Congrats on your new hair extensions! Adding more hair can take some time to get used to. In this post I am going to go into depth on how to maintain tape hair extensions so they always look amazing, and last you as long as possible.
I highly encourage that you invest fully in your hair and purchase each tool I will mention. Depending on your hair, some of these product recommendations may change, but these are my “go-to” recommendations for how to maintain tape extensions!
PRODUCT MUST HAVES
#1 Framar Wet Brush
Framar Wet Brushes are an extension wearer’s best friend. Unlike any other brush, their bristles are much more flexible and are designed to not pull as hard on your hair which prevents breakage.
When using your Framar wet brush, don’t be afraid to brush thoroughly. I’m talking right over the panels of your extensions, because the bristles are so flexible there’s no way they can tear your hair out.
Brushing Your Hair Extensions : Tips and Tricks:
- Start by brushing your ends first and working your way to the top. This will ensure that no breakage occurs, and you are not rough detangling your hair.
- When using your wet brush, don’t be afraid to brush thoroughly. I’m talking right over the panels of your extensions, because the bristles are so flexible there’s no way they can pull your hair extensions out.
- One of the most common mistakes we see is someone not brushing enough, and we have to detangle 6-8 weeks of not brushing at your maintenance appointments. Trust me: don’t be afraid to brush!
#2. Arrojo Gentle Shampoo and Conditioner
Let’s talk shampoo and conditioner. At Bigger Better Hair we have a luxury product line called Arrojo. Any of their shampoo and conditioners are extension friendly, and they are hands down the best shampoo and conditioner for extensions.
The entire line is free of sulfates, parabens, and harsh chemicals. They also contain skincare grade ingredients and are clinically proven to improve your hair quality.
Washing Your Hair Extensions : Tips & Tricks
- Your tape extensions should not slip out, as they are held together with medical grade tape. If they start to slip, there’s a reason. One of the biggest causes of slippage is oil or conditioner has touched the tape. To prevent this, don’t wait too long in between shampoos, as this creates build up of your natural oils which in turns causes slipping.
- Also, make sure you don’t condition your hair near the wefts, or apply any sort of shine, conditioning, or smoothing product near your roots. You should only be applying your conditioner and leave in from mid lengths to your ends. In other words, no higher than where you can put your hair in a pony.
- When shampooing, don’t be afraid to get in there and scrub between your extensions. Personally, I will take a dime size amount of shampoo, emulsify it in my hands, and shampoo in between each panel. If you don’t do this, you risk oil building up which can cause your extensions to slip.
- Last but not least, make sure you are thoroughly rinsing all your shampoo/conditioner out. Think of when you are rinsing a dish in the sink, you rinse until the water runs clear. Same thing with your extensions. Rinse completely to avoid product build up, as it can make your hair feel waxy if you do not.
#3. Leave in Conditioner & Treatment Oil
It is very important to apply a leave in conditioner on damp hair after shampooing your hair. This will protect your hair and keep it moisturized between washes. There are a variety of leave in conditioners for each hair type.
My personal favorite leave in cocktail for frizzy hair, is the Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray paired with the Arrojo Shine Lux Oil. They both offer thermal protection and frizz-free hair for up to 72 hours.
Applying a generous amount of oil to the ends of your hair to keep the extensions soft, moisturized, frizz free. As a bonus, this also offers thermal protection up to 450 degrees.
Styling Products : Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure you only apply leave in conditioner ponytail down. As mentioned above, if you put it any higher, it will cause slippage.
- For the best results I recommend applying oil and a leave in on damp hair ponytail down
- After styling you can also apply a pea size of oil to your ends to make it shiny and keep it frizz free. Or you can use a dry oil spray which makes sure you never over do it.
- In between shampoos, you can apply a few drops of oil to your ends to keep it fresh and break down any product build up.
Common Questions:
How should I wear my hair when sleeping?
I recommend brushing it out and securing it in a low pony or loose side braid. This will prevent it from tangling and will keep it contained.
How often should I be shampooing my hair?
This varies from person to person. Someone with very oily hair will need to wash more often than someone who does not get oily as fast. A good way to tell if it’s time to wash is when your hair starts to lack volume and is starting to get oily. You should at least be washing it at least 1-2 times a week.
Can I put my hair up with extensions?
Yes indeed. You may have to do some detailing with a brush to hide the tapes. For this I recommend using the Spornette Little Wonder Brush. Its bristles work great for smoothing the hair.
Can I workout with my extensions?
Yes, just make sure you secure it back in a low pony or braid. If you workout everyday, instead of shampooing every day, try rinsing thoroughly and applying conditioner to the ends every other shampoo.
Are tape extensions human hair?
100%. This means you can pretty much do anything with them that you can with your regular hair.
How much are Tape In Extensions?
The best way to gauge the cost, is to come in for a complimentary consultation so that a stylist can recommend which of our services will work best for you. For a general idea of our services, our price menu lists all of our services and pricing.
How long does the hair last?
Each new set lasts anywhere from 6 months to a year depending on how well you take care of your hair.
How often do I need to get them moved up?
Any salon extension needs maintenance every 6-8 weeks depending on how fast your hair grows, your stylist will recommend coming in at 6 weeks the first time and from there you can decide if 6 weeks works, or if you could go 7 or 8.
What if one of my tapes slips out?
In the case that this happens, feel free to reach out to the salon and ask for a quick fix. You can pretty much get in same day and it takes less than 15 minutes.
That’s It!
Now that you know exactly how to take care of your extensions, have fun with them! If you have any other questions or think I missed something, feel free to let me know. And if you’re in the DFW area, and want beautiful hair, come see me at Bigger Better Hair! I would love to make your hair dreams come true!
