Loose Extensions
Aftercare is the same for all loose extensions, pretty much.
Sleeping should be easy as the extensions should be barely felt. I do suggest to put the hair into a loose braid before sleeping though, to avoid tangling.
Washing the extensions will be pretty much like washing your own hair. I suggest to do it every other day or so, with your regular shampoo. The main thing to take into consideration is not to rub the length TOO much as to avoid tangles, and only condition the lengths, NOT the scalp! it will make the bonds slip.
Pat dry with a towel and gently comb out tangles. For human hair you may use a hairdryer, but it is preferrably avoided for synthetics as the heat may damage the hair.
Brushing the extensions and your hair should be done once a day with a boar bristle brush (soft bristles) very gently, working any knots out from the bottom, up.
Styling loose extensions depends a bit on your natural hair length. If your hair was long enough to get into a ponytail without the extensions, that will be an easy option for you. Please let me know if you plan on wearing your hair up at the beginning of the appointment, as it involves certain placement of the cornrows or bonds.
Hot styling tools may be used on human hair extensions, but it is suggested that you avoid using heat on the synthetic hair because it may melt. There are certain fibers with a higher heat resistance (like powerlon, for example) but if you can avoid it, please do.
Styling products may be used on hair extensions to achieve the look you want, just make sure you wash them out well after to avoid buildup, and dont use them too close to the roots.
Removal of your extensions for some methods can be done at home with the help of a friend or family member.
For weaves: Simply get a pair of scissors and carefully (!) cut the thread that was used to sew the weave down, and then the thread that is binding the cornrows themselves. Carefully pick out the cornrows with your fingers.
For Microrings: Take a pair of needle nose pliers (especially ones with little grippy teeth!) and clamp the tiny bonds in the opposite direction they were squished in, just enough that you can gently pull it out of your natural hair. Sometimes the hair can be reused if it is in reasonable condition.
For Pinchbraids: Take a sharp pair of scissors and VERY CAREFULLY cut the hair wrapped around the bottom of the braid. Wiggle it around or unbraid it a bit until you can gently pull it away from your hair. These cannot be reused.
If you dont feel up to this task, please just contact me to set up a removal appointment.
Extensions of any kind should be taken out within 3 months of installation, otherwise the hair at the roots will start to dread itself and you are left with a huge knotty mess. I generally suggest 2 months, as the roots start looking pretty weird after they've grown in a bit. Weaves should generally be taken out after rougly one month. Some pre-bonded strands can be reused again if they were taken good care of and are still in good condition!
Dont be alarmed when you notice a lot of your own hair going with the fake hair. Humans normally lose about 50-100 hairs per day, but when theyre in extensions they cant leave your head, so they build up in there. Everything should be back to normal after you take your first normal shower. If you notice you have little bald spots, however, that is bad. Please let me know!!
