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AFTERCARE

Proper care is essential to keeping your hand-tied extensions soft, smooth, and tangle-free. In this guide, you'll find expert tips on washing, styling, sleeping and daily maintenance to help extend the life of your extensions and keep them looking their best. Please take the time to review these instructions carefully.

WASHING

  • Before washing, always brush your hair from roots to ends using a Tangle Teezer or a high-quality detangling brush. This step is essential for preventing knots and matting, as extensions are most vulnerable when wet. Brushing beforehand ensures your hair stays smooth and manageable after washing.

    • Brushing before washing is essential, but using a Tangle Teezer in the shower to distribute conditioner or a masque takes it a step further. This method allows deep product penetration, leaving hair smoother, softer, and more hydrated. While not essential, once you try it, you won't go back. It also keeps extensions sleek, tangle-free, and well-maintained. A wide-tooth comb can achieve a similar effect.

  • To keep your extensions fresh and buildup-free, always shampoo twice when washing--especially if it's been three days or more. The first wash removes surface oils and product residue, while the second deeply cleanses for a weightless, refreshed feel. A quick rinse between double washing is all that's needed--no need to fully remove all the suds, as a little left behind helps the second wash work more effectively. 

  • Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to prolong your hair color and the integrity of the extensions

  • Wash with warm water to effectively cleanse, then rinse with cool water to seal the cuticle and enhance shine. If cool water feels too harsh, a lukewarm rinse can still provide similar benefits.

  • Don't be afraid to cleanse between your rows! While you should be gentle, your extensions are securely placed, so a firm yet mindful scrub is essential for keeping your scalp fresh. To prevent itchiness and product buildup, thoroughly rinse out all shampoo, lifting the rows if needed to ensure no residue is left behind.

  • Love hot showers? No problem--just keep your hair and extensions away from excessively hot water, which can fade color and weaken strands over time. To protect your hair, keep it up in a bun or in a shower cap until you're ready to wash, then lower the temperature before cleansing. 

    • An added benefit of extensions? They naturally absorb some of your scalp's oils, often allowing you to go longer between washes while keeping your hair feeling fresh!

  • After towel-drying, always apply a leave-in conditioner before brushing--this is essential for maintaining your color, softness and preventing breakage. A rinse-out conditioner in the shower isn't enough; a high-quality leave-in should be the foundation of your styling routine. When brushing wet extensions, start at the ends and work upward, holding the hair in a loose ponytail to minimize tension.

  • Pressed for time? Try a "TOP-WASH"--a game-changer for extending the life of your extensions and the time between full washes. Simply secure your hair in a low ponytail and cleanse only the top section of your natural hair in the sink, avoiding the rows and extension hair. This keeps your natural hair fresh without over washing, helping to preserve moisture and prevent dryness--especially for blondes. With a top-wash, you can easily refresh greasy roots in minutes while keeping your extensions clean and healthy, allowing you to go even longer between full wash days.

  • If you're new to hand-tied extensions, your first wash may feel unexpectedly heavy--but it's simply the initial shock of something new. Most everyone experiences this at first, and they always appreciate the heads-up. After a few washes, you'll adjust, and they'll feel so light and natural that you won't even notice them. 

STYLING

  • Brushing is the most essential step in maintaining the health and longevity of your extensions. Neglecting it can lead to tangles, which may cause matting and put stress on both your natural hair and extensions. 

    • For optimal care, brush all the way to the top of the wefts from both sides, using your fingers to support the row and prevent unnecessary tension. A thorough daily brushing, combined with light detangling as needed, will keep your hair smooth, manageable and free of knots.​

    • The integrity of your hair extensions depends as much on daily maintenance as it does on the initial installation. Keeping your hair tangle-free is what ensures that hand-tied extensions remain the lease damaging method available.

