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Home Care

Wearing extensions do not have to be high maintenance.  Once you get the hang of caring for your extensions, it really becomes second nature!  Below you will find instructions on how to have the best experience with your new hair.

Cleansing

I suggest washing your hair 1 to 2 times a week with the recommended Kevin Murphy wash and rinse. 

Washing too often will shorten the life of your extension hair.

But I understandthat life happens so don’t stress about it too much.

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Before washing, you must brush all of the tangles out. I mean ALLLL. If you have multiple rows, section the rows half up, half down so that you’re able to cleanse between the rows. Gently wash as normal and be sure to avoid rubbing the ends of your hair together.

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Two shampoos is recommended. The first shampoo gathers all the oils,

products, and build up, and the second shampoo washes it all away. 

Think of it like when you use a precleanse to remove make up.



When conditioning, only apply conditioner from the ears down and around the face framing pieces. Avoid conditioner at the scalp and where the extensions are tied in to avoid build up.

 

Use a wet brush or a wide tooth comb to gently brush the conditioner

through before rinsing it out. Please avoid tangles at alllll costs.

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How to wash your extensions tutorial

If you simply cannot go without washing daily, do the “half wash” to preserve the extension hair. Start by sectioning off the top section of your natural hair,  then braid or clip away your extensions so they stay out of the way.

Once you have your hair sectioned and ready to wash, put your head directly under the faucet/sink/shower and shampoo & condition the top section of your natural hair. After washing, use the Kevin Murphy Un.Tangled Leave In Conditioner prior to drying and the Young.Again Serum once dried to finish!  

How to crown wash tutorial

Hard Water

Unfortunatley Southern CA is notorious for its hard water.  Hard water has a high mineral content which can cause extreme color fading, turning the extension root orange, build up and dryness,  Install a shower filter to help keep these harsh minerals off your hair.

Drying

Gently squeeze the water out of your hair, do not rub! A microfiber towel will be your best friend here as it absorbs so much more moisture than a regular terry cloth towel and helps prevent frizz. You should moisturize your hair daily, with a leave in conditioner/serum/oil depending on your personal hair texture.

Before drying, protect your hair with a heat protectant. Follow with brushing through with a wet brush/wide tooth comb.

Make sure each row is completely brushed out from the top of the weft, to the bottom before drying.

Before using a round brush, use your fingers to get your hair 80% dry and the extensin wefts 100% dry.

I don’t recommend letting your extensions air dry, but if you wish make sure the top of the row (where is is attached to your head) is completely dry to prevent matting and molding.

YOUR HAIR MUST BE COMPLETELY DRY BEFORE GOING TO BED.

Products

Shampoo, conditioner and other hair products need to be extension friendly and be free of parabens and sulfates.  I recommend Kevin Murphy's Hydrate, Angel, and Young.Again lines.  You will also need to use a serum/oil twice daily for added moisture and to ensure the longest life for your extensions. A moisture mask is also crucial to use once per week or every other time you wash.

Sleeping

You should sleep with your hair in a braid(s) or a high loose pony with a silk scrunchie, never loose and down.  It is also great to sleep on a silk pillowcase which is also beneficial for your skin as well. Cotton pillowcases rob you of your moisture and cause frizz and slit ends over time. Never sleep with your hair wet as it will damage your natural hair and an cause matting and mold.

Styling

As far as tools go, you can straighten and curl your hair like normal! Always apply a heat protectant before using hot tools. The less hot tools you use, the better, as it dries out your hair.

 

I find that I can style my hair WAY less with extensions because it holds the style SO well. With extensions, typically curling your hair once-twice a week will usually be enough. This honestly saves so much time!

 

Brush your hair multiple times a day (to avoid excessive tangles/matting). It’s best to use a wet brush or wide tooth comb for gentle effectiveness. You can put your hair up in a high-pony or bun (IBE is the best for this! You don’t have to worry about seeing beads or tape!).

How to curl your hair tutorial

Swimming

The big question – Can you swim with extensions?


Yes – BUT with caution,  There are minerals found in some water that can react poorly with your

extensions  and can cause discoloration or dry them out. To avoid this, I advise to do the following:

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  •  Wet your hair before getting into the pool/ocean/lake, etc.

       After wetting, apply a leave in conditioner or hair mask.

  • Comb your conditioner or mask through your hair,

       then braid it or put it in a tight bun or pony.

  • Brush & wash your hair immediately after swimming.

  • Beware of sunscreen, most brands contain ingredients (Avobenzone) that will turn your extensions a brassy orange or peach color.

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©2022 by Whitney Carlon

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