HAIR EXTENSION AFTERCARE

Washing Hair Extensions

• Brush your extensions before washing so that they do not become tangled. Using a soft bristle brush, gently start at the ends of your hair and work your way up
• Always use a moisturising shampoo and conditioner – it will nourish and give the extensions a longer life. We recommend using I&K Moisturising Shampoo and Conditioner. Do not apply conditioner to the areas where the extensions are attached
• Use warm water (never hot) when washing your hair extensions and always tilt your head back – never tip your head forward
• After washing, pat dry and squeeze gently (do not rub, massage or twist)
• To dry, blast the roots with a cool heat to dry bonds before styling
• No products should be used on extension bonds other than what has been recommended
• For those using clip-in hair extensions, you should only need to wash them after you have worn them around 4-6 times. Again, detangle before washing, soak in warm water letting the water run from the clip end down and apply a moisturising shampoo and conditioner. Gently run your fingers from the clip end downwards to clean the extensions. But do not scrub or twist. Pat dry with a towel and gently detangle. Finally, store your clip-in hair extensions with the clips closed to avoid any tangling.

Styling Hair Extensions

• If you style your hair a lot, either blow drying or with straighteners, use a heat protector spray such as I&K Heat Protector Spray so that less damage is caused
• Separate hair to avoid matting and detangle hair gently with extension brush
• Always blow dry your hair on a low setting
• To help with styling, we recommend I&K Styling and Fixing Spray to add volume and texture, I&K Shimmer Gloss Spray to give a high gloss shine or I&K Hair Extension Serum to revive damaged hair and smooth split ends
• Do not use wax or oils near your hair extension bonds
• Do not twist or play with the hair extension seals as they may loosen
• It is advised not to tint, colour or perm the hair extensions as the hair is already processed
• Do not attempt to remove your hair extensions yourself

TOP TIP: While exercising, tie your hair up so that it prevents tangling. If you swim, always wear a swimming cap. Chlorine damages hair extensions just as it does to your own hair! A good tip is to coat your hair thoroughly with a mixture of water and conditioner if you go swimming, and wash thoroughly afterwards, applying a generous amount of conditioner. Also, when sleeping tie your hair in a loose plait to minimise tangling and matting.

FAQ’s

How long do hair extensions usually last?

This depends on which hair extensions you have. If they are taken care of correctly, Remy hair can last on average up to 4-5 months, I&K Gold hair extensions (100% human hair) can last on average up to 3 months, and Synthetic hair can last on average 2-3 months. It also depends on how frequently you wash your extensions and how often you style your hair.

How long should I wait to wash pre-bonded extensions for the first time?

Do not wash your hair for at least 3-4 days after having your hair extensions put in so that the bonds can fully harden. The longer you wait, the better it is for the longevity of the bonds.

Why are the bonds on my hair extensions falling out?

The reason for bonds falling out is that they have not been applied correctly; therefore they can become loose and fall out. Using products that are not suitable for extensions can also cause bonds to fall out. It is essential to use products specially designed for hair extensions as many of the standard high street brands contain high volumes of sodium chloride (salt) which will dry out your hair, and silicone based ingredients which can cause the bonds to weaken. Do not apply products directly onto the bonds as this can also weaken them.

You should also take care when brushing your extensions so that you do not pull at the bonds – brush from the ends to the roots to detangle the extensions, using a hair extension brush.

Why are my hair extensions becoming matted?

Hair extensions can become matted easily if the incorrect products are used. When washing, use a shampoo and conditioner for dry hair that is moisturising and remember to tilt your head back, never forward and pat dry – do not rub or twist the extensions.

When brushing the extensions, start at the bottom and work your way up to the roots to avoid matting, using a brush specially designed for hair extensions. Brush your hair prior to washing to avoid any tangling.

When sleeping, tie your hair in a loose plait as this will minimise tangles and matting overnight. Do not go to bed with wet or damp hair, ensure it is fully dried before sleeping as this is also a major cause of matting in hair extensions.

My extensions feel dry, what can I do?

It is essential to use the correct products for your hair extensions. Extensions must be washed using a moisturising shampoo and conditioner for dry hair. Try to let your extensions dry naturally as much as possible as over styling and blow drying can damage hair and cause it to become dry.

Can I use a hairdryer, hot rollers, hot sticks, tongs and other styling equipment?

Yes, you can use all of the above with real hair however with synthetic hair tongs cannot be used unless stated. When styling, use products to protect the hair such as I&K Heat Protector Spray as the more heat you use on the hair extensions, the shorter the life span of the hair.

Is it safe to leave my hair to dry naturally?

Yes, you can treat your extensions just like your own hair. It is more beneficial to leave your hair to dry naturally as this will mean less heat and styling damage, keeping your extensions in better condition. However, before sleeping, ensure that extensions are dry before going to bed.

Can you colour hair extensions?

Although 100% human hair extensions can be coloured, we do not recommend that you do this as the quality of the hair cannot be guaranteed after it has been coloured. Just like your own real hair, colouring the extensions can cause damage and weakness, therefore it will shorten the life span of the extensions. If you choose to colour your extensions, we suggets testing it on a small area of the hair first to ensure the colour takes to the hair and well and does not cause damage.