Hair Extensions - Caring For Your Faux-Do

Hair extensions can give you long hair in an instant and afford you the opportunity to drastically change your style at a moment's notice. For those women and men who can't grow their hair out naturally, or enjoy the option of wearing their 'do short when the occasion calls for it, it is the perfect compromise. In some cases, growing out the locks isn't even an option for various reasons. No matter your reasons for wanting them, you should definitely learn how to care for them properly before spending the money. If you're only going to wear them for a single event, it doesn't matter as much, but if you want to keep them in good condition to use again and again, there are some tips to consider.

Washing

Be gentle with your hair extensions. Whether yours are made from real hair or synthetic materials, you need to be cautious when applying shampoo. When worn, the locks will have a tendency to soak up some of the natural oils from your head. This is normal, but it does have a somewhat compromising effect on the material. You don't want to start breaking off follicles (or fibers) by being forceful with your washing regimen. Use shampoo as recommended by your seller, in conjunction with cold water. Wait until they are dry before you comb them out.

Moisturizer

It's important to keep your hair extensions moist. When they dry out, they can become brittle and break more easily. If you style them frequently, using a moisturizer on a regular basis is even more important. At the same time, you have to strike a balance between the right amount of moisturizer and too much. If you go overboard, you could be left with greasy looking locks that won't match your real hair.

Styling

Generally speaking, you should wait until your hair extensions are dry before applying any kind of styling chemicals or mousse to them. Don't try to accelerate this process through blow drying, either, as this can be harmful to their longevity. If you need to blow dry, wait until you're finished before putting your extenders in. Many experts recommend getting a couple of sets, one of which can be used when you want a straight look and the other for curly occasions.

Follow Directions

The biggest mistake people make when caring for hair extensions is ignoring the directions. Talk to your stylist or your salesperson and make sure you know what you can and can't do.