuring a secure attachment. If you want your hair extensions to last their expected lifespan, align your washing routine to once a week, waiting seven days before your first wash.

Daily Maintenance

  • Brushing: Gently brush your hair 2 to 3 times daily using a soft-bristle or detangling brush. Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots to prevent tugging on the extensions. This routine helps prevent tangling and maintains the integrity of both your natural hair and the extensions.

  • Night Routine: Before bed, style your hair into a loose braid or low ponytail to minimize friction and tangling during sleep. Additionally, using a silk or satin pillowcase or wearing a silk hair bonnet can reduce friction, helping to preserve your hairstyle and prevent breakage.

Hydration and Nourishment

  • Moisturizing: Since extensions don’t receive natural oils from the scalp, it’s crucial to provide external hydration. Apply an approved hair serum to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair daily, preferably in the morning and before bed. To help integrate this into your routine, consider placing your hair serum next to your toothbrush as a reminder.

We recommend: Kérastase Elixir Hair Serum

Washing Routine

  • Pre-Wash Preparation: Before washing, thoroughly brush your hair to remove any tangles. Apply a small amount of hair serum to the mid-lengths and ends to provide extra protection during washing.

We recommend: Natalie Anne Hydration Shampoo, Conditioner, and Repair Mask

  • Shampooing: Use Natalie Anne’s Hydration Shampoo to cleanse your hair. Focus on massaging the shampoo into your scalp and roots, allowing the suds to cleanse the extensions as they rinse out. Avoid vigorous scrubbing of the extensions to prevent matting.

  • Conditioning: Apply Natalie Anne Conditioner from the mid-lengths to the ends, avoiding the roots and attachment points to prevent slippage. Leave the conditioner on for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

  • Deep Conditioning: Once a week, treat your hair with the Natalie Anne Hydrating Hair Mask. Apply a small amount (about the size of a 50-cent coin) from the shoulders down, steering clear of the roots and bonds to prevent loosening.

Drying and Styling

  • Drying: After washing, gently squeeze out excess water using a towel. Apply a heat protectant spray, then allow your hair to air-dry until it’s about 80% dry. Finish by blow-drying on a low heat setting, ensuring all bonds are completely dry to prevent weakening.

  • Styling: Once dry, you can style your hair as desired. Using a flat iron can help achieve a smooth, sleek finish. However, always use a heat protectant and avoid applying excessive heat directly to the bonds or attachment points.

Additional Considerations: Swimming with Hair Extensions

Enjoying a swim doesn’t mean compromising the integrity of your hair extensions. With proper care, you can protect your extensions from potential damage caused by chlorine, saltwater, and prolonged moisture exposure.

Pre-Swim Preparation

  • Wet Your Hair: Before entering the pool or ocean, thoroughly wet your hair with fresh water. This saturation reduces the amount of chlorinated or saltwater your hair can absorb, minimizing potential damage.

  • Apply Leave-In Conditioner: Applying a leave-in conditioner creates a protective barrier against harsh chemicals and salt. Focus on the mid-lengths to ends, avoiding the roots to prevent slippage of the extensions.

  • Secure Your Hair: Style your hair into a loose braid or low bun to minimize tangling and exposure. Wearing a swim cap can offer additional protection, though it may not keep your hair completely dry.

Post-Swim Care

  • Immediate Rinse: As soon as possible after swimming, rinse your hair thoroughly with fresh water to remove residual chlorine or salt.

  • Gentle Cleansing: Use a sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoo to cleanse your hair, focusing on the scalp and allowing the suds to cleanse the extensions as they rinse out. Follow with a hydrating conditioner applied from the mid-lengths to the ends.

  • Detangle Carefully: Gently detangle your hair using a wide-tooth comb or a brush designed for extensions, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots.

  • Dry Completely: Ensure your hair and the attachment points are thoroughly dried to prevent weakening of the bonds. Avoid sleeping with wet hair, as this can lead to matting and potential damage to both your natural hair and the extensions.

Additional Tips

  • Limit Exposure: Frequent swimming, especially in chlorinated or saltwater, can reduce the lifespan of your extensions. Consider limiting the time your hair is exposed to these conditions.

  • Regular Maintenance: Incorporate deep conditioning treatments into your routine to maintain moisture and elasticity in your extensions.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy swimming while keeping your hair extensions in optimal condition.