Hair Extensions Glasgow | Lots Of Locks By Marnie

Hair Extensions Aftercare Advice.

Everyday Maintenance

GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR HAIR EXTENSIONS

Wash and condition your hair extensions with the advised Shampoo and Conditioner – let the conditioner sit and soak into your hair extensions before rinsing
When conditioning, avoid putting product on the root area and thoroughly rinse to avoid build-up
Lock in moisture and ensure your hair extensions are truly nourished by applying a small amount of Argan Serum to dry or wet hair
Keep hair protected from heated appliances by using a Heat Protection Spray on both dry or wet hair extensions
Nourish and revitalise dry hair extensions with an Argan/Coconut Oil Mask
To restore shine and softness, gently comb through wet hair focusing on mid-lengths and the ends – do this as often as needed

Brushing & Sleeping

TAKE THE TIME TO CARE FOR YOUR EXTENSIONS

Brushing

The extensions are attached to your natural hair and therefore pulling them can result in pulling out your natural hair. Start brushing your hair from the bottom and then work your way up slowly to the top. Ensure you are using a professional extension brush to avoid breakage and damage to your own hair.

Sleeping

Never go to sleep with wet hair; always make sure your extensions are completely dry to avoid tangling. When sleeping, braid your hair extensions which also helps to avoid tangling and prevents the cuticles from rubbing together.

Lifestyle

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICES FOR YOUR HAIR EXTENSIONS

When purchasing new extensions, there are a number of things to be aware of which will cause damage to your hair extensions if the hair is exposed to them.

Strictly avoid salt water; as salt is a natural dehydrator it can cause your hair to become extremely dry, discoloured and difficult to manage.
Avoid getting your hair wet in swimming pools as the chlorine content in the water will also damage hair extensions, causing matting and discolouration.
Wear a hat in the sun where possible or use a UV protection spray for your hair as UV rays will discolour hair extensions.
Be aware that tongs, hair irons and heated rollers can be used on your hair extensions, however it is advisable to minimise the use of heated tools where possible as they will cause damage to your hair extensions (and your own hair), and neverapply heat to the hair over 180°C.

Lifespan

PROLONG THE LIFESPAN OF YOUR HAIR EXTENSIONS

The lifespan of your hair extensions will depend on the aftercare. I don’t guarantee a definitive lifespan on any type of hair extensions due to them being a natural consumable product.

I don’t recommend silver shampoos (except Beauty Works silver shampoo as that's made for hair extensions) and toners as they can damage the cuticle which will affect the lifespan of your hair extensions. I also don’t recommend colour on hair extensions; any colouring of extensions is done entirely at your own risk.

Light blonde coloured hair extensions will have a shorter life span due to the bleach content. Lighter shades will also require more care and less heat application to increase their lifespan.

Wash your hair 1-2 times a week with the correct products. Excess washing and styling will damage the cuticle and decrease the lifespan of your hair extensions.

Take care of your hair extensions as you would your own natural hair and remember that like your natural hair, your extensions can be easily damaged with too much heat. Using heat on hair extensions will reduce their lifespan.

COMMON CONCERNS

My hair extensions feel dry

There is no direct supply of nutrients from your scalp to your extensions, as there would be with your natural hair, therefore it is vital that you keep the hair nourished with the correct aftercare products. I recommend using a serum, such as the Beauty Works Argan Oil Serum on a daily basis to lock in moisture and shine, and regularly using a deep conditioning treatment to keep your extensions in the optimum condition. The over use of heated appliances can also strip the hair of moisture, resulting in the extensions looking and feeling dry. Using a heat protection spray will help prevent this and keep extensions looking and feeling healthy.

My hair extensions have changed colour

Chlorine - Chlorine content in water will damage hair extensions, causing matting and discolouration, therefore it is advised to avoid underwater swimming. Blonde hair in particular can turn pink/orange and such damage cannot be repaired.

UV rays - UV rays can cause discolouration to your hair extensions therefore I advise wearing a hat in the sun to reduce exposure to strong UV rays.

Iron - The iron content in the water varies depending on where you live. In certain areas, if you wash your hair extensions in the shower, the iron levels may cause your hair extensions to turn pink or orange in tone (more apparent in light blonde extensions) so if possible, try to use bottled water to avoid this.

Hard water - You may notice that your hair extensions turn dull, dry or the colour fades when you wash them. This is due to the water in certain areas containing a higher level of an alkaline (known as hard water). If this is becoming an issue, installing a filtered shower head may be an option to prevent discolouration from hard water.

Hot water - This can cause colour to fade. Due to the heat of the water, the cuticles will open and the colour will drain out of the hair shaft. To prevent this, I advise washing your hair extensions in lukewarm water.

Heat - Excessive heat from styling appliances will change the colour pigment of the hair. The maximum temperature that can be used on hair extensions is 180 degrees, excessive heat and hair exposed to heat appliances can cause extensions to discolour. This is more apparent in blonde hair, such damage cannot be repaired.

My hair extensions are matting

Matting is a result of damage to the cuticle, for instance, if the hair has been damaged by heated appliances, the cuticles will become damaged and rub together causing matting. The use of incorrect brushes or not brushing and washing the hair extensions regularly enough can also lead to matting. Proper hair extension brushes are designed to brush over an attachment method (weft, micro-ring and keratin bonds) and avoid snagging on the extensions. Regular brushing will keep the extensions in the best condition and prevent matting from occurring.

My hair extensions are bunching up

The ‘bunching-up’ effect that some hair extension wearers experience is a result of poor porosity. The hair can also look and feel dull and dry and it expands when washing, this is due generally to damaged and torn cuticles. Poor aftercare, incorrect brushes and excessive heat use are common factors in causing this. The hair will benefit from a deep conditioning treatment to help restore damaged cuticles.