Ultimate Guide to Pre-Styling Hair Extensions
Taking care of your hair extensions before styling is the key to keeping them looking great and lasting longer. Proper preparation helps prevent dryness, tangling, and damage, while also maintaining their smoothness and shine. Here’s a quick breakdown of the best pre-styling practices:
- Washing: Use sulphate-free, moisture-rich shampoos and conditioners. Avoid protein, keratin, and alcohol-heavy products. Wash extensions every 7–10 wears or 2–3 times weekly if used daily.
- Drying: Gently blot with a microfibre towel, air-dry when possible, or use medium heat with a heat protectant spray. Never sleep with wet extensions.
- Detangling: Start at the ends, work upwards, and use tools like a wide-tooth comb or an extension-friendly brush to avoid pulling on bonds.
- Heat Protection: Always apply heat protectant before using styling tools. Keep heat below 180°C to avoid damaging fibres.
3-Step Hair Extension Pre-Styling Preparation Guide
Step 1: Washing Your Hair Extensions
Choosing the Right Shampoo and Conditioner
When it comes to hair extensions, selecting the right products is crucial. Since extensions don’t benefit from the natural oils your scalp produces, you'll want to use sulphate-free, moisture-rich shampoos and conditioners. Avoid products containing protein, keratin, sulphates, or high alcohol content, as these can dry out and tangle your extensions.
For regular care, a moisturising shampoo and conditioner work best. Hair Wonderland offers the Amazing Hair Extension Shampoo and Conditioner for $27.95 each (300 ml bottles), both designed specifically for extensions. For extra hydration, try the Amazing Hair Extension Treatment Mask at $34.95 (250 ml), which provides deep conditioning when used weekly.
If you're dealing with heavy product build-up or hard water residue, a clarifying shampoo like Redken Hair Cleansing Cream ($29.00 for 250 ml) is a great option once a week. To maintain colour tones, use purple or toning shampoos sparingly - around once every two weeks - to avoid over-drying your extensions.
Once you’ve got the right products, it’s time to learn the proper washing technique.
Washing Your Extensions the Right Way
Before you even wet your extensions, detangle them thoroughly using a wide-tooth comb or an extension-friendly brush. This step is key to preventing matting during washing. Use lukewarm water - hot water can strip the hair of moisture and weaken the fibres.
When shampooing, focus on the scalp area, keeping the shampoo away from the bonds. Apply conditioner from the mid-lengths to the ends, steering clear of the roots to avoid loosening the bonds. Be gentle while massaging to prevent tangling.
Rinse the hair with water flowing in the same direction as the hair - roots to ends. This technique helps keep the cuticles smooth and reduces tangling. After conditioning, finish with a cool water rinse to seal the cuticles and lock in moisture. While the hair is still damp, apply 1–2 pumps of argan or treatment oil to the mid-lengths and ends for added nourishment.
Drying Your Extensions
Drying extensions properly is just as important as washing them. Start by gently blotting the hair with a microfibre towel - avoid rubbing, as this can cause frizz and damage. Microfibre towels are also great for cutting drying time by 30–50% compared to regular towels.
Air-drying is the gentlest option and helps maintain the natural texture of your extensions. If you prefer blow-drying, always use a heat protectant spray and set the dryer to medium heat. Point the dryer downward to smooth the cuticles and minimise frizz.
"Blow-dry on medium heat, avoiding contact with the extension bonds." - Hair Wonderland
Finally, never sleep with wet extensions - this can lead to severe matting and damage to the bonds. Taking the time to dry them properly ensures they stay in great condition for longer.
HOW TO: WASH & STYLE YOUR HAIR WITH HAIR EXTENSIONS, BRAIDLESS SEW IN & TAPE IN EXTENSIONS HAIR CARE
Step 2: Detangling and Brushing
Once your extensions are dry, the next step is to detangle them carefully to keep them smooth and free of damage.
Choosing the Right Tools
Protecting your extensions starts with using the right tools. Regular hairbrushes can snag on the bonds and pull out strands, so it’s worth investing in brushes specifically designed for extensions. For example, the Hair Wonderland Tangle Tamer Brush ($21.95) has flexible bristles that glide smoothly over attachment points without causing damage to your natural hair.
For wet hair, a wide-tooth comb works best. It’s particularly useful when applying conditioner or treatment masks, as it gently works through knots without over-stretching the hair. Some detangling brushes even feature two-tiered teeth that help remove knots while reducing the risk of breakage.
With the proper tools in hand, you’ll be better equipped to detangle your extensions safely and effectively.
Detangling Without Damage
When brushing dry extensions, always use the bottom-up method: start at the ends of your hair and gradually work your way up to the roots. This technique helps reduce tension on the bonds and prevents unnecessary pulling.
"Start at the ends and work upward to protect the bonds." – Alice Clayton, Brand Manager, Beauty Works
To further protect your natural hair, hold it near the attachment points while brushing. Aim to brush your extensions at least twice a day - once in the morning and again before bed - to keep them smooth and manageable. For stubborn tangles, gently separate the strands with your fingers before reaching for your brush. Applying a small amount of treatment oil or leave-in conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends can also help by adding slip, making detangling easier and reducing friction.
Keeping your extensions tangle-free not only preserves their look but also sets the stage for safe heat styling later on.
