Dos & Don'ts of Hair Extensions for Beginners

Long, luscious, and shiny hair has historically represented the very essence of glamor and style. But not all of us get these hair qualities naturally, which is why many women resort to hair extensions.

While the extra length, volume, and thickness make your hair look marvelous, there are some steps that you should take so that your extensions look their best and last longer. If you’re a beginner, you may not be familiar with these tricks of the trade. For this reason, we’ve rounded up the dos and don'ts that you should follow to extend your hair extensions' lifespan and retain their beauty.

Don't Use Many Products

Avoid using too many products because they can make your extensions greasy and sticky over time. For example, don't use oils or serums excessively, and never apply them at the base of the extensions, as they can cause the wefts to slide off your hair. Also, avoid using products that contain harsh chemicals like sulfates and alcohol since these elements can damage your extensions.

Don't Go Overboard with Washing Your Extensions

It’s not a good idea to over-wash your hair extensions because that will make them dry and brittle. Unlike your natural hair, hair extensions don't get oils from your scalp. Excessive washing can strip them of existing moisture, leading to hair breakage.

Most hairstylists recommend washing hair extensions once a week. But how often you should wash the wefts depends on whether you use them regularly. You can use your best judgment to decide if your extensions need a wash. For example, if you feel like excessive product buildup has made the hair sticky, you can wash the extensions. 

Don't Use Your Regular Brush

When it comes to brushing, your hair extensions require extra care. Your regular brush can damage your extensions, which is why we recommend a loop brush or a detangling brush. Also, make sure your brush has nylon bristles, which won’t pull the hair or cause hair breakage. When brushing, be sure to start from the end of the hair and work your way towards the root. 

Don't Swim With Your Extensions On

We don't recommend swimming with your hair extensions as the chlorine and salt in the water can dry out and damage the hair. Also, swimming can result in knotted and matted hair, in addition to weakening the bond between the wefts and your scalp. 

It is a good idea to avoid wearing your extensions when swimming for these reasons. Alternatively, you could wear a swim cap to protect your hair. Also, make sure to wash your hair extensions with fresh water once you're done with swimming and dry them out as soon as possible. 

Do Install the Extensions Correctly

There are different hair extension methods, and the installation techniques differ from one type to the other. But how do you put in hair extensions so that you can wear them with confidence?

Clip-in extensions are simple to install. Just snap open the clips, put them in your hair, and you're good to go. Halo extensions are even more straightforward, requiring you to lay the wire holding the extensions atop your head and disguise it with your natural hair. But other types of hair extensions, such as tape-ins, sew-ins, fusion, and MicroLinks, are too difficult to install by yourself. Make sure to visit a salon to install these hair extensions. Do not try to apply them by yourself because you may end up damaging your natural hair and the wefts.

Do Use the Right Products

We don't recommend excessive product usage, but it is good to treat your extensions with a few of the right products. For example, you could use a little bit of nourishing oil while ensuring it doesn't touch the area where the extensions bond to your scalp. Also, you can use a leave-in conditioner and other moisturizing products to add the moisture your wefts need from time to time. No matter which you choose, make sure the products are free of sulfates and alcohol.

Do Use Heat Protectant

Before using heat tools, always apply a heat protectant product to your hair extensions. Also, make sure to use heat tools only when necessary and keep the temperature minimum. Excessive heat can damage your extensions, no matter the type of hair. Heat tools will try out the hair, resulting in split ends and making your hair look less vibrant. 

ZALA offers many beginner-friendly hair extensions, including our simple-to-use Halo. See how easy it is to apply and shop for your style here.