Extension Lifestyle.

Did you just invest in yourself with some killer extensions?? Loving your hair, but now slowly panicking about what it all entails?

Well, I know that feeling pretty well myself. I have had multiple extension methods from halos, to tape-ins, to now what I specialize in hand-tied extensions. I have worn hand-tied extensions now for over a year & these are my favorite tips & tricks to properly maintaining your extensions.

Its a new Lifestyle to wear Extensions. So it will take a while for you to adapt to your new lifestyle of long, luscious hair. Give yourself grace, because if you’re anything like me, struggling to have long, thick hair, it is an adjustment to get use to pounds of hair being added to my head.

1.) Add More time to your “Get Ready” routine in the beginning stages:

Learning how to style your extensions will be a bit of an adjustment. Especially, on wash day. I recommend, for your sanity washing your extensions 1 to 2 times a week at most. Because when wash day does arrive allow yourself at minimum an extra hour to blow dry, & style your hair. If you are someone who cannot go without washing their hair more regularly, then do what we call a “hood” wash. This is where you separate the top of your hair, from your top weft & only wash your hair leaving the extensions alone. However, the nice thing about Extensions is they do hold your style longer than your actual hair. I can go a good three days without much fussing of my hair before I feel like I need to rejuvenate it again.

2.) Invest in some good big clips, nylon hair ties, & scrunchies:

Like I mentioned earlier, its a bit of a shock to add a ton of hair to a head that’s normally thin & fine. You’ll notice it can get a bit warm on your neck pretty fast. This is why, I regularly hand out scrunchies with new extension installs, or maintenance sessions. However, if your stylist doesn’t then definitely invest in some sturdy scrunchies. Big clips are also amazing for some cute, effortless looks when you want your hair off your neck. Getting use to wearing your extensions in a ponytail, or hair clip will take some patience though. It will feel heavy at first, so I always recommend wearing your hair up for a short period after the initial week of installation or move-ups. Always make sure all the wefts are neatly tucked in when putting your hair up, & your hair will thank you for it.

3.) Never skip maintenance sessions!!:

Hand-tied extension move-ups & maintenance sessions need to happen every 7-9 weeks depending on your hair type & scalp health. For the safety of your hair, I always take them completely out & re-install. If this session does not happen you can seriously damage not only your hair or extensions, but your scalp as well. Sometimes, these sessions can be a quick move-up only session. However, there will come a time when your extensions need some extra love. They might need a good cleansing, & conditioning treatment, color, detangling, whatever. So make sure to prep ahead for those sessions.

4.) Lets get down & dirty with this tip…. Products:

First & foremost, I am a firm believer in you gotta do what you gotta do. However, as a stylist, this is where I don’t take shortcuts. I do not, will not, & cannot personally support purchasing products from Amazon to use on my investment. Number One reason, no one can say with 100% certainty that the product they bought is legit. I’ll take this one to my grave til more security & enforcement is applied on Amazon businesses. So let me say I will never recommend purchasing products off Amazon. Other things like scrunchies, clips, etc. sure… but not products. Also side note, I love supporting small businesses, so I will always go the route that supports them first. Find products that your stylist recommends. I always recommend to stay away from “high protein”, or “strengthening” shampoos & conditioners. Find good moisturizing products that are sulfate & paraben free. Also, my new favorite hack is using Davines Oi Oil to lock in more moisture throughout the day. Find a good hair oil, & oil up your baddie hairstyle!

Extensions are a luxury, & a huge investment. However, its a huge luxury, & investment that I will always choose for myself. Ever since I got extensions there isn’t a day that I don’t love my hair… & I still have bad hair days, but I even those days I still love my hair.

It’s kind of like getting a new puppy, or kitten, its huge investment, & routine change. But your heart will totally love it!

Looking for more tips & tricks? Check out my IG @untamed_hart