  • When blow-drying, begin by rough-drying your hair until it's about 80% dry, using either your fingers or a paddle brush to gentle guide the hair from roots to ends. Avoid using a round brush to style at this stage, as attempting to style while the hair is still damp will significantly slow the drying process and cause unnecessary tension.

    • This applies to both at home and blow-dry bars, so be sure to communicate with your stylist. A round brush should only be used for styling once most of the moisture is removed. Blow-drying sopping wet hair with a round brush leads to excess tugging and heat damage--this applies to both extensions and natural hair.​

    • Finally, ensure the top of the wefts is fully dry to prevent scalp irritation or itching.

  • Be mindful of how you maneuver your brush and blow dryer. Always keep both in motion to prevent heat damage--never concentrate heat in one spot for too long, as this can weaken and burn the hair. A steady, continuous movement ensures a smooth, healthy finish while protecting both your natural hair and extensions.

    • Speaking of concentrating, always attach and use the concentrator nozzle on your blow dryer. This focuses airflow for controlled styling while keeping the overly hot internal elements of the dryer away from your hair, preventing severe heat damage. ​

  • When using hot tools, keep the temperature below 380 degrees F to protect your hair and extensions. Blondes should avoid exceeding 330 degrees F, or ideally, stay under 300 degrees F to prevent excessive heat damage.

  • When using a curling iron with a clamp, glide the extension hair through the barrel once or twice before curling. This smooths the hair, seals the cuticle for added shine, and enhances the longevity of your extensions for a polished, professional finish.

  • Unlike other types of extensions, hand-tied extensions can be air-dried without damage--making them a favorite among clients who embrace their natural texture. Unlike glue or tape-in extensions, there's nothing to loosen when wet, and the nylon thread used in the installation does not retain moisture, eliminating the risk of mold associated with cotton thread. 

    • With hand-tied extensions, you can air dry with confidence, enjoying effortless styling that seamlessly blends with your natural hair texture for a low-maintenance, luxurious look. ​

SLEEPING

  • Gently brush your extensions before bed to prevent tangles and keep them soft, manageable, and frizz-free.

  • Secure your hair in a loose ponytail or braid to minimize friction and reduce breakage while you sleep.

    • A silk or satin pillowcase helps maintain the softness and longevity of your extensions by preventing excess pulling and moisture loss. Unlike cotton, which can dehydrate hair and skin overnight, silk and satin help retain hydration--keeping your hair smooth and your skin refreshed!​

  • For added volume at the crown, gather the top section of your hair and secure it with a small to medium clip to maintain lift and prevent flatness in the morning​

  • Use a soft scrunchie or coiled hair tie (like an invisibobble) to loosely secure the rest of your hair, avoiding tight elastics that can cause creasing or tension.

  • Never go to sleep with wet hair unless it is secured in a braid or a tight bun, as this can lead to tangling and matting. The exception? If you have naturally curly hair and are experienced with protective methods like a silk bonnet, you may already know how to safely preserve your texture overnight. Otherwise, it's best to avoid sleeping with damp extensions.

MISC.

  • Within 7-10 days post-installation, the rows and extension hair--particularly at the back of the head--will naturally settle into place. This slight shift is an expected part of the adjustment process as your scalp acclimates. It is not a sign of loosening or slipping but rather a normal phase in the wear of hand-tied extensions. Trust the process as your extensions integrate with your natural hair.

  • Blondes! Avoid getting sunscreen on your extensions--it can turn them pink, and in some cases, the discoloration is irreversible. When applying sunscreen, keep your hair secured in a ponytail and away from your skin until the product has fully dried. Avoid aerosol sprays that can drift onto your hair​.

    • The culprit? Avobenzone, a common ingredient in chemical sunscreens that can react with chlorine, hard water minerals, or metals, leading to unwanted staining.​

    • ​How to protect your extensions? Opt for mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide instead of avobenzone. If your hair comes into contact with chemical sunscreen, wash it ASAP to prevent discoloration.

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