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Step 3: Preparing Extensions for Heat Styling
When it comes to heat styling, clean and detangled extensions need a little extra care. Heat can make extensions more vulnerable, so having a solid heat protection routine is essential to keep them looking and feeling their best.
Using Heat Protectant Products
After washing and detangling, the next step is all about protection. Heat protectants act as a barrier between your extensions and your styling tools, helping to minimise damage. Many of these products are silicone-based, with ingredients like dimethicone that slow down heat transfer and help retain moisture. As haircare expert Sarahspry puts it:
"Heat protection products make a little blanket over the hair so the heat has to go through the blanket before it touches the hair".
For damp hair, apply heat protectant right after towel-drying. Add 1–2 pumps of treatment oil, such as argan or macadamia oil, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Use a wide-tooth comb or a Tangle Tamer Brush to evenly distribute the product, but be careful to avoid the bond areas.
If you're styling dry hair with tools like a flat iron or curling wand, reapply the heat protectant before using them. Always make sure your extensions are completely dry before using any high-heat tools - using a straightener or curler on damp hair can lead to severe damage.
Dividing Hair into Sections
To make heat styling more effective and even, divide your hair into sections. Use a tail comb to section your extensions from bottom to top, securing each section with large claw clips. This method ensures you don’t accidentally apply too much heat to one spot or miss any areas altogether.
When blow-drying, stick to medium heat and keep the dryer moving to protect the bonds. High-quality styling tools, such as GHD or Cloud 9, can actually enhance the look and feel of your extensions when paired with the right protective measures.
Products for Pre-Styling Preparation
Taking the time to prepare your human hair extensions properly before styling can make a world of difference. It not only enhances their appearance but also helps them last longer. Using the right tools during this stage ensures your extensions stay protected while making the process smoother. These tools work hand-in-hand with earlier steps like washing and detangling, setting the stage for effortless styling.
Hair Wonderland Tangle Tamer Brush
The Tangle Tamer Brush (AUD $21.95) is specifically designed for extensions, featuring flexible teeth that gently bend when they hit resistance, rather than tugging through knots. As Hair Wonderland puts it:
"Hair Wonderland's Tangle Tamer Brush flexes to ease knots and detangle painlessly."
This thoughtful design reduces tension on both the extension bonds and the hair itself, something traditional brushes often struggle to do.
Whether your extensions are wet or dry, this brush glides through effortlessly. After washing, it’s great for detangling damp hair while also helping to evenly distribute heat protectants or treatment oils. This ensures every strand is prepped for styling, reducing the risk of breakage and split ends - key factors in keeping your Russian human hair extensions looking their best.
For best results, make brushing a daily habit - once in the morning and again before bed. This simple routine helps prevent tangling and keeps your extensions in prime condition.
Storage and Care Accessories
The Clip In Bag (AUD $54.00) is a must-have for keeping your extensions safe between uses. By storing them in this protective bag, you shield them from dust, moisture, and potential damage. Proper storage not only preserves their quality but also ensures they remain covered under warranty.
Using a storage bag also saves you time by preventing tangling, so your extensions are always ready for your next styling session without the need for extensive prep. It’s a small investment that makes a big difference in maintaining the longevity and beauty of your extensions.
Conclusion
Every step in preparing your hair matters. From thorough washing to careful detangling and using heat protection, these small efforts set the stage for achieving salon-worthy results at home.
When it comes to extensions, they thrive on consistent care. Without proper hydration and protection, even high-quality Russian or Mongolian hair can lose its softness and become frizzy over time.
For tangle-free, smooth extensions, consider using Hair Wonderland's Tangle Tamer Brush (AUD $21.95). To keep your extensions in pristine condition when not in use, the Clip In Bag (AUD $54.00) offers a secure storage solution.
FAQs
How often should I wash my hair extensions to keep them looking their best?
To keep your hair extensions looking their best, aim to wash them every 10–15 wears or whenever they start to appear dirty, feel oily, or seem heavy. Washing them too often can lead to unnecessary wear and tear, so it’s better to clean them only when truly needed.
For the best care, stick to gentle, sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners. Handle your extensions delicately during washing and styling to maintain their softness, shine, and longevity.
What are the best tools to gently detangle hair extensions without causing damage?
When it comes to detangling hair extensions, using the right tools can make all the difference. A detangling brush specifically designed for extensions is your best bet. It moves through the hair smoothly, reducing the risk of pulling or breaking strands. If you’re looking to smooth the hair and spread natural oils, a boar bristle brush can be a good option, but it’s not ideal for tackling heavy tangles.
To avoid damage, take your time and work carefully. Start detangling at the ends of the hair and gradually move upward, handling small sections at a time. Spraying on a detangling spray or applying a leave-in conditioner beforehand can make the process easier and protect the hair from strain. Patience and a gentle touch are key to keeping your extensions in top condition.
Why should I use a heat protectant on my hair extensions?
When styling your hair extensions with tools like straighteners, curling wands, or blow dryers, using a heat protectant is a must. These tools can expose your extensions to high temperatures, which can weaken the hair fibres over time. The result? Dryness, breakage, and a shorter lifespan for your extensions.
A good heat protectant acts as a shield, forming a barrier that locks in moisture and minimises damage. This not only helps to maintain the soft, silky feel of your extensions but also keeps them looking natural and lasting longer. It's a simple step that makes a big difference in preserving their quality.
