Now that I have my tape-in extensions back in, I’ve had to switch up my hair care routine and the products I use. Having long hair extensions requires a lot more time and effort. Because extensions aren’t attached to your scalp, they aren’t getting the same nutrients that your hair is getting. This means they require very hydrating products to keep them looking shiny and untangled. The better your take care of your extensions, the longer they will last.
I’m going to take your through the products and tools I use, starting with washing.
Shampoo
You should always try to use hair products that are free of sulfates and parabens, but you have to be especially careful with extensions to avoid these products, because they dry out your hair. I try to only wash twice a week.
Depending on how my hair is feeling, I will mix in a clarifying shampoo into the routine. It’s important to keep your scalp clean.
Deep Conditioner
Because my natural hair is very fine and flat, most deep conditioners weight my hair down and make it greasy. However, I find that a normal conditioner isn’t hydrating enough for the extensions. I use a deep conditioner or mask each time. I will take a wide tooth comb and brush the hair while the conditioner is in to get rid of any tangles and make sure it’s evenly distributed. Make sure you aren’t applying it to your roots, as it can loosen the adhesiveness of the tape.
Turby Twist
Adding basically a second head of hair means there is a lot more to dry. I wrap up my hair in this towel to soap up excess moisture. If time allows, I’ll try to let it air dry for a little, too.
Detangler / Heat Protectant / Blow Dry Spray
There are a lot of great products that will combine these steps into one. I usually end up using two different products with the extensions for added benefits and protection. Just go light around the roots or it can become greasy. This blow-dry spray is a HG product for me.
Hair Dryers
You guys know I love my volumizer hair dryer. I can’t live without this thing. It worked great on my short hair and it helps cut dry time down, which is super important considering all the extra hair. You can’t get super close to the root because of the tape ins, but it’s still a miracle worker.
Curling Irons
With the short hair, I was using at 1” barrel. I’ve since switched back to this 1.25” curling iron. That is what I use 95% of the time, unless I’m going to wand it, and then I use this 1.25” wand.
Styling Products
After curling, I will spray a little of this dry shampoo at the front my hair and in my cowlick and this texture spray through the ends. My hair is a lot finer than the extensions so I need to give it a little grip to blend textures, but if I add too much then the hair gets tangled. If I’m going to a sleeker look or need to tame flyaways, I use this cream. On day two or three, I usually need to add a little dry conditioner to the ends of the extensions to keep them hydrated.
Brushes
No matter what I have going on with my hair I always use a wet brush. It’s so gentle on your hair. I also love using a wide tooth comb to give my hair volume at the bottom by gently brushing up.
Sleeping
To keep my hair untangled when sleeping, I always put in in a braid, or a top knot. You want to make sure you aren’t creating situations for your hair to get tangled so you don’t have to tug or pull with a brush.
Also, keep in mind that you want to keep any oils away from your roots. The oil loosens the bond of the tape and could cause your extensions to slip out.
I hope this was helpful. Drop any questions you have below, and I’ll answer them!
xx,
Nicole