Having long, voluminous, and silky smooth hair extensions can dramatically enhance one’s overall appearance. However, to keep those extensions looking as flawless as they did on the first day, it’s essential to establish and maintain a consistent, well-informed hair care routine—both during the day and at night.
Providing clients with a detailed guide on how to properly care for their extensions not only helps them protect their investment but also allows you, as a professional hairstylist, to showcase your expertise and build trust. A well-designed care routine not only prolongs the lifespan of the extensions but also keeps the hair soft, healthy, and naturally glossy over time.
Below is a comprehensive day and night care routine you can offer to clients to help them maintain long-lasting beauty results.
Morning Hair Extensions Care
1. Gently Detangle the Hair:
Upon waking up, the first step should be gently detangling the hair to remove knots that may have formed overnight. Clients should use a wide paddle brush or a specialized extension detangling comb to prevent damaging the bonds.
It’s important to brush correctly—start from the ends and gradually work your way up toward the roots. While brushing near the bonds, advise clients to support the hair above the extensions with their hand to minimize tension and avoid pulling that can loosen or damage the bonds.
2. Style with Care:
If heat styling is part of the morning routine, remind clients to always use a heat protectant spray beforehand. The temperature of curling irons, straighteners, and blow dryers should be kept at a medium to low setting to prevent drying out the extensions or weakening the adhesive at the bonds.
Encourage gentle styling and avoid overusing heated tools to help preserve the integrity and longevity of the extensions.
3. Moisturize the Mid-Lengths and Ends:
Extensions, especially those that have been color-treated, tend to be drier than natural hair. For this reason, using a leave-in conditioner or moisturizing hair mist each morning is a crucial step.
Clients should focus on applying the product to the mid-lengths and ends—the areas most prone to dryness—and avoid the root area and bonds to prevent slippage or loosening of the extensions.
4. Avoid Heavy Oil- or Silicone-Based Styling Products:
If clients use styling aids like gels, mousses, or shine serums, advise them to choose lightweight, alcohol-free, non-greasy formulas.
Heavy products, especially when applied near the scalp, can cause buildup, weigh down the hair, and eventually compromise the hold of the extensions.
Nighttime Hair Extensions Care
1. Detangle Before Bed:
Before going to sleep, clients should take a few minutes to gently brush their hair again. This helps remove small tangles accumulated throughout the day and prevents further knotting during sleep. A soft paddle brush or extension-friendly detangling comb remains the ideal choice.
2. Nighttime Moisturizing:
For clients with dry-prone hair, nighttime hydration is just as important as the morning routine. Recommend applying a small amount of lightweight serum or nourishing hair oil to the ends of the hair to maintain softness, shine, and repair any dryness from the day.
3. Secure Hair Properly Before Sleeping:
To prevent tangling during sleep, suggest tying the hair loosely with a silk or satin scrunchie—materials that are much gentler on the hair than regular elastic bands. Loose braids or a low ponytail are ideal styles for sleeping.
For those with shorter extensions or clients who toss and turn at night, wearing a silk sleep cap can be an effective way to protect the hair and keep the bonds in place.
4. Use Silk or Satin Pillowcases:
The material of a pillowcase can significantly affect hair condition. Traditional cotton pillowcases create friction that leads to tangles and breakage. Instead, recommend satin or silk pillowcases that allow hair to glide smoothly, reducing the risk of damage and preserving the look and feel of the extensions overnight.
Conclusion
A proper hair extension care routine not only helps clients maintain the beauty of their hair day after day but also enhances the overall aesthetic results, extends the life of the extensions, and reduces long-term maintenance costs.