Salon and Extension Bar
your
EXTENSION
GUIDE
Everything you need to know about living with extensions.
Great extensions should look like your hair, feel comfortable and fit into your lifestyle. Whether this is your first install or you've warn extensions for years, proper care makes all the difference.
WHAT TO EXPECT
your first few days
Your extensions may feel a little different at first - that's normal. you'll be more aware of the rows for the first few days as your scalp adjusts.
You may notice tightness immediately after your appointment but your extensions should NEVER feel painful, cause on going headaches or feel like they're pulling excessively.
Extensions should feel comfortable and lightweight.
your new routine
Extensions don't need to make your hair routine complicated, but they do require a little extra care. You'll need to:
Brush Properly from ends to roots
Keep your roots 100% dry
Use extension - safe products
Sleep with your hair secured
Keep up with the recommended maintenance appointments
Once you get into routine, it becomes second nature.
AFTER CARE
washing
You don't need to wash your hair everyday. We recommend washing 1-3 times per week, depending on your hair, lifestyle and scalp.
Before washing, gently brush through your extensions to remove any tangles.
When shampooing, focus on your scalp and between the rows. Use your fingertips rather than aggressively scrubbing or piling your hair on top of your head.
Let the shampoo rinse through your ends.
Repeat x2
Apply conditioner from the mid lengths to ends only and avoid applying conditioner, masks or oils directly onto the extension attachment.
The golden rule:
Never go to bed with wet extensions.
Your roots and attachment points should be completely dry before sleeping. Leaving extensions wet for long periods can contribute to tangling, matting and unnecessary stress on your natural hair.
brushing
Brush your extensions at least twice a day - morning and at night.
Hold your hair with one hand to support the attachment area and gently brush from the ends upward.
Make sure you're brushing between your rows and close to the scalp WITHOUT running the brush over the attachment area. This can pull your natural hair and cause excessive tangles at the root.
A soft extension - safe or detangling brush is your best friend.
drying
After washing, gently squeeze excess water from the hair with a towel, don't rub it or twist it. We love microfibre hair towels for this, and for gently wrapping your hair up and letting it sit in the towel for a while to soak all the extra water out.
Apply your leave - in products and heat protectant through the mids and ends.
Dry your roots and extension attachment points first, then move through the lengths.
Extensions can be air - dried partially through the ends, but we recommend always drying the attachment area 100%
sleeping
Before bed:
Brush -> detangle -> make sure hair is completely dry -> lightweight hair serum for hydration -> secure it in a loose braid or low ponytail.
A silk or satin pillowcase can also help reduce friction and tangling while you sleep.
And please - no messy bun before bed. Your extensions will not forgive you.
heat styling
Yes, you can curl, straighten and style your extensions.
Always use a heat protectant and avoid unnecessarily high temperatures.
Keep hot tools away from the extension attachment points and avoid repeatedly applying direct heat to the same area.
Remember that extension hair doesn't receive natural oils from your scalp the way your own hair does, so protecting its moisture is important for longevity.
swimming/vacation
you can absolutely live your life with extensions - including swimming.
We typically recommend wearing your hair up to avoid the chlorine and salt water.
However, for those days where you just want to dive right in, wet your hair with fresh water, apply your favourite leave in conditioner or hair mask through the mids and ends and secure your hair in a braid.
After swimming immediately rinse your extensions with fresh water, wash your with a hydrating shampoo and conditioner and then dry your roots completely.
Chlorine, salt water and sunscreen can affect the colour and condition of extension hair, so extra care on vacation is important.
Maintenance
Your maintenance schedule is part of protecting both your extensions and your natural hair.
As your natural hair grows. your extensions move farther away from the scalp. Keeping them in for too long can create unnecessary tension and make brushing and detanling more difficult.
Your stylist will recommend your maintenance schedule based on the density, natural hair and lifestyle.
If you have thin, damaged and extremely fine hair, you can expect a maintenance plan from anywhere from 4-6 weeks.
Don't stretch your maintenance appointment just because your extensions still look good.
PRODUCTS
Extension hair needs moisture + protection
The right products can make a huge difference in how your extensions look, feel and last.
Your basic extension routine should include:
01 - Gentle Shampoo
Cleanses and. hydrates with out weighing down the hair or leaving a residue
02 - Hydrating Conditioner
Keeps the mids and ends soft and manageable.
04 - Hydrating Hair Mask
This can be used once a week as a little treatment to your hair extensions. On the day you're using the hair mask, sub the conditioner for the hair mask - you don't need both. Let it sit while you're showering then rinse thoroughly. Think everything shower days !
05 - Leave - In Conditioner
Adds moisture, helps with detangling and makes everyday brushing easier, and keeps your hair healthy and hydrated.
06 - Lotions and Heat Protectant
If you have fine hair, you can skip this step. If you have thick, course and/or damaged hair, we recommend using either a hydrating, repairing, or smoothing lotion that also contains heat protectant
07 - Hair Oil/Serums
Use a small amount through the mids and ends as needed. Keep oil away from the attachment points. A lightweight hair oil can be used daily morning and/or night to maintain shine and moisture.